Upper comprising a knitted component and a tab element

Abstract

The present application relates to uppers including a knit component and a pull tab element. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an article, which in some embodiments can be an upper for an article of footwear. The article can include a knit component having a first region and a second region adjacent the first region. The knit component can include a pull tab element extending from the first region, wherein the pull tab element and the first region include a common yarn. The first region can include a first elasticity and the second region can include a second elasticity, wherein the first elasticity is less than the second elasticity.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on November 10, 2017, with application number 202110973137.5 and invention title "Shoe Upper Including Knitted Components and Pull-out Elements".

[0002] The application filed on November 10, 2017, with application number 202110973137.5 and entitled "Shoe Upper Including Knitted Components and Pull-Out Elements", is a divisional application of the application filed on November 10, 2017, with application number 201780070460.3 and entitled "Shoe Upper Including Knitted Components and Pull-Out Elements".

[0003] Cross-reference to related applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 421,850, filed November 14, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. background

[0005] Many items are formed from textiles. For example, clothing items (e.g., shirts, trousers, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, underwear and other undergarments, hats and other headwear), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and interior decorations for furniture (e.g., chairs, recliners, vehicle seats) are typically formed, at least in part, from textiles. These textiles are usually formed by weaving or interlooping (e.g., knitting) one or more yarns, typically through machining involving looms or knitting machines. One specific type of object that can be formed from textiles is the upper of footwear.

[0006] Conventional footwear typically comprises two main components: the upper and the sole structure. The upper is usually attached to the sole structure and can form a cavity within the footwear to comfortably and securely accommodate the foot. The sole structure is typically attached to the underside of the upper to position it between the upper and the ground. For example, in some athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed of a polymer foam material that dampens ground reaction forces to reduce stress on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other walking activities. The outsole may be attached to the underside of the midsole and can form the ground contact portion of the sole structure, which is formed of a durable and abrasion-resistant material.

[0007] The upper of footwear typically extends along the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area. An ankle opening in the heel area usually provides access to the cavities within the upper. Lacing systems are typically integrated into the upper to adjust its fit, facilitating entry and exit from these cavities. Additionally, the upper may include a tongue extending below the lacing system to enhance adjustability, and may incorporate a heel counter to restrict heel movement.

[0008] Brief description

[0009] On one hand, this disclosure provides an article, in some embodiments, that can be an upper for footwear. The article may include a knitted component having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region. The knitted component may include a tab element extending from the first region, wherein the tab element and the first region share a common yarn. The first region may include a first elasticity, and the second region may include a second elasticity, wherein the first elasticity is less than the second elasticity.

[0010] The common yarn can be a floating yarn, wherein the floating yarn has a toughness of at least 5 g / D.

[0011] The first area can extend from the pull tab element to the edge of the heel area of ​​the article. This area can be configured such that when the upper is incorporated into the footwear article and when the footwear article is in use, this area is located directly behind the user's heel.

[0012] The pull tab element can be flared, so that when the pull tab element is at rest, the surface is oriented from 0° to 60° relative to a plane parallel to the ground.

[0013] When the pull tab element is measured in a flattened state, the first side of the pull tab element may include at least 10% fewer rows per unit length compared to the second side.

[0014] The knitted component may have a tongue with a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side is formed of at least 30% more material than the top side, such that the tongue has a tendency to bend in the direction corresponding to the top side.

[0015] In another aspect, this disclosure provides an upper for footwear articles. The upper may include a knitted component having a first region. The knitted component may include a pull tab element extending from the first region, wherein the pull tab element and the first region include at least one common yarn. The at least one common yarn may include a floating yarn having a tensile strength of at least 5 g / D.

[0016] The knitted component may include a second region adjacent to the first region, wherein the first region has a greater elasticity than the second region. The second region may be configured such that when the upper is incorporated into the footwear and when the footwear is in use, the second region may be located directly behind the user's heel.

[0017] The floating yarn may have a float portion, the length of which corresponds to at least 3 needles on the needle bed. Alternatively, the floating yarn may have a float portion, the length of which corresponds to at least 8 needles on the needle bed.

[0018] The pull tab element can be tilted so that when the pull tab element is in a stationary state, the surface is oriented from 0° to 60° relative to a plane parallel to the ground.

[0019] The first side of the pull tab element may include a row of at least 10% less per unit length when the pull tab element is in a flat state.

[0020] The knitted component may include a tongue having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side is formed of at least 30% more material than the top side, such that the tongue has a tendency to bend in the direction corresponding to the top side.

[0021] The pull tab element may include a first end connected to a first region and a second end connected to a third region, wherein the third region has a greater elasticity than the second region, and wherein the second region is located between the first region and the third region.

[0022] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a method of forming an article. The method may include knitting a knitted component on a knitting machine, the knitted component including a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region, and the knitted component further including a pull tab element extending from the first region. The pull tab element and the first region may include a common yarn. The first region may include a first elasticity, and the second region includes a second elasticity, wherein the first elasticity is less than the second elasticity.

[0023] The common yarn can be a floating yarn, wherein the floating yarn has a toughness of at least 5 g / D.

[0024] Knitted parts can be formed on a knitting machine during a single weft knitting process.

[0025] The item can be the upper of a footwear item, and the first area can be located in the heel area of ​​the upper.

[0026] On the other hand, this disclosure provides an upper with a knitted component including a knitted tongue having a top side facing a first direction and an opposite bottom side, wherein the bottom side of the knitted tongue is knitted with more material than the top side, such that the tongue has a tendency to bend in the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A footwear article with a pull tab element according to this disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figures 2A-2B A portion of a knitting sequence for including floating yarns in a knitted component is shown according to this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 A perspective view of a shoe upper having knitted pull tab elements and knitted areas according to this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A knitting pattern for forming a shaped knitted part according to the present disclosure is shown. Detailed description

[0031] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, in which similar elements are generally identified by similar numbers. The relationships and functions of the various elements can be better understood with reference to the following 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 that are not essential for understanding the aspects disclosed herein may have been omitted.

[0032] Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to articles that are at least partially formed of textiles. An example of an article is clothing (e.g., shirts, trousers, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, underwear and other undergarments, hats and other headwear, etc.). Articles can be uppers configured for use in footwear articles. Uppers can be used in conjunction with any type of footwear. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of footwear articles include basketball shoes, cycling shoes, cross-training shoes, global football (English football) shoes, American football shoes, bowling shoes, golf shoes, hiking boots, ski boots or snowboard boots, tennis shoes, running shoes, and walking shoes. Uppers can also be incorporated into non-athletic footwear, such as dress shoes, loafers, and sandals.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, footwear article 100 may include a sole 102 and an upper 104. The area where the sole 102 connects to the outer edge of the upper 104 may be referred to as a biteline 106. The upper 104 may be fixedly attached to the sole 102 using any suitable technique (e.g., by using adhesives, bonding, stitching, etc.). In some embodiments, the sole 102 may include a sole midsole and an outsole. It is contemplated that the separate sole 102 may be omitted, and the upper 104 may include a lower surface configured to directly engage with the ground.

[0034] The upper 104 may include an outer side 108, an inner side 110, a heel region 112, a midfoot region 114, and a toe region 116. The upper 104 may additionally include a throat 118 and an ankle opening 120 surrounded by a collar 122. The upper 104 may define a cavity 124 of footwear article 100 configured to receive and accommodate the foot of a user or wearer. The throat 118 may generally be located in the midfoot region 114 of the upper 104. The midfoot region 114 is depicted as the portion of the upper 104 located between the heel region 112 and the toe region 116. Figure 1 In this case, the tongue 126 is optionally disposed in the throat 118 of the footwear article 100. Although Figure 1 The tongue 126 depicted is a conventional tongue, but the tongue 126 (if included) can be any suitable type of tongue, such as a gusseted tongue or a burrito tongue. If the tongue is not included, the outer and inner sides of the throat 118 can, for example, be joined together.

[0035] In some embodiments, the upper 104 or other articles (e.g., clothing articles) may additionally or alternatively include a pull tab element 128. The pull tab element 128 may be located, for example, in the heel region 112 of the upper 104 and may be positioned adjacent to the collar 122. Advantageously, a user can pull the pull tab element 128 to easily place the foot into the cavity 124 of the upper 104. The pull tab element 128 is depicted as including a strip or central portion secured at both ends to the heel region 112 of the upper 104, but the pull tab element 128 may additionally or alternatively include another suitable structure (e.g., a pull tab secured at only one end to the heel region 112 of the upper 104).

[0036] Figure 3The upper 304 is shown in its separated state. As shown, the upper 304 can be formed at least partially from knitted components 330. For example, the upper 304 can be formed at least partially from a continuous and integral knitted component 330, and in some embodiments, the knitted component 330 can substantially form the entirety of the upper 304. It is conceivable that the knitted component 330 can be formed into a single-piece element during a single process, such as during a single-sided weft knitting process (e.g., using a flat knitting machine or circular knitting machine), a single-sided warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. Alternatively, the knitted component 330 can be formed from multiple individual pieces (each of which can be knitted), wherein the individual pieces can be assembled together after the knitting process (e.g., by sewing).

[0037] The upper 304 may include tensile strands associated with fastening elements (e.g., shoelaces). Tensile strands are optional components and may form shoelace loops or holes to receive shoelaces or another fastening element. Tensile strands may be yarn, cable, rope, or any other type of thread or elongated element. Tensile strands may be flexible, but they may also have a substantially fixed length measured from a first end to a second end. Thus, the tensile strands may be substantially inelastic. One or more tensile strands may extend through and / or along the upper 304 in any direction. The tensile strands may restrict the stretching of the knitted components. The tensile strands may preferably be embedded within the interlaced loops of the knitted components 330, but it is contemplated that some portions of the tensile strands may protrude from the knitted components. For example, see U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0359290, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0237861, and U.S. Patent No. 9,145,629, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the pull tab element 328 (similar to...) Figure 1The pull tab element 328 may be part of the knitted component 330 and may share at least one common yarn and / or at least one common row with the heel region 112. The pull tab element 328 may include a first end, a second end, and a central portion. The first and second ends may be adjacent to the point where the yarn forming the pull tab element 328 begins to interweave with the loops forming the heel region 112 of the knitted component 330. In some exemplary embodiments (non-limiting), the length of the central portion of the pull tab element 328 may be between approximately 2 mm and approximately 100 mm when measured around the pull tab element 328 from the first end to the second end (e.g., approximately 30 mm to approximately 65 mm when used as a pull tab element, and more specifically, approximately 50 mm, but other dimensions may be considered for other functions). The central portion may not be fixed along its longitudinal length to the heel region 112 (and thus also from the interweaving loops defining the heel region 112). Furthermore, the central portion may include its own interlaced loops (e.g., loops formed on a knitting machine) that are separate from the interlaced loops forming the heel area 112. Alternatively (or additionally), the pull tab element 328 may include one or more yarns extending from the first end to the second end without interlaced loops.

[0039] Advantageously, one or more of the user's fingers (or other objects) can be placed in an opening (or hole) between the central portion of the pull tab element 328 and the surface of the heel region 112, allowing the user to pull the pull tab element 328 or otherwise apply force to it. It is also conceivable that the opening (or hole) can be located in another position and configured to receive another object, such as a shoelace (e.g., when the pull tab element 328 is located in the throat region and configured to receive a shoelace). When located in the heel region 112, the force applied to the pull tab element can thereby position the heel region 112 of the upper 304 relative to the wearer's foot in the appropriate position. Alternatively or additionally, the pull tab element 328 may be used as and included in all aspects of the “first structure” disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 411,633, filed October 23, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 789,804, filed October 20, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Each feature and aspect of the pull tab element disclosed herein may also apply with respect to the “first structure” of those applications.

[0040] The upper 304 may also include at least one region (e.g., see the first, second, and third regions) having elasticity, strength, durability, and / or other properties suitable for distributing or transmitting forces applied to the pull tab element 328. The first region may extend from a first end of the pull tab element 328 to the edge of the upper, and the third region may extend from a second end of the pull tab element 328 to the edge of the upper 304. While not strictly necessary, the first and third regions may be located inside and outside the second region, respectively, which is configured to be positioned directly behind the wearer's heel. The first and third regions may be relatively inelastic when compared to another region of the footwear, such as the second region. Advantageously, the first and / or third regions may be configured to direct forces applied to the pull tab element 328 to specific locations (e.g., the edge), and the relatively elastic second region may facilitate gripping the wearer's heel and providing comfort at the heel (the primary contact area between the upper 304 and the foot, and a common area where discomfort may occur). At least one additional region may be located at the collar 122 or other locations, and may be relatively elastic compared to the first and / or third regions to provide a tight fit at the entrance of the cavity. The relative elasticity of the regions (and different knitted parts) can be determined by applying a known tension (e.g., on a tension meter) to the respective region (or part) and then measuring the degree of stretching or displacement. For example, a region or part is said to have twice the elasticity when stretched twice as much as another region or part under the same tension (e.g., 20 pounds).

[0041] For example, when this embodiment of the upper 304 is incorporated into a footwear article, the first and / or third regions may extend below the engagement line (which may be located at reference line 206), such that the force applied to the pull tab element 328 is directed toward the location where the upper 304 is secured to the sole structure. To enhance fixation, at least one of the first and third regions may be individually secured to the sole structure (e.g., by stitching, by using adhesives, by using mechanical clamps, or by any other suitable means). Furthermore, it is conceivable that the edge of the upper 304 may extend such that, when the footwear article is in use, the edge of the upper 304 is located below the wearer's foot, such that the wearer's weight enhances the fixation of the edge (e.g., by increasing the static friction between the first and / or third regions relative to the sole structure).

[0042] To provide suitable strength and durability, the first region, the third region, and / or the pull element 328 may include specific yarns, such as yarns formed using synthetic polymer fibers. Types of yarns that can be formed using synthetic polymer fibers include silk yarns (including monofilament yarns) and spun yarns. Synthetic polymer silk yarns are formed from continuous long filaments that can be twisted together or clustered together. Monofilament yarns are formed from single, long, continuous filaments of synthetic polymer material. Spinning is done by twisting short fibers together to create a cohesive strand. The process of forming yarn from short fibers typically involves carding and drawing the fibers to form a sliver, lengthening and twisting the sliver to form a roving, and spinning the roving to form a thread. Multiple threads can be twisted together to make the spun yarn thicker. The twisting direction of the short fibers and plies can affect the final properties of the yarn.

[0043] Synthetic polymer yarns can be formed using a single type of fiber (e.g., a single type of synthetic polymer fiber) through blends of more than one type of synthetic polymer fiber, or through blends of one or more types of synthetic polymer fibers having natural and / or recycled fibers. Similarly, synthetic polymer continuous yarns can be formed from continuous filaments of a single type of synthetic polymer, from continuous filaments formed from more than one type of synthetic polymer, or from a combination of continuous fibers formed from recycled materials and continuous filaments formed from one or more types of synthetic polymer. Once formed, the filaments and yarns can undergo further processing, such as dyeing, texturizing, or coating with materials such as synthetic polymers, to modify the yarn properties. One way to characterize yarns is based on their mass density or weight per unit length. The linear mass density or weight per unit length of yarn can be expressed using various units, including denier (D) and tex (tex). Denier is the weight in grams per 9000 meters. The linear mass density of a single filament can also be expressed using denier per filament (DPF). Tex is the mass in grams per 1000 meters; dtex is the mass in grams per 10,000 meters.

[0044] Toughness is another way to characterize yarn. As used herein, “toughness” is understood to be the amount of force required to break the yarn (expressed in weight, such as pounds, grams, centinewtons, or other units) (i.e., the breaking force or breaking point of the yarn) divided by the linear mass density of the yarn, which is expressed, for example, in denier (unstrained), deciter, or some other weight measure per unit length. The amount of force required to break the yarn (the yarn’s “breaking force”) is determined by stretching a sample of the yarn to subject it to a known amount of force until it breaks, for example by subjecting the sample to tensile force by inserting each end of the sample into clamps on the measuring arm of an extensometer, and measuring the force required to break the sample using a strain gauge load cell. Suitable testing systems are available from Instron (Norwood, MA, USA). Yarn toughness and yarn breaking force are different from the burst strength or bursting strength of textiles, which is a measure of the maximum force that can be applied to the surface of a textile before it breaks.

[0045] Typically, the minimum toughness required for yarn to withstand the forces applied in an industrial knitting machine is approximately 1.5 grams per denier (g / D). Most synthetic polymer continuous yarns formed from commercially available polymeric materials typically have a toughness ranging from approximately 1.5 g / D to approximately 4 g / D. For example, polyester yarns used in knitted uppers for footwear typically have a toughness ranging from approximately 2.5 g / D to approximately 4 g / D. Yarns formed from commercially available synthetic polymeric materials considered to have high toughness typically have a toughness ranging from approximately 5 g / D to approximately 10 g / D. For example, commercially available package-dyed polyethylene terephthalate filament yarn from National Spinning (Washington, NC, USA) has a toughness of approximately 6 g / D, and commercially available solution-dyed polyethylene terephthalate yarn from Far Eastern New Century (Taipei, China) has a toughness of approximately 7 g / D. The toughness of yarns formed from high-performance synthetic polymer materials is typically about 11 g / D or higher. For example, yarns formed from aromatic polyamides typically have a toughness of about 20 g / D, and yarns formed from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a toughness greater than 30 g / D are available from Dyneema (Stanley, NC, USA) and Spectra (Honeywell-Spectra, Colonial Heights, VA, USA).

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the first region, the third region, and the pull tab element 328 may be at least partially formed (e.g., knitted) using at least one high-tenacity yarn with a tenacity of at least about 5 g / D, and possibly in the range of about 5 g / D to about 10 g / D or higher (e.g., 20 g / D or higher). Other yarns may also be included, such as polyester yarns with relatively low tenacity but other desired properties (e.g., softness for comfort and cushioning, relatively high elasticity, and / or desired adhesive properties). The high-tenacity yarn can provide the upper 304 with the ability to receive relatively high forces at the pull tab element 328 (e.g., when a wearer pulls on footwear) without breaking or otherwise damaging. As described above, such forces can be directed by the first region and / or the third region to another region capable of withstanding the force.

[0047] Providing a high-tenacity yarn as an embedded and / or floating yarn in one of the first region, the third region, and the pull tab element 328 may be advantageous. For example, as Figure 2A As shown, yarn 280 (which is preferably a high-tenacity yarn with a tenacity of at least 5 g / D, such as at least 7 g / D, such as 10 g / D or higher, but optionally another type of yarn) may have loops 282 and float portions 284 extending between the loops 282. The float portions 284 do not include loops (but may pass through or through other loops formed by other yarns in adjacent rows), and when incorporated into a knitted component, the float portions 284 may be relatively straight and nearly taut, such that they restrict the elasticity of the knitted component in the longitudinal direction (defined by the longitudinal axis of yarn 280). The loops 282 may allow some extension of yarn 280 in the longitudinal direction, but once the loops 282 are taut, the yarn 280 may be locked relative to the longitudinal direction (i.e., preventing further extension) of the knitted component. Therefore, yarn 280 can be configured (e.g., having a specific number of loops located at specific positions) to provide a suitable locking effect in at least one region of the knitted part, such as a first region, a third region, and / or pull tab element 328. The “locking effect” can be a point where the stiffness of yarn 280 increases significantly (e.g., the degree of stretch). That is, before the locking effect occurs (e.g., when a force less than that required to achieve the “locking effect” is applied), the stretchability can be at least 100% greater (e.g., 200%, 300%, 500%, or more) than the stretchability of the same yarn after the locking effect occurs. This so-called locking effect may occur when “slack” or relatively loose areas in loop 282 become taut.

[0048] The float portion 284 of the yarn 280 can have any suitable length. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the float portion 284 can correspond to approximately 3 needles on the needle bed (e.g., ...). Figure 2A (As shown) to approximately 30 stitches on the needle bed, for example, approximately 5 stitches on the needle bed to approximately 15 stitches on the needle bed, and more specifically, 8 stitches on the needle bed (as shown) Figure 2B (As shown). In a complete (formed) knitted part, a person skilled in the art can determine how many stitches correspond to that length by evaluating how many loops the float portion 284 passes through in adjacent rows formed by another yarn. Furthermore, the length of the float portion 284 relative to the number of loops 282 can correspond to the maximum elongation of the knitted part before the locking effect occurs (i.e., the fewer loops the yarn 280 has relative to its length, the less elongation it has before the locking effect occurs). For example, when the first region includes floating yarns extending along its length, the first region can increase its length by about 1% to about 20%, for example, about 2% to about 5% (e.g., about 3% in an exemplary embodiment), when subjected to force and before the locking effect occurs. Advantageously, when the user pulls the pull tab element 328, when force is applied (e.g., before the locking effect occurs, and this "give" may be desired for comfort purposes), the user can feel a slight stretch of the upper 304. Then, once the locking effect occurs, even if the applied force increases, almost no additional stretching occurs, which allows for precise control and immediate response of the upper 304.

[0049] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the knitted upper 304 (which can be knitted as a single piece during a single knitting process) may have a pull tab element 328, which may be shaped such that when the upper 304 is incorporated into a footwear article, the sole surface 352 is oriented at an angle toward the ground. For example, the sole surface 352 of the pull tab element 328 may be a surface typically touched by the wearer's fingers when force is applied to the pull tab element 328, and this sole surface 352 may be oriented to distribute the force across the entire sole surface 352, thereby limiting the maximum force experienced at any one location. Advantageously, because the force is distributed over a relatively large area, discomfort and / or injury to the wearer (especially the wearer's fingers) can be prevented.

[0050] The shape of the pull tab element 328 can be formed during the knitting process without requiring significant post-processing steps. In one embodiment, when forming the pull tab element 328, the first side 354 may have fewer rows of knitted fabric than the second side 356 (or, at least fewer rows per unit length measured when the knitted portion is forced into a flat state). For example, the first side 354 may have about 10% to about 50% fewer rows per unit length than the second side 356, such as about 30% fewer rows per unit length. In some embodiments, the first side 354 and the second side 356 may have approximately the same total number of rows, even if the first side 354 will have a greater length when the pull tab element 328 is forced into a flat state. As a result, if kept flat, the yarn on the first side 354 of the pull tab element 328 may be subjected to tension, and / or the yarn on the second side 356 forming the pull tab element 328 may be subjected to compression. Therefore, when there is no external force, the pull tab element 328 can have a natural tendency to curl away from the first side 354 and toward the second side 356, thereby causing the pull tab element 328 to tilt upwards, as... Figure 3 As shown. Due to the upward tilt of the pull tab element 328, the surface 352 will be oriented towards the ground. The degree of this tilting tendency can be controlled by adjusting the difference in the number of rows between the first side 354 and the second side 356. When there is no external force (i.e., in a static state), and when incorporated into footwear placed on a flat surface, it is conceivable that the area of ​​the surface 352 at the apex of the pull tab element 328 can be oriented at an angle of approximately 0° to approximately 60° relative to a plane parallel to the ground, for example, an angle of approximately 10° to approximately 30°.

[0051] The raised pull tab element 328 can facilitate providing the desired orientation for the surface 352. For example, when a user pulls the pull tab element 328, the orientation of the surface 352 can correspond to the typical orientation of the user's finger. Therefore, the contact surface area between the surface 352 and the finger can be relatively large compared to a non-raised pull tab element. A larger contact surface area can reduce discomfort by widening the distribution of force on the finger. It is conceivable that the surface 352 may include certain yarns suitable for contact comfort, such as polyester yarns.

[0052] Similarly, it is conceivable that the tongue 326 (or another area of ​​the knitted part 330) may include a knitted structure at area 327 to provide a tendency to form a curved surface. For example, in the area where the knitted part is formed on two needle beds of a knitting machine, the material generally associated with one side of the knitted part (e.g., more yarn and / or rows) can be more than on the other side (measured by the yarn surface area associated with each side). This can be achieved by providing more yarn and / or rows on one needle bed than the other, such that one side can have generally more loops than the other. Advantageously, Figure 3 The embodiment may provide a knitted tongue 326 that, when incorporated into a footwear article, curves upward so as not to obstruct the cavity 324 before insertion into the foot, and provides, for example, an orientation that presents a desired aesthetic appearance to the footwear article even when it is not in use. For example, when laid flat on the ground (e.g., before the knitted component is shaped into a wearable form), and when there is no external force, the tip of the tongue 326 may be oriented at an angle of at least 20°, such as at least 30°, and more specifically at least 45°, relative to the ground. Thus, when incorporated into a footwear article, the tongue 326 may be oriented at an angle of at least 20°, 30°, or even 45° or greater relative to the portion of the throat 118 located closer to the toe area 116 (see [link to footwear article]). Figure 1 ).

[0053] exist Figure 4 The image shows a sequence that can be used to form a knitted part with a bending tendency. Although multiple yarns can be used, Figure 4 The sequence is described as involving only a single yarn (described as yarn 570). Two or more steps in steps 5A-5H may involve a single yarn or multiple yarns with different properties. Some and possibly all of the yarns used in this sequence may include polyester materials. Furthermore, each step in this sequence may involve more than one yarn, and each yarn may be selected to have certain properties to select specific characteristics of the knitted part.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the series of needles depicted on the front needle bed 562 can be used with Figure 3 The top side of the tongue 326 is associated with the needles, while the series of needles depicted on the rear needle bed 560 can be associated with the bottom side of the tongue 326. Step 5A represents threading the needle in a leftward direction, wherein pleats are made at every other needle position on the front needle bed 562 and at every other needle position on the rear needle bed 560 (note that unoccupied needles are...). Figure 4 (Not shown in the diagram). Conversely, in some embodiments, pleating can be used at 1 out of 3 needles, 2 out of 3 needles, or another proportion of needles during this step. In step 5B, the yarn is now threaded to the right, loops are formed on each needle of the front needle bed 562, and pleating is performed at every other needle of the rear needle bed 560. As shown in step 5B, the pleating during this threading can be performed on each opposite needle relative to the pleating represented in step 5A. The loops formed on the front needle bed 562 in step 5B can form ( Figure 3(Middle) Part of the outer surface of the knitting component 330. Now, the yarn is threaded to the left again, step 5C involves loops on each needle of the front needle bed 562, and step 5D involves loops on each needle of the back needle bed 560.

[0055] Reference Figure 4 The sequence of loops shown (i.e., eight passes on eight needles in a series of eight needles on the front needle bed 562 and eight needles in a corresponding series on the rear needle bed 560) forms 32 loops on the front needle bed 562 and only 16 loops on the rear needle bed 560. Therefore, substantially more material and substantially more loops can be formed on the underside of the tongue 326 relative to the top side. In some embodiments, one side of the knitted element 530 can be associated with approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or even 70% or more of material and / or more loops compared to the other side. Due to ( Figure 3 The additional material and additional rings on the underside of the tongue 326, if forced into a flattened state, allow the underside of the tongue 326 to be relatively compressed (compared to the top side), and the top side of the tongue 326 to be relatively stretched, giving the tongue 326 a tendency to form and maintain a curved shape (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown). Alternatively, the tendency to bend can be enhanced by certain post-processing steps (such as steaming, which can, for example, tighten the yarn of the knitted part 330), which can enhance the effect of the difference in the amount of material forming the top and bottom sides.

[0056] According to this disclosure, all the structures and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be manufactured and performed without excessive experimentation. Although this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms, specific aspects of this disclosure are described in detail herein. This disclosure is an example of the principles of the disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific aspects shown. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the term "a" is intended to include "at least one" or "one or more". For example, "a yarn" is intended to include "at least one yarn" or "one or more yarns".

[0057] Any range given in absolute or approximate terms is intended to encompass both, and any definitions used herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. While the numerical ranges and parameters that articulate the broad scope of this disclosure are approximate, the numerical values ​​illustrated in specific examples are recorded as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently includes some error necessarily caused by the standard deviation present in its corresponding test measurement. Furthermore, the entire scope disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all subranges (including all fractional and integer values) falling within this scope.

[0058] Furthermore, this disclosure encompasses any and all possible combinations of some or all of the aspects described herein. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the aspects described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A shoe upper, comprising: Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 Each of the first region, the second region, and the third region extends toward the collar of the shoe upper. The first region, the second region, and the third region are each at least partially located in the heel region of the shoe upper. The first region and the third region are located inside and outside the second region, respectively, such that the second region is positioned between the first region and the third region, and the second region is located in the generally central part of the heel region. The first region and the third region each include a first elasticity. Wherein, the portion of the second region located below the shoe collar includes a second elasticity, and The second elasticity is greater than the first elasticity.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the first region extends toward the third region.

3. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The heel area also includes a pull tab.

4. The shoe upper according to claim 3, wherein, The pull tab portion includes an opening.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The upper includes knitted components.

6. A footwear article comprising a sole structure and an upper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first region, the second region, and the third region extend at least from the bite line of the footwear article to the collar.

7. A shoe upper, comprising: The heel area has a first area, a second area, and a third area extending toward the collar of the shoe upper. The first region and the third region are located inside and outside the second region, respectively, such that the second region is positioned between the first region and the third region, and the second region is located in the generally central part of the heel region. The second region, located below the collar, has a higher degree of elasticity than the first and third regions.

8. The upper according to claim 7, wherein, At least a portion of the first region extends toward the third region.

9. The shoe upper according to claim 7, wherein, The heel area also includes a pull tab.

10. The upper according to claim 9, wherein, The pull tab portion includes an opening.

11. The upper according to claim 7, wherein, The upper includes knitted components.

12. The upper according to claim 7, wherein, The first region, the second region, and the third region extend at least from the bite line of the footwear article including the upper.

13. A footwear article comprising a sole structure and an upper according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

14. A type of footwear, comprising: The upper has at least a first region, a second region, and a third region extending from the occlusal line toward the collar region of the upper in the heel region. The first region and the third region are located inside and outside the second region, respectively, such that the second region is positioned between the first region and the third region, and the second region is located in the generally central part of the heel region. Wherein, at least near the bite line of the footwear, the second region includes a higher degree of elasticity than the first region and the third region; and The sole is attached to at least a portion of the upper at the bite line.

15. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The upper includes knitted components.

16. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein, The heel area also includes a pull tab.

17. The footwear article according to claim 16, wherein, The pull tab portion includes an opening.

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