Upper for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly workpiece

Abstract

Described herein is an article of footwear incorporating an upper formed from a forefoot component, a knitted work, and a heel component. Each of the forefoot component, the knitted work, and the heel component are independent of one another and joined along a connection area. A reinforcing element covers the connection area. In one embodiment, the knitted work includes a collar portion and a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion. The knitted work also includes an inward leaf extending from one side of the throat portion and an outward leaf extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the inward leaf. The collar portion, the throat portion, the inward leaf, and the outward leaf form a single, one-piece knitted work.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to an upper for an article of footwear, and in particular to an upper for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted butterfly work. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole assembly. The upper is secured to the sole assembly and forms a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole assembly is secured to an underside of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and a ground surface.

[0003] Various materials are commonly used to manufacture uppers. The materials can be selected based on various properties, including, for example, stretch resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, and moisture absorbency, each of which imparts different properties to the upper.

[0004] There is a need in the art for articles of footwear having uppers that provide a combination of properties for improved fit and feel for a wearer. SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, a knitted work for incorporation into an upper of an article of footwear is provided. The knitted work includes a collar portion and a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion. The knitted work further includes an inward leaf extending from one side of the throat portion and an outward leaf extending from an opposite side of the throat portion from the inward leaf. The collar portion, the throat portion, the inward leaf, and the outward leaf form a single, one-piece knitted work.

[0006] In another aspect, an upper for an article of footwear is provided. The upper includes a knitted work disposed in a midfoot region of the upper and at least a portion of a heel region of the upper. The upper further includes a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper. The forefoot component is configured to be attached to the knitted work along a first attachment area on an inward side and a second attachment area on an outward side. The upper further includes a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper. The heel component is configured to be attached to the knitted work along a third attachment area on the inward side and a fourth attachment area on the outward side.

[0007] In yet another aspect, an article of footwear is provided. The article of footwear includes an upper having a knitted piece that is disposed in at least a portion of a midfoot region of the upper and a heel region of the upper, a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component configured to be attached to the knitted piece along a first attachment area on a medial side and a second attachment area on a lateral side, and a heel component disposed in a heel region of the upper, the heel component configured to be attached to the knitted piece along a third attachment area on the medial side and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side. The upper further includes a first reinforcement element, a second reinforcement element, and a third reinforcement element, wherein the first reinforcement element is disposed on the third attachment area on the medial side, the second reinforcement element is disposed on both the first attachment area on the medial side and the second attachment area on the lateral side, and the third reinforcement element is disposed on the fourth attachment area on the lateral side. The upper further includes a sole assembly attached to the upper.

[0008] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0010] Figure 1 is a medial view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly piece;

[0011] Figure 2 is a lateral view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly piece;

[0012] Figure 3 is a medial view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly piece;

[0013] Figure 4 is a medial view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly piece;

[0014] Figure 5 is a medial view of an example embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly piece;

[0015] Figure 6 is a magnified view of a collar portion of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece;

[0016] Figure 7 is a magnified view of a throat portion of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece;

[0017] Figure 8 is a magnified view of a medial side of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece;

[0018] Figure 9 is a magnified view of a lateral side of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece;

[0019] Figure 10 is an exploded view of components of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece; and

[0020] Figure 11 is a representative plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Articles of footwear having uppers incorporating knitted butterfly-shaped workpieces are described herein. The knitted butterfly-shaped workpieces can be combined with additional components to form an upper. The components selected to form the upper can provide various properties to different areas of the article of footwear. The technology of the present embodiments provides an upper for an article of footwear that provides improved fit and feel to a wearer's foot.

[0022] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. For purposes of the present disclosure, the following directional terms refer to the article of footwear when positioned in an upright position with the sole facing the ground, i.e., the orientation when the article of footwear is worn by a wearer standing on a substantially horizontal surface. The terms "medial," "lateral," "anterior," "posterior," and the like are intended to refer to the anatomical direction corresponding to the person on which the article is configured to be placed or worn. For example, "medial" refers to a relative position disposed toward the center of the body, while "lateral" refers to a relative position disposed away from the center of the body. With respect to footwear, the term "anterior" refers to a relative position closer to the toes of the wearer, and "posterior" refers to a relative position closer to the heel of the wearer. In the absence of a wearer, the same directional terms can be used as if the article of footwear were worn in its intended configuration.

[0023] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a length of the article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction can extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "lateral" refers to a direction extending a width of the article. In other words, the lateral direction can extend between a medial side and a lateral side of the article.

[0024] Terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like should be understood in the context of the particular article being discussed. For example, the article can be oriented about defined X, Y, and Z axes, where the X axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the Y axis corresponds to the lateral direction. In those examples, an X-Y plane would define horizontal, where upper is defined as the positive Z direction and lower is defined as the negative Z direction. Further, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the X-Y plane and / or the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the article is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to individual components of the article, such as the upper and / or the sole structure.

[0025] Figures 1 to 11 An example embodiment of an article of footwear 100 is shown. For the sake of clarity, the following detailed description discusses the example embodiment in the form of a running shoe, but it should be noted that the technology described herein can be applied to any form of article of footwear, including but not limited to: athletic shoes, training shoes, yoga shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, other types of sports shoes, casual shoes, hiking boots, and other types of footwear. As Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the article of footwear 100 (also simply referred to as article 100) is intended for use with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion can equally apply to a mirror image of the article of footwear 100 intended for use with a right foot.

[0026] With reference to Figures 1 to 11 For purposes of reference, the article 100 can include a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 20, and a heel region 30. The forefoot region 10 can generally be associated with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalangeal bones. The midfoot region 20 can generally be associated with the arch of the foot. Similarly, the heel region 30 can generally be associated with the rear of the foot including the calcaneus bone. Further, the article 100 can include a medial side 40 and a lateral side 50. In particular, the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 can be opposite sides of the article 100. Further, both the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 can extend through the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30 are intended for descriptive purposes only, and are not intended to divide the article 100 into precise areas, but rather to describe relative locations. Likewise, the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 are intended to generally represent the two sides of the article, and not to precisely divide the article 100 into two halves. Further, the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30, as well as the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50, can also apply to individual components of the article, such as the sole assembly and / or the upper.

[0028] The article 100 can include an upper 110 and a sole assembly 120. In some embodiments, the sole assembly 120 can be configured to provide traction to the article 100. In addition to providing traction, the sole assembly 120 can attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of the sole assembly 120 can vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or unconventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of the sole assembly 120 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which the sole assembly 120 can be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: dirt, concrete, paved surfaces, natural grass, synthetic grass, and other surfaces.

[0029] The sole assembly 120 is secured to the upper 110 and extends between the foot and the ground when the article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, the sole assembly 120 can include different components. For example, the sole assembly 120 can include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components can be optional. Further, in some cases, the sole assembly 120 itself can be optional.

[0030] The upper 110 can generally be configured to receive and enclose a foot. In some embodiments, the upper 110 can incorporate a knitted article 112. In example embodiments, the knitted article 112 can extend through a majority of the midfoot region 20 and at least a portion of the heel region 30 of the upper 110. In one embodiment, the knitted article 112 is a single unitary knitted article formed from a unitary knitted composition that is made by looping at least one continuous yarn / thread into a plurality of rows that define the shape of the knitted article 112. The unitary knitted article 112 can be incorporated into the upper 110 and can be combined with additional components to form the upper 110 of the article of footwear 100. These additional components can include one or more separate articles that, when combined with the unitary knitted article 112, form portions of the upper 110.

[0031] For example, in some embodiments, the knitted workpiece 112 may be combined with a forefoot component 114 and / or a heel component 116. In one embodiment, the forefoot component 114 extends through a large portion of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110, and the heel component 116 extends through a large portion of the heel region 30 of the upper 110. Each of the forefoot component 114 and the heel component 116 is fabricated separately from the knitted workpiece 112 and is joined or attached to the knitted workpiece 112 to form the upper 110.

[0032] Additional components may also include one or more yarns / threads that are stitched together to form seams, joining portions of the individual knitted workpieces 112 together and / or attaching other components, which may be individually formed from similar or different materials, including the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116. Additional components may also include structural elements such as overlays, base layers, reinforcing members, laces, cushioning or padding, coverings, etc., and / or decorative elements such as designs, logos, images, colored overlays, or films. Other techniques, such as the use of adhesives, heat and / or pressure bonding, or overmolding, may be used to attach components to the upper 110, including the knitted workpieces 112 and / or other workpieces, such as the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116, to form the upper 110.

[0033] As described above, the knitted workpiece 112 can be made from a single piece of knitted composition, and the additional parts can be formed individually from similar or different materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the forefoot part 114 and / or the heel part 116 can be made from one or more material elements, including but not limited to textiles, leather, synthetic leather, polymer sheets, and combinations thereof, which are joined together, for example, by stitching or bonding. The knitted workpiece 112, the forefoot part 114, and the heel part 116 together form the upper 110.

[0034] In some embodiments, the upper 110 may include an opening 118 that provides an entrance into the interior of the upper 110 and / or the article 100. In an exemplary embodiment, a knitted workpiece 112 may extend longitudinally through the instep region of the upper 110 from the opening 118 in a direction toward the forefoot part 114 and the forefoot region 10 to which the knitted workpiece 112 is attached.

[0035] In addition, the upper 110 can include a plurality of reinforcing elements 122 positioned along a junction area of the upper 110 at which the knitted piece 112 is attached or joined with the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116. In example embodiments, the reinforcing elements 122 can be located at a junction area of the upper 110 generally between the forefoot region 10 and the midfoot region 20 at which the forefoot component 114 and the knitted piece 112 meet, and the reinforcing elements 122 can also be located at a junction area of the upper 110 generally between the midfoot region 20 and the heel region 30 at which the heel component 116 and the knitted piece 112 meet. In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 can cover the seams or joints at the junction areas at which separate components are joined or attached to form the upper 110, and provide reinforcement and / or structural support to the seams or joints.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 can also include provisions for tightening or otherwise securing the upper 110 and the article 100 to a wearer's foot. Although not shown in the present embodiments, some embodiments of the article 100 can include a lace or other fastening member that can be used to adjust the fit of the upper 110 around a wearer's foot. For example, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 can be provided with a plurality of apertures 124 configured to receive a lace for tightening the upper 110.

[0037] Figure 2 The exterior side 50 of the article 100 is shown. In example embodiments, the upper 110 of the article 100 extends from a toe end 200 located at an anterior portion of the article 100 to a heel end 202 located at a posterior portion of the article 100 longitudinally opposite the toe end 200. In one embodiment, the sole assembly 120 extends through each of the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30 of the article 100 from the toe end 200 to the heel end 202. As shown, the sole assembly 120 includes a lower surface 204 extending along a bottom of the sole assembly 120. In example embodiments, the lower surface 204 of the sole assembly 120 is configured to contact the ground when the article 100 is worn. In one embodiment, the sole assembly 120 can extend in a vertical direction from the lower surface 204 to an upper edge 206 adjacent the upper 110 of the article 100. In some cases, the upper edge 206 can define a bite line or border at which the upper 110 and the sole assembly 120 meet on each side of the article 100 (e.g., on the interior side 40 and the exterior side 50). Figure 2

[0038] ​In an example embodiment, the article 100 includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 122 positioned along the following areas of attachment of the upper 110 where the knitted piece 112 is attached or joined with the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116. As shown, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 includes at least a first reinforcing element 208 disposed on the lateral side 50. The first reinforcing element 208 is positioned along the area of attachment of the knitted piece 112 with the heel component 116. The first reinforcing element 208 covers and overlaps the seam or joint between the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the area of attachment where these separate components are joined. Figure 2

[0039] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing element 208 has a generally curved U-shape with a curved portion 214 separating a first portion 216 that extends vertically along the lateral side 50 toward the sole assembly 120 and a second portion 218 that extends longitudinally along the lateral side 50 in a direction toward the heel end 202.

[0040] The plurality of reinforcing elements 122 can also include a second reinforcing element 210. The second reinforcing element 210 extends across the top portion of the upper 110 from the lateral side 50 to the opposite medial side 40. The second reinforcing element 210 is positioned along the area of attachment of the knitted piece 112 with the forefoot component 114. The second reinforcing element 210 covers and overlaps the seam or joint between the knitted piece 112 and the forefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the area of attachment where these separate components are joined.

[0041] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element 210 has a generally curved U-shape with a central portion 220 generally located in the middle of the top portion of the upper 110 separating a first curved portion 222 that extends longitudinally along the lateral side 50 in a direction away from the toe end 200 and then changes direction at an outer curved portion 224 and extends downward toward the sole assembly 120.

[0042] Figure 3 The medial side 40 of the article 100 is shown. In an example embodiment, the upper 110 can have a similar arrangement on each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50. In other embodiments, the upper 110 of the article 100 can have an asymmetric arrangement such that the portion of the upper 110 on the medial side 40 is different than the portion of the upper 110 on the lateral side 50. Additionally, in this embodiment, the sole assembly 120 has a substantially similar arrangement on each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50. For example, as shown, the sole assembly 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing elements 122 positioned along the following areas of attachment of the upper 110 where the knitted piece 112 is attached or joined with the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116. As shown, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 includes at least a first reinforcing element 208 disposed on the medial side 40. The first reinforcing element 208 is positioned along the area of attachment of the knitted piece 112 with the heel component 116. The first reinforcing element 208 covers and overlaps the seam or joint between the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the area of attachment where these separate components are joined. Figure 3 ​As shown, the sole assembly 120 extends in the vertical direction from the lower surface 204 to an upper edge 206 that is proximate the upper 110 of the article 100 on the medial side 40 in a similar manner as on the lateral side 50. However, in other embodiments, the sole assembly 120 can extend to different heights in the vertical direction on the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 of the upper 110.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, the plurality of reinforcing elements 122 also includes a third reinforcing element 212 disposed on the medial side 40. The third reinforcing element 212 is positioned along the junction where the knitted work 112 is attached or joined with the heel component 116. With this arrangement, the third reinforcing element 212 covers and covers the seam or joint between the knitted work 112 and the heel component 116 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the junction where these separate components are joined.

[0044] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing element 212 has a generally curved U-shape with a curved portion 300 that separates a first portion 302 that extends vertically along the medial side 40 toward the sole assembly 120 and a second portion 304 that extends longitudinally along the medial side 40 in a direction toward the heel end 202. In the example embodiment, the third reinforcing element 212 is disposed on the medial side 40 directly opposite the first reinforcing element 208 on the lateral side 50. In some cases, the third reinforcing element 212 and the first reinforcing element 208 can be similarly shaped, thereby being symmetrical on each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50. In other cases, the third reinforcing element 212 and the first reinforcing element 208 can be different in shape and / or arrangement on each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50, thereby being asymmetrical on opposite sides of the upper 110.

[0045] As Figure 3 shown, the second reinforcing element 210 extends across the top portion of the upper 110 from the medial side 40 to the opposite lateral side 50. The second reinforcing element 210 is positioned along the junction where the knitted work 112 is attached or joined with the forefoot component 114. The second reinforcing element 210 covers and covers the seam or joint between the knitted work 112 and the forefoot component 114 and provides reinforcement and structural support to the junction where these separate components are joined. In one embodiment, the second reinforcing element 210 has a generally curved U-shape with a central portion 220 that is generally located in the middle of the top portion of the upper 110, thereby separating a second curved portion 306 that extends longitudinally along the medial side 40 in a direction away from the toe end 200 and then changes direction at an interior bend 308 and extends downward toward the sole assembly 120.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 4FIG. 1 shows a top view of an article 100 and an upper 110. In some embodiments, the upper 110 can be formed from a combination of separately or individually manufactured components that are combined to assemble the upper 110. In the example embodiment, the upper 110 includes a forefoot component 114, a knitted piece 112, and a heel component 116. In this embodiment, the knitted piece 112 extends across a majority of the midfoot region 20 and a portion of the heel region 30.

[0047] In the example embodiment, the knitted piece 112 includes a throat portion 400 and a collar portion 402. The throat portion 400 of the knitted piece 112 extends forward from the opening 118 across the back region of the upper 110 in a direction toward the forefoot region 10 where the forefoot component 114 and the knitted piece 112 are attached. The collar portion 402 of the knitted piece 112 extends rearward from the throat portion 400 and encircles or surrounds the opening 118. In the example embodiment, the collar portion 402 includes a forward end 404 where the throat portion 400 begins and the collar portion 402 is joined along a seam at a rear end opposite the forward end 404. In one embodiment, a tab 408 can be located at the rear end of the collar portion 402 to cover the seam joining the rear edge of the collar portion 402 and to assist the wearer when inserting a foot into the opening 118 of the article 100.

[0048] In this embodiment, the throat portion 400 of the knitted piece 112 extends longitudinally from the forward end 404 of the collar portion 402 at the opening 118 across the back region of the upper 110 in a direction toward the forefoot region 10 until a forward end 406 of the throat portion 400. In some embodiments, a plurality of reinforcing elements 122 are configured to cover and / or cover connection areas between separate components of the upper 110. For example, the first reinforcing element 208 and the third reinforcing element 212 are configured to cover and reinforce a connection area between the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116, and the second reinforcing element 210 is configured to cover and reinforce a connection area between the knitted piece 112 and the forefoot component 114. As shown, the forward end 406 of the throat portion 400 is disposed at or adjacent to the central portion 220 of the second reinforcing element 210 where the knitted piece 112 and the forefoot component 114 are joined or attached to one another. In the example embodiment, the throat portion 400 of the knitted piece is configured to cover the instep of a foot of a wearer of the article 100. However, in other embodiments, a tongue can be provided. Figure 4

[0049] Figure 5 ​is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 including an upper 110 incorporating a knitted workpiece 112. In this embodiment, tabs 408 are shown covering the seams joining the sides of a collar portion 402 of the knitted workpiece 112 that join along the back of the upper 110. In some embodiments, a covering 500 can be disposed on or along the connection area at the back of the upper 110 where the collar portion 402 of the knitted workpiece 112 and the heel component 116 join or attach. In this embodiment, the covering 500 is a sheet of thermoplastic polymer or similar film-like material that can be attached using heat and / or pressure on the connection area between the knitted workpiece 112 and the heel component 116 to bond with the surfaces of the knitted workpiece 112 and the heel component 116. In other embodiments, an adhesive or other type of attachment such as stitching can be used.

[0050] Referring now to Figure 6 , an enlarged view of the collar portion 402 of the knitted workpiece 112 is shown. In some embodiments, the collar portion 402 of the knitted workpiece 112 can have an asymmetric arrangement between the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50. For example, as shown in Figure 6 , the upper edge 600 of the collar portion 402 extends around and encircles the opening 118. On each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50, a notch is disposed in the upper edge 600 of the collar portion 402 to accommodate the ankle of the wearer’s foot. In this embodiment, the upper edge 600 of the collar portion 402 includes a lateral notch 602 on the lateral side 50 of the collar portion 402 and a medial notch 604 on the medial side 40 of the collar portion 402.

[0051] In one embodiment, the lateral notch 602 and the medial notch 604 can have an asymmetric arrangement such that the lateral notch 602 and the medial notch 604 have different positions in the longitudinal direction (i.e., closer to or further from the heel end 202 of the article 100) and / or different heights in the vertical direction (i.e., closer to or further from the sole assembly 120). As shown in Figure 6 , the lateral notch 602 is closer to the heel end 202 of the article 100 along the longitudinal direction of the upper 110 and the article 100 than the medial notch 604 (e.g., the lateral notch 602 is posterior to the medial notch 604).

[0052] Additionally, in this embodiment, the outward notch 602 extends from the upper edge 600 of the collar portion 402 toward the sole assembly 120 a distance that is greater than the distance that the inward notch 604 extends from the upper edge 600 (e.g., the outward notch 602 extends further down in the vertical direction than the inward notch 604). That is, the outward notch 602 is closer to the sole assembly 120 than the inward notch 604. This asymmetric arrangement of the outward notch 602 and the inward notch 604 on the collar portion 402 of the knitted article 112 accommodates the ankle of the wearer's foot. However, in other embodiments, the arrangement of the outward notch 602 and the inward notch 604 can be different, including a configuration in which the inward notch 604 is closer to the heel end 202 and / or closer to the sole assembly 120 than the outward notch 602. In other embodiments, the outward notch 602 and the inward notch 604 can have a substantially similar arrangement on each of the lateral side 50 and the medial side 40, thereby being symmetrical.

[0053] In some embodiments, the knitted article 112 can have a butterfly arrangement having a portion extending in the transverse direction from the throat portion 400 that forms at least a portion of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 of the upper 110. Referring now to Figure 7 , an enlarged view of the throat portion 400 of the knitted butterfly article 112 is shown. In this embodiment, the throat portion 400 of the knitted butterfly article 112 extends longitudinally from the forward end 404 of the collar portion 402 to the forward end 406. In some embodiments, the knitted butterfly article 112 can also include a portion extending laterally outward from the sides of the throat portion 400 in a direction toward the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50.

[0054] In an example embodiment, the knitted butterfly article 112 includes a lateral leaf 700 extending outward in the transverse direction from one side of the throat portion 400 and a medial leaf 702 extending outward in the transverse direction from an opposite side of the throat portion 400. In some embodiments, the lateral leaf 700 and the medial leaf 702 are configured to be joined to the separate forefoot component 114 along a forward side of the lateral leaf 700 and the medial leaf 702 and to the separate heel component 116 along a rearward side of the lateral leaf 700 and the medial leaf 702. With this arrangement, the lateral leaf 700 of the knitted butterfly article 112 forms at least a portion of the upper 110 on the lateral side 50 of the article 100 and the medial leaf 702 of the knitted butterfly article 112 forms at least a portion of the upper 110 on the medial side 40 of the article 100.

[0055] As noted above, in some embodiments, the upper 110 is formed from a plurality of separate components that are joined along connection areas to assemble the upper 110. For example, in the example embodiment, the upper 110 is formed from a knitted butterfly piece 112 that is joined or attached to a separate forefoot component 114 and a separate heel component 116 along a plurality of connection areas at which portions of the knitted piece 112 meet or abut portions of the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116. In some embodiments, the upper 110 can include provisions for reinforcement at the plurality of connection areas, such as a plurality of reinforcement elements 122 that are configured to cover the connection areas and provide reinforcement and structural support to the connection areas on the upper 110.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 8 , an enlarged view of the medial side 40 of the knitted butterfly piece 112 is shown. In this embodiment, a portion of the second reinforcement element 210 covers and reinforces the first connection area 800 between the knitted piece 112 and the forefoot component 114, and the third reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces the third connection area 802 between the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116. In particular, a first portion 302 of the third reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion of the third connection area 802 between the medial lobe 702 of the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116, and a second portion 304 of the third reinforcement element 212 covers and reinforces a portion of the third connection area 802 between the collar portion 402 of the knitted piece 112 and the heel component 116.

[0057] The medial lobe 702 of the knitted piece 112 is joined with the forefoot component 114 at the first connection area 800 that extends along the anterior side of the medial lobe 702. The medial lobe 702 of the knitted piece 112 is joined with the heel component 116 at the third connection area 802 that extends along the posterior side of the medial lobe 702. As Figure 8 shown, a portion of the second reinforcement element 210 is disposed on the first connection area 800, and the third reinforcement element 212 is disposed on the third connection area 802.

[0058] In some embodiments, the reinforcement elements can include a ridge that extends generally through the middle of each reinforcement element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcement elements. For example, as Figure 8As shown, the second reinforcing element 210 includes a first ridge 804, and the third reinforcing element 212 includes a second ridge 814. In some cases, the first ridge 804 and the second ridge 814 can be formed by molding the ridges into the material (e.g., rigid plastic or polymeric material) that forms the respective reinforcing element. In other cases, the first ridge 804 and the second ridge 814 can be separate elements or pieces that are attached to or incorporated into the reinforcing element, such as a length of wire, rigid plastic, or other generally inflexible material to provide structural rigidity to each respective reinforcing element.

[0059] In some embodiments, the reinforcing elements (including the second reinforcing element 210 and / or the third reinforcing element 212) can be provided with a plurality of holes 124 configured for receiving a lace, as described above. In this embodiment, the portion of the second reinforcing element 210 on the medial side 40 includes a first lace hole 806 and a second lace hole 808 disposed on one side of the first ridge 804 (e.g., above the first ridge 804). The portion of the second reinforcing element 210 on the medial side 40 also includes a third lace hole 810 and a fourth lace hole 812 disposed on the opposite side of the first ridge 804 from the first lace hole 806 and the second lace hole 808 (e.g., below the first ridge 804). With this arrangement, forces applied to a lace extending through one or more of the first lace hole 806, the second lace hole 808, the third lace hole 810, and the fourth lace hole 812 can be distributed across the second reinforcing element 210 on both sides of the first ridge 804.

[0060] Additionally, in this embodiment, the third reinforcing element 212 includes a fifth lace hole 816 and a sixth lace hole 818 disposed on one side of the second ridge 814 (e.g., above the second ridge 814), and a seventh lace hole 820 and an eighth lace hole 822 disposed on the opposite side of the second ridge 814 from the fifth lace hole 816 and the sixth lace hole 818 (e.g., below the second ridge 814). With this arrangement, forces applied to a lace extending through one or more of the fifth lace hole 816, the sixth lace hole 818, the seventh lace hole 820, and the eighth lace hole 822 can be distributed across the third reinforcing element 212 on both sides of the second ridge 814.

[0061] In some embodiments, the central portion of the throat portion 400 of the knitted work 112 (including the medial leaf 702) is substantially free of lace holes. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the medial leaf 702 does not include any lace holes. In other embodiments, the central portion of the throat portion 400 of the knitted work 112 (including the medial leaf 702) includes one or more lace holes. Figure 8As shown, the area of the knitted article 112 including the inward leaf 702 between the portion of the third reinforcing element 212 and the second reinforcing element 210 on the medial side 40 does not include any lace holes of the plurality of holes 124. With this arrangement, the inward leaf 702 of the knitted article 112 can allow for the lateral flexing and bulging of the wearer's foot when the article 100 is worn and during activities such as running or walking.

[0062] Figure 9 An enlarged view of the lateral side 50 of the knitted butterfly article 112 is shown. In this embodiment, a portion of the second reinforcing element 210 covers and reinforces a second connection area 900 between the knitted article 112 and the forefoot component 114, and the first reinforcing element 208 covers and reinforces a fourth connection area 902 between the knitted article 112 and the heel component 116. The lateral leaf 700 of the knitted article 112 is joined with the forefoot component 114 at the second connection area 900 extending along the anterior side of the lateral leaf 700. In particular, the first portion 216 of the first reinforcing element 208 covers and reinforces a portion of the fourth connection area 902 between the lateral leaf 700 of the knitted article 112 and the heel component 116, and the second portion 218 of the first reinforcing element 208 covers and reinforces a portion of the fourth connection area 902 between the collar portion 402 of the knitted article 112 and the heel component 116.

[0063] The lateral leaf 700 of the knitted article 112 is joined with the heel component 116 at the fourth connection area 902 extending along the posterior side of the lateral leaf 700. As Figure 9 shown, a portion of the second reinforcing element 210 is disposed on the second connection area 900, and the first reinforcing element 208 is disposed on the fourth connection area 902.

[0064] As noted above, in some embodiments, the reinforcing elements can include a ridge extending generally through the middle of each reinforcing element to provide structural rigidity to the reinforcing elements. For example, as Figure 9 shown, the second reinforcing element 210 includes a first ridge 804, and the first reinforcing element 208 includes a third ridge 912. The third ridge 912 can be formed in substantially similar fashion to the first ridge 804 and / or the second ridge 814, including similar materials as described above.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second reinforcing element 210 and / or the first reinforcing element 208 may be provided with a plurality of holes 124, which, as described above, are configured to receive shoelaces. In this embodiment, the portion of the second reinforcing element 210 on the outward side 50 includes a ninth shoelace hole 904 and a tenth shoelace hole 906 located on one side of the first ridge 804 (e.g., above the first ridge 804). The portion of the second reinforcing element 210 on the outward side 50 also includes an eleventh shoelace hole 908 and a twelfth shoelace hole 910 located on the side of the first ridge 804 opposite to the ninth shoelace hole 904 and the tenth shoelace hole 906 (e.g., below the first ridge 804). With this arrangement, the force applied to a shoelace extending through one or more of the ninth shoelace hole 904, the tenth shoelace hole 906, the eleventh shoelace hole 908, and the twelfth shoelace hole 910 can be distributed across the second reinforcing element 210 on both sides of the first ridge 804.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first reinforcing element 208 includes a thirteenth and fourteenth shoelace eyelets 914 and 916 located on one side of the third ridge 912 (e.g., above the third ridge 912), and a fifteenth and sixteenth shoelace eyelets 918 and 920 located on the opposite side of the third ridge 912 (e.g., below the third ridge 912). With this arrangement, the force applied to a shoelace extending through one or more of the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth shoelace eyelets 914 and 916 can be distributed across the first reinforcing element 208 on both sides of the third ridge 912.

[0067] In some embodiments, the central portion (including the outward-facing leaf 700) of the throat portion 400 of the knitted workpiece 112 is substantially without lace holes. That is, as Figure 9 As shown, the region of the outward leaf 700 on the knitted workpiece 112, including the portion located on the outward side 50 of the first reinforcing element 208 and the second reinforcing element 210, does not include any of the shoelace holes in the plurality of holes 124. With this arrangement, when the article 100 is worn and during activities such as running or walking, the outward leaf 700 of the knitted workpiece 112 can allow the wearer's foot to flex and bulge laterally.

[0068] In some embodiments, the reinforcing elements on each of the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 are symmetrical. That is, the generally curved U-shape of the first reinforcing element 208 on the lateral side 50 is substantially similar to the generally curved U-shape of the third reinforcing element 212 on the medial side 40. Additionally, the generally curved U-shape of the second reinforcing element 210 is symmetrical on both sides of the central portion 220. In other embodiments, however, the reinforcing elements can have different or varying shapes, including non-symmetrical arrangements between the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 of the upper 110.

[0069] Figure 10 is an exploded view of components of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 including an upper 110 incorporating a knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece 112. In accordance with the techniques of the present embodiments described herein, the upper can be formed from a combination of multiple individual components, including at least one knitted workpiece. Each individual component forming the upper can be configured to provide different or varying characteristics or properties to the upper and the article formed therefrom. For example, the components can have different or varying amounts of stretch resistance, durability, rigidity, support, comfort, and cushioning, among other characteristics or properties, and can be made or formed from different or varying materials.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, the upper 110 is formed from at least the knitted workpiece 112, a forefoot component 114, and a heel component 116, which are joined or attached together to assemble the upper 110. As shown, the forefoot component 114 is configured to be joined or attached to the knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece 112 along first and second connection regions 800, 900 at which the front edges of the lateral and medial leaves 700, 702 of the knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece 112 meet or abut edges of the forefoot component 114. The heel component 116 is configured to be joined or attached to the knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece 112 along third and fourth connection regions 802, 902 at which the rear edges of the lateral and medial leaves 700, 702 of the knitted butterfly-shaped workpiece 112 meet or abut edges of the heel component 116. Figure 10

[0071] ​In some embodiments, the degree or amount of tensile strength of the knitted butterfly component 112 is lower than that of the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116, such that when the article 100 is worn, the portion of the upper 110 in the midfoot region 20 primarily formed by the knitted butterfly component 112 allows for movement of the wearer's foot. For example, the knitted butterfly component 112 allows the upper 110 to bend and twist in the midfoot region 20 to accommodate changes in the shape of the wearer's foot as the foot moves. In such embodiments, the forefoot component 114 and / or the heel component 116 may provide a greater degree or amount of tensile strength to provide support and stability for the toes and heels of the wearer's foot, including the upper 110 and the article 100.

[0072] like Figure 10 As shown, additional components may be attached or joined as part of the upper 110 and / or article 100 to the knitted workpiece 112, the toe part 114, and the heel part 116. For example, as described above, reinforcing elements may be provided on one or more connection areas between the individual components forming the upper 110. In this embodiment, a first reinforcing element 208 is configured to cover and reinforce a fourth connection area 902 between the heel part 116 and the edge of the outward leaf 700 of the knitted butterfly workpiece 112 on the outward side 50, and a third reinforcing element 212 is configured to cover and reinforce a third connection area 802 between the heel part 116 and the edge of the inward leaf 702 of the knitted butterfly workpiece 112 on the inward side.

[0073] The second reinforcing element 210 is configured to cover and reinforce the first connecting region 800 and the second connecting region 900 between the edges of the forefoot component 114 and the outward leaf 700 and the inward leaf 702. Additionally, the second reinforcing element 210 covers the front end 406 of the throat portion 400 of the knitted butterfly workpiece 112, at which the edge of the throat portion 400 meets or abuts against the top edge of the forefoot component 114. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown, the cover 500 can extend over and cover the following connection area at the rear of the article 100, where the edge of the collar portion 402 of the knitted butterfly workpiece 112 meets or abuts the top edge of the heel component 116.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper 110 may be configured to engage or attach to the sole assembly 120 to form footwear article 100. For example, as Figure 10As shown, the upper surface 1000 of the sole assembly 120 can be attached to portions of the upper 110, including the knit piece 112, the forefoot component 114, and / or portions of the heel component 116. In some cases, a strobel sock, insole, midsole, or other component can be used to join the bottom edges of the knit piece 112, the forefoot component 114, and / or the heel component 116 to enclose the upper 110 and provide a mating surface between the upper 110 and the upper surface 1000 of the sole assembly 120. In example embodiments, the bottom edges of the outward leaf 700 and / or the inward leaf 702 are configured to terminate just past or adjacent to the upper edge 206 of the sole assembly 120, such that the outward leaf 700 and / or the inward leaf 702 do not extend under the wearer’s foot of the article of footwear 100 when worn.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 11 A representative plan view of an example embodiment of the knit piece 112 is shown in isolation from other components of the upper 110. In example embodiments, the knit piece 112 is a single one-piece knit piece formed from a single piece of knit composition made by looping at least one continuous yarn / thread into a plurality of rows defining the shape of the knit piece 112. In this embodiment, the knit piece 112 has a butterfly shape with an outward leaf 700 extending outward in a lateral direction from one side of the throat portion 400 and an inward leaf 702 extending outward in a lateral direction from an opposite side of the throat portion 400. That is, the outward leaf 700 and the inward leaf 702 give the appearance of wing portions extending laterally outward from the throat portion 400 to impart the butterfly shape to the knit butterfly piece 112.

[0076] In one embodiment, the rear edges of the collar portions 402 of the knit butterfly piece 112 are attached or joined to one another to close and define the opening 118. In example embodiments, the inward collar rear edge and the outward collar rear edge are joined by a seam 1112 to define the opening 118 of the collar portion 402 for receiving a wearer’s foot.

[0077] As Figure 11As shown, the knit butterfly work 112 includes an outer peripheral edge 1100 that extends around a periphery of the knit butterfly work 112. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge 1100 extends through the front end 406 of the upper back region 1102 of the throat portion 400, extends in a direction away from the front end 406, and changes direction at a front lateral edge 1104 of the medial leaf 702. The outer peripheral edge 1100 continues from the front lateral edge 1104 along a medial lateral edge 1106 of the medial leaf 702, and changes direction at a rear lateral edge 1108 of the medial leaf 702. The outer peripheral edge 1100 extends from the rear lateral edge 1108 through a medial lateral edge 1110 of the collar portion 402 to a medial collar rear edge where a seam 1112 is located.

[0078] Continuing from the medial collar rear edge on the opposite side of the seam 1112, the outer peripheral edge 1100 extends through a lateral lateral edge 1114 of the collar portion 402 to a rear lateral edge 1116 of the lateral leaf 700. The outer peripheral edge 1110 changes direction at the rear lateral edge 1116 of the lateral leaf 700, and extends forward along a lateral lateral edge 1118 of the lateral leaf 700. The outer peripheral edge 1100 changes direction again at a front lateral edge 1120 of the lateral leaf 700, and continues to the front end 406 of the upper back region 1102 of the throat portion 400.

[0079] The exemplary embodiment of the knit butterfly work 112 has a generally butterfly shape, as shown. However, it should be appreciated that other shapes and arrangements of portions of a knit work (e.g., the knit work 112) can be provided in various embodiments.

[0080] In some embodiments, portions of the knit butterfly work 112 can have different amounts or degrees of stretch resistance to provide different stretch zones to the knit butterfly work 112. In one embodiment, the stretch resistance of the lateral leaf 700 and the medial leaf 702 can be different. For example, the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the lateral leaf 700 can be greater than the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the medial leaf 702 (i.e., the lateral leaf 700 stretches less than the medial leaf 702), or the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the medial leaf 702 can be greater than the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the lateral leaf 700 (i.e., the medial leaf 702 stretches less than the lateral leaf 700).

[0081] In another embodiment, the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the central portion of the throat area 400 disposed between the outward leaf 700 and the inward leaf 702 can be different than the amount or degree of stretch resistance of other portions of the knitted butterfly work 112, such as the back area 1102, the outward leaf 700, the inward leaf 702, and / or the collar portion 402. For example, the amount or degree of stretch resistance of the central portion of the throat area 400 between the outward leaf 700 and the inward leaf 702 can be greater than the amount or degree of stretch resistance of one or more of the back area 1102, the outward leaf 700, the inward leaf 702, and / or the collar portion 402, such that the central portion stretches less than other portions of the knitted butterfly work 112. With this arrangement, the upper 110 and article 100 can be provided with stretch zones of different amounts or degrees of stretch resistance in different portions of the knitted butterfly work 112.

[0082] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is intended that the description be considered as exemplary only, with the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but rather, can be practiced with modification and alteration within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising: a knitted work disposed in at least a portion of a midfoot region of the upper and a heel region of the upper, the knitted work comprising: a collar portion located in the heel region of the upper and defining an opening of the upper; a throat portion extending from a forward end of the collar portion in a direction toward a forefoot region of the upper to a forward end; a medial leaf located in the midfoot region of the upper and extending laterally outward from a side of the throat portion toward a medial side of the upper; and a lateral leaf located in the midfoot region of the upper and extending laterally outward from a side of the throat portion opposite the medial leaf toward a lateral side of the upper; wherein the collar portion, the throat portion, the lateral leaf, and the medial leaf are formed from a single piece of knitted composition comprising at least one continuous yarn or thread looped into a plurality of rows defining a shape of the knitted work; a forefoot component disposed in the forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component attached to the knitted work along a first attachment area on the medial side of the upper and a second attachment area on the lateral side of the upper; and a heel component disposed in the heel region of the upper, the heel component attached to the knitted work along a third attachment area on the medial side of the upper and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side of the upper.

2. The upper of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of reinforcement elements disposed on the first, second, third, and fourth attachment areas.

3. The upper of claim 2, wherein, a first reinforcement element of the plurality of reinforcement elements disposed on the third attachment area on the medial side, wherein a second reinforcement element of the plurality of reinforcement elements is disposed on both the first attachment area on the medial side and the second attachment area on the lateral side; and wherein a third reinforcement element of the plurality of reinforcement elements is disposed on the fourth attachment area on the lateral side.

4. The upper of claim 3, wherein, the forefoot component is attached to the knitted work along an anterior side of the medial leaf on the medial side of the upper at the first attachment area and along an anterior side of the lateral leaf on the lateral side of the upper at the second attachment area.

5. The upper of claim 4, wherein, the second reinforcement element is further disposed on the anterior end of the throat portion of the knitted work and the forefoot component.

6. The upper of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving a lace on one or more of the plurality of reinforcement elements.

7. The upper of claim 6, wherein, each reinforcement element of the plurality of reinforcement elements comprises a ridge extending through a middle of the reinforcement element.

8. The upper of claim 7, wherein, at least two lace apertures of the plurality of apertures are located above the ridge of each reinforcement element; and wherein at least two apertures of the plurality of apertures are located below the ridge of each reinforcement element.

9. The upper of claim 3, wherein, The heel component is attached to the knit work along a posterior side of the medial leaf on the medial side of the upper at the third attachment area and along an anterior side of the lateral leaf on the lateral side of the upper at the fourth attachment area.

10. The upper of claim 1, wherein, A top edge of the forefoot component is in abutment with an anterior end of a throat portion of the knit work.

11. The upper of claim 1, wherein, A top edge of the heel component is in abutment with an edge of a collar portion of the knit work.

12. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper, the upper comprising: a knit work disposed in at least a portion of a midfoot region of the upper and a heel region of the upper, the knit work comprising: a collar portion located in a heel region of the upper and defining an opening of the upper; a throat portion extending from an anterior end of the collar portion in a direction toward a forefoot region of the upper to an anterior end; a medial leaf located in the midfoot region of the upper and extending laterally outward from a side of the throat portion toward a medial side of the upper; and a lateral leaf located in the midfoot region of the upper and extending laterally outward from a side of the throat portion opposite the medial leaf toward a lateral side of the upper; wherein the collar portion, the throat portion, the medial leaf, and the lateral leaf form a single unitary knit work comprising at least one continuous yarn or thread looped into a plurality of rows defining a shape of the knit work; a forefoot component disposed in a forefoot region of the upper, the forefoot component attached to the knit work along a first attachment area on the medial side of the upper and a second attachment area on the lateral side of the upper; and a heel component disposed in a heel region of the upper, the heel component attached to the knit work along a third attachment area on the medial side of the upper and a fourth attachment area on the lateral side of the upper; a first reinforcing element disposed on the third attachment area on the medial side of the upper; a second reinforcing element disposed on both the first attachment area on the medial side of the upper and the second attachment area on the lateral side of the upper; a third reinforcing element disposed on the fourth attachment area on the lateral side of the upper; and a sole assembly attached to the upper.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the first reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element, and the third reinforcing element comprises a plurality of apertures configured to receive a lace.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein, The forefoot component is attached to the knit work along an anterior side of the medial leaf on the medial side of the upper at the first attachment area and along an anterior side of the lateral leaf on the lateral side of the upper at the second attachment area.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein, The heel component is attached to the knitted work piece along a posterior side of the medial leaf on the medial side of the upper at the third attachment area and along a posterior side of the lateral leaf on the lateral side of the upper at the fourth attachment area.

16. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein, Edges of the medial leaf and the lateral leaf are attached at an upper edge of the sole assembly such that the medial leaf and the lateral leaf do not extend under a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear.

Images