Reinforced knit channels for articles of footwear

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to a reinforced knit channel for an upper configured to receive a lace. The knit channel includes a first knit layer and a second knit layer at least partially overlapping the first knit layer and interwoven with the first knit layer at first and second interwoven regions. The channel region is present between the first interlaced region and the second interlaced region. A first portion of the stretched strand is integrated into the first knit layer in the channel region and a second portion of the stretched strand extends over a surface of the first knit layer in the channel region. The stretched strand helps to reinforce the opening to the channel region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a reinforced knit channel for an article of footwear. Background Art

[0002] Knit channels and loop structures can be used in the upper of an article of footwear to, for example, hold laces, where the laces can be used to help secure the upper to a wearer's foot. In this instance, the laces can apply tension to the knit structure forming the channel. In some cases, this can cause the knit structure forming the channel to weaken, stretch, and / or tear over time. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 A side perspective view of an example article of footwear having a knit upper and a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0005] Figure 2 An example knit upper having a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0006] Figure 3 A portion of a knit upper having a reinforced knit channel and laces in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0007] Figure 4A A cross-section of a first example configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to a first free edge of a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0008] Figure 4B A cross-section of a second example configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to a first free edge of a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0009] Figure 4C A cross-section of a third example configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to a first free edge of a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0010] Figure 4D A cross-section of a fourth example configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to a first free edge of a reinforced knit channel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0011] Figure 5 A plan view of a single-sided knit configuration having an inlaid tensile strand in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0012] Figure 6Illustrates a plan view of a double-knit construction with embedded stretch yarns in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 7 Illustrates a schematic view of an analog embedded knit structure in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 8 Illustrates an example flow chart of a method for forming a shoe upper with reinforced knit channels in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Knit channels and coil structures can be used in the upper of a footwear article to, for example, hold laces, where the laces can be used to help secure the upper to a wearer's foot. In this instance, the laces can apply tension to the knit structure forming the channel. In some cases, this can cause the knit structure forming the channel to weaken, stretch, and / or tear over time.

[0016] At a high level, various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a footwear article that includes a knit upper having a knit channel reinforced with stretch yarns. The knit channel can be used to, for example, hold laces, which can be used to help secure the upper to a wearer's foot. In an example aspect, the knit channel is formed by a knit structure that includes a first knit layer and a second knit layer that at least partially overlaps the first knit layer. The second knit layer is interwoven with the first knit layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region spaced apart from the first interweaving region. Between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region, the second knit layer is freely separable from the first knit layer (i.e., not connected to the first knit layer) to form a channel region. The second knit layer includes a first free edge that forms a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge that forms a second opening of the channel region such that the channel extends between the first opening and the second opening.

[0017] The stretch strands are used to reinforce the channels, and the stretch strands can include high-tenacity strands and / or strands having a higher tensile resistance than the yarns forming one or more of the first knit layer and the second knit layer. In one example, a first portion of the stretch strands can be integrated into the first knit layer in the channel region. In an exemplary aspect, the stretch strands can be integrated into the first knit layer by an embedding process or an analog embedding process. At the boundary between the first interweaving region and the channel region, the first portion of the stretch strands transitions to a second portion that extends on the outer surface of the first knit layer in the channel region. In some aspects, the second portion of the stretch strands can be freely separated from both the first knit layer and the second knit layer. In an exemplary aspect, the stretch strands are positioned such that the first portion of the stretch strands is inside the first free edge of the second knit layer, and the second portion of the stretch strands is aligned with the first free edge. In an exemplary aspect, the stretch strands can also include a third portion and a fourth portion, the third portion being joined to the first knit layer at a location inside the second free edge of the second knit layer, and the fourth portion being aligned with the second free edge. In an exemplary aspect, the fourth portion can be freely separated from both the first knit layer and the second knit layer. In this example, both openings leading to the channel region are reinforced with stretch strands. In an exemplary aspect, the upper can include a plurality of channel regions that can be generally positioned adjacent the throat region of the upper.

[0018] In use, the shoelaces can extend through the channel region such that the shoelaces are positioned between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. The shoelaces also extend between the second portion of the stretch strands and the portion of the first knit layer that includes the first portion of the stretch strands such that the second portion of the stretch strands is outside the shoelaces and the first portion of the stretch strands is inside the shoelaces. When tension or force is applied to the shoelaces, the force is distributed not only to the first knit layer and the second knit layer but also to the first portion and the second portion of the stretch strands. Because the stretch strands can include high-tenacity materials and / or can have a greater tensile resistance than the yarns used to form the first knit layer and the second knit layer, the stretch strands help reinforce the knit channels. This can increase the usable life of the upper including the knit channel structure by reducing tearing and / or stretching of the knit channels.

[0019] As used herein, an article of footwear generally includes a sole structure attached to an upper. The articles of footwear described herein can include running shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes, soccer shoes, training shoes, walking shoes, hiking shoes, and the like. The concepts described herein can also be applied to other types of footwear that are considered non-athletic, such as dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. As used herein, an article of footwear can be divided into different general zones. The forefoot zone generally includes the portion of the article of footwear corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones to the phalanges. The midfoot zone generally includes the portion of the article of footwear corresponding to the arch region and the dorsal region of the foot. The heel zone generally corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot including the calcaneus. The articles of footwear described herein can include a lateral side and a medial side, the lateral side corresponding to the outer region of the foot (i.e., the surface facing away from the other foot), and the medial side corresponding to the inner region of the foot (i.e., the surface facing the other foot). The different zones and sides described above are intended to represent general regions of the footwear to facilitate the following discussion and are not intended to demarcate precise regions. The different zones and sides can be applied as a whole to the article of footwear, to the upper, and to the sole structure.

[0020] As used herein, the term "outer surface" means the surface of the upper or the article of footwear that faces the external environment. In some aspects, the outer surface can mean the outermost surface of the upper or the article of footwear. As used herein, the term "inner surface" means the surface of the upper or the article of footwear that faces the void for receiving the wearer's foot. In some aspects, the inner surface can mean the innermost surface of the upper or the article of footwear. When referring to the relationship between one object and another, the term "inner" means closer to the void for receiving the wearer's foot, and when referring to the relationship between one object and another, the term "outer" means closer to the external environment.

[0021] The term "knit layer" refers to a textile piece formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of intermeshed (also known as interloped) loops defining courses and wales. As used herein, the term "course" refers to a primarily horizontal row of knitted loops produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle (in an upright textile when the textile piece is knitted on a knitting machine). A course can include one or more stitch types, such as knit stitches, tuck stitches, float stitches, transfer stitches, rib stitches, and the like, which are known in the knitting art. As used herein, the term "wale" is a primarily vertical column of knitted loops that are intermeshed or interloped, typically produced by the same needle in consecutive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles.

[0022] As used herein, the term "integrally knitted" can mean that a knitted component has yarns from one or more courses of knitted loops in a first region or layer interlaced with one or more courses of knitted loops in another region or layer. The interlacing can be by way of simple knit stitches, tuck stitches, holding stitches, floats, or miss stitches, etc. In this way, the regions integrally knitted together have a seamless transition.

[0023] The term "double - knit construction" as used herein refers to a knitted construction (i.e., a multi - bed construction) typically formed on at least two needle beds of a knitting machine. Such a multi - bed knitted construction can be characterized by two opposing knitted loop and / or tuck faces, e.g., a first loop face formed on a first needle bed and a second loop face formed on a second needle bed. In an exemplary aspect, the two faces can be joined by yarns that are interlaced with the yarns in the first and second faces of the double - knit construction. Common double - knit constructions include "two - bed" knitted structures such as double - jersey, rib, purl, cardigan, etc., initially formed on at least two needle beds, and other knitted structures having two opposing knitted loop or tuck faces, including full - gauge and less - than - full - gauge variants of these structures. The term "single - knit construction" as used herein refers to a knitted construction (i.e., a single - bed construction) typically formed on a single needle bed. Common single - knit constructions include single - jersey.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, all measurements provided herein are taken when the upper and / or the footwear article is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and in a resting (unstretched) state.

[0025] Figure 1 An exemplary footwear article 100 is depicted having an upper 110 and a sole structure 112 attached to the upper 110. The upper 110 includes an outer surface 111 and an inner surface 113. The footwear article 100 is shown in the form of a sports shoe, but other types of shoes (e.g., sandals, casual shoes, etc.) are also contemplated herein. The footwear article 100 includes a forefoot region 114, a midfoot region 116, a heel region 118, a medial side 120, and a lateral side 122. The footwear article 100 includes an ankle collar 124, a throat region 126, and a tongue 128, the ankle collar 124 having an opening 125 for receiving a wearer's foot. In an exemplary aspect, the tongue 128 can be integrally formed with the upper 110, or the tongue 128 can include a separate element that is attached to the upper 110, e.g., in a post - knitting manufacturing step.

[0026] In an example aspect, the upper 110 can be formed by a first knit layer 130 and a second knit layer 132. In an example aspect, the second knit layer 132 can be limited to one or more discrete regions such that the remainder of the upper 110 can be formed by only the first knit layer 130. In an example aspect, the first knit layer 130 can include a double knit construction, although aspects herein contemplate that the first knit layer 130 can include a single knit construction. In an example aspect, the second knit layer 132 can include a single knit construction, although aspects herein contemplate that the second knit layer 132 can include a double knit construction. In an example aspect, the first knit layer 130 can form at least a portion of the upper 110 and, in some instances, substantially form all of the upper 110 as shown. In an example aspect, the second knit layer 132 can be located primarily in the throat region 126 where the second knit layer 132 combines with the first knit layer 130 to form a channel region 134 (which can also be referred to simply as a channel) through which a shoelace 137 can pass, as further described below. Although shown primarily in the throat region 126, aspects herein contemplate that the second knit layer 132 can be located in other regions of the upper 110 to form additional channel regions 134.

[0027] The first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132 can be formed as an integral single piece element during a knitting process such as a weft knitting process (e.g., using a knitting flatbed machine having one, two, or more needle beds, or a circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine can substantially form the knit structure of the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132 without the need for substantial post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132 can be formed separately as different integral single piece elements and then the respective elements can be attached.

[0028] Forming the upper 110 from knit layers (such as the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132) can provide characteristics including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity (e.g., expressed as Young's modulus), breathability, bendability, strength, moisture absorption, weight, abrasion resistance, melting temperature, and / or combinations thereof. These characteristics can be achieved by selecting a particular knit structure (e.g., single-sided knit construction, double-sided knit construction, etc.), by varying the size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more yarns formed from a particular material (e.g., polyester material, thermoplastic or fusible material, relatively inelastic material or relatively elastic material such as elastic yarn), by selecting yarns of a particular size (e.g., denier), and / or combinations thereof. In an example aspect, one or more yarns forming the upper can be combined with a fusible or thermoplastic polymer material that softens or melts when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled. More specifically, the thermoplastic polymer material transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to sufficient heat and then transitions from the softened or liquid state to a solid state when sufficiently cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material (which can be thermoplastic polyurethane) fuses or bonds with the knit structure and stabilizes and minimizes stretching in the region where the thermoplastic polymer material is combined. Forming the upper 110 from knit layers (such as the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132) can also provide desired aesthetic characteristics by incorporating yarns having different colors, textures, or other visual characteristics arranged in a particular pattern. The yarns themselves and / or the knit structure formed from one or more yarns can vary at different locations such that the upper 110 can have two or more portions with different characteristics (e.g., the portion forming the throat region 126 of the upper 110 can be relatively elastic while another portion can be relatively inelastic).

[0029] The upper 110 also includes one or more stretch strands 136, which are shown in dashed lines to indicate that they are typically integrated into the first knit layer 130, except in some instances where at least a portion of the stretch strand 136 is freely separated from both the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132 in a channel region 134 as indicated by reference numeral 135. The integration of the stretch strand 136 into the first knit layer 130 can be performed by an embedding process or an analog embedding process, as described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7 FIG. Although integrated into the first knit layer 130, in various aspects herein it is contemplated that the stretch strand 136 can be at least partially visible when the footwear article 100 is viewed. For example, the stretch strand 136 can be a contrasting color with the yarns used to form the first knit layer 130 and can thus be visible through the knit loops forming the first knit layer 130.

[0030] The stretch strands 136 can have, for example, a multifilament yarn, a filament (e.g., a monofilament yarn), a line, a rope, a webbing, a cable, or a chain. The stretch strands 136 can include a material having a characteristic of increasing the strength of the first knit layer 130 in the area having the stretch strands 136. For example, the stretch strands 136 can include a yarn with high tenacity (such as a tenacity greater than 5 grams / denier). In some aspects, the tenacity of the stretch strands 136 can be greater than that of the other yarns of the first knit layer 130 and / or the second knit layer 132. In one example, the stretch strands 136 are formed from high-tenacity nylon yarns. In addition, in some examples, the stretch strands 136 can exhibit greater tensile resistance than the rest of the first knit layer 130 and / or the second knit layer 132, and can be formed from various engineering filaments for high tensile strength applications, including glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramids and meta-aramids), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymers.

[0031] The upper can have restraint lines or axes corresponding to areas that create a desired fit or restraint of the upper 110 around the wearer's foot when the article of footwear 100 is worn. Stretch strands 136 can extend along one or more restraint lines and, due to the material composition and / or integration of stretch strands 136, provide additional strength and structure to the underlying knit structure of the first knit layer 130. In this way, stretch strands 136 can be positioned in areas of the first knit layer 130 that correspond to specific restraint lines that are desired or appropriate for the article of footwear 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, tensile strands 136 are shown extending from bite line 138 (i.e., the area where upper 110 meets sole structure 112) to and through channel area 134 to provide additional restraint on medial side 120 and lateral side 122 of article of footwear 100. This is merely one example pattern, and other locations for tensile strands 136 are contemplated herein. As further described below, tensile strands 136 can be used to reinforce channel area 134.

[0032] Figure 2 Depicted prior to being secured to the sole structure 112 and in a form corresponding to that which is released from a knitting machine. Figure 1 Upper 110. Upper 110 is formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., using a knitting machine) to form a first knit layer 130 and a second knit layer 132, wherein each of first knit layer 130 and second knit layer 132 includes a plurality of interlocking loops defining various courses and wales. Aspects herein contemplate that portions of upper 110 may be joined together (e.g., edges of upper 110 may be joined together) after the knitting process.

[0033] The upper 110 has a generally U-shaped configuration defined by a peripheral edge 210, a pair of heel edges 212, and an inner edge 214. When incorporated into a footwear article such as footwear article 100, the peripheral edge 210 may be positioned against the upper surface of the sole structure and may be joined to a strobel in an exemplary aspect. In other aspects, the upper 110 may include an underfoot portion. In this instance, the footwear article may not include a strobel. In an exemplary aspect, the pair of heel edges 212 are joined to each other and extend generally vertically in the heel region of the footwear article 100. The inner edge 214 forms an ankle collar 124 and extends forward to define a throat region 126. The upper 110 includes a first surface 216 corresponding to the outer surface 111 of the footwear article 100 and an opposite second surface (not shown) corresponding to the inner surface 113 of the footwear article 100.

[0034] As shown, a second knit layer 132 is located in discrete regions in each of the medial 120 and lateral 122 adjacent the throat region 126 to form a channel region 134. Aspects herein contemplate that the second knit layer 132 may be located in additional discrete regions of the upper 110. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The number of channel regions 134 depicted is illustrative, and aspects herein contemplate that the upper 110 may include a greater or lesser number of channel regions 134. Aspects herein contemplate that the second knit layer 132 may form at least a portion of the outer surface 111 of the upper 110 and the first knit layer 130 is positioned interior to the second knit layer 132. Aspects herein contemplate alternative configurations where the second knit layer 132 may form at least a portion of the inner surface 113 of the upper 110, where the first knit layer 130 is positioned exterior to the second knit layer 132. In this configuration, the freely separable portion 135 of the draw strand 136 may be located interior to the first knit layer 130 of the upper 110. Positioning the second knit layer 132 interior to the first knit layer 130 moves the lacing system away from the outside, which will allow for a greater amount of area on the outer surface 111 for adding additional components or visualization without being disrupted by laces. This configuration may also protect the channel regions 134 from being torn or split and protect the draw strand 136 from being hooked or pulled.

[0035] Figure 2Also depicted is a stretch strand 136 that includes portions 135 that are freely separable from each of the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132 in the channel region 134. In one example, and as shown, the stretch strand 136 can include a continuous strand on each of the medial side 120 and the lateral side 122 of the upper 110. For example, the stretch strand 136 can include loop portions 217 that extend outwardly from the peripheral edge 210 and enable the stretch strand 136 to be positioned at different locations within the upper 110. For example, with respect to the lateral side 122, the stretch strand 136 can extend from one of the channel regions 134 toward the peripheral edge 210 where the stretch strand 136 extends further outside of the knit component as a loop portion 217 before being re-integrated back into the knit component and extending toward a channel region 134 located at a different position along the throat region 126. Although shown as a continuous strand, aspects herein contemplate that the stretch strand 136 can include a plurality of different stretch strands. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated to be within the aspects herein.

[0036] Figure 3 Illustrated is a portion of an upper (such as upper 110) that includes a channel region 134. The first knit layer 130 is depicted as having courses of knit loops 310 that extend in a coursewise direction 311 and wales of knit loops 312 that extend in a walewise direction 313 (indicated by the dashed lines in Figure 3 ). In an example aspect, the courses of knit loops 310 extend in a direction from the sole structure 112 toward the throat region 126 at least within the portion illustrated in Figure 3 . And the wales of knit loops 312 will extend generally perpendicular to the courses of knit loops 310. In some aspects, the upper 110 is formed of a radially knit upper such that all of the courses of knit loops within the overall knit component forming the upper extend from the outer peripheral edge 210 to the throat region 126. Thus, the courses of knit loops of the portion of the upper that is external to the portion illustrated in Figure 3 may not all be parallel to the Figure 3 courses of knit loops 310. In other aspects, the knit component forming the upper 110 is formed such that at least a majority of the courses of knit loops extend in a lateral direction across the upper 110 while the wales of knit loops generally extend longitudinally in a direction from the forefoot region 114 of the footwear 100 toward the heel region 118. Aspects herein contemplate the opposite configuration where the courses of knit loops 310 will generally extend longitudinally from the forefoot region 114 toward the heel region 118 and the wales of knit loops 312 will generally extend from the sole structure 112 toward the throat region 126.

[0037] The second knitting layer 132 at least partially or completely overlaps the first knitting layer 130 in the region where the second knitting layer 132 is located. In an exemplary aspect, the courses of knitting loops forming the second knitting layer 132 are aligned in the same direction as the courses of knitting loops 310 forming the first knitting layer 130, such that the courses of knitting loops forming the second knitting layer 132 extend in the Figure 3 course direction 311 indicated therein. In an exemplary aspect, the second knitting layer 132 is interwoven with the first knitting layer 130 at a first interweaving region 314 and a second interweaving region 316, and the second interweaving region 316 is spaced apart from the first interweaving region 314 in the direction towards the sole structure 112. In other words, the second knitting layer 132 is fixed to the first knitting layer 130 at the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316. In an exemplary aspect, the first interweaving region 314 is positioned closer to the throat region 126 of the shoe, and the second interweaving region 316 is positioned closer to the sole structure 112. In an exemplary aspect, the second knitting layer 132 may be freely separated from the first knitting layer 130 between the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316 to form a channel region 134. As used herein, the term "freely separable" means not connected or attached to another layer.

[0038] In the channel region 134, the second knitting layer 132 includes a first free edge 318 that forms a first opening 319 of the channel region 134 and a second free edge 320 that forms a second opening 321 of the channel region 134. As used herein, the term "free edge" means an edge that does not have a layer below it or is not connected to a layer below it, in this case, the layer below is the first knitting layer 130. Each of the first free edge 318 and the second free edge 320 includes a first end 350 positioned adjacent to the first interweaving region 314 and a second end 352 positioned adjacent to the second interweaving region 316, such that each of the first free edge 318 and the second free edge 320 extends between the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316. In this way, the channel region 134 extends between the first free edge 318 and the second free edge 320 and has a width in the wale direction 313, and the channel region 134 further extends between the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316 and has a height in the course direction 311. The outer wall of the channel region 134 is formed by the second knitting layer 132, and the inner wall of the channel region 134 is formed by the first knitting layer 130.

[0039] As described, the stretch strand 136 can help reinforce the knitted structure around the channel region 134. In one example configuration, the stretch strand 136 can include a first portion 322 that is integrated into a first knitted layer 130 within the channel region 134. In an example aspect, the integration of the first portion 322 into the first knitted layer 130 can be performed by an embedding process or an analog embedding process, as further described with reference to Figures 5 to 7 In an example aspect, the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it is inside and generally parallel or aligned with a first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. In this regard, the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 can help reinforce the first knitted layer 130 at a first opening 319 of the channel region 134.

[0040] The stretch strand 136 further includes a second portion 324 that extends over an outer surface of the first knitted layer 130 within the channel region 134. In an example aspect, the second portion 324 can be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. In an example aspect, and as further described with respect to Figures 4A to 4D the stretch strand 136 transitions from the first portion 322 to the second portion 324 at a boundary between the first interweaving region 314 and the channel region 134.

[0041] In an example aspect, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends adjacent to or parallel to the first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. In other words, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends along at least a portion of the length of the first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. In additional example aspects, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends along substantially the entire length of the first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. In this regard, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can help reinforce the second knitted layer 132 at the first opening 319 of the channel region 134.

[0042] As depicted, a shoelace (such as shoelace 354) can be configured to pass through the channel region 134 such that the shoelace extends inside the second knitted layer 132 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 while extending outside the first knitted layer 130 and the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136. Thus, the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 act together to reinforce the first opening 319 of the channel region 134, which can be useful when the shoelace 354 is tensioned and exerts a force on the knitted structure forming the channel region 134.

[0043] The description of the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 relative to the first free edge 318 and the first opening 319 of the channel region 134 can also be applied to the second free edge 320 and the second opening 321 of the channel region 134. In an example aspect in which the stretch strand 136 includes a continuous strand, the stretch strand 136 can further include a third portion 356 that is integrated into the first knit layer 130 in the channel region 134. In an example aspect, the third portion 356 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it is inside the second free edge 320 of the second knit layer 132 and is generally parallel or aligned with the second free edge 320 of the second knit layer 132. In this aspect, the third portion 356 of the stretch strand 136 can contribute to strengthening the first knit layer 130 at the second opening 321 of the channel region 134.

[0044] The stretch strand 136 can further include a fourth portion 358 that extends on the outer surface of the first knit layer 130 within the channel region 134. In an example aspect, the fourth portion 358 can be freely separated from the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132. In an example aspect, the stretch strand 136 transitions from the third portion 356 to the fourth portion 358 at the boundary between the first interweaving region 314 and the channel region 134.

[0045] In an example aspect, the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends adjacent to or parallel to the second free edge 320 of the second knit layer 132. In other words, the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends along at least a portion of the length of the second free edge 320 of the second knit layer 132. In a further example aspect, the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 can be positioned such that it extends along substantially the entire length of the second free edge 320 of the second knit layer 132. In this aspect, the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 can contribute to strengthening the second knit layer 132 at the second opening 321 of the channel region 134.

[0046] The shoelace 354 will further extend through the channel region 134 such that the shoelace 354 extends inside the second knit layer 132 and the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 and outside the first knit layer 130 and the third portion 356 of the stretch strand 136. Thus, the first portion 322, the second portion 324, the third portion 356, and the fourth portion 358 of the stretch strand 136 act together to strengthen the first opening 319 and the second opening 321 of the channel region 134. The description provided above can also be applied to different channel regions 134 that extend along the throat region 126 on each of the medial side 120 and the lateral side 122 of the shoe upper 110.

[0047] Figure 4A Depicts a cross-section of a first exemplary configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to the first free edge 318 of the second knit layer 132. Figure 4A The first knit layer 130 in [[ ]] is depicted as having a double-knit configuration having a first side 410 of loops and a second side 412 of loops. Yarn 414 is depicted as traversing between the first side 410 and the second side 412. In this way, the yarn 414 can represent yarns forming portions of the first side 410 and the second side 412, yarns forming the first side 410 that are interlaced with the yarns forming the second side 412, and / or additional yarns that are interlaced with the yarns in the first side 410 and the yarns in the second side 412 to help secure the two sides to each other. The second knit layer 132 is depicted as having a single-knit configuration. The second knit layer 132 is interlaced with the first knit layer 130 at a first interlace region 314 and a second interlace region 316. The second knit layer 132 can be freely separated from the first knit layer 130 between the first interlace region 314 and the second interlace region 316 to form a channel region 134.

[0048] Figure 4A Also depicted is a first portion 322 of the tension strand 136 integrated into the first knit layer 130 within the channel region 134. As described below, this can be done through an embedding or mimicking embedding process. At a boundary 416 between the first interlace region 314 and the channel region 134, the tension strand 136 transitions from the first portion 322 to a second portion 324. This transition occurs as the tension strand 136 extends out of the knit structure forming the first knit layer 130. The second portion 324 extends on an outer surface 111 of the first knit layer 130 within the channel region 134. As shown, the second portion 324 of the tension strand 136 can be freely separated from the first knit layer 130 and the second knit layer 132. The shoelace 354 is positioned within the channel region 134 such that the shoelace 354 is between the second portion 324 of the tension strand 136 and the first knit layer 130. With this configuration, the shoelace 354 is within the second knit layer 132 and the second portion 324 of the tension strand 136, and outside the first knit layer 130 and the first portion 322 of the tension strand 136.

[0049] Figure 4B Depicts a cross-section of a second exemplary configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to the first free edge 318 of the second knit layer 132. Similar to Figure 4A , Figure 4B the first knit layer 130 in [[ ]] is depicted as having a double-knit configuration having a first side 410 of loops and a second side 412 of loops. Yarn 414 is depicted as traversing between the first side 410 and the second side 412, and can represent with respect to Figure 4AThe described similar configuration.

[0050] Unlike Figure 4A In Figure 4B the second knitted layer 132 is depicted as also having a double-sided knitted configuration having a first side 418 of loops and a second side 420 of loops. The yarn 422 is depicted as traversing between the first side 418 and the second side 420. In this way, the yarn 422 can represent the yarn forming part of the first side 418 and part of the second side 420, the yarn forming the first side 418 interlaced with the yarn forming the second side 420, and / or additional yarn that can be interlaced with the yarn in the first side 418 and the yarn in the second side 420 to help secure the two sides to each other. The second knitted layer 132 is interlaced with the first knitted layer 130 at a first interlacing region 314 and a second interlacing region 316. The second knitted layer 132 can be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 between the first interlacing region 314 and the second interlacing region 316 to form a channel region 134.

[0051] Figure 4B Also depicted is a first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 integrated into the first knitted layer 130 in the channel region 134. As described below, this can be done by an embedding or simulated embedding process. At a boundary 416 between the first interlacing region 314 and the channel region 134, the stretch strand 136 transitions from the first portion 322 to a second portion 324. However, unlike the configuration shown in Figure 4A where the second portion 324 is also integrated into the second knitted layer 132 in the channel region 134 using an embedding or simulated embedding process. In this instance, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 cannot be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. The shoelace 354 is positioned within the channel region 134 such that the shoelace 354 is positioned between the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. In this way, the shoelace 354 is inside the second knitted layer 132 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136, and outside the first knitted layer 130 and the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136. The integration of the first portion 322 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 into the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132 respectively also serves to reinforce the opening of the channel region 134.

[0052] Figure 4C Depicted is a cross-section of a third exemplary configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to the first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. Unlike Figure 4A and Figure 4BDifferently, the first knitted layer 130 is depicted as having a single-sided knitting structure. The second knitted layer 132 is interwoven with the first knitted layer 130 at the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316. The second knitted layer 132 can be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 between the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316 to form a channel region 134.

[0053] Figure 4C Also depicted is a first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 integrated into the first knitted layer 130 within the channel region 134. As described below, this can be done by an embedding or mimicking embedding process. At a boundary 416 between the first interweaving region 314 and the channel region 134, the stretch strand 136 transitions from the first portion 322 to a second portion 324. The second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 extends on an outer surface 111 of the first knitted layer 130 within the channel region 134. As shown, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. The shoelace 354 is positioned within the channel region 134 such that the shoelace 354 is between the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 and the first knitted layer 130. The shoelace 354 is located inside the second knitted layer 132 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136, and outside the first knitted layer 130 and the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136.

[0054] Figure 4D Depicted is a cross-section of a fourth exemplary configuration taken at a location generally corresponding to the first free edge 318 of the second knitted layer 132. The first knitted layer 130 is depicted as having a single-sided knitting structure. The second knitted layer 132 is depicted as having a double-sided knitting structure having a first side 418 of the coils and a second side 420 of the coils. The yarn 422 is depicted as crossing between the first side 418 and the second side 420 and can represent a similar configuration as described with respect to Figure 4B The second knitted layer 132 is interwoven with the first knitted layer 130 at the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316. The second knitted layer 132 can be freely separated from the first knitted layer 130 between the first interweaving region 314 and the second interweaving region 316 to form a channel region 134.

[0055] Figure 4DAlso depicted is a first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 integrated into the first knitted layer 130 of the channel region 134. As described below, this can be done by an embedding or simulated embedding process. At a boundary 416 between the first interweaving region 314 and the channel region 134, the stretch strand 136 transitions from the first portion 322 to a second portion 324. The second portion 324 is integrated into the second knitted layer 132 of the channel region 134 using an embedding or simulated embedding process. In this example, the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 cannot freely separate from the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. The shoelace 354 is positioned within the channel region 134 such that the shoelace 354 is between the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132. The shoelace 354 is located inside the second knitted layer 132 and the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136, and outside the first knitted layer 130 and the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136.

[0056] Figures 4A to 4D The different configurations depicted are illustrative examples, and additional configurations are envisioned herein. For example, aspects herein envision that the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 may not be integrated into the second knitted layer 132 and remains freely separable from the first knitted layer 130 and the second knitted layer 132, as described with respect to Figure 4A and Figure 4C while the second knitted layer 132 includes a double-sided knitting configuration, as described with respect to Figure 4B and Figure 4D Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are envisioned to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 5 Depicted is a knitting schematic that illustrates how the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 can be integrated into the first knitted layer 130 when the first knitted layer 130 includes a single-sided knitting configuration, such as the configurations depicted in Figure 4C and Figure 4D . Figure 5 Further depicted will be when the second knitted layer 132 includes a single-sided knitting configuration, such as Figure 4AWhen depicting the structure) how the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be integrated into the second knitted layer 132. The first knitted layer 130 includes a yarn 510 that forms a plurality of intermeshing loops defining a plurality of horizontal courses and vertical wales. The first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 extends along one of the courses and alternates between being behind (a) the loops formed by the yarn 510 and in front of (b) the loops formed by the yarn 510. In fact, the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 passes through the structure formed by the first knitted layer 130. Although the yarn 510 forms each of the courses in this configuration, additional yarns can form one or more of the courses or can form a part of one or more of the courses. Although the stretch strand 136 is shown as extending along the knitted courses, aspects herein contemplate that the stretch strand 136 can extend along the knitted wales in a similar manner.

[0058] Figure 6 A knitting schematic is depicted, which illustrates how the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 can be integrated into the first knitted layer 130 when the first knitted layer 130 includes a double-knit construction. Figure 6 It will be further depicted how the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136 can be integrated into the second knitted layer 132 when the second knitted layer 132 includes a double-knit construction. In this configuration, the first knitted layer 130 includes a yarn 610 and another yarn 612. The yarns 610 and 612 can be knitted on opposite beds of a multi-bed knitting machine and cooperate to form a first side 614 and an opposite second side 616 of the first knitted layer 130, where each of the first side 614 and the second side 616 includes a plurality of intermeshing loops defining a plurality of horizontal courses and vertical wales. The first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 extends along one of the courses and alternates between being behind (a) the loops formed by the yarns 610 and 612 and in front of (b) the loops formed by the yarns 610 and 612. Although the stretch strand 136 is shown as extending along the knitted courses, aspects herein contemplate that the stretch strand 136 can extend along the knitted wales.

[0059] Figure 7Schematic diagram depicting a portion of a first knitted layer 130 having an analog or pseudo-embedded structure. The same description may also apply to the second knitted layer 132. In particular, a first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 includes a sequence of knit stitches 710 (e.g., knit loops) and float stitches 712, where the sequence repeats along the length of the first portion 322. In an exemplary aspect, the sequence includes one knit stitch 710 and a float stitch 712 extending across a plurality of wales. The number of wales across which the float stitch 712 extends may correspond to the number of needles in the needle bed along which the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 floats between two knit stitches. The number of wales across which each float stitch 712 extends may be in the range of 3 to 8, in the range of 4 to 7, and in the range of 5 to 6. In one instance, each float stitch 712 of the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 extends across 5 wales. Thus, the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 can be knitted using a knitting sequence of one knit stitch formed on one needle and one float stitch extending across five needles.

[0060] The incorporation of the float stitches 712 can help to mimic the strength and stretch resistance imparted when the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 is embedded in the first knitted layer 130. However, knitting the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 with spaced-apart knit stitches (loops) 710 can help to keep the first portion 322 aligned along the courses of the knit loops. Additionally, the incorporation of the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136 with the knit stitches 710 and the float stitches 712 can provide greater flexibility to the knitting process, since incorporating the first portion 322 in this manner can be performed with a combined yarn feeder or a conventional yarn feeder on a knitting machine, while embedding is typically performed only with a combined yarn feeder.

[0061] Figure 8 Flowchart depicting an example method 800 of manufacturing a knitted shoe upper (such as the shoe upper 110) for a footwear article (such as the footwear article 100). In step 810, one or more yarns are knitted to form a first knitted layer of the shoe upper, such as the first knitted layer 130. In an exemplary aspect, the first knitted layer can be knitted to have a single-sided knitting construction or a double-sided knitting construction.

[0062] In step 812, one or more yarns are knitted to form a second knitted layer of the shoe upper, such as the second knitted layer 132. The second knitted layer can be knitted to have a single-sided knitting structure or a double-sided knitting structure. The second knitted layer at least partially overlaps the first knitted layer at one or more discrete regions of the shoe upper. In an example aspect, the second knitted layer is interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region (such as the first interweaving region 314) and a second interweaving region (such as the second interweaving region 316). The second knitted layer can be freely separated from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel area, such as the channel area 134. The second knitted layer includes a first free edge, such as the first free edge 318 that forms a first opening (such as the first opening 319) leading to the channel area. The second knitted layer further includes a second free edge, such as the second free edge 320 that forms a second opening (such as the second opening 321) of the channel area.

[0063] In step 814, a first portion of the stretch strand (such as the first portion 322 of the stretch strand 136) is integrated into the first knitted layer in the channel area using, for example, an embedding process or an analog embedding process. In step 816, a second portion of the stretch strand (such as the second portion 324 of the stretch strand 136) extends on a first surface of the first knitted layer in the channel area. In some example aspects where the second portion of the stretch strand is not integrated into the second knitted layer, the second portion of the stretch strand can be freely separated from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer. The shoe upper can be incorporated into a footwear article, and a shoelace (such as the shoelace 354) can pass through the channel area. In this regard, the shoelace can be positioned between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer and between the first portion and the second portion of the stretch strand. In this regard, the stretch strand helps to reinforce the opening of the channel area, which can increase the useful life of the footwear article.

[0064] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses can be combined in a multiple dependent manner to be subordinate to one or more other clauses. Additionally, any combination of subordinate clauses (clauses that explicitly depend on a previous clause) can be combined while remaining within the scope of the aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and not limitations.

[0065] Clause 1. A reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article, the reinforced knitted channel comprising: a first knitted layer; a second knitted layer that at least partially overlaps the first knitted layer and is interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer includes a first free edge that forms a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge that forms a second opening of the channel region, such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; and a stretch strand that includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being integrated into the first knitted layer within the channel region, and the second portion extending on a surface of the first knitted layer within the channel region and being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0066] Clause 2. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the second portion of the stretch strand extends along at least a portion of the length of the first free edge.

[0067] Clause 3. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 2, wherein the first interweaving region is positioned adjacent a first end of the first free edge of the second knitted layer, and wherein the second interweaving region is positioned adjacent a second end of the first free edge of the second knitted layer, such that the first free edge of the second knitted layer extends between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region.

[0068] Clause 4. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first knitted layer is a double-sided knitted construction, and the first portion of the stretch strand is embedded between the knitted loops of the double-sided knitted construction of the first knitted layer.

[0069] Clause 5. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the second knitted layer is a single-sided knitted construction.

[0070] Clause 6. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first knitted layer is inside the second knitted layer.

[0071] Clause 7. The reinforced knitted channel for an upper of a footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the second knitted layer forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper.

[0072] Clause 8. The reinforced knitting channel for the upper of a footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the second portion of the stretch yarn strand is located outside the first portion of the stretch yarn strand.

[0073] Clause 9. A footwear article comprising: an upper, the upper comprising: a first knitted layer forming at least a part of the upper; a second knitted layer at least partially overlapping the first knitted layer, the second knitted layer being interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer comprises a first free edge forming a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge forming a second opening of the channel region, such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; and a stretch yarn strand, the stretch yarn strand comprising a portion integrated into one of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer in the channel region.

[0074] Clause 10. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the portion of the stretch yarn strand is embedded in the first knitted layer in the channel region.

[0075] Clause 11. The footwear article according to Clause 10, wherein the portion of the stretch yarn strand embedded in the first knitted layer is a first portion, and the stretch yarn strand further comprises a second portion, the second portion being embedded in the second knitted layer in the channel region.

[0076] Clause 12. The footwear article according to Clause 11, wherein the first knitted layer is a double-sided knitted structure, and the first portion of the stretch yarn strand is embedded between the knitted loops of the double-sided knitted structure of the first knitted layer.

[0077] Clause 13. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the portion of the stretch yarn strand is embedded in the second knitted layer in the channel region.

[0078] Clause 14. The footwear article according to Clause 10, wherein the portion of the stretch yarn strand embedded in the first knitted layer is a first portion, and the stretch yarn strand further comprises a second portion, the second portion extending over the second knitted layer and being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0079] Clause 15. The footwear article according to Clause 14, wherein the stretch yarn strand transitions from the first portion to the second portion at the boundary between the first interweaving region and the channel region.

[0080] Clause 16. The footwear article according to Clause 14 further includes a shoelace that extends between the second portion of the stretch strand and a portion of the first knitted layer, and the first portion of the stretch strand is integrated into the portion of the first knitted layer.

[0081] Clause 17. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the first knitted layer is inside the second knitted layer.

[0082] Clause 18. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the second knitted layer forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper.

[0083] Clause 19. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the stretch strand has a greater tensile resistance than the yarns in one or more of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0084] Clause 20. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the stretch strand extends in the course direction, and the channel extends in the wale direction between the first free edge and the second free edge.

[0085] Clause 21. The footwear article according to Clause 20, wherein the course direction extends from the sole structure towards the throat region of the upper.

[0086] Clause 22. A method of manufacturing a knitted upper for a footwear article, the method comprising: knitting one or more yarns to form a first knitted layer of the knitted upper; knitting the one or more yarns to form a second knitted layer of the knitted upper, the second knitted layer at least partially overlapping the first knitted layer, the second knitted layer being interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer includes a first free edge forming a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge forming a second opening of the channel region such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; integrating a first portion of a stretch strand into the first knitted layer in the channel region; and causing a second portion of the stretch strand to extend on a first surface of the first knitted layer within the channel region, the second portion of the stretch strand being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0087] Clause 23. A footwear article, the footwear article comprising: an upper, the upper comprising: a first knitted layer forming at least a throat region of the upper; a second knitted layer at least partially overlapping the first knitted layer in the throat region of the upper, the second knitted layer being interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer comprises a first free edge forming a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge forming a second opening of the channel region, such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; and a stretch strand, the stretch strand comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being integrated into the first knitted layer in the channel region, the second portion extending on a surface of the first knitted layer within the channel region and being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0088] Clause 24. The footwear article according to Clause 21, wherein the second portion of the stretch strand is located outside the first portion of the stretch strand.

[0089] Clause 25. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 22, further comprising a shoelace extending between the second portion of the stretch strand and a portion of the first knitted layer, the first portion of the stretch strand being integrated in the portion of the first knitted layer.

[0090] Clause 26. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 23, wherein the stretch strand has a greater tensile resistance than the yarn in one or more of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

[0091] Clause 27. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 24, wherein the stretch strand transitions from the first portion to the second portion at a boundary between the first interweaving region and the channel region.

[0092] Clause 28. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 25, wherein the first knitted layer is a double-sided knitted structure.

[0093] Clause 29. The footwear article according to Clause 26, wherein the first portion of the stretch strand is embedded between the knitted loops of the double-sided knitted structure of the first knitted layer.

[0094] Clause 30. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 27, wherein the first knitted layer forms at least a part of the inner surface of the upper.

[0095] Clause 31. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 28, wherein the second knitted layer forms at least a part of the outer surface of the upper.

[0096] Clause 32. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21 to 29, wherein the upper is radially knitted such that a plurality of courses of knitted loops within the integral knitted part forming the upper extend from the outer peripheral edge to the throat region of the shoe.

Claims

1. A reinforced knitting channel for a shoe upper, the reinforced knitting channel comprising: A first knitted layer; A second knitted layer that at least partially overlaps the first knitted layer and is interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer includes a first free edge forming a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge forming a second opening of the channel region, such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; And a stretch strand that includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being integrated into the first knitted layer within the channel region, and the second portion extending on a surface of the first knitted layer within the channel region and being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

2. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the stretch strand extends along at least a portion of the length of the first free edge.

3. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the first interweaving region is positioned adjacent a first end of the first free edge of the second knitted layer, and wherein the second interweaving region is positioned adjacent a second end of the first free edge of the second knitted layer, such that the first free edge of the second knitted layer extends between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region.

4. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the first knitted layer is a double-sided knitted construction, and the first portion of the stretch strand is embedded between the knitted loops of the double-sided knitted construction of the first knitted layer.

5. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the second knitted layer is a single-sided knitted construction.

6. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the first knitted layer is inside the second knitted layer.

7. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the second knitted layer forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the shoe upper.

8. The reinforced knitted channel for a shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the stretch strand is outside the first portion of the stretch strand.

9. A footwear article, comprising: A shoe upper, the shoe upper comprising: a first knitted layer that forms at least a part of the shoe upper; a second knitted layer that at least partially overlaps the first knitted layer, the second knitted layer being interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving area and a second interweaving area, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving area and the second interweaving area to form a channel area, wherein the second knitted layer includes a first free edge that forms a first opening of the channel area and a second free edge that forms a second opening of the channel area, such that the channel area extends between the first opening and the second opening; and a stretch strand, the stretch strand including a part integrated into one of the first knitted layer in the channel area and the second knitted layer in the channel area.

10. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the part of the stretch strand is embedded in the first knitted layer in the channel area.

11. The footwear article according to claim 10, wherein the part of the stretch strand embedded in the first knitted layer is a first part, and wherein the stretch strand further includes a second part that is embedded in the second knitted layer in the channel area.

12. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the first knitted layer is a double-sided knitted structure, and the first part of the stretch strand is embedded between the knitted loops of the double-sided knitted structure of the first knitted layer.

13. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the part of the stretch strand is embedded in the second knitted layer in the channel area.

14. The footwear article according to claim 10, wherein the part of the stretch strand embedded in the first knitted layer is a first part, and wherein the stretch strand further includes a second part that extends over the second knitted layer and is capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

15. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein the stretch strand transitions from the first part to the second part at the boundary between the first interweaving area and the channel area.

16. The footwear article according to claim 14, further comprising a shoelace that extends between the second part of the stretch strand and a part of the first knitted layer, the first part of the stretch strand being integrated in the part of the first knitted layer.

17. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the shoe upper is radially knitted such that a plurality of courses of knitted loops in the overall knitted component forming the shoe upper extend from the outer peripheral edge to the shoe throat region.

18. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the second knitted layer forms at least a part of the outer surface of the shoe upper.

19. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the stretch strand has a greater tensile resistance than the yarn in one or more of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

20. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein the stretch strands extend in a course direction, and the channel extends in a wale direction between the first free edge and the second free edge.

21. The footwear article according to claim 20, wherein the course direction extends from the sole structure toward the throat region of the upper.

22. A method of manufacturing a knitted upper for a footwear article, the method comprising: Knitting one or more yarns to form a first knitted layer of the knitted upper; Knitting the one or more yarns to form a second knitted layer of the knitted upper, the second knitted layer at least partially overlapping the first knitted layer, the second knitted layer being interwoven with the first knitted layer at a first interweaving region and a second interweaving region, the second knitted layer being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer between the first interweaving region and the second interweaving region to form a channel region, wherein the second knitted layer includes a first free edge forming a first opening of the channel region and a second free edge forming a second opening of the channel region, such that the channel region extends between the first opening and the second opening; Integrating a first portion of the stretch strands into the first knitted layer in the channel region; And causing a second portion of the stretch strands to extend on a first surface of the first knitted layer within the channel region, the second portion of the stretch strands being capable of freely separating from the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer.

Images