Upper for article of footwear and method of lasting upper

Abstract

The invention relates to an upper for an article of footwear and a method of lasting the upper. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method. The method may include placing an upper on a last, where the upper includes a lower peripheral edge secured to a lasting element, and where the last includes an opening for receiving the lasting element. The method may also include feeding the lasting element at least partially through the opening of the last, and tensioning the lasting element to tighten the upper around the last by pulling the tensioning element at least partially through the opening.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of application number 201880033508.8, filed on March 22, 2018, having the title "UPPER FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR AND METHOD OF LASTING THE UPPER", and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 476,313, filed on March 24, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 476,313, filed on March 24, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND

[0004] A variety of articles are formed from textiles. For example, articles of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, vehicle seats) are often formed at least partially from textiles. These textiles are often formed by a mechanical process involving a loom or knitting machine by interlooping (e.g., knitting) one or more yarns. One particular article that can be formed from a textile is an upper for an article of footwear.

[0005] Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to an underside of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. In some athletic footwear articles, for example, the sole structure can include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole can be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to reduce stress on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory motions. The outsole can be secured to an underside of the midsole and forms the ground-engaging portion of the sole structure that is formed from a durable and wear-resistant material.

[0006] The upper of an article of footwear generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. Typically, access to the void within the interior of the upper is provided by a leg opening in the heel area of the footwear. A lacing system is generally incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby assisting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper can include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper can incorporate a heel counter to limit movement of the heel.

[0007] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method. The method can include placing an upper on a last, wherein the upper includes a lower peripheral edge secured to a lasting element, and wherein the last includes an opening for receiving the lasting element. The method can also include feeding the lasting element at least partially through the opening of the last and tightening the lasting element to cinch the upper around the last by pulling the tightening element at least partially through the opening.

[0009] The method can also include the step of forming the upper by knitting a knitted component, wherein the knitted component at least partially defines a surface of the upper. At least a portion of the lasting element can be inlaid into a knit structure of the knitted component. Knitting the knitted component can include knitting a channel adjacent to the lower peripheral edge, and the method can further include feeding the lasting element through the channel.

[0010] The method can also include joining a sole structure to the lower peripheral edge of the upper. The step of joining the sole structure to the lower peripheral edge of the upper can include applying an adhesive to at least one of the lower peripheral edge of the upper and the sole structure, and then bringing the lower peripheral edge of the upper into contact with the sole structure.

[0011] The sole structure can define an underfoot surface of a void of the article of footwear when the sole structure is joined to the upper. The upper can include a bottom opening during and after the step of securing the upper to the sole structure. The method can include removing the lasting element from the article of footwear after the step of joining the sole structure to the upper.

[0012] The upper can be a non-strobel upper when the upper is incorporated into the article of footwear.

[0013] The opening in the last can extend from an underfoot side of the last to a second side of the last, and the step of feeding the lasting element can include feeding an end of the lasting element from the underfoot side of the last, through the opening of the last, and out of the second side of the last.

[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear can include a sole structure and an upper. An interior surface and an exterior surface of the upper can be formed from a knitted component, wherein a lower peripheral edge of the upper is secured to the sole structure, and wherein the upper includes a bottom opening adjacent to a top surface of the sole structure.

[0015] The upper can include a bottom opening during and after the step of securing the upper to the sole structure.

[0016] When the sole structure is engaged to the upper, the sole structure can define an underfoot surface of a void of the article of footwear.

[0017] The lower peripheral edge of the knitted component can be secured by an adhesive.

[0018] The upper can be secured to the lasting element, wherein the lasting element is configured to cause the upper to tighten around a last when the upper is positioned on the last and when tension is applied to the lasting element. The upper can include a channel formed by the knitted component in a lower peripheral edge of the upper, wherein the lasting element is at least partially positioned within the channel. An end of the lasting element can be configured to be fed through an opening of the last.

[0019] In another aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear having an upper and a lasting element, the upper having a knitted component, the knitted component having a lower peripheral edge, the lasting element secured to the lower peripheral edge. The lasting element can be at least partially embedded within a knit structure of the knitted component, wherein the lasting element is configured to cause the upper to tighten around a last when the upper is positioned on the last and when tension is applied to the lasting element. The lower peripheral edge can be configured to be secured to a sole structure of the article of footwear.

[0020] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a last. The last can include a last body having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are configured to be exposed during a lasting process for lasting an upper of an article of footwear. An opening can extend from the first surface, wherein the opening is configured to receive a lasting element of the article of footwear.

[0021] The opening can extend from the first surface to the second surface such that the opening defines a channel from the first surface to the second surface.

[0022] The last body can include a foot-shaped body, wherein the first surface is an underfoot surface of the foot-shaped body, and wherein the second surface is a top surface of the foot-shaped body.

[0023] The last can include an anchor positioned adjacent to or within the opening, and the anchor can be configured to couple to a lasting element used in lasting the upper to maintain tension applied to the lasting element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 An upper for an article of footwear according to the disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 An upper for an article of footwear according to the disclosure is shown. Figure 1 An upper for an article of footwear according to the disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 An upper for an article of footwear according to the disclosure is shown. Figure 2on a last in Figure 2 a shoe upper in which the shoe upper has a lasting element according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 a shoe upper is shown having a Figure 3 lasting element in which portions of the lasting element are fed through openings in a last according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 a shoe upper is shown prior to securing Figure 4 a lasting element in a shoe upper according to the present disclosure. Figure 4

[0029] Figure 6 another embodiment of a shoe upper according to the present disclosure is shown in which the lasting element traverses from one side of the bottom opening of the shoe upper to the other side of the bottom opening of the shoe upper.

[0030] Figure 7 another embodiment of a shoe upper according to the present disclosure is shown in which the tensioning element is coupled to a hook of the last.

[0031] Figure 8 a shoe upper is shown having a knit component in which the lasting element is embedded within a knit structure of the knit component according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 a shoe upper is shown secured to a closed loop lasting element according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are generally denoted by like reference numbers throughout. The relationship between the various elements can be better understood through reference to the following detailed description. However, aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings or explicitly described below. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the aspects disclosed herein can have been omitted so as to not obscure the aspects described herein.

[0034] ​Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to articles formed at least partially from a textile. One example of an article is a garment article (e.g., a shirt, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, underpants and other undergarments, hats and other headwear, or the like). The article can be a upper configured for use in a footwear article. The upper can be used in conjunction with footwear of any style. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of footwear articles include basketball shoes, cycling shoes, cross-training shoes, global football (soccer) shoes, American football shoes, bowling shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, ski or snowboard boots, tennis shoes, running shoes, and walking shoes. The upper can also be incorporated into non-athletic footwear, such as dress shoes, flats, and sandals.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1 The footwear article 100 is generally depicted as including an upper 102 secured to a sole structure 104. The upper 102 can include a lateral side 106 and a medial side 108. The area where the sole structure 104 of the shoe engages the upper 102 can be referred to as the biteline 112. The upper 102 can be joined to the sole structure 104 in a secured manner using any suitable technique, such as by using adhesives, by stitching, or the like. It is contemplated that the upper 102 can extend partially or completely around a wearer's foot and / or can be integral with the sole and can or can not use an insole.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole (not shown) and an outsole. The footwear article 100 can additionally include a throat 114 and an ankle opening 116, which can be encircled by a collar 118 and can lead to a void 120. The void 120 of the footwear article 100 can be configured to accommodate a human foot. The throat 114 is generally disposed in a midfoot region 122 of the upper 102. The midfoot region 122 is generally the region of the upper 102 between a heel region 124 and a toe region 126.

[0037] In some embodiments, a tongue can be disposed in the throat 114 of the shoe, although a tongue is an optional component. The tongue can be any type of tongue, such as a gusseted tongue or a burrito tongue. If a tongue is not included, the lateral and medial sides of the throat 114 can be joined together. As shown, in some embodiments, the footwear article 100 can include optional fastening elements, such as laces (which can be associated with lace holes). Any suitable type of fastening element can be used.

[0038] At least a portion of the upper 102, and in some embodiments substantially the entirety of the upper 102, can be formed from the knitted component 110. For example, the knitted component 110 can additionally or alternatively form another element of the article of footwear 100, such as a lower foot portion. The knitted component 110 can have a first side that forms an inner surface of the upper 102 (e.g., facing the cavity 120 of the article of footwear 100) and a second side that forms an outer surface of the upper 102 (e.g., generally facing away from the first side). The first and second sides of the knitted component 110 can exhibit different properties (e.g., the first side can provide abrasion resistance and comfort, while the second side can be relatively stiff and provide water resistance, among other advantageous properties described below). The knitted component 110 can be formed as a unitary one-piece element during a knitting process, such as a weft knitting process (e.g., with a flat knitting machine or a circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, the knitting process can generally form the knit structure of the knitted component 110 without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, two or more portions of the knitted component 110 can be separately formed as different unitary one-piece elements, and then the respective elements are attached. In some embodiments, the knitted component 110 can be shaped after the knitting process to form and maintain a desired shape of the upper (e.g., by using a last shaped to a foot). The shaping process can include attaching the knitted component 110 to another object (e.g., a strobel) prior to lasting. When a strobel is included, the strobel can support the upper 102 when the upper 102 is placed on the last shaped to a foot, such that the attitude of the upper 102 on the last can be maintained. As described in greater detail below, the present embodiments can advantageously eliminate the need to use a strobel.

[0039] Forming the upper 102 using the knitted component 110 can provide the upper 102 with advantageous characteristics, including but not limited to a certain degree of elasticity (e.g., as expressed in terms of Young’s modulus), breathability, flexibility, strength, moisture absorption, weight, and abrasion resistance. These characteristics can be achieved by selecting a particular single or multiple layer knitted structure (e.g., a ribbed knitted structure, a single jersey knitted structure, or a double jersey knitted structure), by varying the dimensions and tension of the knitted structure, by using one or more yarns formed from a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as spandex), by selecting a particular size (e.g., denier) of yarn, or combinations thereof. The knitted component 110 can also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by including yarns having different colors, textures, or other visual characteristics arranged in a particular pattern. The yarns themselves and / or the knitted structure formed from one or more of the yarns of the knitted component 110 can vary at different locations such that the knitted component 110 has two or more portions with different properties (e.g., a portion forming a throat area of the upper 102 can be relatively elastic, while another portion can be relatively inelastic). In some embodiments, the knitted component 110 can include one or more materials having properties that change in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature, humidity, electric current, magnetic field, or light). For example, the knitted component 110 can include yarns formed from a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, and nylon) that transitions from a solid state to a softened state or a liquid state when subjected to a particular temperature at or above its melting point, and then transitions back to a solid state when cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material can provide the ability to heat and then cool a portion of the knitted component 110, thereby forming a region of bonded or continuous material that exhibits certain advantageous properties, including, for example, relatively high stiffness, strength, and water resistance.

[0040] In some embodiments, the knitted component 110 can include one or more yarns or strands that are at least partially embedded or otherwise inserted into the knitted structure of the knitted component 110 during or after the knitting process, which are referred to herein as “tensile strands.” The tensile strands can be substantially inelastic, thereby having a substantially fixed length. The tensile strands can extend through multiple courses of the knitted component 110 or through channels or pathways formed within the knitted component 110, and can limit stretching of the knitted component 110 in at least one direction. For example, the tensile strands can extend from an area underfoot and / or approximately from a bite line of the upper 102 to a throat area of the upper 102 to limit stretching of the upper 102 in a lateral direction. The tensile strands can form one or more lace holes for receiving a lace and / or can extend around at least a portion of a lace hole formed in the knitted structure of the knitted component.

[0041] Figure 2 The upper 102 is shown before being attached to the sole structure 104. The upper 102 is depicted just before being placed on the last 128, which may have a foot-shaped body 130. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the body 130 may have a shape different from that of a foot. The foot-shaped body 130 may have an elevated portion 148 (which may, but does not necessarily, include the shape of the ankle and / or calf). The foot-shaped body 130 may be a solid and integral component, or it may have more than one movable element, allowing the size and / or shape of the foot-shaped body 130 to vary based on adjustment.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper 102 can be placed on the last 128 during the manufacturing process of the footwear article. As illustrated, the upper 102 can cover portions of the last 128 corresponding to the lateral and medial sides of the foot, the upper surface of the foot, and the heel area of ​​the foot. At this stage of the manufacturing process, at least a portion of the foot-shaped body 130 corresponding to the plantar surface (i.e., the plantar surface) can be exposed, described herein as the sole surface 132. Therefore, a peripheral edge 134 can form a hole or bottom opening 144 in the upper 102, at which the bottom surface 132 of the foot-shaped body 130 is exposed. The peripheral edge 134 can extend over a portion of the bottom surface 132, and / or at least a portion of the peripheral edge 134 can terminate on the side of the foot-shaped body 130 before reaching the bottom surface 132.

[0043] In some embodiments, at least during the manufacturing process, the upper 102 may include or be attached to a gusseting element configured to tighten the upper 102 around the last. Several embodiments of an upper with a gusseting element are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 848,352, issued December 3, 2013, as U.S. Patent No. 8,595,878, and that U.S. Patent Application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0044] exist Figure 3One example of a lasting element 136 secured to (or included within) an upper 102 is shown in FIG. 1. The lasting element 136 can be secured to a peripheral edge 134 of the upper 102 and can be movably secured relative to the peripheral edge 134 such that the lasting element 136 can be pulled or otherwise tightened to pull the peripheral edge 134 when the upper 102 is positioned on the last 128. Thus, the effect of tightening the peripheral edge 134 can be analogous to the effect of a drawstring. Tightening the lasting element 136 can tighten the upper 102 around the footform body 130 such that the upper 102 obtains a shape similar to that of a foot. For example, such tension within the lasting element 136 can be achieved by pulling at least one of a first end 138 and a second end 140 of the lasting element.

[0045] As Figure 4 shown, the last 128 can include an opening 142 configured to receive at least one end of the lasting element 136 (e.g., at least one of the first end 138 and the second end 140). The opening 142 can be located on the bottom surface 132 of the footform body 130. In example embodiments, the opening 142 is located at a portion of the bottom surface 132 (also referred to as a “first surface”) that generally remains exposed during the lasting process, which can be advantageous to ensure that a person controlling and / or supervising the manufacture has access to the opening 142. The opening can extend to a second surface 146 of the last 128, which can be a surface that is also generally exposed during the lasting process. As Figure 4 depicted, the second surface 146 can be the surface on the exposed area of the raised portion 148 of the footform last 128. Thus, the opening can form a channel or passageway 150 from the bottom surface 132 to the second surface 146 through which at least a portion of the lasting element 136 (e.g., the first end 138 and / or the second end 140) can pass.

[0046] After the upper 102 is secured to the sole structure 104, and possibly before the upper 102 is removed from the last 128, the lasting element 136 can be removed from the upper 102. This can be achieved by pulling only one of the first end 138 and the second end 140 with a force sufficient to pull the lasting element 136 out of the upper 102 (e.g., when the upper 102 includes a knit tube that houses the lasting element 136, as described in more detail below). Additionally or alternatively, the lasting element 136 can be cut by a knife or other object to facilitate removal. It is also contemplated that the lasting element 136 can be formed of a dissolvable and / or degradable material that dissolves when exposed to a chemical (e.g., water). Thus, the lasting element 136 can be removed from the upper 102 by dissolving when the lasting element 136 is exposed to water (or another chemical) in a particular step.

[0047] During the lasting process, the first end 138 and the second end 140 can be fed through the opening 142 of the last 128 and out of the second surface 146, as shown. Figure 4 Tension can then be applied to at least one of the first end 138 and the second end 140 from above the second surface 146, causing the upper 102 to be drawn and generally form the shape of the footform body 130. The tension can be applied manually (e.g., by hand), automatically (e.g., using a spool 152 connected to an electric motor or other automated device), or by any other suitable means. To aid in manual tensioning, the last 128 can include an anchor 154 that can engage the lasting element 136 to maintain its tension after the tension is applied. The anchor can include a hook, a clip, a peg, a clasp, or any other suitable device.

[0048] Alternatively, it is contemplated that the opening 142 can extend only to the bottom surface 132, and that the last 128 can include a tensioning system that draws the lasting element 136 into a cavity at least partially defined by the opening 142. Any suitable tensioning system can be used, such as a spool, and the tensioning system can be operated automatically (e.g., incorporating electric elements) or manually by mechanical means.

[0049] During or after tensioning the upper 102 around the footform body 130, a lower component (e.g., a strobel and / or a sole structure 104) can be secured to the upper 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the sole structure 104 is secured to the upper 102 without a strobel (and, for purposes of this disclosure, if a strobel is included, it will be considered to be part of the upper 102). If the upper 102 is constructed such that it can be properly lasted and properly secured to the sole structure 104 without a strobel, the upper 102 can be referred to as a non-strobel upper. Thus, the upper 102 can include the bottom opening 144 before, during, and after being secured to the sole structure 104, including after the manufacturing process for the article of footwear is complete. In this embodiment, the sole structure 104 can form the bottom surface of the void of the article of footwear (e.g., because the strobel does not cover the opening 144, such that it is exposed from a top perspective). Herein, "top" refers to the direction of the traditional top or "upper" when the sole of the article of footwear is placed on the ground, and "bottom" refers to the opposite direction. Advantageously, excluding the strobel can save material costs, can provide the ability to manufacture relatively lightweight, high-performance articles of footwear (including knit uppers), and can provide more flexibility in the design of the sole structure 104 and / or the upper 102. An article of footwear in which the opening 144 is uncovered by a strobel (e.g., such that the top surface of the sole structure is accessible) can be said to be strobelless.

[0050] The securing of the upper 102 to the sole structure 104 can occur at least at the lower peripheral edge 134, and particularly where the lower peripheral edge 134 overlaps the bottom surface 132 of the footform body 130. Any suitable securing means can be used to secure the upper 102 to the sole structure 104, such as stitching, heat bonding, adhesive bonding, combinations thereof, and the like. Advantageously, Figure 4 Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide the upper 102 with the ability to remain tensioned during the securing step. The ability to access the lasting element 136 during the securing process without reaching between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 can also allow the tension of the lasting element 136 (and thus the tightening of the upper 102) to be dynamically adjusted during or just prior to the securing. This adjustment can be a step in the design, for example, or to correct for deviations. Furthermore, since the first end 138 and the second end 140 are accessible, rather than extending directly between the peripheral edge 134 and the sole structure 104, the securing process can be performed without sacrificing any of the contact surface area between the peripheral edge 134 and the sole structure 104, thereby providing a structurally sound joint between these elements. The importance of these advantages can be enhanced in situations where it is desirable for the degree of overlap between the peripheral edge 134 and the sole structure 104 to be as small as possible (e.g., to save material and ensure that the peripheral edge 134 does not interfere with the comfort and / or functionality of the sole structure 104). In some embodiments, for example, the overlap and contact of the peripheral edge 134 with the sole structure 104 can be from about 2 mm to about 20 mm, such as from about 5 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., 10 mm) when the upper 102 is incorporated into an article of footwear. The peripheral edge 134 can be secured to the sole structure 104 by the use of an adhesive, by stitching, and / or by another suitable securing means or method.

[0051] While it can be advantageous to minimize the number of manufacturing steps, other manufacturing steps can occur while the upper 102 is on the last 128. For example, heat can be applied to the upper 102 while it is on the last, which can melt certain materials within the yarns of the knit material of the upper 102, or otherwise reinforce the upper 102 so that it retains a suitable shape after being removed from the last 128. The heat can be applied in the form of steam. The steam or other heating step can occur before, during, or after the step of securing the upper 102 to the sole structure 104. Additional secondary lasting manufacturing steps (e.g., pressing a logo or other component onto the upper 102) are also contemplated.

[0052] The above-described embodiments can additionally or alternatively be advantageous to provide the ability to customize the size (and shape) of an article of footwear without significantly altering the knitting process. For example, the size of the upper 102 can be determined by the size / shape of the last 128, the tension applied to the lasting element 136, the level of heat applied to the upper 102 when being lasted, combinations thereof, and the like. This can reduce or eliminate the necessity of including multiple knitting machines, needle sizes, yarn sizes, and the like when developing and manufacturing models of articles of footwear having multiple sizes and shapes, which can be customized for a particular user.

[0053] With reference to Figure 5 After the upper 102 is formed, the lasting element 136 can be secured to the upper 102. For example, if the upper 102 is formed primarily from the knitted component 110, the knitted component 110 can include a channel 156 around the peripheral edge 134. The channel 156 can be formed by any suitable method or structure. In one example, when the peripheral edge 134 is knitted, the channel 156 can be formed by using a tubular knitting process, where a first layer is knitted on a first needle bed of the knitting machine and a second layer is formed on a second needle bed of the knitting machine, and subsequently, the two layers are secured at the two edges to define the channel 156. Once the channel 156 is formed, the lasting element 136 can be fed through the channel 156. The openings 158 can be formed (e.g., by cutting) or can be formed by knit gaps in the knit structure of the knitted component 110.

[0054] While not necessary, it is contemplated that the upper 102 can include the lasting element 136 having one or more portions 160 that span from the peripheral edge 134 at one side (e.g., the medial side) of the upper 102 to the peripheral edge 134 at the other side (e.g., the lateral side) of the upper 102, as shown. Figure 6 It can be said that the portions 160 span the bottom opening 144 of the upper 102. The arrangement of the portions 160 can provide the upper 102 with different tension around the last 128, such that some areas of the peripheral edge 134 are pulled with greater tension and / or in different directions than other areas of the peripheral edge 134, which can be advantageous to allow for control of the shape of the upper 102 with enhanced precision. When spanning the bottom opening 144, the portions 160 can be said to form a bridge between the medial side and the lateral side of the upper 102. Figure 5When the channel 156 (which may require forming additional channel openings) is supplied with the stretching element, this particular arrangement of the stretching element 136 can be achieved by extending the stretching element 136 from one part of the peripheral edge 134 to another. The additional portion extending from one side of the upper 102 to the other can be located in different positions (e.g., closer to the toes or heel) and can include any suitable number of such portions. Advantageously, the portion extending from one side of the upper 102 to the other can be positioned and configured such that the tension supplied to the upper 102 varies at different locations on the upper 102 for appropriate tension control.

[0055] Similarly, such as Figure 7 As shown, the gusset element 136 can be attached to a hook 162, which extends from the bottom surface 132 of the last 128. This arrangement of the gusset element 136 can be achieved by wrapping the gusset element 136 around the hook 162 during the step of feeding the gusset element 136 through the channel 156. It is conceivable that the hook 162 can be retractable, allowing the gusset element 136 to be released once the upper 102 is secured to the sole structure, which may be advantageous for facilitating the removal of the upper 102 from the last 128 after securing. The hook 162 can also be located in a recess or cavity on the bottom surface 132 so that it does not interfere with the securing between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104. It is also conceivable that the hook 162 may include a sharp edge configured to cut the gusset element 136, allowing the gusset element 136 to be removed from the upper 102 when no longer needed. Although not shown, it is conceivable that retractable or non-retractable hooks (e.g., needles or other suitable devices) may be attached to the lower peripheral edge 134 at at least one location to provide additional support before, during or after the bandaging process.

[0056] refer to Figure 8 The stretching element 136 can be formed as an element / part of the knitted component 110, which forms at least a portion of the upper 102. In other words, the stretching element 136 can be formed on a knitting machine together with the remainder of the knitted component 110 and can be integrated into the knitted structure of the knitted component 110. For example, in a non-limiting example, the stretching element 136 can be embedded within the rows and / or warps of the knitted component such that it passes through the loops of the respective rows and / or warps. When embedded within a row, the stretching element 136 can alternate between being behind some loops in (a) a row and in front of other loops in (b) a row, for example, referring to U.S. Patent No. 8,839,532. Figure 8 As stated in A, the patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0057] In an embodiment where the upper 102 is knitted generally from the outer side 106 to the inner side 108, the stretching element 136 may be located at the peripheral edge 134 on the outer side 106 along a first direction (in... Figure 8 The slack portion 168 is inserted (shown by arrow 164) and subsequently, it can return to the inner side 108 as an inserting element in a generally opposite second direction (shown by arrow 166). This orientation allows the inserting process to be performed on a single flat knitting machine or a multi-bed flat knitting machine. When using this procedure, the slack portion 168 can be located at position 170 of the peripheral edge 134 when the knitted part initially leaves the knitting machine. The slack portion can represent a step during knitting in which the feeder for inserting the slack element 136 reaches the end of the upper 102 as it moves in the first direction, extends beyond the upper 102, and then turns in the second direction to move back to its original position. For example, after the knitted part 110 is removed from the knitting machine, the slack portion 168 can be removed by pulling at least one of the first end 138 and the second end 140 of the slack element 136.

[0058] exist Figure 8 In this design, the upper 102 is depicted as having two rear edges 172, which can be joined (e.g., by sewing a seam) before the upper 102 is placed onto the shoe last. However, it is also conceivable that the upper 102 can be shaped such that no seam is required within the upper 102. While not mandatory in all embodiments, the two rear edges 172 can be configured such that the resulting seam (when the upper 102 is fully formed) is not directly behind the heel of the footwear article, but rather offset.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, the upper 102 may include a closed-loop support element 136 without any discontinuous ends. The support element 136 may be secured to the upper 102 using any of the methods described above. It is conceivable that the support element 136 may initially be secured to the upper 102 with at least two discontinuous ends, and subsequently, after (or during) the fixation of the support element 136, these discontinuous ends may be secured to each other. Alternatively, the support element 136 may be closed-loop upon initial fixation. As shown, this can be achieved by tying the support element 136 to the lower peripheral edge 134 of the upper with multiple tie yarns 174. The tie yarns may optionally be incorporated into the knitted structure of the knitted component 110 of the upper 102. Other suitable fixation methods, such as adhesive or sewing, are also contemplated.

[0060] Although not necessary, Figure 9The closed-loop gusset element 136 may comprise a relatively elastic material, such as rubber or spandex, which can facilitate the placement of the upper 102 onto the last. The gusset element and / or the upper may be configured (e.g., sized) such that when the upper 102 is placed onto the last, the gusset element 136 is subjected to tension, thereby tightening the upper 102 around the last. As described in detail above, the sole structure or other lower components may then be secured to the upper 102. The gusset element 136 may then be optionally cut and removed. In some embodiments, when subjected to the same tensile force (e.g., for example, 5 pounds on a tension meter), the elastic gusset element may stretch at least twice the elongation of most of the yarn / ply forming the remaining portion of the upper 102.

[0061] In this disclosure, ranges given in absolute or approximate terms are intended to encompass both, and any definitions used herein are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. While the numerical ranges and parameters illustrating the broad ranges of this embodiment are approximate, the numerical values ​​illustrated in the specific examples are recorded as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently includes some error necessarily caused by the standard deviation present in its corresponding test measurement. Furthermore, the entire range disclosed herein should be understood to cover any and all subranges (including all decimal and integer values) incorporated herein.

[0062] Furthermore, this disclosure includes any and all possible combinations of some or all of the aspects described herein. It should also be understood that various changes and modifications to the aspects described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. Therefore, it is intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: The upper, comprising: Knitted component, the knitted component comprising: Inner perimeter edge; Outer perimeter edge; The channel in the knitted component extends around the upper adjacent to the outer peripheral edge; and Stretching element, the stretching element extending through the channel; and A sole structure, wherein the sole structure is fixed to the upper adjacent to the outer peripheral edge.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, Without Stellar, the sole structure is fixed to the upper.

3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein, The sole structure is fixed to the upper using adhesives and / or heat bonding.

4. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The channel includes a tubular knitted structure, which includes a plurality of knitted gaps that expose the stretching element.

5. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The channel includes a first end and a second end, wherein the stretching element is exposed through at least one opening in the channel located between the first end and the second end.

6. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one opening includes a first opening on a first side of the shoe upper and a second opening on a second side of the shoe upper.

7. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one opening includes a first set of openings on a first side of the shoe upper and a second set of openings on a second side of the shoe upper.

8. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one opening includes a first opening on a first side of the shoe upper and a second opening on a second side of the shoe upper, wherein the stretching element extends from the first opening into the second opening.

9. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The at least one opening includes a plurality of openings positioned around the channel, and wherein the bandaging element extends between the plurality of openings such that the bandaging element extends across the foot portion.

10. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The bandaging element includes a first segment extending across the foot portion and a second segment extending across the foot portion, wherein the first segment intersects the second segment.

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