Knitted top with integrally knitted element

Abstract

The present invention relates to an upper part (1) for a shoe, comprising a knitted main part (2), wherein the main part (2) is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving a foot of a wearer of the shoe; a knitted tongue (3); and a knitted transition part (4) connecting the tongue (3) to the main part (2), wherein the main part (2), the tongue (3) and the transition part (4) form a single knitted construction, and wherein the transition part (4) comprises a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part (2) and / or the tongue (3).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a knitted upper for a shoe with an integrally knitted element and a corresponding manufacturing process. Technical background

[0002] Currently, shoe uppers are often equipped with additional features such as cushioning, reinforcement, or support by applying additional components like foams, reinforcement layers, toe caps, heel caps, eyelet reinforcements, etc., to the upper. This requires additional manufacturing steps such as cutting, sewing, cementing, or other labor-intensive processes.

[0003] US 2,623,374 A relates to a sock with a sole section, a toe section and a heel section that are substantially the same height as the heel sections of the shoes with which the socks are to be worn, and a heel flap extending upward from the back of the heel section of the sock, with a fold line provided between the flap and the heel section to fold the flap down over the outside of the heel section of the shoe.

[0004] US 2,721,463 A relates to a knitted sock designed to be worn with low-cut shoes such as golf shoes, and which is concealed in use except for a heel support flap.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an upper for a shoe with additional functions, in particular cushioning and reinforcement, which is cost-effective to manufacture. Summary of the invention

[0006] This problem is solved at least partially by a top part according to claim 1 and a method for manufacturing such a top part according to claim 19.

[0007] Thus, the upper part of a shoe according to the invention comprises: a knitted main part, wherein the main part is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving a foot of a wearer of the shoe; a knitted tongue; a knitted transition part connecting the tongue to the main part, wherein the main part, the tongue and the transition part form a single knitted construction, and wherein the transition part comprises a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part and / or the tongue.

[0008] The invention enables the knitting of the main part, the transition part, and the tab in a single knitting process as a unified knitted construction, saving time and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for additional steps to attach the tab to the rest of the upper. The tab is an additional functional element of the upper. For example, as described in more detail below, the tab can act as a reinforcing or cushioning element. If required, these functions can be achieved in conjunction with additional elements such as padding or reinforcing layers. In the context of the present invention, a tab is understood to be a piece of knitted material that is connected to the main part along an edge through the transition part. The tab can have a straight or a curved edge.

[0009] Since the transition section incorporates a different knit structure and / or yarn and / or yarn combination and / or yarn placement compared to the main section and the flap, it can function as a natural fold line. This means the transition section can be configured so that the flap folds naturally at the transition section, potentially saving time and costs. In contrast, a conventional stitch-and-turn line is not adjustable with respect to stretch and other properties and can be detrimental to the visual appearance. The knitted transition section, on the other hand, offers the freedom to be adjusted with respect to stretch and strength. The transition section, as formed according to the present invention, also provides a better fit and greater comfort for the wearer, as the flap tends to stay in its intended position.For example, it does not tend to develop.

[0010] Other advantages of the present invention include savings in yarn and textile material, since the different parts of the upper garment are knitted together in the correct shape directly on the knitting machine in a unified knitted construction. The process of manufacturing the upper garment according to the invention can be highly automated, requiring less human intervention and thus reducing associated costs. Because more parts are knitted together directly on the knitting machine, manual labor can be reduced. In general, the present invention results in less cutting, preparation, and sewing work being required. The product manufacturing process is accelerated due to predefined knitted components.Although most parts are produced together on a knitting machine, there is still a high degree of design freedom, as the main knitting techniques used to create visual and functional effects can be applied independently to the tongue and the main body. Other common finishing techniques can also be used to enhance the appearance or functionality of the upper, and especially the main body and tongue, such as screen printing, high-frequency welding, gluing, etc. Furthermore, the yarns used on the main body and tongue can be selected and engineered to meet specific needs. For example, in designs where the tongue is folded inwards towards the cavity intended to accommodate a wearer's foot, the yarns used for the tongue that will contact the foot can be engineered to provide comfort.

[0011] Knitting in connection with the present invention refers to both weft knitting and warp knitting.

[0012] The knitted structure of the transition piece can comprise a first layer and a second layer that overlaps the first layer, with the first layer having a different number of rows compared to the second layer. In this way, a pre-tension or pre-fold of the flap can be achieved, meaning the flap would naturally fold towards the layer with fewer rows.

[0013] The transition section can comprise at least one row containing a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least one other row containing a plurality of loops, the majority of which are back loops. This facilitates folding the flap at the transition section by providing at least one row with essentially only front loops and another row with essentially only back loops. A majority of loops on the front or back can mean more than 50%, preferably more than 75%, more preferably more than 90%, and most preferably more than 95%.

[0014] The knit structure of the transition piece can be a single-layer structure, such as a single jersey knit. Compared to other knit structures, a single-layer structure is more flexible. Furthermore, it allows for a thinner folded edge compared to a double-layer structure. Thus, the main body and / or the tab can feature a different knit structure than a single-layer structure, for example, a double-layer structure, which is stiffer and increases the stability of the upper, while the single jersey knit of the transition piece facilitates the folding of the tab. Other exemplary knit structures for the transition piece include so-called ottoman and purl-purl knits.

[0015] The transition section can include a first yarn, which differs from the second yarn of the main body and / or the flap. This allows the main body and / or flap to be given different functions compared to the transition section. In particular, the yarn in the transition section can facilitate folding the flap. In another example, the yarn in the transition section can be a different color than the yarn in the main body and / or flap to visually highlight the transition section and define the folded edge in the finished product.

[0016] The first yarn can be more elastic than the second. This allows the main body and the flap to be pulled together by the first yarn of the transition piece, making it easier to fold the flap. Alternatively, the main body and / or the flap can be stiffer than the transition piece.

[0017] The first yarn can be a different color than the second. As explained above, this allows the transition to be visually emphasized and the folded edge to be defined in the finished product. This can also serve as a guide during the manufacturing process to indicate the correct fold line when folding the flap.

[0018] The transition section can comprise a front layer and a back layer, with the front layer potentially containing a more elastic yarn than the back layer, or vice versa. Again, such an arrangement of yarns causes the flap to fold almost automatically simply due to the differing tensions created by the more and less elastic yarns in the front and back layers. The front layer can be knitted on a first needle bed and the back layer on a second needle bed of a flat knitting machine. Alternatively, the front and back layers can be knitted on the cylinder and disc of a circular knitting machine.

[0019] The flap can be positioned on the tongue section of the upper in such a way that it is designed to cover at least part of the tongue, or the flap can be positioned on the heel section of the upper. If positioned on the tongue, the flap can cover the laces or part of them. In this way, the flap can be used, for example, to cover the laces and their free ends, preventing them from coming undone. If positioned on the heel, the flap can be folded inwards towards the inside of the upper to act as cushioning (with additional padding if needed).

[0020] The flap can be positioned in the lacing or eyelet area of ​​the upper in such a way as to reinforce that area. In this way, the upper can be provided with integral reinforcement at the lacing or eyelet area without the need to attach additional components.

[0021] The flap can be folded such that the flap and a section of the main part of the upper form a cavity. This cavity can be filled with additional elements that provide the upper with additional functions, as described below. Generally, components that can be inserted into the cavity, in the context of the present invention, include a heel counter, a toe cap, cushioning foam, a reinforcement layer, etc. The position and / or shape of the flap can vary depending on the specific application.

[0022] Padding and / or reinforcement can be arranged within the cavity. Thus, the padding and / or reinforcement can be easily attached to the upper part by placing it within the cavity formed by the integral flap and the main part of the upper part. The padding and / or reinforcement can be held in place by attaching the free edges of the flap to the main part of the upper part, for example, by sewing. In another embodiment, the padding / reinforcement can be glued or heat-bonded to the flap or to the main part to hold it in place.

[0023] The flap can incorporate a jacquard knit structure. The jacquard knit structure can be single-layer or double-layer. Generally, the flap can incorporate a single-layer or double-layer knit structure. A jacquard structure offers the possibility of creating a colored pattern or lettering, thus providing color options. Double-layer jacquard has more substance compared to single-layer jacquard. Single-layer jacquard is thin and can be used when not too much thickness should be added. With a jacquard structure, in addition to the colors, the properties of the material can also be adjusted differently by varying the structure and using different types of yarn than would be possible with a simple double-layer structure.

[0024] The tongue can incorporate a stretch yarn. This allows the tongue to be made with stretch, which can be advantageous in certain areas of the garment. Another benefit of a stretch yarn is that the tongue can better conform to the shape of the garment if it is placed on a curved area, without creating creases. For example, it is advantageous to use a stretch yarn, such as spandex or an elastic yarn, if the tongue is placed on the inside of the heel area, so that it can stretch to cover the desired area without creating creases that would be uncomfortable for the wearer.

[0025] The transition section can include at least one yarn that is also present in the main section, with fewer layers of this yarn in the transition section than in the main section. Using fewer layers allows for a thinner material, so the transition section and / or the tongue can be thinner than the rest of the upper. If located in the transition area, this allows for a finer crease and makes it easier to bend over the tongue. If located on the tongue, this allows for a thinner tongue, thus reducing material and weight where it is not needed. Furthermore, if the tongue is folded inwards towards the inside of the shoe, as at the heel, this improves comfort because the material thickness inside the shoe is reduced.Instead of using a different number of layers, another option could be to use yarns with different deniers, e.g. 75 denier and 150 denier.

[0026] The main body, transition section, and tongue can be knitted in a single process, creating a one-piece construction. This saves time and money by eliminating the need to assemble separate components. Additionally, it minimizes the number of seams, enhancing the garment's visual appeal and comfort.

[0027] The tab may have been formed using partial knitting. Partial knitting is a technique that allows you to use only a specific area of ​​a row of needles for stitch formation. Certain needles are not knitted, but their loops remain and resume knitting after a certain number of rows. Thus, no knitting process takes place across the entire row of needles. Partial knitting makes it possible to create a top with an edge of almost any shape. This allows the tab to be knitted along with the main body and the transition piece in a single knitting process. The partial knitting on the tab can mirror the shape of the partial knitting on the main body. Thus, both the corresponding main body, which is overlapped by the tab, and the tab itself are formed using partial knitting.Partial knitting also makes it possible to obtain curved and three-dimensional shapes.

[0028] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a shoe comprising an upper as described herein and a sole structure attached to the upper. The specific embodiments of the upper as described herein and their advantages are also applicable to the shoe comprising such an upper.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an upper part for a shoe, comprising the following steps: a.) Knitting a main part, wherein the main part is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving a foot of a wearer of the shoe; b.) Knitting a tab; c.) Knitting a transition piece connecting the flap to the main piece, wherein steps a.), b.) and c.) are carried out in a single knitting process, and wherein the transition piece includes a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main piece and the flap.

[0030] What is described herein with regard to the upper part according to the invention is also applicable to the method for manufacturing such an upper part.

[0031] In general, steps a), b) and c) of the procedure can be carried out in any order to allow maximum flexibility in the manufacture of the upper part.

[0032] An embodiment of the method may further be characterized in that the knitting structure of the transition part comprises a first layer and a second layer that overlaps the first layer, and wherein step c.) comprises knitting the transition part such that the first layer comprises a different number of rows compared to the second layer.

[0033] Step c) of the procedure may include knitting the transition part such that at least one row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least one other row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are back loops.

[0034] Step c) of the procedure may include knitting the transition part as a single-layer structure.

[0035] The transition section may include a first yarn, which differs from a second yarn of the main body and / or the tongue. The first yarn may be more elastic than the second yarn. The first yarn may be a different color than the second yarn. The tongue may be positioned at the heel or tongue of the upper in such a way as to cover at least part of the tongue. The tongue may be positioned in the lacing area of ​​the upper in such a way as to reinforce the lacing area. Regarding the yarn and the position of the tongue, reference is made to the advantages already mentioned.

[0036] The method may further include the step of folding the flap such that the flap and a section of the main part of the upper form a cavity. The method may further include the step of arranging padding and / or reinforcement within the cavity. Reference is again made to the advantages mentioned in relation to the cavity formed by the flap and the main part.

[0037] The method may further include the step of attaching a free end of the flap to the main body after the padding and / or reinforcement has been arranged in the cavity. This ensures that the padding or reinforcement is held firmly in place within the cavity. For example, the free end of the flap may be sewn or glued to the main body. Alternatively, a fusible weave could be used in the knit (either in the flap, the main body, or both), or a tape could be applied. The fusible weave could also be applied to the padding / reinforcement. Additionally, the padding / reinforcement may include an adhesive surface to help hold it in place.

[0038] Step b) of the method according to the invention can comprise knitting the tab as a jacquard knit structure. The tab can comprise a stretch yarn. Step b) of the method according to the invention can also comprise knitting the tab using partial knitting. Reference is made to the advantages mentioned in connection with the upper part.

[0039] In step b) of the inventive method, a tighter mesh tension can be used than in steps a) and / or c). Thus, the tab can generally have a tighter structure, which increases the stiffness and stability of the tab. This could be done, for example, by using fewer layers to adjust the mesh length to the number of layers used. It can also be done to reduce elongation or increase support. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B: an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely a knitted upper material comprising a main part, a flap and a transition part; Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D: the embodiment of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B with flap unfolded; Fig. 2: an exemplary knitting program that can be used in connection with the present invention, in particular for the purposes described in the Fig. 4A-B embodiment shown; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B: Exemplary embodiments of shoes according to the present invention; Fig. 4A-D: a further exemplary embodiment of a section of a knitted upper material according to the invention; and Fig. 5: an exemplary method for manufacturing an upper part according to the present invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0041] Only some possible embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and combined with one another in various ways, whenever they are compatible, and that certain features can be omitted if they appear unnecessary.

[0042] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, namely a detail of a knitted upper 1 for a shoe. Fig. 1A shows the inside of the upper part 1, i.e. the side facing the foot of a wearer of the shoe. Fig. 1B shows the outside of top 1, i.e., top 1 of Fig. 1A is folded horizontally. It should be noted that the idea of ​​the present invention is also intended to be applicable to clothing. Thus, the example of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B and the following examples and embodiments are equally applicable to clothing instead of a top.

[0043] The upper part 1 is shown in a flat configuration, i.e., before it is shaped and joined with a sole structure to form a complete shoe. Thus, the upper part 1 can be shaped and joined with other elements (e.g., a tongue, a toe box, etc.) as needed and is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving the foot of a wearer of the shoe. The upper part 1 comprises at least three parts that are important in relation to the present invention.

[0044] In this embodiment, the knitted main part 2 forms the majority of the upper part 1 and would constitute the majority of the cavity for inserting a foot once the upper part 1 is shaped and attached to a sole structure. In this embodiment, the main part 2 includes eyelets for lacing, two of which are designated by reference numeral 5. In other embodiments, the upper part would not include eyelets for lacing, but would instead include other means for attaching the shoe to the foot, such as hook-and-loop fasteners or straps. In other examples, the upper part 1 would not include any fastening means at all, and the knitting of the upper part 1 would be adapted to secure the shoe to the foot like a sock.

[0045] The upper part 1 also includes a knitted tab 3, which is connected to the main part 2 via a transition section 4. In this example, the tab 3 is located in the heel section of the upper. In other examples, the tab could be located elsewhere on the upper, for example, on a lace section or a tongue section. The tab 4 in the example of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B is located on the inside of the main part 2 of the top part 1 and covers a section of the inside of the main part 2. In other examples, the flap could cover other sections of the main part 2 and could, for example, cover an outside of the main part 2.

[0046] The tab 3 is connected to the main part 2 of the upper part 1 by the knitted transition piece 4. The main part 2, the tab 3, and the transition piece 4 form a single knitted construction. Thus, the main part 2, the tab 3, and the transition piece 4 can be produced in a single knitting process on a flat or circular knitting machine. According to the present invention, the assembly of separate parts is not necessary. The knitted transition piece 4 in the example of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B comprises a different yarn compared to the main part 2 and the tab 3, which was threaded onto a different feeder. The yarn differs in color; that is, the colors of the yarns of the main part 2 and the tab 3 differ from the color of the yarn of the transition part 4.

[0047] In other examples, the transition section 4 would involve a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main section 2 and the flap 3. A different yarn placement refers to the placement of the yarn in the knitting machine and consequently in the knitting structure. For example, a yarn placed on the front or back needle bed in the knitting machine will end up on the front or back layer of the knitting structure, respectively. Thus, a different yarn placement includes, for example, cases where the same yarns are used on the transition section and on the flap and / or the main section, but they are placed differently.For example, elastic and polyester yarns could be placed on both the front and back layers of the flap and / or the main part, and on the transition part, polyester yarn could be placed only on the front or back layer and be elastic on the other layer.

[0048] In another example, the main section 2 and the flap 3 could feature a jacquard knit structure, while the transition section could feature a single jersey knit structure. In yet another example, the transition section 4 could feature a different combination of yarns compared to the main section 2 and the flap 3. For instance, the transition section 4 could feature an elastic yarn and a less elastic yarn, while the main section 2 and the flap 3 could feature only a non-elastic yarn.

[0049] The Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D shows the top part 1 of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B with the flap 3 unfolded, i.e., folded away from the main part 2. Thus, it corresponds to Fig. 1C Fig. 1A and shows the inside of top 1, while Fig. 1D Fig. 1B corresponds to and shows the outside of the top 1.

[0050] In general, the different parts of the upper part 1, such as the main part 2, the flap 3 and the transition part 4, can include different knitting structures.

[0051] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example knitting program that can be used to program a knitting machine to, for example, knit a top 1, as described in the Fig. 1A-1D described, to manufacture. In particular, the program shows the embodiments of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. The program includes an area for the main part 2, an area for the flap 3, and an area for the transition part 4 of the upper part 1. As explained, the main part 2, the flap 3, and the transition part 4 are produced in a single knitting process, as also shown in the knitting program of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, partial knitting is used in the areas designated by reference numeral 6 to form the edge of the main part 2 and the flap 4. The partial knitting on the flap 3 mirrors the shape of the partial knitting on the main part 2. Thus, both the corresponding main part 2, which is overlapped by the flap 3, and the flap 3 are formed using partial knitting. The flap 3 is connected to the main part 2 by the transition piece 4, which in this example comprises two rows of stitches: a back row near the flap 3 and a front row near the main part 2. The flap 3 incorporates a jacquard structure for decorative purposes, namely a logo 7. Additionally or alternatively, the flap could incorporate a different yarn compared to the main part 2 and / or the transition piece 4, for example, a moisture-wicking yarn.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3A shows a shoe 30 comprising the upper part 1 of Figures 1A-1D. Therefore, what has been explained with respect to the exemplary upper part 1 of Figures 1A-1D also applies to the shoe 10 of Figure 3A. Fig. 3 applicable. In Fig. 3. The upper part 1 was shaped into a three-dimensional form to create a cavity into which a user can insert a foot to place it onto the shoe 30. The flap 3 is folded to the inside of the upper part 1 and provides padding (in Fig. (3A not shown) was arranged in the cavity formed between the flap 3 and the main part 2. Thus, the padding provides cushioning for the user's heel. The flap 3 is also attached to the main part 2 at the lower edge of the flap 3 by a seam 7, which is produced by sewing. Other examples include gluing or welding the flap 3 to the main part 2. The upper part 1 includes laces 8. The upper part 1 is attached to a sole structure 9 (e.g., a midsole or Strobel board), which can be produced, for example, by sewing, welding, or gluing. In this specific embodiment, the upper part 1 is produced in two separate pieces. The first piece is similar to the one shown in the Fig. 1A-D and Fig. 2 shown, which defines the heel and quarter area (lateral-medial), and the second piece (in Fig. 3A (only partially visible) is what defines the toe and the tongue.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3B shows another example of a shoe 30 comprising an upper 1 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, only the tongue and the throat part are knitted. In this example, the upper 1 comprises a flap 3 arranged at the upper end of a tongue section 10 of the upper 1. The flap 3 is folded such that it covers a portion of the tongue 10 and the laces 8 of the upper 1. Just as in the example of Fig. 1A-1D is tab 3 across a transition section (in Fig. 3B not visible) is connected to the main part 2 of the upper part 2 and the three parts are produced in a single knitting process as a unified knitted construction.

[0054] The Fig. Figures 4A-4D show another example of a section of a knitted upper material 1, comprising a main part 2, a flap 3 and a transition part 4, which corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 1A-1D is similar, whereby Fig. 4A shows the front and Fig. 4B shows the reverse side. In the example of the Fig. 4A-4D will contain a heel foam 11 and a reinforcement layer 12 (in Fig. (shown in Figure 4D) is inserted into the cavity formed between the flap 3 and the main part 2. The reinforcement layer 12 is heat-activated for three-dimensional shaping. This provides cushioning and stiffening to the heel section of the upper part 1. In general, other components can be inserted into a cavity formed between the flap 3 and the main part 2 of the upper part 1 in the context of the present invention, namely a heel counter, a toe cap, eyelet reinforcement, etc. The position and / or shape of the flap 3 can vary depending on the specific application.

[0055] Fig.Figure 5 illustrates a process 100 for producing a top 1, as described herein. The process 100 generally comprises a step 110, which is knitting the main part 2 of the top 1, a step 120, which is knitting the transition part 4 of the top 1, and a step 130, which is knitting the flap 3 of the top 1. It should be noted that the steps can generally be performed in any order, as long as the process is a single knitting process to obtain a top 1 with a uniform knit construction, and as long as step 120 (knitting the transition part) is not the first or last step. The process can be performed on a flat or circular knitting machine.

[0056] Optionally, in manufacturing process 100, after knitting the main part 2, the transition part 4, and the flap 3, the upper part 1 can be exposed to steam. Furthermore, optionally, a foam, reinforcement, or other component can be placed in a cavity formed between the flap 3 and the main part 2. The inserted components can float freely, be glued to the knitted fabric, or be sewn in. To prevent the flap 3 from wrinkling during the manufacturing process (too much fabric in the flap), stretch yarns can be used for knitting the flap 3. Stretch yarns may not be present in the main part 2 or the transition part 4. Alternatively, to prevent the flap 3 from wrinkling, a tighter stitch tension can be used when knitting the flap 3 compared to the main part 2 and / or the transition part 4.

[0057] The idea underlying the present invention is also applicable to clothing such as sportswear. Thus, what was described above with regard to a top also applies to clothing. In this case, the top 1 described above is to be replaced by clothing such as a shirt, trousers, socks, a hoodie, a jersey, a coat, a bra, etc. Top 1 therefore serves as an exemplary embodiment of clothing. Embodiments of such clothing include: Clothing (1), including: a. a knitted main part (2); b. a knitted tab (3); c. a knitted transition piece (4) that connects the tab (3) to the main piece (2), d. wherein the main part (2), the flap (3) and the transition part (4) form a single knitted construction, and e. wherein the transition part (4) comprises a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part (2) and / or the tab (3). 2. Clothing (1) according to embodiment 1, wherein the knitted structure of the transition part (4) comprises a first layer and a second layer which overlaps the first layer, and wherein the first layer comprises a different number of rows compared to the second layer. 3. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the transition part (4) comprises at least one row comprising a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least one other row comprising a plurality of loops, the majority of which are back loops. 4. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the knitted structure of the transition part (4) is a single-layer structure. 5. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the transition part (4) comprises a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is distinct from a second yarn of the main part (2) and / or the flap (3). 6. Clothing (1) according to embodiment 5, wherein the first yarn is more elastic than the second yarn. 7. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 5 or 6, wherein the first yarn comprises a different color than the second yarn. 8. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the transition part (4) comprises a front layer and a back layer and wherein the front layer comprises a more elastic yarn than the back layer or the back layer comprises a more elastic yarn than the front layer. 9. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the flap (3) is arranged on a tongue section of the clothing (1) such that it is designed to cover at least one section of the tongue, or wherein the flap (3) is arranged on a heel section of the clothing (1). 10. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the flap (3) is folded such that the flap (3) and a section of the main part (2) of the clothing (1) form a cavity. 11. Clothing (1) according to embodiment 10, wherein padding and / or reinforcement is arranged in the cavity. 12. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the flap (3) comprises a jacquard knit structure. 13. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the flap (3) comprises a stretch yarn. 14. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the transition part (4) comprises at least one yarn which is also present in the main part (2), wherein the number of layers of this yarn in the transition part (4) is less than the number of layers in the main part (2). 15. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the main part (2), the transition part (4) and the tab (3) were knitted in a single knitting process forming a one-piece construction. 16. Clothing (1) according to one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the flap (3) has been formed by partial knitting. 17. Method (100) for manufacturing a garment, comprising the following steps: a. Knitting (110) of a main part; b. Knitting (120) a tab; c. Knitting (130) a transition piece that connects the flap to the main part, where steps a., b. and c. are carried out in a single knitting process, and where the transition part includes a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part and / or the flap. 18. Method (100) according to embodiment 17, wherein the knitting structure of the transition part comprises a first layer and a second layer overlapping the first layer, and wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part such that the first layer comprises a different number of rows compared to the second layer. 19. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17 or 18, wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part such that at least one row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least another row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are back loops. 20. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-19, wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part as a single-layer structure. 21. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-20, wherein the transition part comprises a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is distinct from a second yarn of the main part and / or the tab. 22. Method (100) according to embodiment 21, wherein the first yarn is more elastic than the second yarn. 23. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 21 or 22, wherein the first yarn comprises a different color than the second yarn. 24. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-23, further comprising the step of folding the flap such that the flap and a section of the main part of the garment form a cavity. 25. Method (100) according to embodiment 24, which further comprises the step of arranging padding and / or reinforcement in the cavity. 26. Method (100) according to embodiment 25, which further comprises the step of attaching a free end of the tab to the main part after arranging the padding and / or reinforcement in the cavity. 27. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-26, wherein step b. (120) comprises knitting the tab as a jacquard knitting structure. 28. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-27, wherein the tab comprises a stretch yarn. 29. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-28, wherein step b. (120) comprises knitting the tab using partial knitting. 30. Method (100) according to one of embodiments 17-29, wherein in step b. (120) a tighter mesh tension is used than in steps a. (110) and / or c. (130). Reference symbol list 1 top 2 Main part 3 tabs 4 Transition part 5 shoelace holes 6 partially knitted sections 7th seam 8 shoelaces 9 Sole structure 10 shoes 11 Foam 12 Reinforcing layer 100 manufacturing processes 110 Step a. of knitting the main part 120 Step b. of knitting the flap Step 130 c. of knitting the transition section QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2,623,374 A

[0003] US 2,721,463 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] Upper part (1) of a shoe, comprising: a. a knitted main part (2) wherein the main part (2) is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving a foot of a wearer of the shoe; b. a knitted tab (3); and c. a knitted transition piece (4) that connects the tab (3) to the main piece (2), d. wherein the main part (2), the flap (3) and the transition part (4) form a single knitted construction, and e. wherein the transition part (4) comprises a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part (2) and / or the tab (3). [2] Upper part (1) according to claim 1, wherein the knitted structure of the transition part (4) comprises a first layer and a second layer which overlaps the first layer, and wherein the first layer comprises a different number of rows compared to the second layer. [3] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the transition part (4) comprises at least one row comprising a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least one other row comprising a plurality of loops, the majority of which are rear loops. [4] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the knitted structure of the transition part (4) is a single-layer structure. [5] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the transition part (4) comprises a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is distinct from a second yarn of the main part (2) and / or the tab (3). [6] Upper part (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first yarn is more elastic than the second yarn. [7] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the first yarn comprises a different color than the second yarn. [8] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the transition part (4) comprises a front layer and a rear layer and wherein the front layer comprises a more elastic yarn than the rear layer or the rear layer comprises a more elastic yarn than the front layer. [9] Upper part (1) according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the tab (3) is arranged on a tongue section of the upper part (1) such that it is designed to cover at least one section of the tongue, or wherein the tab (3) is arranged on a heel section of the upper part (1). [10] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the tab (3) is arranged in a shoelace area of ​​the upper part (1) such that it is designed to reinforce the shoelace area. [11] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the flap (3) is folded such that the flap (3) and a section of the main part (2) of the upper part (1) form a cavity. [12] Upper part (1) according to claim 11, wherein padding and / or reinforcement is arranged in the cavity. [13] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the flap (3) comprises a jacquard knit structure. [14] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-13, wherein the tab (3) comprises a stretch yarn. [15] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-14, wherein the transition part (4) comprises at least one yarn which is also present in the main part (2), wherein the number of layers of this yarn in the transition part (4) is less than the number of layers in the main part (2). [16] Upper part (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the main part (2), the transition part (4) and the tab (3) were knitted in a single knitting process forming a one-piece construction. [17] Upper part (1) according to one of claims 1-16, wherein the tab (3) was formed by partial knitting. [18] Shoe, comprehensive: a. a top part (1) according to any one of claims 1-17; and b. a sole structure attached to the upper part (1). [19] Method (100) for manufacturing an upper for a shoe, comprising the following steps: a. Knitting (110) of a main part, wherein the main part is adapted to form at least part of a cavity for receiving a foot of a wearer of the shoe; b. Knitting (120) a tab; c. Knitting (130) a transition piece that connects the flap to the main part, where steps a., b. and c. are carried out in a single knitting process, and where the transition part includes a different knitting structure and / or a different yarn and / or a different yarn combination and / or a different yarn placement compared to the main part and / or the flap. [20] Method (100) according to claim 19, wherein the knitting structure of the transition part comprises a first layer and a second layer overlapping the first layer, and wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part such that the first layer comprises a different number of rows compared to the second layer. [21] Method (100) according to one of claims 19 or 20, wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part such that at least one row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are front loops, and at least another row comprises a plurality of loops, the majority of which are back loops. [22] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-21, wherein step c. (130) comprises knitting the transition part as a single-layer structure. [23] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-22, wherein the transition part comprises a first yarn, wherein the first yarn is distinct from a second yarn of the main part and / or the tab. [24] Method (100) according to claim 23, wherein the first yarn is more elastic than the second yarn. [25] Method (100) according to one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the first yarn comprises a different color than the second yarn. [26] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-25, wherein the flap is arranged on a heel section or on a tongue section of the upper part such that it is designed to cover at least one section of the tongue. [27] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-25, wherein the tab is arranged in a shoelace area of ​​the upper part such that it is designed to reinforce the shoelace area. [28] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-27, further comprising the step of folding the flap such that the flap and a section of the main part of the upper part form a cavity. [29] Method (100) according to claim 28, further comprising the step of arranging padding and / or reinforcement in the cavity. [30] Method (100) according to claim 29, further comprising the step of attaching a free end of the tab to the main part after arranging the padding and / or reinforcement in the cavity. [31] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-30, wherein step b. (120) comprises knitting the tab as a jacquard knitting structure. [32] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-31, wherein the tab comprises a stretch yarn. [33] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-32, wherein step b. (120) comprises knitting the tab using partial knitting. [34] Method (100) according to one of claims 19-33, wherein in step b. (120) a tighter mesh tension is used than in steps a. (110) and / or c. (130).

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