Double knit upper with functional tucked-in yarns

Abstract

To provide a double layer knitted element.SOLUTION: A double layer knitted element of the present invention is particularly for use in sporting goods. The double layer knitted element comprises a first layer including a first yarn, a second layer including a second yarn, and a third yarn at least partially disposed between the first layer and the second layer. The third yarn is fixed to at least one of the first and second layers with a plurality of tuck stitches. Between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn, at least one missed stitch is present.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a double knitted element, in particular to a sports item, and to a method for manufacturing such a double knitted element. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of manufacturing methods exist to provide knitted elements with desired functional properties such as stiffness, stretch, recovery, or compression properties through knitting.

[0003] In particular, stiffness is usually achieved by plating a melting yarn with a base yarn (e.g., polyester) or simply mixing the melting yarn with the base yarn into the same yarn feeder. Another possibility for achieving stiffness is offered by knitting a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn or by knitting a hybrid yarn representing a blend of polyester and melting yarn. Furthermore, stretch, recovery, or compression properties are usually achieved by in-laying a covered elastic yarn, or by plating or mixing a spandex yarn with a base yarn (e.g., natural, artificial, synthetic fibers) directly into the feeder, or by knitting a covered elastic yarn.

[0004] Tucked-in yarns are usually used on single-layer knit bases, for example in fleece fabrics. In these fabrics, the yarns are too thick for normal knitting and are therefore inserted into the fabric by tucking. Additionally, elastic yarns can be used as inlays or in tuck-float structures for sock knitting, but this use is known only for single jersey or single-knit layers.

[0005] Thus, the present invention addresses a variety of problems that need to be solved.

[0006] When using plating or intermixing to achieve stiffness, the melting yarn follows the same knitting sequence as the base yarn. Furthermore, the amount of melting yarn is difficult to control because it depends on the knitting structure. In addition, if the melting yarn is required on only one side of the fabric, the knitting sequence needs to be modified accordingly, which results in a different visual appearance or characteristics of the fabric. When the melting yarn is intermixed with the base yarn, it is impossible to control which of the two yarns will appear on the surface of the fabric. Plating the melting yarn can improve this drawback, but setting it on a knitting machine is usually difficult or time-consuming. In particular, plating is usually difficult to adjust on a knitting machine.

[0007] When using elastic yarns to achieve stretch, recovery, or compression as inlaid yarns, there is always a risk of pulling out the elastic yarn because it is not connected to the fabric, and above all, the inlaid yarn is simply a long float inside the double layer knit.

[0008] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide knitted fabrics and respective manufacturing methods for achieving enhanced functional properties in the knitted fabric. In particular, there is a need to generate functional properties in the knit independently of the knitting sequence, avoiding the possibility of pulling out the inlaid yarns, maintaining the appearance of the fabric while providing added functional properties, and / or activating the melting yarns in targeted locations of the knitted fabric.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0029989A1 relates to textile constructions formed with soluble filaments. Specifically, this document relates to textile constructions in which thermoplastic yarns or fibers are melted to form a fused film on one side or layer of the construction, while another side or layer is maintained in a separate knitted structure. The fused film can provide a membrane side or layer with desired attributes, such as one or more of waterproofness, water resistance, wind resistance, and breathability. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0029989A1 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The invention is defined by the independent claims.

[0012] According to a first aspect, the above-mentioned problems are solved by a double-layer knitting element, particularly a double-layer knitting element for sports equipment, which includes a first layer including a first yarn, a second layer including a second yarn, and a third yarn at least partially disposed between the first and second layers, the third yarn being attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a plurality of tuck stitches, with at least one miss stitch between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn.

[0013] Generally, the third yarn is locked into the fabric due to the tuck. In contrast to the tucked-in third yarn of the present invention, the inlaid strand floats freely inside the double layer fabric and can be removed from the knitted fabric if pulled.

[0014] The third yarn is separate from the main knitting structure and does not affect it, but it further enhances the knit's properties. In fact, the tuck stitches visible on the surface of one of the knitted layers are minimal, and therefore do not significantly affect the surface finish of that knitted layer. In addition, because the third yarn is sandwiched between the two layers, it provides additional protection. This means that yarns that would otherwise fail tests (such as abrasion and color transfer) can still be tucked in and provide additional functionality to the double-layer knitted element.

[0015] The third yarn in the double knit element is Functional yarn (hereinafter, Functional Yarn Also called As a third yarn, Functionality The use of yarns allows functional properties to be created in the knit independent of the knitting sequence.

[0016] The first yarn of the first layer and the second yarn of the second layer can be the same type of yarn, but it can also be two different types of yarn.

[0017] The functional yarn can be at least one of melting yarn, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn, water-repellent yarn, volume / puff yarn, natural fiber yarn (e.g., wool and cotton), cellulose yarn, hybrid yarn, antibacterial (anti-bacterial) yarn such as copper, zinc, silver, elastic yarn, conductive yarn, or at least one of yarns with at least one of heat resistance, UV protection, heat retention, moisture absorption, water resistance, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, moisture wicking ability, or at least one of yarns with compressibility, shrinkability, cushioning, conductivity, insulation, and durability properties.

[0018] Advantageously, by using a functional yarn as the third yarn, the double-layer knitting element can be provided with different properties depending on the functionality of the yarn. For example, the stretch, recovery, or compression properties of the double-layer knitting element can be influenced by using an elastic yarn as the functional yarn. On the other hand, stiffness can be achieved by using a melting yarn, a TPU yarn, or a hybrid yarn as the functional yarn. For example, a melting or TPU functional yarn can be used to reinforce the heel and toe cap areas of the upper, where an elastic functional yarn can be used to create stretch or recovery in the instep area or in the fabric collar. Generally, the use of an elastomeric material generates reinforced areas after applying heat.

[0019] An additional advantage is provided by the fact that the use of plating or mixing the functional yarn with the base yarn into a yarn feeder or the use of an inlaid functional yarn is not required.

[0020] The third yarn may be attached to only one of the first and second layers by a tuck stitch within the respective layer.

[0021] When a third yarn is attached to only one of the first or second layers using tuck stitches, the third yarn is not visible in the other layer. Therefore, the top appearance of one layer is maintained intact, and the desired functional properties are provided by the third yarn. Furthermore, the tuck stitches visible on the surface of one of the knitted layers are minimal, and therefore, they do not significantly affect the surface finish of that knitted layer. In fact, the third yarn is more or less independent of the main knitting structure and does not affect it. Rather, the tuck stitches visible on the surface of one of the knitted layers are minimal, and therefore, they do not significantly affect the surface finish of that knitted layer, and at the same time, the surface finish of the other knitted layer is not affected at all.

[0022] Additionally, if the melting yarn is provided between the first and second layers and is attached to only one layer, it is possible to activate the melting yarn only on the inside of one of the two layers. For example, if the melting yarn is connected (tucked) to the backside layer after heat activation, the melting yarn will be mostly absorbed by the backside layer, while the outside of the front layer may show no trace of the melting yarn. Therefore, further post-processing can be applied to the topside of the fabric without using / reactivating the molten yarn.

[0023] The third yarn may be attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a direct running tuck stitch.

[0024] The ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches may be variable within a course or row. Hereinafter, "variable within a course or sequence" means that it can take any value within the course or sequence.

[0025] In particular, the amount of support in each area of ​​the double-layer knitting element can be adjusted by the tuck-miss ratio. The more tucks close together, the more yarns added in each area. Varying the tuck-miss ratio of the third yarn in different areas can provide different stretch or stiffness properties. In contrast, an inlaid strand will have the same properties along its width.

[0026] The ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches can be at least one of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3. One miss stitch means that one needle is skipped in the needle bed and a third yarn is floated over that one needle between two tuck stitches. Thus, for example, a tuck-to-miss ratio of 1:2 means that two needles are skipped and a third yarn is floated over the two needles between two tuck stitches.

[0027] Generally, the support of a double layer knitting element can be adjusted by the tuck-to-miss ratio. More tucks closer together provides a higher amount of third yarn. Thus, a tuck-to-miss ratio of 1:1 provides more support than a 1:2 ratio, which provides more support than a 1:3 ratio, and so on.

[0028] The distance between two consecutive tuck stitches can be less than 2.54 cm. Generally, 2.54 cm of a knitting machine needle bed corresponds to 14 needles on a gauge 14 machine or 7 needles on a gauge 7 machine, with the gauge of the knitting machine corresponding to the number of needles in 2.54 cm (1 inch). For safety reasons, the float is usually kept shorter than 2.54 cm. If the float is longer, there is a risk that the needle will not catch on the yarn.

[0029] A first yarn of the first layer may be attached to the second layer and / or a second yarn of the second layer may be attached to the first layer by a tuck stitch or a loop stitch.

[0030] The third yarn may be knitted at least twice between two knitting rows, in other words, there are at least two courses of the third yarn knitted between the two knitting rows.

[0031] Thus, increased support can be provided by maintaining the same tuck-to-miss ratio but knitting a third yarn multiple times between two knitting rows. For example, knitting a third yarn multiple times between two knitting rows can be used to increase stiffness in a particular area of ​​the fabric (e.g., at the heel of an upper).

[0032] A third yarn may be partially knitted between two knitting rows.

[0033] Partial knitting allows the third yarn to be provided in different amounts in different areas of the double-layer knitting element, especially when the third yarn is partially knitted multiple times between two knitting rows. Thus, different support can be provided in different areas depending on the amount of third yarn. Thus, the support provided in a particular area or zone can be adjusted by partially knitting the third yarn one or more times in a particular area while maintaining the same tuck-miss ratio.

[0034] Furthermore, partially knitting a third yarn is technically easier compared to inlaid strands because the third yarn is connected to the fabric by a tuck, which will not pop out when the knitting direction is changed.

[0035] The thickness of the third yarn can vary within the knitting element.

[0036] By varying the thickness of the third yarn, the support of the double layer knitted element can also be affected.

[0037] The third yarn may be provided in a repeating, jacquard, or spacer-based configuration.

[0038] Thus, structures such as repeat structures, jacquard structures, or spacer-based structures can be tailored by using functional yarns, while the appearance of at least one layer of the structure remains the same.

[0039] The elements may be manufactured by intarsia, interlock, plating, reverse plating, and / or inlay techniques.

[0040] Thus, a variety of bilayer elements having different structural and functional properties can be provided by the present invention.

[0041] A further aspect of the present invention relates to an upper for a shoe, particularly a sports shoe, the upper including a double layer knitted element as described herein.

[0042] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising an upper as described herein, i.e. an upper comprising knitted elements according to the present invention, and a sole attached to the upper.

[0043] Thus, an upper or shoe is provided that incorporates the previously described beneficial properties of the double layer knitted element.

[0044] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a double-layer knitted element according to one of the previous aspects, comprising, inter alia, providing a first layer including a first yarn, providing a second layer including a second yarn, and at least partially disposing a third yarn between the first and second layers, the third yarn being attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a plurality of tuck stitches, with at least one missed stitch between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn.

[0045] In the following, aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1A-1C illustrate a knitting scheme for a double layer knit element with two layers and a third tucked-in yarn. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a knitting scheme for a double layer knitted element with two layers and a third tucked-in yarn knitted twice between the two knitting rows. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B show knitting schemes for a double layer knitted element with two layers and a third tucked-in yarn with different ratios between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a knitting scheme for a double layer knitted element with a third tucked-in yarn knitted twice between the two knitting rows. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a knitting scheme for a double layer knitted element with a jacquard structure and a third tucked-in yarn. [Figure 6]6A-6C illustrate knitting schemes for double layer knitted elements using different knitting techniques. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a knitting scheme for a double layer knitted element with a spacer and a third tucked-in yarn. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a knitting scheme for a double layer knitting element and a third tucked-in yarn having a varying ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches within the same course. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a knitting scheme for a double layer knitting element and a partially tucked-in third yarn. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B illustrate a knitting scheme for a double layer knitting element and a tucked-in third yarn using intarsia knitting techniques. [Figure 11] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of making a double layer knitted element of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In the following, embodiments and variants of the invention are described in more detail, in particular with reference to double-layer knitted elements for sports equipment, but the invention can also be used in other ways, for example, in connection with shoe uppers, clothing, or accessories where various functional properties such as stiffness, elasticity, stretch, recovery, or compression are required without affecting the appearance.

[0048] The use of a third tucked-in yarn allows the double knit element to incorporate desired functional properties while still maintaining an unaffected appearance. Various functional properties include, for example, stiffness, elasticity, stretch, recovery, or compression. Techniques used to achieve such properties or functions are described below.

[0049] The techniques described include appropriate knitting techniques, including different combinations of the number of tuck and miss stitches in the third yarn, as well as fiber and yarn selection. These and other techniques are described below before describing embodiments of shoe uppers to which these techniques are applied.

[0050] 1A-1C show a knitting scheme for a double layer knitted structure, where dots represent needle positions on a knitting machine in a knitting row. In particular, the knitting scheme of FIGS. 1A-1C includes two strands of needles provided in a row.

[0051] FIG. 1A illustrates a first layer 100 (e.g., a front layer) including a first yarn 110, a second layer 200 (e.g., a back layer) including a second yarn 210, and a third yarn 310 disposed at least partially between the first layer 100 and the second layer 200, where the third yarn 310 is attached to the second layer 200 by multiple tuck stitches 311. In an alternative embodiment, the third yarn 310 may be attached to the first layer 100 by multiple tuck stitches. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, at least one miss stitch 312 is present between two consecutive tuck stitches 311 of the third yarn. In this embodiment, the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches corresponds to a tuck-to-miss ratio and is 1:1.

[0052] Generally, the main double layer knit structure is separate from the tucked-in yarn, which is an addition to the existing structure and sandwiched between the two layers.

[0053] Furthermore, FIG. 1A illustrates that the third yarn 310 is attached only to the second layer 200 by a direct continuous tuck stitch 311; the third yarn 310 is not attached to the first layer 100.

[0054] In certain embodiments, when using a Melt yarn or a TPU yarn as the third yarn 310, stiffness may be applied to only one of the two layers.

[0055] In another embodiment, stiffness is achieved in the fabric without affecting its appearance.

[0056] In embodiments of the present invention, the first yarn 110 and the second yarn 210 can be different.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first yarn 110 and the second yarn 210 can be equal.

[0058] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first layer 100 is connected to the second layer 200 by tuck stitches.

[0059] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross section of an exemplary double-knit element front layer 100 including a first yarn 110, and FIG. 1C illustrates a cross section of a back layer 200 including a second yarn 210. In FIGS. 1B and 1C, a melting yarn 310 is connected (tucked) to the back layer 200. Notably, the melting yarn 310 is mostly absorbed by the back layer 200 (and slightly by the inside of the front layer 100) after heat activation. The exterior side of the front layer 100, as shown in FIG. 1B, does not exhibit the melting yarn 310. Therefore, further post-processing can be applied to the front side of the fabric without using or reactivating the melted yarn 310 underneath the front layer 100. As shown in the example of FIG. 1C, the first yarn 110 of the front layer 100 can be attached to the back layer 200 by a tuck stitch or a loop stitch.

[0060] Typically, the third yarn is locked into the fabric due to the tuck. Compared to the tucked-in third yarn of the present invention, the inlaid strand floats freely inside the double layer fabric and can be removed from the knitted fabric if pulled.

[0061] Additionally, in various embodiments of the present invention, the third yarn can include a functional yarn.

[0062] In some embodiments, the functional yarn can be at least one of melting yarn, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn, water-repellent yarn, volume / puff yarn, natural fiber yarn (e.g., wool and cotton), cellulose yarn, hybrid yarn, antimicrobial (antibacterial) yarn such as copper, zinc, silver, elastic yarn, conductive yarn, or at least one of yarns with at least one of heat resistance, UV protection, heat retention, moisture absorption, water resistance, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, moisture wicking capabilities, or at least one of yarns with compressibility, shrinkability, cushioning, conductivity, insulation, and durability properties.

[0063] Among other uses, knitting conductive yarns can heat specific parts of the upper or transmit electricity to LED lights in the upper or tooling, wool yarns can heat the upper, and cotton yarns can absorb moisture.

[0064] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment in which third yarn 310a can be tucked into first layer 100 in a first knitting step, i.e., onto a front stitch from row 110, and third yarn 310b can be tucked into second layer 200 in a second knitting step by a direct successive tuck stitch, i.e., onto a back stitch from the previous row 210 (not shown here).

[0065] 3A and 3B illustrate knitting schemes having different ratios between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches of the third yarn 310. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, there are two miss stitches 312 between two consecutive tuck stitches 311 of the third yarn 310, and the ratio between the number of tuck stitches 311 and the number of miss stitches 312 is 1:2. FIG. 3B illustrates a knitting scheme with three miss stitches 312 between two consecutive tuck stitches 311 of the third yarn 310, and the ratio between the number of tuck stitches 311 and the number of miss stitches 312 is 1:3.

[0066] Generally, the support (in terms of stiffness or stretch properties) of the double layer knitted element can be adjusted by the tuck-to-miss ratio. More tucks closer to each other provides a higher amount of third yarn 310. Thus, a tuck-to-miss ratio of 1:1 provides more support than a 1:2, which provides more support compared to a 1:3, and so on.

[0067] In certain embodiments (not shown here), the distance between two consecutive tuck stitches can be less than 2.54 cm (1 inch). Notably, 2.54 cm of the knitting machine needle bed corresponds to 14 needles on a gauge 14 machine or 7 needles on a gauge 7 machine, with the gauge of the knitting machine corresponding to the number of needles in 2.54 cm that correspond to 1 inch. For safety reasons, the float is usually kept shorter than 2.54 cm. If the float were longer, there would be a risk that the needles would not catch on the yarn.

[0068] 3A and 3B provide an example in which the first layer 100 is attached to the second layer 200 by a loop stitch. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A and 3B, the third yarn 310 is attached only to the second layer 200 by a direct continuous tuck stitch 311 to the second layer 200; i.e., there are no tuck stitches of the third yarn 310 in the first layer 100.

[0069] In other embodiments, the third yarn is attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a tuck stitch. For example, the third yarn 310 may be tucked to the first layer 100 and the second layer 200. In other embodiments, the third yarn may be tucked only to the first layer by a direct continuous tuck stitch.

[0070] 4 illustrates another embodiment in which the third yarn 310 is knitted at least twice between two knitting rows. In this embodiment, there are at least two courses of the third yarn 310 knitted between the two knitting rows. Notably, the third yarn 310 is knitted in a first knitting sequence 301 (e.g., a tuck-miss going to the right) and in a second knitting sequence 302 (a miss-tuck going to the left), which increases the support of the third yarn 310 on the double layer knitting element.

[0071] Knitting the third yarn 310 several times between two knitting rows can be used, for example, to increase the stiffness of the fabric.

[0072] The amount of support can also be adjusted by using thinner or thicker yarns (150 denier to 900 denier). For Melt yarns, even 2,000 denier is possible, and for sock knits, even more. Notably, higher denier means thicker yarns.

[0073] FIG. 4 provides an example, in which a first layer 100 is attached to a second layer 200 by a loop stitch.

[0074] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the third yarn 310 is attached only to the second layer 200 by a continuous tuck stitch 311 directly to the second layer 200 and not to the first layer.

[0075] In another embodiment (not explicitly shown here), the third yarn 310 may be tucked to only the first layer 100, or may be tucked to the first layer 100 and the second layer 200 by using a tuck stitch.

[0076] Generally, the third yarn can be separate from or combined with any double layer knit structure, meaning that the structure can remain the same but the function (stretch / stiff / conductive yarn) is applied in different places on the upper.

[0077] In some embodiments, the third yarn may be inserted in a repeating configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, or in a jacquard configuration, as shown in FIG.

[0078] In further embodiments, the tucked-in third yarn may be combined with knitting techniques such as partial knitting, intarsia (zone knitting), plating, reverse plating, devoré, inlay, and the like.

[0079] Some additional knitting structures that use functional third yarns 310 are shown in Figures 6A-6C. For example, Figure 6C illustrates an interlocking structure with a third yarn.

[0080] In other embodiments, the third yarn may also be inserted in a spacer-based configuration, as shown in Figure 7, where a spacer layer 400 and a third yarn 310 are alternately knitted between two knitting rows of the first layer 100 and the second layer 200.

[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches is variable within a course or row. Specifically, the amount of support within different sections (510, 520) within the same row of knitting elements can be adjusted by the tuck-miss ratio. Specifically, the example in FIG. 8 presents a first section (510) with a tuck-miss ratio of 1:3 and a second section (520) with a tuck-miss ratio of 1:1. More tucks closer together adds more yarn within that particular section.

[0082] Varying the tuck-to-miss ratio of the third yarn in different areas can provide different stretch or stiffness properties in each area, in contrast to an inlaid strand, which has the same properties along its width.

[0083] In some embodiments, the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches can be at least one of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3.

[0084] 9 illustrates an embodiment in which the third yarn 310 is partially knitted within a particular portion of the knitting row. In FIG. 9, the third yarn 310 is provided once within a first portion 530, and the third yarn is provided multiple times (e.g., three times) within another portion 540.

[0085] Partially knitting a third yarn as shown in FIG. 9 maintains the same tuck-to-miss ratio, but it is possible to provide different support by knitting different amounts of third yarn 310 within specific portions of the knitting row or area of ​​the double layer element.

[0086] Furthermore, partially knitting a third yarn is technically easier compared to inlaid strands because the third yarn is connected to the fabric by a tuck, which will not pop out when the knitting direction is changed.

[0087] 10A-10B illustrate an embodiment involving efficient placement of a third yarn 310 within a double knit element by using intarsia knitting. Generally, special zones can be tailored on the knit element to have special properties through intarsia. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 10A, the third yarn 310 is knitted multiple times in direct succession in a portion of the knit element between the front layer 100 and the back layer 200 in a double jersey knit. Additionally, the third yarn 310 is attached to the first layer 100 and the second layer 200 by alternating tuck-miss stitches.

[0088] In certain embodiments, a third yarn 310 with an elastomeric material may be used to generate reinforced areas after the application of heat. Besides elastomers, other polymer-based yarns may also be used that provide a reinforcing effect upon the application of heat, pressure, or other treatments.

[0089] Additionally, due to the knitting method, no pre-twisting of the material is required, reducing manual labor and allowing for the creation of a high performance upper material.

[0090] 10B shows a cross section of a double knit element using intarsia knitting in a double jersey knit, where the third yarn 310 is attached to the first layer 100 and the second layer 200 by alternating tuck-miss stitches. By using tuck-stitches of the third yarn 310 to both layers, the third yarn 310 can be seen in both layers (e.g., the first layer 100 in FIG. 10B).

[0091] In a further embodiment, an upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, can be provided, which comprises a double layer knitted element according to the present invention.

[0092] Additionally, shoes, especially sports shoes, can include an upper including the double layer knitted element of the present invention and a sole attached to the upper.

[0093] 11 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing a double-layer knitted element according to the present invention and as described in more detail above. In step 1110, a first layer including a first yarn is provided. In step 1120, a second layer including a second yarn is provided. In step 1130, a third yarn is disposed at least partially between the first and second layers, the third yarn being attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a plurality of tuck stitches, with at least one missed stitch between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn.

[0094] In the following, further embodiments are described to facilitate understanding of the present invention. 1. A double layer knitted element, in particular a double layer knitted element for sports goods, said double layer knitted element comprising: a. a first layer including a first yarn; b. a second layer including a second yarn; c. a third yarn at least partially disposed between the first layer and the second layer, the third yarn being attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a plurality of tuck stitches, with at least one missed stitch being present between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn; and A double layer knitted element comprising: 2. The double layer knitted element of embodiment 1, wherein the third yarn comprises a functional yarn. 3. The double-layer knitted element of embodiment 2, wherein the functional yarn is at least one of melting yarn, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn, water-repellent yarn, volume / puff yarn, natural fiber yarn, cellulose yarn, hybrid yarn, antibacterial yarn such as copper, zinc, silver, elastic yarn, conductive yarn, or at least one of yarns with at least one of heat resistance, UV protection, moisture absorption, water resistance, heat retention, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, moisture wicking ability, or at least one of yarns with compressibility, shrinkability, cushioning, conductivity, insulation, and durability properties. 4. A double-layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the third yarn is attached to only one of the first and second layers by a tuck stitch within the respective layer. 5. A double-layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third yarn is attached to at least one of the first layer and the second layer by a direct continuous tuck stitch. 6. A double-layer knitted element according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches is variable within a course or row. 7. A double-layer knitted element according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches is at least one of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:3. 8. A double-layer knitted element according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the distance between two consecutive tuck stitches is less than 2.54 cm. 9. The double-layer knitted element of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first yarn of the first layer is attached to the second layer and / or the second yarn of the second layer is attached to the first layer by a tuck stitch or a loop stitch. 10. A double layer knitted element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third yarn is knitted at least twice between two knitting rows. 11. A double layer knitted element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third yarn is partially knitted within a particular portion of the knitting row. 12. The double layer knitting element of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the thickness of the third yarn varies within the knitting element. 13. The double layer knitted element of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the tucked-in third yarn is provided in a repeat structure, a jacquard structure, or a spacer-based structure. 14. The double-layer knitted element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the element is manufactured by intarsia, interlock, plating, reverse plating, and / or inlay techniques. 15. An upper for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, said upper comprising a double-layer knitted element according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14. 16. A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, said shoe comprising: a. an upper according to embodiment 15; b. a sole attached to said upper; Including shoes. 17. A method for producing a double-layer knitted element according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, said method comprising: a. providing a first layer comprising a first yarn; b. providing a second layer comprising a second yarn; c. at least partially disposing a third yarn between the first layer and the second layer, the third yarn being attached to at least one of the first and second layers by a plurality of tuck stitches, with at least one missed stitch being present between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn; A method comprising: Different arrangements of the components depicted in the figures or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Likewise, some features and subcombinations are useful and may be used independently of other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the figures, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 100 First Layer 110 First Yarn 200 Second Layer 210 Second Yarn 301 First Knitting Sequence 302 Second Knitting Sequence 310 Third Yarn 310a Third Yarn 310b Third Yarn 311 Tuck Stitch 312 Miss Stitch 400 spacer layer 530 First Part 540 Another part

Claims

1. A double layer knitted element for sports equipment, said double layer knitted element comprising: a. a first layer comprising a first yarn; b. a second layer comprising a second yarn; c. a third yarn at least partially disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein all of the third yarns included in the double layer knitting element are attached to only one of the first layer or the second layer by a plurality of tuck stitches, and at least one missed stitch exists between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn; A double layer knitted element comprising:

2. The double layer knitted element of claim 1 , wherein the third yarn comprises a functional yarn.

3. 3. The double layer knitted element of claim 2, wherein the functional yarn is at least one of melting yarn, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) yarn, water repellent yarn, volume / puff yarn, natural fiber yarn, cellulose yarn, hybrid yarn, antibacterial yarn such as copper, zinc, silver, elastic yarn, conductive yarn, or at least one of yarns with at least one of heat resistance, UV protection, moisture absorption, water resistance, heat retention, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, moisture wicking ability, or at least one of yarns with compressibility, shrinkability, cushioning, conductivity, insulation, and durability properties.

4. 4. The double layer knitted element of claim 1, wherein the third yarn is attached to only one of the first layer or the second layer by directly successive courses of tuck stitches.

5. 5. The double layer knitted element according to claim 1, wherein the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches can be any value within a course or row.

6. 6. The double layer knitted element of claim 1, wherein the ratio between the number of tuck stitches and the number of miss stitches is at least one of 1:1, 1:2, or 1:

3.

7. 7. The double layer knitted element of claim 1, wherein at least one of the distances between two consecutive tuck stitches is less than 2.54 cm.

8. 8. The double-layer knitted element of claim 1, wherein the first yarn of the first layer is attached to the second layer and / or the second yarn of the second layer is attached to the first layer by a tuck stitch or a loop stitch.

9. The double layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the third yarn is knitted at least twice between two knitting rows.

10. The double layer knitted element of claim 1 , wherein the third yarn is partially knitted within a particular portion of the knitting row.

11. The double layer knitting element of claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the third yarn varies within the knitting element.

12. the tucked-in third yarn is provided in a repeat structure, a jacquard structure, or a spacer-based structure; The spacer-based structure is a structure in which spacer layers and the third yarn are alternately knitted between rows of the first layer and the second layer. The double layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The double layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the element is manufactured by intarsia, interlock, plating, reverse plating and / or inlay techniques.

14. An upper for a shoe, said upper comprising a double layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. a. the upper of claim 14; b. A sole attached to the upper; Including shoes.

16. 14. A method for manufacturing a double layer knitted element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said method comprising: a. providing a first layer comprising a first yarn; b. providing a second layer comprising a second yarn; c) at least partially disposing a third yarn between the first layer and the second layer, wherein all of the third yarns included in the double layer knit element are attached to only one of the first layer or the second layer by a plurality of tuck stitches, and at least one missed stitch exists between two consecutive tuck stitches of the third yarn; A method comprising:

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