Article of footwear with knitted components having different knit directions and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

Aspects herein are directed to an article of footwear comprising a knit upper having an inner knit component and an outer knit component positioned at least partially overtop the inner knit component. The inner knit component includes courses that extend from multiple locations on an outer perimeter of the inner knit component and generally converge at a common portion of the inner knit component. The outer knit component may include courses that extend continuously from a lateral side edge of an outer perimeter of the outer knit component to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter of the outer knit component. Because the courses in the two layered knit components extend in different directions and may be angularly offset from each other, the upper as a whole may provide multidirectional lines of containment.

Description

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH KNITTED COMPONENTS HAVING DIFFERENT KNIT DIRECTIONS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In some traditional articles of footwear, different knit components may be layered overtop one another to provide additional containment of a wearer’s foot. However, in these traditional articles of footwear, the different layered knit components have knit courses oriented in the same direction (e.g., knit courses in each component that extend from a medial side edge of the respective knit component to a lateral side edge of the knit component). Thus, the lines of containment provided by the knit courses in the resulting article of footwear are unidirectional (e.g., provide containment in the medial-to-lateral direction), which limits the functional characteristics of the article of footwear, among other things.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Examples of aspects herein related to knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear and methods of manufacturing the same are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a lateral view of an example article of footwear, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a medial view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 , in accordance with aspects herein;

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of an example inner knit component that forms part of an upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of an example outer knit component that forms part of the upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the outer knit component of FIG. 6 positioned overtop the inner knit component of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates an example wearer that is wearing the article of footwear of FIG.1, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates an isolated schematic view of an ankle cuff of the inner knit component of FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic cross-section view of example tubular raised structures located on the ankle cuff of the inner knit component of FIG. 9, in accordance with aspects herein; and

[0013] FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of an example method of manufacturing an article of footwear in accordance with aspects herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In brief, and at a high level, aspects herein are directed to knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear, and methods of manufacturing the same. In aspects, an upper includes layered knit components that provide multidirectional (e.g., more than two directions) containment of a wearer’ s foot based at least in part on the direction of the knit courses in each component of the layered construction. For example, the upper may include an inner knit component that includes courses that extend from multiple locations on an outer perimeter of the inner knit component (e.g., a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and / or a heel region) and generally converge at a common portion and / or inner perimeter of the inner knit component, e.g., a throat area and / or an ankle cuff. In this aspect, courses from the different regions of the inner knit component may extend at angles relative to each other, or rather, may be oriented non-parallel.

[0015] In aspects, an upper can include an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component, e.g., such that the outer knit component covers at least a portion or substantially all of the inner knit component. The outer knit component may include knit courses that extend substantially continuously from a lateral side edge of an outer perimeter of the outer knit component to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter of the outer knit component. In this aspect, the courses in the outer knit component may be oriented generally parallel to each other and may be angularly offset from the courses of the inner knit component. The courses in the inner and outer knit components may include different knit structures and / or different types of yarns (e.g., high-tenacity yarns, stretch-resistant yams, non-elasticated yams, and the like), that may increase stretch resistance in the course direction (referred to herein as“lines of containment”). Because the courses in the two layered knit components extend in different directions and may be angularly offset from each other, the upper as a whole may provide multidirectional lines of containment and / or a greater degree of multidirectional containment. In aspects herein, the arrangement of courses in an inner knit component and an outer knit component can be arranged differently, e.g., in contrast to the aforementioned example, the inner knit component may have parallel courses and the outer knit component may have angled courses, or the inner and outer knit components can each have combinations of parallel and non-parallel / angled courses, among other possibilities.

[0016] The use of two or more layered knit components that provide multidirectional containment may be useful for athletic activities that require a wearer to perform sharp turns, cuts, quick forward-and-backward movements, quick side-to-side movements, and other types of multi-angle movements (e.g., as in tennis, global football [known in the U.S. as soccer], and the like). The use of a layered knit component structure that provides multidirectional containment may help to reduce slipping, sliding, and / or unwanted displacement of the wearer’s foot in multiple different directions in an article of footwear. Moreover, depending upon the positioning of the outer knit component overtop the inner knit component, the lines of containment of the outer knit component may augment the lines of containment of the inner knit component to provide enhanced containment and / or structure at particular locations of the upper.

[0017] In aspects, an ankle cuff for an article of footwear is provided. In examples, the inner knit component may form the ankle cuff and, in some example aspects, the ankle cuff may include the common portion of the inner knit component. In such aspects, the ankle cuff may include courses that extend from different locations on the outer perimeter of the inner knit component to different locations located circumferentially along a topline edge of the ankle cuff. Because of this knitting configuration, the courses in the ankle cuff may have more of a vertical orientation compared to traditionally knit ankle cuffs. The orientation of the courses in the ankle cuff may enable the ankle cuff to fit more uniformly around a wearer’s ankle with fewer or no gaps. In some aspects, the courses that form the ankle cuff may form tubular raised structures, and / or may form elongated tubular knit structures. As described below, the tubular raised structures may impart a desired functionality to the ankle cuff.

[0018] In aspects, methods of manufacturing a knitted component, upper, and article of footwear incorporating the same are provided. In aspects, the methods include knitting an inner knit component of an upper. In aspects, the inner knit component may be knit using a radialknitting technique that creates a plurality of radially extending knit courses that extend between an outer perimeter of the inner knit component and a common portion (e.g., an ankle cuff and / or throat area). Tn aspects, the outer perimeter may include a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region although aspects herein contemplate that the inner knit component may not include one or more of these regions. The common portion may be a central region along or adjacent to at least part of the longitudinal axis (toe-to-heel axis) of the inner knit component, such as an ankle cuff and / or a throat region. Because knit courses in the forefoot, midfoot, and / or heel regions extend between spaced-apart locations on the outer perimeter and the common portion, at least some radially extending courses may not run parallel to each other, or in other words, may extend at angles relative to each other. For example, the inner knit component may include a first inner knit component course that extends continuously between the outer perimeter in the forefoot region to a common portion of the inner knit component. The inner knit component may also include a second inner knit component course that extends continuously between the outer perimeter in the midfoot region to the common portion of the inner knit component. In this aspect, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extend at an angle relative to each other.

[0019] In aspects, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include knitting an outer knit component of an upper. The outer knit component may be knit using traditional weft knitting techniques, e.g., such that courses are formed to extend generally horizontally across a width of the textile as the textile is being knit such that the courses in the textile generally run parallel to each other. In examples, the outer knit component includes at least a first outer knit component course that extends continuously between a medial side edge of an outer perimeter of the outer knit component and a lateral side edge of the outer perimeter of the outer knit component. The first outer knit component course may be located in, for example, a forefoot region of the outer knit component. The outer knit component may further include a second outer knit component course that extends between the medial and lateral side edges of the outer perimeter in, for example, a midfoot region of the outer knit component. In examples, the first outer knit component course may be generally parallel to the second outer knit component course. This can continue such that a plurality of substantially parallel courses are formed. In aspects, optionally, the courses can be knitted laterally, e.g., such that the courses extend generally between medial and lateral sides of the upper that is being formed. In aspects, optionally, the courses can be knitted longitudinally, e.g., such that the courses extend generallybetween a toe end and a heel end of the upper that is being formed. In aspects, the orientation of the courses can be selected based on a direction of desired containment.

[0020] In aspects, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear may include positioning an outer knit component on, over, and / or across or overtop at least a portion of an inner knit component and then securing the components together such that the outer knit component is fixed or secured in relation to the inner knit component. In examples, the outer knit component may be positioned overtop at least a forefoot region of the inner knit component and / or overtop at least a portion of the midfoot region of the inner knit component. In this example, the heel region of the inner knit component may be exposed or visible when viewing an exterior of the resulting article of footwear. The inner and outer knit components may be secured to a sole structure, e.g., at or adjacent to a biteline and / or along an underfoot portion of the upper (if the upper extends into the underfoot portion) to thereby form the article of footwear.

[0021] In aspects herein, one or more courses in an inner knit component and / or an outer knit component may be knit to include certain yarn types (e.g., high-tenacity yarns, tensile strands, stretch-resistant yarns) and / or certain knit structures that limit stretch of the respective course. This can help create desired lines of containment in the resulting article of footwear. Moreover, by varying the direction of the courses in the inner and outer knit components, the resulting lines of containment may be multidirectional to help impart stability and structure to the article of footwear in multiple different directions (e.g., a toe-to-heel direction, a medial-to-lateral direction, and directions angularly offset from the toe-to-heel direction and the mcdial-to-latcral direction). By layering the knit components as described, versus using a single-layer knit component, lines of containment may be augmented in different regions of the article of footwear to impart desired stability and structure to these regions. For example, the ability to alter the directional nature of courses in a particular area, region, zone, or side can allow the containment of that location to be tuned compared to what may be possible with unidirectional knitting, e.g., unless additional post-processing operations are performed.

[0022] In accordance with aspects herein, an article of footwear and an upper, including its inner and outer knit components, may be divided into one or more different general regions. For example, a forefoot region generally includes portions of the article of footwear and / or upper that corresponds to the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges; a midfoot region generally includes portions of the article of footwear and / or upper corresponding to an arch area and an instep area of the foot; and a heel region generallycorresponds to rear portions of the foot including the calcaneus bone. Uppers and articles of footwear described herein can include a lateral side, which corresponds with an outside area of the foot (e.g., the surface that faces away from the other foot), and a medial side, which corresponds with an inside area of the foot (e.g., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Uppers and articles of footwear described herein may also include a vamp that extends from the forefoot region or toe end to a topline edge of the upper and is configured to cover the instep area of the foot. In aspects such as this, the article of footwear and / or upper may include a tongueless construction or a configuration that includes an integrally formed tongue structure (e.g., that integrally extends with a knit structure surrounding the tongue structure). The different regions and sides described in this section are intended to represent general areas of footwear to aid in the following discussion and are not intended to demarcate precise areas. The different regions and sides may be applied to the article of footwear as a whole, to the upper, and to the sole structure.

[0023] Uppers as described herein, and specifically the inner knit components thereof, can include an ankle cuff that defines a foot-insertion opening into a foot-receiving cavity; and the foot-receiving cavity includes a space that is occupied by a wearer’s foot when the article of footwear is worn. The ankle cuff may be configured to cover, or at least partially cover, the medial and lateral malleoli of a wearer’s ankle. The ankle cuff includes a topline edge that extends circumferentially around the foot-insertion opening. The term “outer-facing surface” refers to a surface of the upper or article of footwear that faces the external environment. In some aspects, the outer-facing surface can refer to the outermost-facing surface of the upper or article of footwear. The term “inner-facing surface” as used herein refers to a surface of the upper or article of footwear that faces a void for receiving the wearer’s foot. In some aspects, the inner-facing surface can refer to the innermost-facing surface of the upper or article of footwear.

[0024] The term “knit” as used herein, e.g., in connection with knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear, refers to a textile piece that is formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of intermeshed loops (also known as interlooping) that define courses and wales. The term “course,” as used herein, refers to a row of knit loops that is produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The course may include one or more stitch types, such as a knit stitch, a missed (float) stitch, a held stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, a rib stitch, an ottoman rib stitch, and the like, as can be used in a knitting operation. The term “course-wise direction” refers to a direction that isparallel to one or more adjacent knit courses of a knit textile piece. The term “wale,” as used herein, is a column of intermeshed or interlooped knit loops, generally produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles. In these aspects, a set of courses of a textile piece is generally orthogonal to a set of wales that includes the set of courses. The term “wale- wise direction” refers to a direction that is parallel to one or more adjacent knit wales of the textile piece. The directionality of the courses and wales as described herein is dependent upon the knitting technique used to knit the knit components described herein (e.g., radial knitting versus traditional knitting).

[0025] The term “single knit construction” refers to a single-layer knit construction generally formed on a single needle bed (e.g., a single-bed construction). In some examples, a single knit construction may be formed on a multi-bed knitting machine by knitting a number of knit courses on a first needle bed of the knitting machine and then transferring all of the loops to a second needle bed of the knitting machine where a number of knit courses are then knit, which may be repeated a number of times. In this way, even though two knitting beds are used, the resulting textile maintains a single knit construction. Common single knit constructions include single jersey. The term “double knit construction” as used herein refers to a knit construction that is generally formed simultaneously on at least two needle beds of a knitting machine (e.g., a multi-bed construction). Multi-bed knit constructions may have two opposing faces or layers of knit loops and / or tucks, e.g., one face / layer of loops formed on a first needle bed (e.g., a first knit layer), and a second face / layer of loops formed on a second needle bed (e.g., a second knit layer). In example aspects, the two faces / layers may be joined by yams that intcrloop with yams in both the first face / layer and the second face / layer of the double knit construction (e.g., transfer yarns). However, aspects herein contemplate that the two faces / layers may not be joined or may be joined only along the sides such that a space or potential space is formed between the two faces / layers. Common double knit constructions include double jersey, ottoman, rib, interlock, cardigan, other “double bed” knit structures initially formed on at least two needle beds, and other knit structures having two opposing faces / layers of knit loops or tucks, including full-gauge and less-than-full-gauge variations of those structures. In aspects, the upper described herein, or portions thereof, may include portions having a single knit construction and / or portions having a double knit construction.

[0026] The term “integrally knit,” as used herein, refers to a knit textile having a yarn from one or more knit courses in a first area (e.g., a forefoot region) being interlooped with one or more knit courses of another area (e.g., a midfoot region). The interlooping may be throughany of the stitch types discussed herein. In this way, areas that are integrally knit together are formed during a single knitting event and have a generally seamless transition such that they generally seamlessly extend from one another. With respect to the inner knit component, aspects herein contemplate that the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, the vamp, and the ankle cuff may be integrally knit with each other. With respect to an outer knit component, aspects herein contemplate that at least the forefoot region and the midfoot region may be integrally knit with each other. When the outer knit component includes a heel region, the heel region may be integrally knit with the forefoot region and the midfoot region.

[0027] Forming an article, e.g., an upper, using a knit construction may enable advantages including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity (for example, as expressed in terms of Young’s modulus), breathability, bendability, strength, moisture absorption, weight, abrasion resistance, stretch resistance, or a combination thereof. These characteristics may be provided by selecting a particular knit structure, changing a size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more yarns formed of a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as elasticated yarns, a thermoplastic material, and the like), by selecting yarns of a particular size (e.g., denier), or through some combination thereof. Using a knit construction may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by allowing for the incorporation of yarns having different colors, textures, or other visual properties arranged in a particular pattern. The yams themselves and / or the knit structure formed by one or more of the yarns may be varied at different locations on the inner knit component and / or the outer knit component such that the upper may have different properties, as described herein.

[0028] Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are taken when the upper and / or article of footwear is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and is in a resting (non-tensioned) state.

[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a lateral side 105 of an article of footwear 100. FIG. 2 depicts a view of a medial side 205 of the article of footwear 100. FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the article of footwear 100. FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the article of footwear 100. As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the article of footwear 100 is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may also apply to a mirror image of the article of footwear 100 that is intended for use with a right foot. In addition, although an article of footwear is shown, it should be understood that other articles of wear are also contemplated by the present disclosure, including but not limited to apparel (e.g., shirts, jerseys, pants, shorts,gloves, glasses, socks, hats, caps, jackets, undergarments, or other apparel) and containers (e.g., backpacks, bags, or other containers).

[0030] The article of footwear 100 includes an upper 1 10 secured to a sole structure 1 12 at a biteline 114, and the sole structure 112 extends between a wearer’s foot and the ground when the article of footwear 100 is worn. The sole structure 112 may optionally include a plurality of ground-engaging cleats 116. The upper 110 generally defines a void within the upper 110 for receiving and securing a wearer’s foot relative to the sole structure 112. Surfaces of the void within the upper 110 are shaped to accommodate the foot and may extend over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, around and at least partially over the medial and lateral malleoli, and around the heel area of the foot.

[0031] The article of footwear 100 includes a heel region 118, a midfoot region 120, and a forefoot region 122. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the article of footwear 100 includes a lateral heel region 118a, a lateral midfoot region 120a, and a lateral forefoot region 122a. As seen in FIG. 2, the article of footwear 100 additionally includes a medial heel region 118b, a medial midfoot region 120b, and a medial forefoot region 122b. The article of footwear 100 includes a toe end 124 and an opposite heel end 126. Features of the upper 110 include an ankle cuff 128 that defines a foot-insertion opening 130 into the upper void. The ankle cuff 128 may optionally include a plurality of tubular raised structures, as described below. The ankle cuff 128 terminates at a topline edge 132. The upper 110 also includes a vamp 134 that extends from the forefoot region 122 to the topline edge 132. Stated differently, the vamp 134 extends from the toe end 124 to the topline edge 132. In the aspects shown in FIGS. 1-4, the article of footwear 100 is tonguclcss, although aspects herein contemplate that the article of footwear 100 may include a tongue and / or eyestays to receive a lace.

[0032] In example aspects, the upper 110 may include an inner knit component 136 and an outer knit component 138 positioned at least partially on, over, across, and / or overtop the inner knit component 136 where the inner knit component 136 and the outer knit component 138 are indicated by courses of knit loops. As further described below, at least some of the courses of the inner knit component 136 may be angularly offset from the courses of the outer knit component 138 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one example aspect, the inner knit component 136 may form a substantial entirety of the upper 110 including the lateral and medial heel regions 118a and 118b, the lateral and medial midfoot regions 120a and 120b, the lateral and medial forefoot regions 122a and 122b, the vamp 134, and the ankle cuff 128. In aspects, these different portions of the inner knit component 136 are integrally knit with each other such thatthe inner knit component 136 has a generally seamless construction, e.g., except for an optional heel seam 310 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0033] In aspects, the outer knit component 138 may include an integrally knit, one-piece structure, or may include a composite structure of multiple pieces knitted separately and attached together, e.g., through post-knitting operations. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-4, the outer knit component 138 is positioned overtop at least the lateral and medial forefoot regions 122a and 122b of the inner knit component 136. The outer knit component 138 may also be positioned at least partially overtop the lateral and medial midfoot regions 120a and 120b of the inner knit component 136. In some examples, the outer knit component 138 may also optionally be positioned at least partially overtop the lateral and medial heel regions 118a and 118b of the inner knit component 136. In this non-limiting example, a boundary of the outer knit component 138 defining a contour thereof is indicated by line 140. In one aspect, the shape of the outer knit component 138 may be generally symmetrical on the lateral side 105 and the medial side 205 of the article of footwear 100. In another aspect, the shape of the outer knit component 138 may be different on the medial side 205 of the article of footwear 100 versus the lateral side 105. In aspects, symmetrical, partially symmetrical, or non-symmetrical or amorphous shapes of the outer knit component 138 are contemplated in connection with different aspects described herein.

[0034] In the areas of the article of footwear 100 in which the outer knit component 138 is positioned overtop the inner knit component 136, the outer knit component 138, or portions thereof, may form an outermost-facing surface of the upper 110. In the article of footwear 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-4, at least the ankle cuff 128 and the heel end 126 of the inner knit component 136 are visible or exposed when viewing an external portion of the article of footwear 100. In this example, the ankle cuff 128 and the heel end 126 of the inner knit component 136 may form an outermost-facing surface of the upper 110. The shape of the outer knit component 138 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is illustrative, and aspects herein contemplate that the outer knit component 138 may be positioned overtop a greater or a lesser surface of the inner knit component 136.

[0035] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of the inner knit component 136 with radially extending courses, e.g., the identified inner knit component courses 510a-510f, which may be collectively referred to as “inner knit component courses 510.” The inner knit component courses 510 are each depicted as having a sequence of knitted loops in a simplified form. It should be understood that these sequences of loops do not necessarily represent the particularstitch type or stitch sequence that is used. For example, the inner knit component courses 510 may include other types of stitches, e.g., float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, and the like. Similarly, only some courses are depicted throughout the inner knit component 136 as being representative of the various directions in which the inner knit component courses 510 may extend (for clarity), and thus it should be understood that there may be additional courses located between the inner knit component courses 510 depicted in FIG. 5 that radially extend from a common portion of the inner knit component 136 in a similar manner as described below and shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the inner knit component courses 510 depicted in FIG. 5 can also be interconnected such that the inner knit component courses 510 transition between each other at the common portion and / or at the outer perimeter, rather than being distinct.

[0036] The inner knit component courses 510 continuously extend from a first outer perimeter 512 of the inner knit component 136 to a common portion or region. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the common portion is the ankle cuff 128. The lateral and medial heel regions 118a and 118b, the lateral and medial midfoot regions 120a and 120b, and the lateral and medial forefoot regions 122a and 122b may each include radially extending courses that extend in different directions but converge at the ankle cuff 128 such that at least some of the courses are not parallel to one another and are angularly offset from each other. For example, the inner knit component 136 may include a first inner knit component course 510d located in the forefoot region 122 that extends at an angle a relative to a second inner knit component course 510e located in the midfoot region 120, where the angle a is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. The inner knit component 136 may further include a third inner knit component course 5 lOf located in the heel region 118. The third inner knit component course 51 Of extends at a first angle 0 relative to the first inner knit component course 5 lOd and extends at a second angle A relative to the second inner knit component course 510e, where the first angle 0 is different from the second angle A. Each of the first angle 0 and the second angle A is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. As depicted in FIG. 5, the inner knit component 136 may not include a course that continuously extends from a lateral side edge of the first outer perimeter 512 to a medial side edge of the first outer perimeter 512.

[0037] Thus, the inner knit component courses 510 may extend in different directions, which may represent different lines or angles of potential containment. In some aspects, the various directions of the different courses may effectively extend 360 degrees around the center of the wearer’s foot. These lines of containment may represent where a foot may be contained, which may be accomplished through various knit structures. In some aspects, greatercontainment is achieved by utilizing yams of higher tensile strength, higher tenacity, and / or higher stretch resistance for courses along certain lines of containment, utilizing certain knit stitches, such as floats, for reducing stretch in courses along certain lines of containment, or a combination thereof.

[0038] In example aspects, the inner knit component 136 includes inner knit component courses 510d that are aligned, e.g., parallel or substantially parallel, with a first diagonal line of containment (shown by a first axis 514) and includes inner knit component courses 510c that are aligned, e.g., parallel or substantially parallel, with a second diagonal line of containment (shown by a second axis 516) that intersects with the first line of containment 514 near the common portion of the inner knit component 136 (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the inner knit component 136) as indicated at point 518. The axes 514 and 516 may collectively form an “x” shape and may represent lines of containment that may improve the stability of a wearer's foot within an upper for many types of movements (including turning or changing the direction of movement, side-to-side movements, forward movements, and backward movements). As such, containing the wearer's foot within the upper 110 through courses limiting stretch or otherwise providing support along, for example, the axes 514 and 16, may enhance performance capabilities of the article of footwear 100. The example given for the axes 514 and 516 is representative of multiple additional lines of containment provided by the inner knit component courses 510 that radially extend from the first outer perimeter 512 to the common portion (e.g., the ankle cuff 128) of the inner knit component 136.

[0039] The inner knit component 136 with radially extending inner knit component courses 510 may be created through a radial knitting process in which lateral and medial sides 540 and 542 of inner knit component 136 are formed sequentially. For example, the inner knit component 136 may be formed by a knitting machine 550 by starting at the heel region 118 on the lateral side 540 of the inner knit component 136, knitting in a knit direction 552 from the heel region 118 to the forefoot region 122, and then knitting the medial side 542 of the inner knit component 136 starting at the forefoot region 122 and finishing at the heel region 118 on the medial side 542. In this fashion, the inner knit component 136 may be formed by knitting the lateral side 540 (or at least a plurality of courses on the lateral side 540), knitting the forefoot region 122 after knitting the courses on the lateral side 540, and knitting the medial side 542 (or at least a plurality of courses on the medial side 542) after knitting the forefoot region 122.

[0040] In other aspects, a similar but opposite knitting direction may be utilized to form the inner knit component 136. For example, the inner knit component 136 may be formed byknitting the medial side 542 (or at least a plurality of courses on the medial side 542), knitting the forefoot region 122 after knitting the courses on the medial side 542, and knitting the lateral side 540 (or at least a plurality of courses on the lateral side 540) after knitting the forefoot region 122.

[0041] This process for producing the inner knit component 136 may be performed on the knitting machine 550, which may be an automated knitting machine. In example aspects, the knitting machine 550 includes a front needle bed 554 and a back needle bed 556 shown in FIG.5 as a simplified representation. Accordingly, in example aspects, the knitting machine 550 (and the others described herein) may be a flat knitting machine, such as a flat V-bed knitting machine with a front needle bed and a back needle bed. In various aspects, the inner knit component 136 may be formed by needles from a single needle bed or by needles from both needle beds.

[0042] In accordance with this knit process in which the lateral and medial sides 540 and 542 are formed sequentially, at least some of the needles utilized to form the lateral side 540 are also utilized to form the medial side 542. In this way, a smaller number of needles on a knitting bed of the knitting machine 550 may be needed to create the inner knit component 136 compared to a traditional knitting process in which heel, midfoot, and forefoot regions of the lateral and medial sides are formed sequentially using different needles of the knitting machine. Stated differently, with a traditional horizontal knitting method, a particular needle used to form a lateral side of a midfoot region would not be used to form a corresponding medial side of the forefoot region. Additionally, with radial knitting, the same feeder(s) may be utilized for the yam forming for both the lateral and the medial sides 540 and 542, rather than requiring duplicate feeders for each side. In this fashion, the disclosed knitting process can make more needles and / or feeders on the knitting machine 550 available to knit a separate article, such as another knitted component for another upper, e.g., at the same time that the inner knit component 136 is being knit.

[0043] Aspects herein contemplate a different knitting sequence when a seam joining the upper 110 is positioned on the lateral side 105 of the upper 110 instead of the center of the heel region as shown by the heel seam 310. For example, the sequence of knitting may proceed as follows: the lateral heel region 118a is knit, then the medial heel region 118b is knit, then the medial midfoot region 120b is knit, then the forefoot region 122 (both lateral and medial) is knit, and then the lateral midfoot region 120a is knit. The resulting upper is joined by a seamon the lateral side instead of in the center of the heel region. The reverse knitting order would be used if the seam is located on the medial side.

[0044] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, forming the inner knit component 136 to have radially extending inner knit component courses 510 includes forming full-length and partial-length knit courses. A full-length knit course, such as inner knit component course 510a, may extend from one edge of the inner knit component 136 (e.g., at the first outer perimeter 512) to another edge of the inner knit component 136 (e.g., the topline edge 132 of the ankle cuff 128). A partial-length knit course, such as inner knit component course 510b, may not extend between these two edges of the inner knit component 136. One or both ends of a partial-length knit course may end before an edge of the inner knit component 136 is reached. However, the partial-length knit courses, such as inner knit component course 510b may still be considered radially extending as they extend in a direction from the first outer perimeter 512 toward the common portion (e.g., the ankle cuff 128). Forming partial-length knit courses distributed between full-length knit courses may create shape (e.g., wedges) and dimension in the inner knit component 136 while also enabling the courses to extend radially and allow for the resulting knitted component to adopt a curved shape.

[0045] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of the outer knit component 138 with parallel courses that extend generally across a width of the outer knit component 138, such as outer knit component courses 610a-610c, which may be collectively referred to as “outer knit component courses 610.” The outer knit component courses 610 are each depicted as having a sequence of knitted loops in simplified form. However, it should be understood that the sequence of loops do not necessarily represent the particular stitch type or stitch sequence being used. For example, the outer knit component courses 610 may include other types of stitches, such as float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, and the like. Similarly, only some courses are depicted throughout the outer knit component 138 as representative of the directions in which the outer knit component courses 610 may extend (for clarity), and thus it should be understood that there may be additional courses located between the outer knit component courses 610 depicted in FIG. 6 that extend parallel to the outer knit component courses 610 depicted in FIG.6. In addition, the outer knit component courses 610 depicted in FIG. 6 can also be interconnected such that the outer knit component courses 610 transition between each other at the outer perimeter, rather than being distinct.

[0046] In aspects, at least some of the outer knit component courses 610 continuously extend from a lateral side edge 605 of a second outer perimeter 612 to a medial side edge 607of the second outer perimeter 612. In the example shown in FIG. 6, at least the lateral and medial forefoot regions 122a and 122b, and a portion of the lateral and medial midfoot regions 120a and 120b may each include courses that extend continuously from the lateral side edge 605 of the second outer perimeter 612 to the medial side edge 607 of the second outer perimeter 612 such that the outer knit component courses 610 are generally parallel to each other and are not angularly offset from each other. The midfoot region 120 may also include outer knit component courses 610, such as outer knit component courses 610d and 610e that respectively extend from the lateral side edge 605 and the medial side edge 607 of the second outer perimeter 612 to an inner perimeter 615 of the outer knit component 138. The outer knit component courses 610 that extend from the second outer perimeter 612 to the inner perimeter 615 are also generally parallel to the outer knit component courses 610 that extend continuously from the lateral side edge 605 of the second outer perimeter 612 to the medial side edge 607 of the second outer perimeter 612.

[0047] The outer knit component courses 610 may also represent lines of potential containment. The lines of containment may be achieved through, for example, utilizing various knit structures (e.g., float stitches), and / or utilizing yarns of higher tensile strength, higher tenacity, and / or higher stretch resistance for courses along certain lines of containment. Example lines of containment may be represented by axis 614 and axis 616. The axis 614, for example, is located in the forefoot region 122 of the outer knit component 138, and the axis 616 is located in the midfoot region 120 of the outer knit component 138. As shown, the axis 614 is parallel to the axis 616. Lines of containment of the outer knit component 138, e.g., as represented by the axis 614 and the axis 616, may improve the stability of the upper 110 in a medial-todateral direction, which may benefit a wearer by providing support for side-to-side movements. In this sense, containing the wearer’s foot within the upper 110 through courses limiting stretch or otherwise providing support along, for example, the axes 614 and 616, may enhance performance capabilities of the article of footwear 100. The example given for the axes 614 and 616 is representative of multiple additional lines of containment provided by the outer knit component courses 610 that extend in parallel from a lateral side edge 605 to a medial side edge 607 of the outer knit component 138.

[0048] In another example, the outer knit component 138 may be oriented such that the outer knit component courses 610 extend in a toe-to-heel direction (e.g., orthogonal to the course direction shown in FIG. 6). In this example, the lines of containment of the outer knitcomponent 138 may improve the stability of the upper 110 in a toe-to-heel direction, which may benefit a wearer by providing support for forward and backward movements.

[0049] Looking at the example shown in FIG. 6, the outer knit component 138 with horizontally extending outer knit component courses 610 may be created through, for example, a traditional weft knitting process that may use a flat knitting machine, such as a flat V-bed knitting machine with a front needle bed and a back needle bed. In various aspects, the outer knit component 138 may be formed by needles from a single needle bed or by needles from two needle beds. In aspects, the knitting process starts at a toe-facing end or a heel-facing end of the outer knit component 138 and proceeds toward the opposite end of the outer knit component 138 as indicated by knitting direction arrow 618. Each course may be knit as a carriage moves across the width of the outer knit component 138. Thus, a particular needle used to knit a portion of a course located in the lateral midfoot region 120a is different from the needle used to knit a portion of that same course located in the medial midfoot region 120b.

[0050] FIG. 7 schematically depicts the outer knit component 138 positioned overtop the inner knit component 136 and the direction of example courses associated with each of the outer knit component 138 and the inner knit component 136. For example, the inner knit component 136 includes the first inner knit component course 510d located in the lateral forefoot region 122a that extends from the first outer perimeter 512 of the inner knit component 136 to the ankle cuff 128, and the second inner knit component course 510e located in the lateral midfoot region 120a that extends from the first outer perimeter 512 of the inner knit component 136 to the ankle cuff 128. The outer knit component 138 includes the outer knit component course 610c located at least partially in the lateral midfoot region 120a that extends from the lateral side edge 605 across the width of the outer knit component 138 to the medial side edge 607. The outer knit component course 610c is angularly offset by a first angle 710 from the first inner knit component course 5 lOd. The outer knit component course 610c is also angularly offset at a second angle 712 from the second inner knit component course 510e. In example aspects, the first angle 710 is different from the second angle 712.

[0051] Utilizing a stacked or layered configuration of knit components (versus a singlelayer knit component) can enhance the degree of containment provided by the upper 110. Moreover, because the outer knit component courses 610 are angularly offset from the inner knit component courses 510, enhanced multidirectional containment may be provided in certain regions of the article of footwear 100. For example, some athletic activities, such as global football and tennis, require a high degree of forward and backward movement as wellas side-to-side movement. In the configuration depicted in FIG. 7 and with respect to the forefoot region 122, the direction of the inner knit component courses 510 may help to contain movement in the toe-to-heel direction. This, in turn, may help to prevent a wearer’s toes from repeatedly impacting the toe end 124 of the article of footwear 100, e.g., lessening damage to the wearer’s toes and toenails. The direction of the outer knit component courses 610 in the forefoot region 122 may help to contain movement in the medial-to-lateral direction. This, in turn, may help to prevent shifting of the wearer’s foot in a side-to-side direction, which can enhance foot stability. Thus, the enhanced multidirectional containment achieved by layering the outer knit component 138 overtop the inner knit component 136 may enable the wearer to achieve greater foot stability and potentially lessen injuries.

[0052] FIG. 8 schematically depicts the article of footwear 100 being worn by a wearer 800. More particularly, the ankle cuff 128 of the inner knit component 136 is shown covering the lateral malleoli 810 of the wearer 800 such that the topline edge 132 of the ankle cuff 128 is positioned above the lateral malleoli 810. Although not shown, the topline edge 132 of the ankle cuff 128 may also be positioned above the medial malleoli of the wearer 800. As described, the ankle cuff 128 may comprise the common portion of the radially knit inner knit component 136. As such, the inner knit component courses 510 extend from the first outer perimeter 512 at different regions ofthe upper 110 (e.g., the heel region 118, the midfoot region 120, and the forefoot region 122) and converge at different locations circumferentially positioned at the topline edge 132 of the ankle cuff 128. Because the ankle cuff 128 is radially knit, the inner knit component courses 510 have a generally vertical orientation, as depicted generally in FIG. 8. This may provide a more conforming fit compared to, for example, typical knit ankle cuffs in which the courses extend generally horizontally.

[0053] FIG. 9 depicts a portion of the inner knit component 136 of FIG. 5 at the ankle cuff 128. As depicted in FIG. 9, the ankle cuff 128 is formed by inner knit component courses (schematically depicted), such as inner knit component courses 510m-510r. The inner knit component courses 510m-510r are each depicted as having a sequence of knitted loops in a simplified form. However, it should be understood that these sequences of loops do not necessarily represent the particular stitch type or stitch sequence being used. For example, the inner knit component courses 510m-510r may include other types of stitches, such as float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, and the like. Similarly, only some courses are depicted throughout the ankle cuff 128 as being representative of the different directions in which the inner knit component courses 510 may extend (for clarity), and thus it should be understoodthat there may be additional courses located between the inner knit component courses 510m-51 Or.

[0054] The inner knit component courses 510m-510r originate from the first outer perimeter 152 at various regions (e.g., the heel region 118, the midfoot region 120, and the forefoot region 122) and terminate at different locations along the topline edge 132 of the ankle cuff 128. For example, the inner knit component courses 510m and 510n may originate from the forefoot region 122 and respectively terminate at points 910 and 911 located at a forward portion of the topline edge 132. Inner knit component courses 510o and 510p may originate from the midfoot region 120 and terminate respectively at points 912 and 914 located respectively on the lateral and medial portions of the topline edge 132. Inner knit component courses 510q and 51 Or originate from the heel region 118 and terminate respectively at points 916 and 918 located at a rearward portion of the topline edge 132. When the inner knit component 136 is laid flat as shown in FIG. 9, the inner knit component courses 510 located at the ankle cuff 128 may be angularly offset from each other. For example, the inner knit component course 51 On may be offset at an angle 920 from the inner knit component course 51 Op where the angle 920 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Because the direction of the inner knit component courses 510m-5 lOr changes circumferentially around the ankle cuff 128, the stretch and / or fit of the ankle cuff 128 may be different than a standard knit ankle cuff where the courses extend horizontally and parallel to each other. For example, the angular offset of the inner knit component courses 510m-510r combined with the more vertical orientation of the inner knit component courses 510m-51 Or may provide a more uniformly snug fit without gaps.

[0055] In example aspects, some of the inner knit component courses 510 located at the ankle cuff 128 may optionally form tubular raised structures such as schematically depicted first tubular raised structure 922 and second tubular raised structure 924. Although FIG. 9 depicts each of the first and second tubular raised structures 922 and 924 as being associated with one knit course, in reality a tubular raised structure, such as the first tubular raised structure 922, is formed by a plurality of courses. For example, a first plurality of inner knit component courses 510 may form the first tubular raised structure 922, and a second plurality of inner knit component courses 510 may form the second tubular raised structure 924. As further described below, the tubular raised structures, such as the first and second tubular raised structures 922 and 924, may impart a desired functionality to the ankle cuff 128. For example, the tubular raised structures, such as the first and second tubular raised structures 922 and 924, mayprovide additional structure to the ankle cuff 128 so as to prevent the ankle cuff 128 from folding downward. In some examples, the tubular raised structures, such as the first and second tubular raised structures 922 and 924, may include strands such as an elastic strand that imparts additional stretch and recovery to the ankle cuff 128.

[0056] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-section of first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010 taken at cut line 10-10 of FIG. 8. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the inner knit component 136 includes a first knit layer 1012 and a second knit layer 1014. Aspects herein contemplate that the inner knit component 136 may include the first knit layer 1012 and the second knit layer 1014 just at the ankle cuff 128, throughout the entirety of the inner knit component 136 (e.g., the ankle cuff 128 in addition to the heel region 118, the midfoot region 120, and the forefoot region 122), or at any combination thereof. The first and second knit layers 1012 and 1014 may be integrally knit together, e.g., including transfer stitches, or the like. In areas forming the first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010, the first knit layer 1012 and the second knit layer 1014 are separated from each other such that a pocket 1016 is formed between the first and second knit layers 1012 and 1014. In example aspects, one or more of the pockets 1016 may optionally include a strand 1018. The strand 1018 may be a filament (e.g., a monofilament or multifilament), thread, rope, webbing, cable, or chain, for example. In general, the strand 1018 may have a greater diameter than the yams used to form the first knit layer 1012 and the second knit layer 1014. The strand 1018 may have one or more features depending upon a purpose for the strand 1018. For example, if a degree of rigidity is desired for the ankle cuff 128, the strand 1018 may be relatively stiff. If the ankle cuff 128 is subject to relatively high amounts of wear and tear, the strand 1018 may comprise a high-tenacity element that is able to sustain a relatively large degree of stress prior to tensile failure or breaking. If an enhanced amount of stretch and recovery is desired at the ankle cuff 128, the strand 1018 may comprise an elastically resilient yarn such as elastane.

[0057] In example aspects, the first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010 protrude outwardly (e.g., in the z-direction) from a base area 1020 located between adjacent tubular raised structures. More particularly, the first knit layer 1012 is positioned at a height 1022 above the base area 1020 such that the first knit layer 1012 extends away from the second knit layer 1014 to form the first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010. In one example aspect, this is achieved by knitting the first knit layer 1012 to include a greater quantity of courses than the second knit layer 1014 at each of the first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010. This is known in the art of knitting as an ottoman stitch.

[0058] FIG. 11 depicts a block diagram of an example method 1100 of manufacturing an article of footwear, such as the article of footwear 100, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method 1100 includes blocks 1110-1122, but is not limited to this selection of elements, or the order depicted. In block 1110, an inner knit component, such as the inner knit component 136, is knit. The inner knit component may form a forefoot region (such as the forefoot region 122), a midfoot region (such as the midfoot region 120), a heel region (such as the heel region 118), an ankle cuff (such as the ankle cuff 128), and / or a vamp (such as the vamp 134). For example, at sub-block 1112, a first inner knit component course, such as inner knit component course 510a, is knit such that the first inner knit component course extends continuously between a first location (such as the lateral midfoot region 120a) on a first outer perimeter, such as the first outer perimeter 512, to a common portion of the inner knit component, such as the ankle cuff 128. In sub-block 1114, a second inner knit component course, such as inner knit component course 510c, is knit such that the second inner knit component course extends continuously between a first location (such as the lateral forefoot region 122a) on the first outer perimeter to the common portion of the inner knit component. In example aspects, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extend at an angle relative to each other.

[0059] In block 1116, an outer knit component, such as the outer knit component 138, is knit. For example, at sub-block 1118, a first outer knit component course, such as the outer knit component course 610c, is knit such that the outer knit component course extends continuously from a first side edge, such as lateral side edge 605 of a second outer perimeter, such as the second outer perimeter 612, to an opposite second side edge, such as medial side edge 607 of the second outer perimeter.

[0060] In block 1120, the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component. In examples, the outer knit component is fixed relative to the inner knit component. In one example, the outer knit component may be positioned overtop the forefoot region of the inner knit component and at least partially overtop the midfoot region of the inner knit component. In some examples, the outer knit component may be positioned at least partially overtop the heel region of the inner knit component. Tn this example, at least the heel region of the inner knit component is viewable when viewing the resulting article of footwear. When the outer knit component is positioned overtop the inner knit component, aspects herein contemplate that the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a first angle from the first inner knit component course and is angularly offset at a second anglefrom the second inner knit component course, where the second angle is different from the first angle. In block 1122, the inner knit component and the outer knit component are secured to a sole structure, such as the sole structure 112.

[0061] The method 1100 may further comprise knitting a plurality of tubular raised structures, such as the first and second tubular raised structures 1000 and 1010, at the ankle cuff such that the tubular raised structures extend outwardly from a base area, such as the base area 1020. The tubular raised structures may be formed by knitting a first knit layer, such as the first knit layer 1012, and a second knit layer, such as the second knit layer 1014. In areas where the tubular raised structures are located, the first knit layer may be knit with more courses than the second knit layer to form a pocket, such as the pocket 1016. In example aspects, the method 1100 may include positioning a strand, such as the strand 1018 within the pocket of one or more of the tubular raised structures.

[0062] The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

[0063] It should be noted that aspects herein describe an upper with an inner knit component having a radial knit configuration and an outer knit component having a non-radial or parallel knitted course configuration. However, in aspects, this configuration can be reversed, and the outer knit component can include a radial knit configuration, e.g., extending part or entirely to a collar area, and the inner knit component can include a non-radial or parallel knitted course configuration. In addition, while aspects herein describe an upper with an inner knit component and an outer knit component, additional knit components, e.g., radial or non-radial, can also be included in addition to the described inner and outer knit components. In some aspects, multicomponent inner and / or outer knit components can be used, instead of integrally extensive inner and outer knit components, as described in connection with aspects herein.

[0064] Clause 1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising: an inner knit component comprising at least a forefoot region and a midfoot region and having a first outer perimeter, the forefoot region comprising a first inner knit component course extending continuously between the first outer perimeter in the forefoot region and a common portion of the inner knit component, the midfootregion comprising a second inner knit component course extending continuously between the first outer perimeter in the midfoot region and the common portion of the inner knit component, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extending at an angle relative to each other, and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter, the outer knit component comprising at least a first outer knit component course extending continuously from a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter.

[0065] Clause 2. The article of footwear according to clause 1, wherein the common portion of the inner knit component comprises an ankle cuff.

[0066] Clause 3. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 1 through 2, wherein the inner knit component does not comprise a course that extends from a medial side edge of the first outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the first outer perimeter.

[0067] Clause 4. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 1 through 3, wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a first angle from the first inner knit component course, and wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a second angle from the second inner knit component course, the second angle being different from the first angle.

[0068] Clause 5. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 1 through 4, wherein the inner knit component further comprises a heel region.

[0069] Clause 6. The article of footwear according to clause 5, wherein the inner knit component comprises a third inner knit component course that extends continuously between the first outer perimeter in the heel region and the common portion of the inner knit component.

[0070] Clause 7. The article of footwear according to clause 6, wherein the third inner knit component course extends at a first angle relative to the first inner knit component course, and wherein the third inner knit component course extends at a second angle relative to the second inner knit component course, the first angle being different from the second angle.

[0071] Clause 8. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 5 through 7, wherein at least a portion of the heel region of the inner knit component is exposed when viewing the article of footwear.

[0072] Clause 9. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 1 through 8, wherein at least the forefoot region of the inner knit component is not exposed when viewing the article of footwear.

[0073] Clause 10. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising: an inner knit component having a first outer perimeter, the inner knit component comprising at least a first plurality of inner knit component courses that extends from a first location on the first outer perimeter to a common portion of the inner knit component, and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter, the outer knit component comprising at least a first plurality of outer knit component courses that extends continuously from a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter to a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter, the first plurality of outer knit component courses angularly offset from the first plurality of inner knit component courses.

[0074] Clause 11. The article of footwear according to clause 10, wherein the inner knit component comprises a forefoot region, and wherein the first plurality of inner knit component courses are located at least partially in the forefoot region.

[0075] Clause 12. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 10 through 11, wherein the inner knit component comprises a midfoot region and a heel region.

[0076] Clause 13. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 11 through 12, wherein the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least the forefoot region of the inner knit component and at least a portion of the midfoot region of the inner knit component.

[0077] Clause 14. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 12 through 13, wherein at least a portion of the heel region of the inner knit component is exposed when viewing the article of footwear.

[0078] Clause 15. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 10 through 14, wherein the common portion of the inner knit component comprises an ankle cuff.

[0079] Clause 16. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 10 through 15, wherein the inner knit component further comprises a second plurality of inner knit component courses that extends from a second location on the first outer perimeter to the common portion.

[0080] Clause 17. The article of footwear according to clause 16, wherein the second plurality of inner knit component courses are located at least partially in a midfoot region of the inner knit component.

[0081] Clause 18. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 16 through 17, wherein a first inner knit component course of the first plurality of inner knit component courses extends at an angle relative to a second inner knit component course of the second plurality of inner knit component courses.

[0082] Clause 19. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 10 through 18, wherein the inner knit component does not comprise a course that extends from a medial side edge of the first outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the first outer perimeter.

[0083] Clause 20. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising: knitting an inner knit component of an upper for the article of footwear, knitting the inner knit component comprising: knitting a first inner knit component course that extends continuously between a first location on a first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a common portion of the inner knit component, and knitting a second inner knit component course that extends continuously between a second location on the first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to the common portion of the inner knit component, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extending at an angle relative to each other; knitting an outer knit component of the upper, knitting the outer knit component comprising: knitting a first outer knit component course that extends continuously from a first side edge of a second outer perimeter of the outer knit component to an opposite second side edge of the second outer perimeter; positioning the outer knit component overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component; and securing the inner knit component and the outer knit component to a sole structure.

[0084] Clause 21. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to clause 20, wherein the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least a forefoot region of the inner knit component.

[0085] Clause 22. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any of clauses 20 through 21, wherein the common portion comprises an ankle cuff.

[0086] Clause 23. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to clause 22, wherein the ankle cuff is exposed when viewing the article of footwear.

[0087] Clause 24. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any of clauses 20 through 23, wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a first angle from the first inner knit component course, and wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a second angle from the second inner knit component course, the second angle is different from the first angle.

[0088] Clause 25. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any of clauses 20 through 24, further comprising securing the outer knit component to the inner knit component such that the outer knit component is fixed relative to the inner knit component.

[0089] Clause 26. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising an inner knit component that forms at least an ankle cuff that extends continuously around a foot-insertion opening into the upper, the ankle cuff comprising a topline edge, the inner knit component comprising: a first plurality of inner knit component courses that extends continuously between a first location on a first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a first location on the topline edge of the ankle cuff, and a second plurality of inner knit component courses that extends continuously between a second location on the first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a second location on the topline edge of the ankle cuff, the first plurality of inner knit component courses and the second plurality of inner knit component courses extending at an angle relative to each other.

[0090] Clause 27. The article of footwear according to clause 26, wherein the first plurality of inner knit component courses comprises a first tubular raised structure located at the ankle cuff, the first tubular raised structure extending outwardly from a base area of the ankle cuff.

[0091] Clause 28. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 26 through 27, wherein the second plurality of inner knit component courses comprises a second tubular raised structure located at the ankle cuff, the second tubular raised structure extending outwardly from the base area of the ankle cuff.

[0092] Clause 29. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 27 through 28, wherein the first tubular raised structure extends at an angle relative to the second tubular raised structure.

[0093] Clause 30. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 27 through 29, wherein each of the first tubular raised structure and the second tubular raised structure comprises a knit construction.

[0094] Clause 31. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 26 through 30, further comprising an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter.

[0095] Clause 32. The article of footwear according to clause 31, wherein the outer knit component comprises at least a first plurality of outer knit component courses that extends continuously from a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter.

[0096] Clause 33. The article of footwear according to clause 32, wherein the first plurality of outer knit component courses is angularly offset from one or more of the first plurality of inner knit component courses and the second plurality of inner knit component courses.

[0097] Clause 34. The article of footwear according to any of clauses 26 through 33, wherein the ankle cuff is exposed when viewing the article of footwear.

[0098] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising: an inner knit component comprising at least a forefoot region and a midfoot region and having a first outer perimeter, the forefoot region comprising a first inner knit component course extending continuously between the first outer perimeter in the forefoot region and a common portion of the inner knit component, the midfoot region comprising a second inner knit component course extending continuously between the first outer perimeter in the midfoot region and the common portion of the inner knit component, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extending at an angle relative to each other; and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter, the outer knit component comprising at least a first outer knit component course extending continuously from a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the common portion of the inner knit component comprises an ankle cuff.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the inner knit component is formed without a course that extends from a medial side edge of the first outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the first outer perimeter.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a first angle from the first inner knit component course, and wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a second angle from the second inner knit component course, the second angle being different from the first angle.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the inner knit component further comprises a heel region.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the inner knit component comprises a third inner knit component course that extends continuously between the first outer perimeter in the heel region and the common portion of the inner knit component.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the third inner knit component course extends at a first angle relative to the first inner knit component course, and wherein the third inner knit component course extends at a second angle relative to the second inner knit component course, the first angle being different from the second angle.

8. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the heel region of the inner knit component is exposed on the article of footwear.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein at least the forefoot region of the inner knit component is not exposed on the article of footwear.

10. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising: an inner knit component having a first outer perimeter, the inner knit component comprising at least a first plurality of inner knit component courses that extend from a first location on the first outer perimeter to a common portion of the inner knit component; and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter, the outer knit component comprising at least a first plurality of outer knit component courses that extend continuously from a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter to a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter, the first plurality of outer knit component courses angularly offset from the first plurality of inner knit component courses.

11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the inner knit component comprises a forefoot region, and wherein the first plurality of inner knit component courses are located at least partially in the forefoot region.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the inner knit component comprises a midfoot region and a heel region.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least the forefoot region of the inner knit component and at least a portion of the midfoot region of the inner knit component.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the heel region of the inner knit component is exposed on the article of footwear.

15. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the common portion of the inner knit component comprises an ankle cuff.

16. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the inner knit component further comprises a second plurality of inner knit component courses that extends from a second location on the first outer perimeter to the common portion.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the second plurality of inner knit component courses are located at least partially in a midfoot region of the inner knit component.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein a first inner knit component course of the first plurality of inner knit component courses extends at an angle relative to a second inner knit component course of the second plurality of inner knit component courses.

19. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the inner knit component is formed without a course that extends from a medial side edge of the first outer perimeter to a lateral side edge of the first outer perimeter.

20. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: knitting an inner knit component of an upper for the article of footwear, wherein knitting the inner knit component comprises: knitting a first inner knit component course that extends continuously between a first location on a first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a common portion of the inner knit component; knitting a second inner knit component course that extends continuously between a second location on the first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to the common portion of the inner knit component, the first inner knit component course and the second inner knit component course extending at an angle relative to each other; and knitting an outer knit component of the upper, wherein knitting the outer knit component comprises: knitting a first outer knit component course that extends continuously from a first side edge of a second outer perimeter of the outer knit component to an opposite second side edge of the second outer perimeter; positioning the outer knit component overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component; and securing the inner knit component and the outer knitcomponent to a sole structure.

21. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least a forefoot region of the inner knit component.

22. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the common portion comprises an ankle cuff.

23. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of claim 22, wherein the ankle cuff is exposed on the article of footwear.

24. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of claim 20, wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a first angle from the first inner knit component course, and wherein the first outer knit component course is angularly offset at a second angle from the second inner knit component course, the second angle being different from the first angle.

25. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of claim 20, further comprising securing the outer knit component to the inner knit component such that the outer knit component is fixed relative to the inner knit component.

26. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising an inner knit component that forms at least an ankle cuff that extends continuously around a foot-insertion opening into the upper, the ankle cuff comprising a topline edge, the inner knit component comprising: a first plurality of inner knit component courses that extend continuously between a first location on a first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a first location on the topline edge of the ankle cuff; and a second plurality of inner knit component courses that extend continuously between a second location on the first outer perimeter of the inner knit component to a second location on the topline edge of the ankle cuff, the first plurality of inner knit component courses and the second plurality of inner knit component courses extending at an angle relative to each other.

27. fhe article of footwear of claim 26, wherein the first plurality of inner knit component courses comprises a first tubular raised slruclure located at the ankle cuff, the first tubular raised structure extending outwardly from a base area of the ankle cuff.

28. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the second plurality of inner knit component courses comprises a second tubular raised structure located at the ankle cuff, the second tubular raised structure extending outwardly from the base area of the ankle cuff.

29. The article of footwear of claim 28, wherein the first tubular raised structure extends at an angle relative to the second tubular raised structure.

30. The article of footwear of claim 28, wherein each of the first tubular raised structure and the second tubular raised structure comprises a knit construction.

31. The article of footwear of claim 26, further comprising an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component and having a second outer perimeter.

32. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein the outer knit component comprises at least a first plurality of outer knit component courses that extend continuously between a medial side edge of the second outer perimeter and a lateral side edge of the second outer perimeter.

33. The article of footwear of claim 32, wherein the first plurality of outer knit component courses is angularly offset from one or more of the first plurality of inner knit component courses and the second plurality of inner knit component courses.

34. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein the ankle cuff is exposed on the article of footwear.

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