Knitted Footwear Upper with Elastic Inter-Toe Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional footwear upper materials lack optimal flexibility and breathability, particularly in areas other than the toe and heel, which can lead to discomfort and reduced performance during athletic activities.
Innovation Solution
The footwear upper features a knitted component with multiple zones of varying elasticity, including a highly elastic inter-toe member that stretches to conform to the foot, providing improved support and comfort by nesting against the toes and distributing pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional footwear upper materials are used, then durability is maintained, but flexibility and breathability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is divided into multiple zones with different material properties and elasticities. The knitted component includes a first zone with first elasticity and a second zone with second elasticity, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall durability through strategic material placement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the upper are assigned different material characteristics tailored to their functional requirements. The highly elastic inter-toe member provides maximum flexibility where needed, while other zones provide structural support and durability, creating local optimization of material properties throughout the upper.
2Ease of operation
If a single-material upper is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but fit and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple zones with different elasticities are integrated into a single knitted upper construction. The first zone, second zone, and inter-toe member are combined in one continuous knitted structure that provides varied fit characteristics across different foot regions while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through a unified construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper incorporates zones with different elasticity levels that dynamically adapt to the foot's shape and movement. The highly elastic inter-toe member stretches and recoils to accommodate toe movement, while less elastic zones provide stable structural support, creating a dynamic fit that responds to foot physiology.
3Reliability
If conventional upper construction is used, then structural support is adequate, but foot engagement and stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The upper is pre-configured with specific elastic zones and an inter-toe member designed to engage the foot in a predetermined manner. The first and second zones are positioned to provide initial structural support, while the highly elastic inter-toe member is pre-positioned to actively engage and stabilize the toes during movement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances foot engagement and stability, improving comfort and support by allowing the upper to flex with the foot and accommodate different foot shapes, while maintaining durability and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
The forefoot region can also conform at least partially to the shape of the toes... The upper includes an inter-toe member that is at least partially received between the wearer's toes... associated with a relatively elastic portion of the upper
Implementation Method 2
providing improved support and comfort by nesting against the toes and distributing pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a forefoot region that is configured to receive a plurality of toes of a foot. The upper includes a first zone having a first elasticity, a second zone having a second elasticity, and a third zone having a third elasticity. The third zone is disposed between the first zone and the second zone. The third elasticity is greater than the first elasticity and the second elasticity. The third zone is configured to bias the first zone and the second zone toward each other. The third zone is biased generally toward the sole structure and configured to be received in a space located between two of the plurality of toes of the foot.