CN115998033A

CN115998033A - Article of footwear with knitted component and method of making the same

Info

Publication number: CN115998033A
Application number: CN202211305453.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 杰玛·布朗; J·莫里纽克斯; 克里斯汀·E·奥姆
Original assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2022-10-24
Publication date: 2023-04-25
Also published as: KR20240044534A; WO2023069764A3; EP4419745A1; KR20240046273A; TWM651757U; TWI847320B; WO2023069764A9; EP4256120A2; TW202322710A; EP4428280A1; JP2024534627A; WO2023069764A2; EP4256120B1; WO2023069765A1; JP2024536291A

Abstract

The present application relates to an article of footwear having knitted components and a method of making the same. The knitted component has an outer perimeter and a common portion, which can be a centrally located region, such as a throat region and/or a collar region. A plurality of courses of the knitted component extend between the outer perimeter and the common portion such that courses may extend radially outward from the common portion. One or more continuous strands may be embedded within the knitted course to form a plurality of strand segments that extend within respective ones of the courses of the knitted component between the outer perimeter and the common portion of the knitted component.

Description

Article of footwear with knitted component and method of making the same

Cross-reference and priority statement of related applications

This non-provisional patent application claims priority from co-pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/270,987, filed on day 22 10 2021, entitled "Articles of Footwear with Knitted Components and Methods of Manufacturing the Same (article of footwear with knitted component and method of making same)", and claims priority from co-pending U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/389,617, filed on day 15 2022, entitled "Articles of Footwear with Knitted Components and Methods of Manufacturing the Same (article of footwear with knitted component and method of making same)". The contents of both of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present application is also related to the subject matter of U.S. patent application __, filed on month 21 of 2022 and attorney docket number 22752.388520, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

Aspects herein relate to knitted components for articles (e.g., articles of footwear) and methods of making the knitted components.

Background

Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The upper may be formed from a variety of materials, including knitted textiles (knitted textiles). As an athlete moves their foot within the knitted upper, forces may be exerted on the athlete's foot that push the foot partially away from the sole structure. Performance and comfort may be improved by maintaining the foot constrained to the sole structure during movement. The amount and location of the required constraints (containers) may vary based on activity. Various components may be added to the knitted upper by post-knitting processes (post-knitting processes) to keep the foot constrained. However, such components added after knitting may increase the weight of the upper, increase production time, and reduce the recyclability of the upper.

Drawings

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to knitted components, articles having the knitted components, and methods of making and using the knitted components, the subject matter of the present disclosure being discussed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended to represent non-limiting examples, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example article of footwear formed with knitted components in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of an example knitted component for the example article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of another example knitted component for the example article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an example article of footwear formed with knitted components having embedded strands in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a front perspective view of the example article of footwear shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 7 depicts a schematic close-up view of embedded strands incorporated into an example knitted component in accordance with an aspect herein;

fig. 8 depicts a schematic view of an example knitted component with embedded strands in accordance with an aspect herein;

fig. 9 depicts another schematic view of a knitted component having the embedded strands shown in fig. 8 in accordance with an aspect hereof;

fig. 10 depicts another schematic view of a knitted component having the embedded strands shown in fig. 8 in accordance with an aspect hereof;

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an example article of footwear formed with knitted components having embedded strands in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 12 depicts a top side view of the example article of footwear shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with aspects hereof;

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic view of an example knitted component for the example article of footwear shown in FIG. 11, in accordance with aspects hereof;

fig. 14 depicts a schematic view of another example knitted component with embedded strands in accordance with an aspect herein;

fig. 15 depicts a schematic view of another example knitted component with embedded strands in accordance with an aspect herein;

fig. 16 depicts a schematic view of another example knitted component with embedded strands in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 17 depicts a block diagram of an example method of manufacturing a knitted component in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 18 depicts a block diagram of an example method of forming an article of footwear, in accordance with aspects herein;

fig. 19 depicts a knitted component having embedded strands located in certain regions of the knitted component in accordance with an aspect herein;

FIG. 20 depicts a knitted component having a substantially continuous insert (inlay) in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 21 depicts a knitted component with knitted portions having different knit constructions in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 22 depicts a knitted component having differently configured regions in accordance with aspects herein;

FIG. 23A depicts a knit diagram according to aspects herein; and

fig. 23B depicts a knitted component according to an aspect herein formed in accordance with the order of the knitted diagram of fig. 23A.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present disclosure is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the claimed or disclosed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, including different features, different combinations of features, different steps, and/or different combinations of steps similar to the steps described in this document, as well as in conjunction with other present or future technologies or solutions. Furthermore, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.

Conventional articles of footwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some articles of athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The upper of the article of footwear extends generally over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. Access to the void interior of the upper is typically provided by an ankle opening in the heel region of the footwear, and lacing systems may be incorporated to adjust the fit of the upper.

The upper may be formed from a variety of materials, including knitted textiles with interpenetrating yarn loops (intermeshed loops of yarn). The upper formed from the knitted textile may be breathable, lightweight, and flexible. However, conventional knitted uppers may lack the structure provided by other types of materials. Thus, as an athlete moves their foot, forces may be exerted that push the foot into the traditional knitted upper of the sole structure of footwear. Performance and comfort may be improved by maintaining the foot constrained to the sole structure during movement. Various components may be added to the knitted upper by post-knitting processes to keep the foot restrained. However, such components added after knitting may increase the weight of the upper, increase production time, and/or reduce the recyclability of the upper. Furthermore, the amount and location of the constraints required may vary based on activity. However, conventional knitting processes for footwear often fail to achieve the desired or appropriate level of restriction and/or direction of restriction for certain activities, and thus, additional components and/or post-knitting processes may be required to achieve the necessary or appropriate level of restriction.

In summary, and at a higher level, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a knitted component for an upper that forms at least a forefoot region and a midfoot region, either or both of which may include one or more radially extending courses (courses) extending between an outer perimeter and a common portion. The common portion of the knitted component can be a central region, such as a throat region, along or adjacent at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the knitted component. Because the courses in the midfoot region and/or forefoot region extend between the outer perimeter and different regions of the common portion, at least some of the radially extending courses may not extend parallel to each other or, in other words, may extend at an angle relative to each other. However, immediately adjacent course portions (e.g., such as immediately adjacent course portions of the same length or different lengths) may be substantially parallel. In some aspects, the knitted component includes a heel region integrally knit with the midfoot region and including one or more courses that also extend between the outer perimeter and the common portion. In one example, the heel portion may include a heel cushion (cushioning) or cushioning (cushioning). In some aspects, the radially extending courses in the knitted components forming the upper may encircle at least a portion of the foot of the wearer by extending between the common portions and around the perimeter of one or more of the forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel region.

In one example, the knitted component can include one or more courses formed starting from an outer perimeter of the knitted component and extending toward an inner perimeter of the knitted component, the courses being formed in a continuous process performed by the knitting machine. The courses formed may have different lengths, for example, wedge-shaped portions (bridges) are formed in one example.

The radially extending courses in the knitted component described herein can be substantially aligned with a greater number of constraint lines than courses in conventional knitted articles, which can provide multi-directional constraint and stability. As a result, an upper having radially extending courses may allow the wearer to make sharper turns and/or jerks with reduced slippage, slip, or lateral displacement. Further, aspects of the knitted component discussed herein can be used to increase strength. This may be provided, for example, by using yarns with high tenacity, high stretch resistance, and/or by using specific knit structures that increase stretch resistance along a desired constraint line to improve performance for a particular event or movement. In this manner, an upper having radially extending courses may provide stability and restraint in different directions.

In some aspects, tensile elements (tensile elements) may be incorporated into knitted components (e.g., embedded strands), for example, to add reinforcement and/or to enhance constraint. For example, high tenacity yarns (e.g., polyester yarns, e.g., inelastic polyester yarns) may be incorporated (e.g., embedded or knitted) into knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear described herein to impart reinforcement in certain directions (e.g., along constraint lines). For example, the tensile elements may each have a multi-filament yarn (multi-filament yarn), a filament (filament) (e.g., mono-filament yarn), a thread (thread), a rope (rope), a webbing (braid), a cable (cable), or a chain configuration. The tensile element may comprise a material having certain properties to increase the strength of the knitted component in the region with the tensile element. For example, the tensile element may include yarns having a high tenacity (such as a tenacity greater than 5 grams per denier). In some embodiments, the tenacity of the tensile element may be greater than other yarns of the knitted component. In one example, the tensile element is formed from a high tenacity polyester yarn (such as Gral produced by a coatings Group PLC). In another example, the tensile element is formed from high tenacity nylon yarns. Further, in some examples, the tensile element may exhibit greater stretch resistance than the remainder of the knitted component, and may be formed from various engineering filaments for high tensile strength applications including glass, aromatic polyamides (e.g., para-aramid and meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymers.

In some aspects, the knitted component can include a plurality of wedge-shaped portions that radially diverge from a common portion. In one example, a plurality of wedge-shaped portions are included in the forefoot region. Further, in some examples, the plurality of wedge-shaped portions are configured to form an arcuate shape at the forefoot region such that the plurality of wedge-shaped portions radially diverge from the common portion and extend around an outer perimeter of the forefoot region.

In some aspects, the knitted component can include a plurality of radially diverging portions positioned about the common portion, wherein each of the plurality of radially diverging portions includes a plurality of courses.

In one example, the radially extending courses extend between the common portions and around the top of the forefoot region. For example, radially extending courses may diverge from a common portion and extend around the top of the forefoot region. Likewise, one or more radially extending courses in the forefoot region may be configured to be substantially aligned with one or more constraint lines in the forefoot region (e.g., in the toe region). Thus, in one example, at least one radially extending course is substantially aligned with at least one constraint line in the forefoot region and/or the toe region. Substantial alignment of the radially extending courses with the plurality of constraint lines in the forefoot region may increase the constraint and stability in the forefoot region. Due to the improved stability and constraint that may be provided by the radially extending courses, the amount of added reinforcement may be reduced, which in turn improves breathability and enhances comfort.

In further aspects, knitted components herein may include one or more tensile elements, for example, incorporated as embedded strands. The embedded strands may each form a plurality of strand segments, each strand segment extending at least partially between an outer perimeter of the knitted component and the common portion. The strand segments may remain connected and/or looped at the common portion and/or the outer perimeter. Each embedded strand may be formed of a material suitable for providing additional support, such as strands having a greater thickness or weight, greater amount of stretch resistance, and/or higher tenacity than yarns that are interlooped (interlooped) together to form the remainder of the knitted component. Thus, one or more embedded strands may be additional, alternative, or different structures for providing constraint along a desired constraint line. In various aspects, embedded strands useful for imparting such properties may include engineering filaments for high tensile strength applications, including, for example, glass, aromatic compounds (e.g., para-aramid and meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, liquid crystal polymers, and the like.

In some aspects, one or more of the density of the embedded strand segments, the location of the embedded strand segments, the orientation of the embedded strand segments, and the location of the common portion (which may affect the orientation and/or angle of the strand segments) may vary based on the desired directionality and/or degree of constraint. The degree of constraint may be resistance to stretching, elongation and/or expansion in a radial direction extending from the common portion towards the perimeter or edge. Further, the density, spacing, and/or number of embedded strand segments may be different on different portions of the knitted component and/or the upper in which the knitted component is incorporated to impart localized properties.

In a further aspect herein, a method of manufacturing a knitted component for an upper is provided. Forming radially extending courses (and, in some aspects, inlaid strands) through an upper may be accomplished by a knitting process that includes knitting at least a portion of one side (e.g., a lateral side (lateral side) or a medial side (medial side)) of the upper prior to knitting any other side of the upper. For example, the first midfoot region may be knitted on a knitting machine on a lateral side or medial side. The forefoot region may then be knitted on the knitting machine, followed by knitting the second midfoot region on the other side of the upper (e.g., the opposite one of the lateral side or the medial side knitted in the first midfoot region). In addition, the knitted component produced may include a combination of full length courses and partial length courses that together form an organic shape (organic shape) of the curved upper while maintaining a radial orientation of the courses.

For example, to create a curved shape in a knitted component (e.g., a forefoot region of an upper), a plurality of "cleats" may be formed using a knitting machine. Each "wedge" is formed by a series of knitting courses formed on the knitting machine, wherein the length of each knitting course increases gradually in one series of sequentially knitted rows and then decreases gradually in another series of sequentially knitted rows to form a wedge-like shape. The resulting "wedge" has a particular geometry that can be determined by a change in the length of the sequentially knitted rows and/or a change in the number of sequentially knitted rows. As a result of the creation of the "wedge", the knitted component can change direction, e.g., define a curved or arcuate geometry. This can be used, for example, to form a curved forefoot region of an upper formed from knitted components produced on a knitting machine.

In one aspect, a method of forming a knitted component for an upper includes forming a knitted component on a knitting machine having a plurality of cleats, wherein the plurality of cleats form a forefoot region and/or a midfoot region. In one example of the method, the medial region or the lateral region is knitted on a knitting machine, then the forefoot region is subsequently knitted on the knitting machine such that the forefoot region includes a curved shape, then the other of the medial region and the lateral region is subsequently knitted on the knitting machine.

According to the disclosed knitting method, the same yarn feeder (feeder) used to form the outer side of the knitted component can be used to form the inner side of the knitted component. Furthermore, at least a subset of the needles used to form the lateral side may be used to form the medial side. The method may further comprise integrally forming (integrating) the embedded strands by embedding the strands into the courses using a combination feeder. The embedded strand segments on the outer side can be formed with the same combination feeder as the embedded strand segments on the inner side. Thus, a knitted component having radially extending courses and embedded strands may be formed while also having a smaller footprint on the knitting machine than conventional processes that integrally knit the upper. This may free up space and resources for simultaneously knitting another separate article, such as a knitted component for a second upper.

As described above, aspects of the present disclosure relate to articles of footwear or aspects thereof formed at least in part from knitted textiles, or articles of apparel formed from such knitted textiles. In one example, aspects relate to an upper that is at least partially formed from a knitted component. As used herein, the term "upper" refers to a footwear component that extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot to form a void for receiving a foot of a wearer. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of uppers may include uppers incorporated into the following shoes: basketball shoes, riding shoes, cross training shoes, international football (soccer) shoes, football shoes, bowling shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, ski or snowboard boots, tennis shoes, running shoes, walking shoes, and the like. In addition, in other aspects, the upper may also be incorporated into non-athletic footwear, such as dress shoes (address shoes), blessing shoes (lafter), and sandals. Accordingly, aspects herein are applicable to a variety of footwear types. Although the figures may illustrate an article of footwear intended for only one foot of a wearer (e.g., the right foot), those skilled in the art will recognize that a corresponding article of footwear for the other foot (e.g., the left foot) will be a mirror image of the right article of footwear unless otherwise indicated.

Positional terms such as top, bottom, front, side, rear, above, below, lateral, medial, right, left, interior, exterior, inward-facing, outward-facing, etc., used to describe an article of footwear or aspect thereof are used with reference to an article of footwear or upper as worn as intended (wherein the wearer stands upright with the foot of the wearer in the foot-receiving cavity and the ankle or leg of the wearer extends through the ankle opening). For example, an "upwardly facing surface" and/or an "upper surface" of an upper refers to a surface that is oriented in an "upper" anatomical direction (i.e., toward the wearer's head) when the article of footwear is worn by the wearer. Similarly, the directional terms "downward" and/or "lower" refer to an anatomical direction "below" (i.e., toward the ground and away from the wearer's head). "anterior" means "anterior" (e.g., toward the toe) and "posterior" means "posterior" (e.g., toward the heel). "medial" means "toward the midline of the body" and "lateral" means "away from the midline of the body". "longitudinal axis" refers to the centerline of an article that extends between the heel region and the forefoot region. Similarly, "longitudinal length" refers to the length of an article along a longitudinal axis, and "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis. However, it should be understood that the use of location terms is not dependent on the actual presence of a person for purposes of explanation.

The terms "knitted component" and "knit element" refer to a textile formed from at least one yarn that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of inter-sleeved loops defining courses and wales (wales). The term "course" as used herein refers to the predominantly horizontal row of loops of knitting (in upstanding textiles knitted on a knitting machine) produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The courses may include one or more stitch types, such as knit stitch, miss stitch, tuck stitch, transfer stitch, rib stitch, and the like, as these terms are known in the knitting arts. The term "wale" as used herein is the predominantly vertical column of inter-knit or inter-loop loops of knitting that are typically produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles.

The term "integrally knit" as used herein may refer to a knitted component having yarns of one or more courses in a first region or area looped with one or more courses of another region or area. The interlooping loops may pass through simple knitting stitches, tuck stitches, hold stitches (hold stitch), float stitches (float stitch), open stitches, and the like. In this way, the integrally knitted together regions may have a seamless transition.

The term "embedded strand" as used herein may refer to an elongated piece of material, such as yarn, cable, filament, monofilament, multifilament and/or fiber, or any combination thereof, extending through a course formed by one or more other strands forming a loop. The embedded strands may include loops at each end to anchor the strands into the knit element, but may also generally extend through the courses without interlooping with another strand. In one example, the embedded strands may be looped around loops of another strand forming a course.

The term "radially extending" as used herein refers to the orientation of an elongated structure (such as a knitting course and/or an embedded strand segment and/or a wedge portion) radiating outwardly from a common portion of a knitted component. In particular, the knitting courses and/or the embedded strands may extend radially if at least partially extends between the common portion and the outer perimeter of the knitted component. In this manner, the courses and/or strand segments may radiate outwardly from the common portion toward the outer perimeter, rather than continuously extending across the body of the knitted component, for example, from the outer side edge of the outer perimeter to the inner side edge of the outer perimeter (although in aspects contemplated herein, such a configuration may exist in combination with radial knit structures forming the upper). Furthermore, when the knitted component is laid flat into a flat configuration after knitting, the structure of the knitted component may extend radially from the common portion, but it is also contemplated that determining whether the structure extends radially may be based on an orientation of the structure toward the common portion after the knitted component is folded into the shape of the upper or a portion of the upper.

The term "common portion" as used herein refers to a region of a knitted component toward and/or away from which a plurality of like structures (e.g., a plurality of courses or a plurality of embedded strand segments) extend. With this configuration, the courses or embedded strand segments may extend from the outer perimeter of the knitted component to a single common portion of the knitted component, rather than from the outer perimeter to different portions. The common portion is spaced from the outer perimeter and, in various aspects, can be relatively centrally located within the knitted component. In this way, the common portion can surround or be directly adjacent to the longitudinal axis of the knitted component. In some examples disclosed herein, the common portion may include or be a throat region or portion thereof.

As used herein, the term "throat area" refers to a region on the top (upward facing) side of the upper that generally extends between the ankle opening and the forefoot region. When formed into the shape of an article of footwear, the throat area may include an opening formed between a lateral side and a medial side of the upper, and in some aspects, the throat area may include a tongue that extends across the opening in the throat area. In some aspects, the throat area does not have an opening, but rather includes a continuous, unitary knit region of a knitted component extending between the medial side and the lateral side.

As used herein, the term "perimeter" refers to a region that forms the boundary of a referenced object. For example, the perimeter of the knitted component is the region that extends along the boundary of the structure. "outer perimeter" may refer to a portion of the perimeter of the knitted component that, once formed into the article of footwear, forms a bite line (biteline) between the upper and the sole structure, and/or a seam between two ends of the outer perimeter. Conversely, an "inner perimeter" may refer to a portion of the perimeter of the knitted component that, once formed into an article of footwear, defines an opening, such as an opening in a throat area and/or an ankle opening. The perimeter (outer perimeter or inner perimeter) may refer to the edge of the knitted component or a peripheral region adjacent to the edge.

Various aspects are described below with reference to the drawings, in which like elements are generally identified by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the various aspects are better understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, the various aspects are not limited to those illustrated in the accompanying drawings or explicitly described below. It should also be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that, in some instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the aspects disclosed herein, such as conventional assemblies, may have been omitted. Further, various measurements are provided herein in general. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about," "about," or "substantially" with respect to a measurement mean within ±10% of the indicated value. For example, the value may be a length, an angle, a radial direction, a linear direction, a unit of measurement, or the like.

According to one aspect herein, fig. 1 and 2 depict a side view and a front perspective view, respectively, of an article of footwear 100 and components thereof. Article of footwear 100 includes a sole structure 102 and an upper 104. Upper 104 is coupled to sole structure 102 and extends from sole structure 102, and a foot-receiving cavity 106 is formed between sole structure 102 and upper 104. The region of article of footwear 100 in which sole structure 102 joins upper 104 may be referred to as a bite line 106. Upper 104 may be fixedly coupled to sole structure 102 using any suitable technique (such as by using an adhesive, by stitching, by welding, etc.). It is contemplated that upper 104 may extend partially or entirely around a wearer's foot, may extend under a wearer's foot, and/or may be integral with a sole. In addition, a cushion (sockliner) may or may not be used, and the cushion may be referred to as a strobel. The underlayment may comprise a variety of materials including textiles, leather, foam, and/or other types of materials. In additional aspects, heel counter (heel counter) may also be used in an article of footwear.

The article of footwear 100 (and/or components thereof) may be divided into one or more areas (which may also be referred to as "zones" or "portions"). For example, in the fore-aft direction, article of footwear 100 (and/or components thereof) may be divided into (and/or include) forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, and heel region 112. Forefoot region 108 of article of footwear 100 may correspond with the anterior portion of the foot including the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the foot. Midfoot region 110 of article of footwear 100 may correspond with an arch region of a foot. Heel region 112 of article of footwear 100 may correspond with a rear portion of the foot that includes the calcaneus bone. In a medial-lateral direction, article of footwear 100 (and/or components thereof) may be divided into a lateral side 114 and a medial side 116, with both lateral side 114 and medial side 116 extending through forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, and heel region 112. More specifically, lateral side 114 corresponds with a lateral region of the foot (i.e., a side facing away from the other foot) when article of footwear 100 is worn, and medial side 116 corresponds with a medial region of the foot (i.e., a side facing toward the other foot) when article of footwear 100 is worn. Lateral side 114 and medial side 116 are separated by a longitudinal axis 118. These

areas

108, 110, and 112 and

sides

114 and 116 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of article of footwear 100, but are intended to represent general areas of article of footwear 100 to aid in understanding the various descriptions provided herein.

Sole structure 102 generally extends between the foot and the ground when article of footwear 100 is worn. Sole structure 102 may include a number of components, such as an outsole, midsole, and insole (insoles) or a cushion. Sole structure 102 may be formed using a variety of materials, such as rubber, ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., polyether block amide), or similar suitable materials. Sole structure 102 may also include various other elements, such as a heel counter and a toe cap (toe cap). Sole structure 102 may include various other features to attenuate forces, enhance stability, and/or provide traction, such as tread (tread) as understood by those skilled in the art.

Upper 104 defines a void within article of footwear 100 for receiving and securing a foot with respect to sole structure 102. Access to the void is provided by an ankle opening 125 located in at least heel region 112. The ankle opening is defined by an ankle collar 128. Upper 104 also includes a throat area 126 disposed between ankle opening 125 and forefoot region 108 in midfoot region 110. Throat area 126 may be configured to cover a top side of a wearer's foot and thus form a portion of a top side (or over foot region) of upper 104 between lateral side 114 and medial side 116. Article of footwear 100 may also include a closure system in throat area 126 to adjust the foot-receiving cavity. In this manner, the closure system may be used, for example, to secure the article of footwear 100 to a wearer's foot and/or to release the article of footwear 100 from the wearer's foot. Example closure systems include laces 132 (e.g., as shown in fig. 1 and 2), straps, bands, cables, ropes, ratcheting mechanisms, shackles, and the like.

Still referring to fig. 1 and 2, at least a portion of upper 104 may be formed from at least one knitted component 140, such as, for example, by a weft-knitting process (wet-knitting process) on a flat knitting machine (flat knitting machine). In some aspects, the entire or substantially the entire upper 104 may be formed from knitted component 140. Knitted component 140 may include various types of yarns that impart different properties to separate areas of upper 104. That is, one region of knitted component 140 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first property or set of properties, and another region of knitted component 140 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second property or set of properties. With this configuration, properties may be changed throughout upper 104 by selecting particular yarns for different regions of knitted component 140. The nature of the particular type of yarn that will be imparted to the region of knitted component 140 depends in part on the materials of the various filaments and fibers from which the yarn is formed. For example, cotton can provide a soft hand, natural aesthetic effects, and biodegradability. Both elastic and stretch polyester can provide significant stretchability and recovery, while stretch polyester can provide recyclability. Rayon (Rayon) can provide high gloss and absorbency. Wool may provide high hygroscopicity in addition to thermal insulation properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable and abrasion resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyesters are hydrophobic materials that also provide relatively high durability. In addition to the materials, other aspects of the yarns selected for knitted component 140 may affect the properties of upper 104. For example, the yarns forming knitted component 140 may be monofilament yarns or multifilament yarns. The yarn may also include individual filaments each formed from a different material. Further, the yarns may include filaments each formed of two or more different materials, such as a bicomponent yarn with filaments having a core-sheath configuration (shaping-core configuration) or two halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twisting and curling, and different deniers, may also affect the properties of upper 104. Thus, both the material forming the yarns and other aspects of the yarns may be selected to impart various properties to separate areas of upper 104. According to various aspects contemplated herein, yarns may be selected based on different properties (e.g., tensile strength, tenacity, elasticity, cushioning, etc.).

Knitted component 140 may be formed as a single, unitary, one-piece element (single integral one-piece element) during a knitting process, such as a weft knitting process or another knitting process. Additional elements, such as the underfoot portion (underfoot portion) and/or the heel element (including but not limited to a heel cushion, a heel counter, or other elements or components), may be integrally formed with upper 104 as a one-piece, unitary structure. Alternatively, one or more such additional elements may be formed separately from upper 104, and then may be subsequently attached, secured, or otherwise assembled as desired. Forming upper 104 with the knitted component may provide advantageous properties to upper 104 including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity, breathability, flexibility, strength, hygroscopicity, weight, wear-resistance, and/or combinations thereof. In addition, forming upper 104 from integrally knit knitted components may form various features and structures of upper 104 without requiring significant additional manufacturing steps or processes, thereby improving production efficiency.

Knitted component 140 may include one or more radially extending courses. That is, knitted component 140 may include a knit course that extends between an outer perimeter of knitted component 140 (which may form knit line 106 or an adjacent knit line 106 when knitted component 140 is formed into upper 104 and joined to sole structure 102) and a common portion of knitted component 140. The common portion may be a region of knitted component 140 toward which some or substantially all courses extend when knitted component 140 is formed into the shape of upper 104. In some aspects, the common portion is along a portion of the longitudinal axis 118 or includes a portion of the longitudinal axis 118. In some aspects, the common portion is adjacent to the longitudinal axis 118. For example, the common portion may include a throat region 126 extending along the longitudinal axis 118. As further described with respect to fig. 3, the radially extending courses within knitted component 140 may create courses that are aligned with many different constraint lines such that the knitted courses may at least partially provide constraint around an entire foot or a portion of a foot of a wearer.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic view of knitted component 140 having radially extending courses, such as courses 142a-142e, which may be collectively referred to as "courses 142". Each course 142 is depicted as a strand having a reduced form of knitted loops, and it should be understood that the strands of the loops do not necessarily represent the stitch sequence used. For example, courses 142 may include other types of stitches, such as float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, and the like. Similarly, only a few courses are depicted throughout knitted component 140 as representative of the various directions in which courses 142 may extend (for clarity), so it should be understood that additional courses may be located between courses 142 depicted in fig. 3, which additional courses extend radially from a common portion of knitted component 140 in a similar manner as described below and shown in fig. 3. Furthermore, the courses 142 depicted in fig. 3 may also be interconnected such that the courses 142 transition from one another at the common portion and/or outer perimeter, rather than being different from one another.

The courses 142 extend from the outer perimeter 124 to a common portion or area. In the example of fig. 3, the common portion is a throat area 126, which may include a tongue member (such as tongue 130 in fig. 1 and 2), an opening for the tongue member, and/or an inner perimeter 134 of the knitted member that defines a space through which the tongue member may extend. In some aspects, throat area 126 is continuously knitted from lateral side 114 to medial side 116 such that there may be no openings or spaces for the tongue.

Forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, and heel region 112 may each include radially-extending courses that extend in different directions such that at least some of the courses are not parallel to one another. For example, at least a forefoot course (such as course 142 c) in forefoot region 108 extends in a direction non-parallel with a midfoot course (such as course 142 b) in midfoot region 110. In other words, at least some of the courses (including forefoot course 142c and midfoot course 142 d) may be angled with respect to each other, wherein the angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

Thus, the courses 142 may extend in different directions, which may represent different potential constraint lines or angles. In certain aspects, the various directions in which the courses extend may effectively be 360 degrees around the center of the wearer's foot. These constraint lines may represent where the foot may be constrained, which may be accomplished by various knit structures. In certain aspects, greater constraints are achieved by: yarns with higher tensile strength and/or higher stretch resistance are used for courses along certain constraint lines, certain knitted stitches, such as floats, are used to reduce stretch in courses along certain constraint lines, or combinations thereof.

In an example aspect, knitted component 140 includes courses aligned, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to a first diagonal constraint line (shown by first axis 121) and courses aligned, for example, parallel or substantially parallel to a second diagonal constraint line (shown by second axis 123) that intersects the first constraint line in a common portion of knitted component 140. First axis 121 may extend from a portion of knitted component 140 configured to cover a first metatarsal of a wearer to heel region 112 on lateral side 114, and second axis 123 may extend from a portion of knitted component 140 configured to cover a fifth metatarsal of a wearer to heel region 112 on medial side 116. These

axes

121 and 123 may collectively form an X-shape and may represent constraint lines that may improve stability of a wearer's foot within an upper for many types of movements, including turning or changing direction of movement, lateral movement, forward movement, and rearward movement. Thus, the performance of article of footwear 100 may be enhanced by restraining the wearer's foot within upper 104 by restraining the tensile or otherwise supporting courses along these

axes

121 and 123.

Knitted component 140 having radially extending courses 142 may be formed by a radial knitting process in which outer side 114 and inner side 116 of knitted component 140 are formed sequentially, rather than simultaneously. As shown in fig. 3, knitted component 140 is formed by knitting machine 162 by: knitting proceeds from heel region 112 on medial side 116 of knitted component 140, along knitting direction 144, from heel region 112 to forefoot region 108, and then knitting proceeds from lateral side 114 of knitted component 140, beginning at heel region 112 on lateral side 114, as shown by knitting direction 144. In this manner, knitted component 140 may be formed by knitting medial side 116 (or at least a plurality of courses on medial side 116), knitting forefoot region 108 after knitting a course on medial side 116, and knitting lateral side 114 (or at least a plurality of courses on lateral side 114) after knitting forefoot region 108.

In other aspects, knitted component 140 may be formed with similar but opposite knitting directions. Knitted component 140 may be formed, for example, by knitting lateral side 114 (or at least a plurality of courses on lateral side 114), knitting forefoot region 108 after knitting a course on lateral side 114, and knitting medial side 116 (or at least a plurality of courses on medial side 116) after knitting forefoot region 108.

This process for making knitted component 140 may be performed on knitting machine 162, and knitting machine 162 may be an automated knitting machine. In an example aspect, knitting machine 162 includes front needle bed 161 and rear needle bed 163 shown in fig. 3 and is similarly shown in fig. 4 (e.g., where knitting machine 462 has needle beds 461, 463), each depicted as a simplified schematic diagram. Thus, in an example aspect, the knitting machine (as well as other knitting machines described herein) can be a flat knitting machine, such as a flat V-bed knitting machine (flat V-bed knitting machine) having a front needle bed 161 and a rear needle bed 163. In various aspects, knitted component 140 may be formed from needles from a single needle bed or from two needle beds.

According to this knitting process of sequentially forming lateral side 114 and medial side 116, at least some of the needles used to form lateral side 114 are also used to form medial side 116. In this manner, a smaller number of needles may be required on the bed of knitting machine 162 to form knitted component 140 than in a conventional knitting process that simultaneously forms heel and/or midfoot portions of lateral side 114 and medial side 116. In addition, the same yarn feeder may be used for yarn formation for both lateral side 114 and medial side 116, without the need to provide multiple yarn feeders for each side. In this manner, the disclosed knitting process may make more needles and/or yarn feeders on knitting machine 162 available to knit a separate article, such as another knitted component for another upper, while knitted component 140 is being knitted.

Further, as shown in fig. 3, forming knitted component 140 to have radially extending courses 142 includes forming full length and partial length courses. A full length knit course, such as course 142a, can extend from one edge of knitted component 140 (e.g., at outer perimeter 124) to another edge of knitted component 140 (e.g., at inner perimeter 134 in throat region 126). Partial length courses such as courses 142d and 142e may not extend between two edges of knitted component 140. One or both ends of a partial length of the knitting course may end before reaching the edge of knitted component 140. However, partial length courses (such as courses 142d and 142 e) may still be considered radially extending because these courses extend in a direction from outer perimeter 124 toward the common portion (e.g., throat area 126). Forming a partial length knitting course that is distributed between full length knitting courses may create a shape and size in knitted component 140 while also enabling radial extension of the course.

Fig. 4 depicts another example knitted component 440 that may form an upper for an article of footwear, such as upper 104 for article of footwear 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2. In addition to being otherwise illustrated or depicted in fig. 4, any feature of knitted component 140 shown in fig. 1-3 may be applied to knitted component 440, and any feature of upper 104 and article of footwear 100 may be applied to an upper and article of footwear in which knitted component 440 is included.

In fig. 3, the entire side (e.g., inner side 116) may be knitted before the other side (e.g., outer side 114) is knitted. However, in other aspects, such as shown in fig. 4, the regions of the knitted component where the knitting process starts and stops may be different. For example, in fig. 4, knitting direction 444 still generally takes an arch or arcuate shape similar to knitting direction 144, but knitting direction 444 begins in the region of heel region 412 on one side and ends in an adjacent region on the same side (e.g., midfoot region 410). Thus, region 420 in which knitting may begin (or end if knitting direction 444 is reversed) may form heel region 412 on lateral side 414 after the edges of knitted component 440 are joined to form the upper. However, in this configuration, the sequential manner described with respect to fig. 3 may be maintained because lateral side 414 and medial side 416 are not knitted simultaneously. Instead, the knitting sequence may be performed as follows: regions 420 of heel region 412 that are later positioned on lateral side 414 are knitted, then the remaining portions of heel region 412 that form medial side 416 are knitted, then midfoot region 410 on medial side 416 is knitted, then forefoot region 408 is knitted, and then midfoot region 410 on lateral side 414 is knitted. Accordingly, the upper formed by knitted component 440 may have a seam on lateral side 414 rather than in the center of heel region 412.

Knitted component 440 may still have radially extending courses 442 extending from the outer perimeter toward a common portion of knitted component 440, which may be throat area 426 defined by inner perimeter 434. After knitted component 440 is formed into an upper (such as upper 104 of fig. 1 and 2), the radial orientation of the courses may be based on knitted component 440. That is, wherever the knitting process begins, courses may extend between the outer perimeter 424 and the common portion (e.g., from the outer perimeter 424 to the common portion). When knitted component 440 is tiled after the knitting process, there may be courses that do not extend to a common portion, such as certain courses in region 420. However, once knitted component 440 is formed into the shape of the upper by joining region 420 to the remainder of lateral side 414, the courses in region 420 may be oriented such that the courses do extend from outer perimeter 424 to a common portion (e.g., throat area 426).

Fig. 5 and 6 depict side and front perspective views, respectively, of an article of footwear 500 and components thereof, in accordance with aspects herein. Article of footwear 500 may include any of the features described with respect to article of footwear 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2, unless otherwise indicated therein. Accordingly, article of footwear 500 includes a sole structure 502 and an upper 504, upper 504 being coupled to sole structure 502 and forming a foot-receiving cavity.

Upper 504 defines a void within article of footwear 500 that is used to receive and secure a foot with respect to sole structure 502. Access to the void is provided by an ankle opening 525 located in at least heel region 512. Upper 504 may also include a throat area 526 disposed between ankle opening 525 and forefoot area 508 in midfoot area 510. Throat area 526 may be configured to cover a top side of a wearer's foot and thus form a portion of a top side (or upper foot area) of upper 504 between lateral side 514 and medial side 516. In the depicted aspect, the throat area also includes a tongue portion, such as tongue portion 530. Article of footwear 500 may also include a closure system (such as lace 532) in throat area 526 to adjust the foot-receiving cavity.

At least a portion of upper 504 may be formed from at least one knitted component 540, and knitted component 540 may be formed as a single, unitary, one-piece element during the knitting process. Unless otherwise stated, knitted component 540 shown in fig. 5 may have any of the features described with respect to knitted component 140 shown in fig. 1-3. Accordingly, knitted component 540 may form forefoot region 508 and midfoot region 510. In further embodiments, knitted component 540 also forms heel region 512. In this example,

regions

508, 510, and 512 may be integrally knit together, for example, in a single knitting process. Further, knitted component 540 can have radially extending courses that extend from outer perimeter 524 of knitted component 540 to a common portion of knitted component 540. The common portion can include at least a portion of throat region 526, which can extend along longitudinal axis 518 of knitted component 540.

The knitted component 540 can also include one or more embedded strands that define a plurality of strand segments 522. The embedded strands pass between the individual loops of the base knit element (which may be referred to herein as a knit element). Fig. 7 depicts an enlarged schematic view of a knitted component 540 with embedded strands 520. Specifically, knitted component 540 includes knit element 531 and embedded strands 520. Knitting element 531 includes courses (such as courses 542) formed from interpenetrating loops of one or more yarns (such as yarn 538) and embedded strands 520 extend through one or more courses of knitting element 531 by passing between the various loops within knitting element 531.

Knitting element 531 may include various types of yarns that impart different properties to areas of upper 504, as described previously with respect to knitted component 140 of figures 1-3. Furthermore, as with the yarns forming knit element 531, the configuration of embedded strands 520 may also vary significantly. The embedded strands 520 may be yarns or may have a configuration such as filaments (e.g., monofilaments), threads, ropes, webbing, cables, or chains.

The thickness of the embedded strands 520 may be greater than the yarns forming the knit element 531. In some configurations, the embedded strands 520 may have a thickness that is significantly greater than the yarns of the knit element 531, e.g., have a width that is at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, or at least 100% greater than the width of the yarns of the knit element 531. The cross-sectional shape of the embedded strands 520 may be circular, but may also be triangular, square, rectangular, oval, or irregular in shape in various aspects. Moreover, the material forming the embedded strands 520 may include any of the materials used for yarns within the knit element 531, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and/or nylon. As described above, the embedded strands 520 may exhibit greater stretch resistance than the knit element 531 and/or yarns thereof. Thus, suitable materials for the embedded strands 520 may include various engineering filaments for high tensile strength applications, including glass, aromatic polyamides (e.g., para-aramid and meta-aramid), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymers, among others. As another example, braided (polyester filaments may also be used as the embedded strands 520. Under the same conditions, the embedded strands may also have a higher tenacity and/or tensile strength than the yarns of knit element 531, measured using the same test (such as ASTM D3822).

As described, the embedded strands 520 are located within the knit structure of the knit element 531 (which may have the configuration of a single textile layer in the region of the embedded strands 520) and between the inwardly facing surface and the outwardly facing surface. Thus, when knitted component 540 is incorporated into article of footwear 500, embedded strand 520 is located between the exterior surface and the interior surface of upper 504. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 7, knit element 531 includes yarns 538, the yarns 538 forming a plurality of inter-sleeved loops defining a plurality of courses and wales. The embedded strands 520 extend along one of the courses (such as course 542) and alternate between being located (a) behind loops formed of yarn 538 and (b) in front of loops formed of yarn 538. In effect, the embedded strands 520 extend through the structure formed by the knit element 531. While yarn 538 forms each of the courses in such a configuration, additional yarns may form one or more of the courses or may form a portion of one or more of the courses. In some aspects, knitted component 540 includes a double knit textile construction (double-knit textile construction) formed from yarns that switch between needles on two needle beds. An embedded strand similar to embedded strand 520 may extend generally between the surfaces formed by the loops on the two beds. In some aspects, segments of embedded strands 520 may extend behind and/or in front of loops formed on both beds.

The embedded strands 520 in fig. 7 may represent at least a portion of the strand segments 522 depicted in fig. 5 and 6. Each strand segment 522 extends along a course in knitting element 531 forming knitted component 540 and, thus, extends radially between outer perimeter 524 of knitted component 540 and a common portion, which may be throat area 526. Similar to the courses described with respect to knitted component 140, strand segments 522 may extend in various directions from outer perimeter 524 to a common portion across forefoot region 508, midfoot region 510, and/or heel region 512, e.g., in any one or combination of these regions in different aspects. In this manner, the embedded strands 520 form a plurality of strand segments 522 that fan radially from a common portion (e.g., throat region 526 or outline thereof as shown in fig. 6). Further, with this configuration, one or more embedded strand segments may be substantially aligned with the constraint line associated with knitted component 540.

Fig. 8 depicts a schematic view of a knitted component 540 having radially extending embedded strand segments 522. It should be noted that the courses of the knitted loops are omitted in fig. 8 to simplify the drawing, but it should be understood that knitted component 540 depicted in fig. 8 may include radially extending courses of the knitted loops similar to courses 142 described with respect to fig. 3. The courses may be generally continuously radially arranged and may include embedded strand segments 522, while other courses may not include embedded strand segments 522.

Because embedded strand segments 522 may impart stretch-resistant properties to the region in which they are located, incorporating embedded strand segments 522 to extend along various constraint lines may further increase the ability to constrain the foot within upper 504 beyond the constraints provided by the courses.

In an example aspect, knitted component 540 includes embedded strand segments 522 aligned (e.g., parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., offset from parallel by a small angle)) with a first diagonal constraint line (shown by first axis 521) and courses aligned (e.g., parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., offset from parallel by a small angle)) with a second diagonal constraint line (shown by second axis 523) that intersects the first diagonal constraint line in a common portion of knitted component 540. This alignment may be greater than that provided by conventional knitting processes. The first axis 521 may extend from a portion of knitted component 540 configured to cover a first metatarsal of the wearer to heel region 512 on lateral side 514, and the second axis 523 may extend from a portion of knitted component 540 configured to cover a fifth metatarsal of the wearer to heel region 512 on medial side 516. These

axes

521 and 523 may collectively form an X-shape and may represent constraint lines that will improve the stability of the wearer's foot within the upper for many types of movements (e.g., rotation or changing direction of movement, lateral movement, forward movement, and rearward movement). Accordingly, the wearer's foot may be restrained within upper 504 by embedded strand segments 522, thereby restricting stretching or otherwise providing support along

axes

521 and 523, which may enhance the performance of article of footwear 500.

As shown in fig. 8, the embedded strand segments 522 may extend radially in a direction aligned with additional or alternative constraint lines (e.g., parallel or substantially parallel (e.g., offset from parallel by a small angle)) in accordance with aspects herein. In one example, the embedded strands may be parallel to the constraint line. In another example, the embedded strands may be substantially aligned with the constraint lines, e.g., within 10 degrees of parallel alignment. As further described herein, the placement (including density) and orientation of the embedded strand segments 522 within the knitted component 540 may be varied based on the intended activity of the article of footwear 500. In general, the constraint provided by the embedded strand segments on one side (e.g., outer side 114) may be improved from the constraint on the other side (e.g., inner side 116) to act as an anchor. For example, embedded strand segments 522 on lateral side 514 in forefoot region 508 may help to restrain the foot within upper 504 as the wearer performs a forward left diagonal step. However, when restraining the foot during movement, another embedded strand segment 522 on medial side 516 (such as in midfoot region 510 or heel region 512) may help provide tension on embedded strand segment 522 on lateral side 514.

As depicted in fig. 8, the embedded strand segments 522 may be formed by a radial knitting process in which the embedded strands 520 are integrally formed into the knitted component 540. In particular, knitted component 540 may be formed on knitting machine 562 having first needle bed 561 and second needle bed 563 (which may have any of the features described with respect to knitting machine 162 shown in fig. 3), and the process of forming knitted component 540 may be a sequential knitting process similar to the process described in connection with fig. 3. Accordingly, knitted component 540 may be formed by: knitting proceeds from heel region 512 of medial side 516 of knitted component 540 in knitting direction 544 from heel region 512 to forefoot region 508, then knitting proceeds from forefoot region 508 to lateral side 514 of knitted component 540, and ends at heel region 512, as indicated by knitting direction 544. Knitting opposite the knitting direction 544 may also be performed, as depicted in fig. 3, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

During the knitting process, as the knitting process moves in the knitting direction 544, the embedded strands 520 may be integrated with the knitted component 540 by embedding the embedded strands 520, thereby forming a plurality of strand segments 522, the plurality of strand segments 522 will extend between an outer perimeter 524 (which may form a lower portion of the upper 504 or the bite line 506 when the knitted component 540 is formed as the upper 504) and a common portion of the knitted component (which may form the throat area 526). In an example aspect, a combination yarn feeder is used to embed the embedded strands 520 within a course formed by loops of another yarn strand.

In fig. 8, the embedded strands 520 are schematically depicted by their direction of travel (i.e., the direction in which the embedded strands 520 are inserted into the knitted component 540 during the knitting process). As shown, the embedded strands 520 alternate directions as the continuous strand segments 522 are formed. In this manner, the embedded strands 520 alternate between being embedded toward the common portion (e.g., throat region 526) and being embedded toward the outer perimeter 524. In fig. 8, the embedded strands 520 are shown in a discontinuous manner. However, as shown in more detail in other aspects, it should be understood that the embedded strands 520 may be a single continuous elongated member forming a plurality of strand segments 522. However, in certain aspects, the embedded strands 520 may be discontinuous strands. For example, the embedded strands 520 may include a first strand forming a plurality of medial side strand segments and a second strand forming a plurality of lateral side strand segments.

Fig. 9 illustrates another schematic view of knitted component 540. As depicted in fig. 9, the embedded strand segment 522 may be formed from a continuous embedded strand 520 extending from a first end 548 to a second end 550. As strands 520 are embedded into knitted component 540 during the knitting process, embedded strands 520 are integrally formed into knitted component 540 between outer perimeter 524 of knitted component 540 and a common portion (e.g., inner perimeter 534 defining a throat opening) in the fore-aft direction to provide a plurality of embedded strand segments 122 in various directions around the length of the foot.

At least some of the embedded strand segments 522 may be positioned in adjacent courses such that the strand segments 522 are so close that they may be considered a single segment. These bifilar segments (such as segment 558) may be spaced apart from each other a greater distance than between the two strands forming a bifilar segment. In this manner, the embedded strands 520 may be embedded in a first course from the outer perimeter 524 toward the common portion (e.g., the inner perimeter 534 in the throat area 526), embedded in an adjacent second course from the common portion to the outer perimeter 524, and then skipped a few courses (such as at least 4 courses) before being embedded again from the outer perimeter 524 toward the common portion. In some aspects, one or more of these bifilar segments may form a loop (such as loop 552) at the end closest to the common portion. Loops 552 may provide other components of article of footwear 500 (such as lace 532) with structures (such as lace receiving structures) engaged therewith. In an example aspect, these loops 552 do not inter-sleeve with loops formed from another yarn (such as the yarn forming knit element 531).

In some aspects, the strand segments 522 may have portions 554 that extend beyond the outer perimeter 524. In this case, when sole structure 502 is attached to knitted component 540, the portion of embedded strand 520 that extends beyond outer perimeter 524 may be secured to sole structure 502 or otherwise hidden by sole structure 502. For example, portion 554 extending beyond outer perimeter 524 may be positioned between upper 504 and sole structure 502 and secured to upper 504 and sole structure 502 by adhesive and/or by other securing members (e.g., at bite lines 506). Fig. 9 also depicts how the knitting direction 544 may be reversed such that the knitting direction 544 begins at the lateral side 514 and ends at the medial side 516. In aspects herein, the knitting process may include embedding strands in different regions of the knitted component to impart localized properties, for example, along the constraint line.

Fig. 10 depicts a schematic view of a knitted component 540 with embedded strand segments 522 after the knitted component 540 is formed according to a sequential knitting process. Knitted component 540 may be formed along knitting direction 544 beginning at heel region 512 of the first side (e.g., lateral side 514) and continuing with midfoot region 510 of the first side, forefoot region 508 of the second side (e.g., medial side 516), midfoot region 510 of the second side, and ending at heel region 512 of the second side. Depending on the configuration, an upper (such as upper 504) or a portion thereof may be formed by joining edges of two sides of heel region 112 together. However, as noted above, in some aspects, the beginning and ending regions of knitted component 540 may vary. For example, the knitting direction may begin in the heel region of one side and end at an adjacent region on the same side.

The number of strand segments 522 extending between the outer perimeter 524 and the common portion of knitted component 540 may vary. In some aspects, the number of strand segments 522 on at least one of the medial side or the lateral side may be within the following range: about 2 to about 35, or about 2 to about 30, or about 5 to about 25, or about 10 to about 25 strand segments. In some aspects, the number of strand segments 522 may be the same on both sides (e.g., fig. 10). In other aspects, as discussed in more detail below, the number of strand segments on the outer side may be different than the number of strand segments on the inner side.

In fig. 10, the spacing of adjacent strand segments 522 of the embedded strands 520 (i.e., the strand portions extending between the outer perimeter 524 and a common portion, such as the inner perimeter 534 of the knitted component 540) may vary along the length of the knitted component 540. For example, in the aspect shown in fig. 10, strand segments 522 are spaced closer together in forefoot region 508, farther apart in midfoot region 510, and even farther apart in heel region 512.

The spacing between the strand segments 522 may be defined by a distance 556 between adjacent strand segments 522 along the outer perimeter 524 of the knitted component 540. In certain aspects, the distance between the strand segments may vary and be in the range of about 0.25 cm to about 5 cm, about 0.5 cm to about 4 cm, and about 1 cm to about 3 cm. As shown in fig. 10, the distance may vary based on the location of the strand segments in knitted component 540. Further, the spacing may be substantially constant within one region (e.g., within 5% of each other), or the spacing may vary within one region (e.g., increase or decrease by an amount in the range of about 5% to about 80%, about 10% to about 60%, and about 15% to about 40%). In the aspect shown in fig. 10, spacing increases from forefoot region 508 to midfoot region 510 and from midfoot region 510 to heel region 512. However, as described in more detail below, the spacing may vary in other ways depending on the desired responsiveness (e.g., locking, stretch resistance, expansion resistance, deformation capability) of the article of footwear 500. The spacing in a particular region may also be described as the average spacing in the region, calculated by measuring the distance between adjacent strands and dividing by the number of spacing regions between strand segments in that region.

Table 1 below shows example spacing of strand segments based on the location of strand segments in a knitted component for an article of footwear that increases in spacing from a forefoot region to a heel region, as shown, for example, in fig. 10.

In some aspects, the ratio of the average spacing in the heel region to the average spacing in the forefoot region may be in the range of about 1.5:1 (e.g., average spacing 3.0 cm to 2.0 cm) to about 10:1 (e.g., average spacing 5.0 cm to 0.5 cm), or, in some aspects, the ratio may be in the range of about 2:1 to about 5:l, or in other aspects, in the range of about 3:1 to about 5:l.

The spacing may also be defined by the number of courses of knitted components between strand segments. For example, in certain aspects, the embedded strands may be positioned at a pitch of every fourth course (every fourth course) of the knitted component. In this regard, between courses with embedded strands, three courses with knitted components would be free of embedded strands. Table 2 below provides example spacing based on the number of courses of knitted components without embedded strands between courses with embedded strands.

In certain aspects, the ratio based on the average spacing of the number of courses between the strand segments in the heel region to the average spacing of the average number of courses between the strand segments in the forefoot region may be in the range of about 1.5:1 (e.g., 3 courses between strand segments to 2 courses between strand segments) to about 10:1 (e.g., 20 courses between strand segments to 2 courses between strand segments), or in certain aspects, the ratio may be in the range of about 2:1 to about 5:1, or in other aspects, the ratio may be in the range of about 3:1 to about 5:1. The average pitch ratio can be adjusted based on where a higher degree of locking is desired in the knitted component, e.g., with fewer courses between strand segments that provide a higher degree of locking.

Fig. 11 and 12 depict side and front perspective views, respectively, of an article of footwear 1100 and components thereof according to another example of the disclosure. Article of footwear 1100 may include any of the features described with respect to article of footwear 100 shown in fig. 1 and 2 and/or article of footwear 500 shown in fig. 5 and 6, unless otherwise indicated herein. Accordingly, article of footwear 1100 includes a sole structure 1102 and an upper 1104, upper 1104 being coupled to sole structure 1102 and forming a foot-receiving chamber.

Upper 1104 defines a void within article of footwear 1100 for receiving and securing a foot with respect to sole structure 1102. Access to the void is provided by an ankle opening 1125 located in at least heel region 1112. Upper 1104 may also include a throat region 1126 disposed between ankle opening 1125 and forefoot region 1108 in midfoot region 1110. Throat area 1126 may be configured to cover a top side of a wearer's foot and thereby form a portion of a top side (or upper foot area) of upper 1104 between lateral side 1114 and medial side 1116. In the depicted aspect, upper 1104 includes a tongue portion, such as tongue 1130. Article of footwear 1100 may also include a closure system (such as a lace or lacing system shown in other figures) in throat area 1126 to adjust the foot-receiving cavity.

At least a portion of upper 1104 may be formed from at least one knitted component 1140, which knitted component 1140 may be formed as a single, unitary, one-piece element during the knitting process. Unless otherwise indicated, knitted component 1140 shown in fig. 11 and 12 can have any of the features described with respect to knitted component 140 shown in fig. 1-3 and/or knitted component 540 shown in fig. 5-8. Accordingly, knitted component 1140 may form forefoot region 1108 and midfoot region 110. Knitted component 1140 may also form heel region 1112. These

regions

1108, 1110, and 1112 may be integrally knitted together. In addition, knitted component 1140 can have radially extending courses that extend from outer perimeter 1124 of the knitted component to a common portion of knitted component 1140. The common portion can include at least a portion of the throat region 1126, which can extend along the longitudinal axis 1118 of the knitted component 1140.

The knitted component 1140 may also include one or more embedded strands, such as embedded strand 1120, that define a plurality of strand segments 1122. The embedded strands 1120 pass between the individual loops of the base knit element (which may be referred to herein as a knit element). The embedded strands 1120 may be combined in a manner similar to that described with respect to the embedded strands 520 shown in fig. 5-8. That is, the embedded strands 1120 may extend primarily within the courses of loops formed from another strand (e.g., yarn) without loops. Any features of the yarns forming the knit element 531 and/or the embedded strands 520 can be applied to the knitted component 1140 and the embedded strands 1120.

Each embedded strand segment 1122 extends along a course of loops of knitting in knitted component 1140 and, as such, also extends radially between an outer perimeter 1124 of knitted component 1140 and a common portion, which may be a throat region 1126. Similar to the embedded strand segments 522 shown in fig. 5-10, the embedded strand segments 1122 may extend in various directions from the outer perimeter 1124 of the knitted component 1140 to a common portion across the forefoot region 1108 and midfoot region 1110. In this manner, the embedded strands 1120 form a plurality of strand segments 1122 that fan radially out from a common portion (i.e., throat region 1126 as shown in fig. 12). In some aspects, as shown in fig. 11 and 12, embedded strand segments 1122 are not present in heel region 1112, but in other aspects, such as the aspects shown in fig. 5-10, heel region 1112 may include one or more strand segments.

Additionally, the common portion of knitted component 1140 may be a smaller area than the common portion of knitted components 150 and 540, which may extend along the entire length or over 50% of the length of the corresponding throat area. Alternatively, the common portion of knitted component 1140 may be only a forward portion of throat area 1126. In some aspects, the common portion may be within 5 centimeters of the foremost portion of the throat region 1126 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction), or in some aspects, within 2.5 centimeters or within 1.25 centimeters of the foremost portion of the throat region 1126 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction). As used herein, the foremost portion of the throat region 1126 may be the foremost edge of the knitted component 1140 that forms the throat region 1126 of the upper, which may be the location where the throat region 1126 meets the forefoot region 1108.

As previously discussed, the location and density of the embedded strand segments of medial side 1116 may affect the degree of constraint and the constraint lines within the upper, and, in addition, varying the location and/or density of the embedded strand segments may optimize the constraint for various activities or movements. The top side view of article of footwear 1100 in fig. 12 shows that at least a portion of lateral side 1114 (such as midfoot region 1110 on lateral side 1114) has a greater density of embedded strand segments 1122 than a corresponding portion on medial side 1116. The different densities are caused by the different spacing between the embedded strand segments 1122. Specifically, the distance between adjacent strand segments 1122 on lateral side 1114 in midfoot region 1110 is less than the distance between adjacent strand segments 1122 on medial side 1116 in midfoot region 1110. The greater density of strand segments 1122 on lateral side 1114 may help keep the wearer's foot constrained on lateral side 1114 of upper 1104 and, thus, not slip out of sole structure 1102 on lateral side 1114. In some aspects, article of footwear 1100 may be intended to be worn while moving in a generally counterclockwise mode (such as a person running around a running track). As a person moves around a running track (such as running), the foot is frequently pushed to one side of the track, which side may be on the medial side of an article of footwear intended for the right foot (as in article of footwear 100) when moving counter-clockwise around the track. Thus, the greater density of radially extending embedded strand segments 1122 on opposite sides (lateral side 1114) of the article of footwear 1100 helps to restrain the foot by counteracting the natural forces pushing the wearer's right foot toward the racetrack. The opposite shoe (intended to be worn on the left foot of the wearer) similarly may have an asymmetric density of embedded strand segments between the lateral side and the medial side, but may have a greater density of embedded strand segments on the medial side of the upper that would be the side facing away from the runway for footwear worn on the left foot. Further, embedded strand segments 1122 may be located in at least a portion of midfoot region 1110 and forefoot region 1108, but not in heel region 1112. Such an arrangement may be advantageous in an article of footwear 1100 intended for activities that have primarily forward movement, such as running.

Fig. 13 depicts a schematic view of a knitted component 1140 with radially extending embedded strand segments 1122. In the depicted aspect, the courses of the knitted loops are omitted in fig. 13 to simplify the drawing, but it should be understood that knitted component 1140 depicted in fig. 13 may include radially extending courses of the knitted loops similar to courses 142 depicted with respect to fig. 3. These courses may include embedded strand segments 1122 or may not include embedded strand segments 1122.

Embedded strand segments 1122 may be denser (e.g., have closer spacing or, stated differently, are positioned closer to each other) on lateral side 1114 than strand segments 1122 on medial side 1116 in midfoot region 1110. As previously described, the spacing between embedded strand segments 1122 may be defined as the distance between strand segments 1122 on the outer perimeter 1124. Any distance described with respect to fig. 10 may be a distance between adjacent strand segments 1122 in midfoot region 1110 on lateral side 1114, in forefoot region 1108, and/or in midfoot region 1110 on medial side 1116 of upper 1104. In an example aspect, the ratio of the average spacing based on the number of courses in midfoot region 1110 on lateral side 1114 to the average spacing based on the number of courses in midfoot region 1110 on medial side 1116 may be in a range of about 1:1.25 to 1:8, in a range of about 1:1.5 to 1:5, and in a range of about 1:2 to 1:3. In an example aspect, the ratio is 1:1.5, or 1 course between the strand segments 1122 on the outer side 1114 for every 1.5 courses between the strand segments 1122 on the inner side 1116. For example, there may be two courses between the strand segments 1122 on the outer side 1114 and three courses between the strand segments 1122 on the inner side 1116.

Further, as depicted in fig. 13, the embedded strand segments 1122 can be sequentially formed, and wherein a single continuous embedded strand 1120 is integrally formed into the knitted component 1140. In particular, knitted component 1140 may be formed on a knitting machine 1162 (which may have any of the features described with respect to knitting machine 162 shown in fig. 3) that includes a front needle bed 1161 and a back needle bed 1163, and the process of forming knitted component 1140 may be a sequential knitting process that follows knitting direction 1144, similar to the process described in connection with fig. 4. When knitted component 1140 is disengaged from knitting machine 1162, knitted component 1140 may have an asymmetric shape along longitudinal axis 1118, which may result from a sequential knitting process starting at a heel portion on one side and ending at an adjacent portion on the same side. In this example, first knitting region 1121 of heel region 1112, which will form medial side 1116 of the upper once knitted component 1140 is formed into the upper, then knitting the remaining portion of heel region 1112 on lateral side 1114, then knitting midfoot region 1110 on lateral side 1114, knitting forefoot region 1108, and then knitting midfoot region 1110 on medial side 1116. It should be appreciated that the same shape of knitted component 1140 shown in fig. 13 can be achieved by knitting in reverse order.

As described with respect to knitted component 440 of fig. 4, knitted component 1140 may still include courses that do not extend toward the common portion when knitted component 1140 is in the tiled configuration shown in fig. 13, but knitted component 1140 may be redirected to extend radially between outer perimeter 1124 and the common portion after knitted component 1140 is folded to form the shape of upper 1104.

During the knitting process, as the knitting process moves in the knitting direction 1144, the embedded strands 1120 may be integrated with the knitted component 1140 by embedding the embedded strands 1120, thereby forming a plurality of strand segments 1122, the strand segments 1122 to extend between an outer perimeter 1124 of the knitted component (which outer perimeter 1124 may form a lower portion of the upper 1104 or a bite line 1106 when the knitted component 1140 is formed into the upper 1104) and a common portion (which may form an upper portion of the upper 1104). In an example aspect, a combination yarn feeder is used to embed the embedded yarn 1120 into a course formed by loops of another yarn strand.

Fig. 14-16 illustrate further example aspects in which a knitted component is formed with embedded strands extending from a perimeter of the knitted component to a common portion of the knitted component in accordance with aspects herein. In these additional examples, the location, density, and angle of the embedded strand segments (which may be based on the location of the common portion) may vary based on the desired constraints for various activities and intended uses. Any of the knitted components in fig. 14-16 may include any of the features of knitted

components

140, 540, and/or 1140 unless otherwise specified herein or shown in the drawings. Thus, any of the knitted components in fig. 14-16 can be formed in a sequential knitting process described with respect to knitted

components

140, 540, and/or 1140 such that the medial and lateral sides can be knitted separately and not simultaneously using at least some of the same needles. In addition, any knitted component in fig. 14-16 may form all or a portion of an upper of an article of footwear having any of the features described with respect to articles of

footwear

100, 500, and/or 1100.

Fig. 14 illustrates an example knitted component 1440 in which strand segments 1422 of embedded strands extend between an outer perimeter 1424 of the knitted component 1440 and a common portion of the knitted component 1440. In this regard, the common portion includes a larger portion of knitted component 1440 than the common portion of knitted component 540 of fig. 5-8. Specifically, the common portion in fig. 14 is a portion of knitted component 1440 that defines throat area 1426 and defines ankle opening 1460. Due to the larger area of the common portion, at least some embedded strand segments 1422 in midfoot region 1410 and heel region 1412 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other.

Knitted component 1440 may be formed by embedding strands during the knitting process. In particular, the strands may be embedded at a first region of one side of the knitted component (e.g., the heel region of the medial or lateral side), and the knitted component may then be completed by knitting along the knitting direction until the knitted component is fully constructed as described elsewhere herein. As in the previous aspect, strand segments 1422 extend through forefoot region 1408, midfoot region 1410, and heel region 1412.

As shown in fig. 14, the spacing of embedded strand segments 1422 extending radially across the longitudinal length of the upper is more uniform in this aspect than in the previous aspects. For example, the minimum distance between adjacent strand segments 1422 in all regions (forefoot region 1408, midfoot region 1410, and heel region 1412) may be within 50% of the maximum distance, within 40% of the maximum distance, or within 25% of the maximum distance. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the maximum spacing (e.g., in the heel region) may be 4 centimeters and the minimum spacing of adjacent strand segments (e.g., in the midfoot or forefoot portion) may be equal to or greater than 3 centimeters (e.g., within 25% of 4 centimeters).

Similarly, the spacing of strand segments 1422 of embedded strands achieved by the courses may be more uniform than in the previous aspect based on the number of courses without embedded strands of the knitted component between courses with embedded strands. For example, the minimum number of courses between adjacent strand segments may be within 50% of the maximum number of courses between adjacent strand segments, within 40% of the maximum number of courses between adjacent strand segments, or within 25% of the maximum number of courses between adjacent strand segments. Thus, for example, in one aspect, the maximum spacing (e.g., in the heel region) may be 10 courses between adjacent strand segments, and the minimum spacing (e.g., in the midfoot or forefoot) may be 5 to 10 courses (e.g., within 50%).

Fig. 15 depicts another aspect of a knitted component 1540 having radially extending courses and embedded strand segments 1522. The strand segments 1522 of the embedded strands extend between the perimeter 1524 of the knitted component 1540 and the common portion of the knitted component 1540. In this regard, the common portion is smaller than the common portion of knitted component 540 of fig. 5-8. The common portion of knitted component 1540 shown in fig. 15 includes only a forward portion of throat region 1526. Thus, in some aspects, the common portion may be within a smaller area of the throat region 1526, such as within 5 centimeters of the foremost portion of the throat region 1526 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction), or in some aspects, within 2.5 centimeters or within 1.25 centimeters of the foremost portion of the throat region 1526 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction). As used herein, the foremost portion of throat region 1526 may be the foremost edge of the knitted component forming throat region 1526 of the upper, which may be where throat region 1526 meets forefoot region 1508. The smaller common portion may result in the embedded strand segments being oriented along a greater number of different angles around the foot of the wearer.

As depicted in fig. 15, there may be an asymmetric pattern of strand segments 1522. In this example, knitted component 1540 includes five strand segments 1522 on medial side 1516, three strand segments 1522 on lateral side 1514, and one strand segment extending along a longitudinal axis in forefoot region 1508. Thus, in this aspect, the number of strand segments positioned on one side (e.g., the outer side) may be greater than the number of strand segments positioned on the other side (e.g., the inner side). As described with respect to knitted component 1140, such asymmetric positioning of strand segments 1522 may be advantageous for articles of footwear intended for activities that have movements biased to one side or that are used more frequently than movements to the other side. In certain aspects, the number of strand segments on one side may be equal to or less than 1/2 of the number of strand segments on the other side. In other aspects, the number of strand segments on one side may be equal to or less than 1/3 of the number of strand segments on the other side.

For asymmetric aspects, as in the aspect depicted in fig. 15, it should be appreciated that the lateral and medial sides may be reversed. Thus, for example, the inner or outer side may have a greater number of strand segments for concentrated radial reinforcement.

Fig. 16 depicts another aspect of a knitted component 1640, the knitted component 1640 formed with embedded strand segments 1622 extending between an outer perimeter 1624 of the knitted component 1640 and a common portion of the knitted component 1640. Similar to the common portion of knitted component 1540 shown in fig. 15, the common portion of knitted component 1540 includes only a forward portion (e.g., a front half) of throat area 1626. In some aspects, the common portion of knitted component 1640 can be within 5 centimeters (e.g., in the longitudinal direction) of the foremost portion of throat area 1626, or in some aspects, within 2.5 centimeters (e.g., in the longitudinal direction) or within 1.25 centimeters of the foremost portion of throat area 1626.

In this aspect, strand segments 1622 of the embedded strands extend through portions of forefoot region 1608 and midfoot region 1610, but do not extend in heel region 1612. An equal number of strand segments (in this example case, five strand segments) may be provided on each side (outer side 1614 and inner side 1616). Knitted component 1640 does not include as many strand segments 1622 in forefoot region 1608 as other knitted components disclosed herein. Specifically, knitted component 1640 does not include any strand segments in a central portion of forefoot region 1608 adjacent to longitudinal axis 1618. Such a lack of strand segments 1622 in the forefoot region may be beneficial where the article of footwear is intended for activities with less forward motion.

In one aspect, a radial knitting process or a sequential knitting process may be performed such that the medial and lateral sides of the knitted component may be formed generally sequentially rather than simultaneously. For example, instead of forming the medial and lateral sides simultaneously, all of the medial side may be formed (or substantially all, i.e., within 5% of the length) and then all of the lateral side may be formed subsequently (or substantially all, i.e., within 5% of the length). Alternatively, the lateral side may be formed first, and the medial side may be formed later. In some aspects, a portion of the first side (medial or lateral) may be formed first, and then the second side (e.g., the other side) may be formed, after which the knitted component is completed by knitting the remaining portion of the first side. In certain aspects, the reverse order may be used. In this way, a plurality of adjacent courses forming at least a portion of the first side (i.e., the inner side or the outer side) may be knitted prior to a plurality of adjacent courses forming at least a portion of the second side (i.e., the other of the inner side or the outer side).

Fig. 17 depicts a block diagram of an example method 1700 of manufacturing a knitted component, such as knitted

components

140, 540, and/or 1140 shown in fig. 1-3, 5-8, and 11-13, respectively, in accordance with aspects herein. Method 1700 includes blocks 1702-1706, but is not limited to such selection of an element. In block 1702, method 1700 includes forming a first midfoot region of an upper (e.g., midfoot region 110 of upper 104 shown in fig. 3) on a knitting machine (e.g., knitting machine 162 shown in fig. 3), the first midfoot region forming one of a lateral side and a medial side (e.g., lateral side 114 and medial side 116 of upper 104 shown in fig. 3). In block 1704, method 1700 includes forming a forefoot region of the upper (e.g., forefoot region 108 of upper 104 shown in fig. 3) on the knitting machine after forming the first midfoot region, the forefoot region being integrally knit with the first midfoot region, such as by a single knitting process performed on the knitting machine. In one example, the forefoot region may be a toe region formed from one or more wedges (e.g., a plurality of wedges). In block 1706, method 1700 includes forming a second midfoot region of the upper (e.g., midfoot region 110 of upper 104 shown in fig. 3) on the knitting machine after forming the forefoot region, the second midfoot region integrally knitting with the forefoot region and forming the other of the lateral side and the medial side. The first midfoot region and the second midfoot region may each be formed from one or more cleats as described herein.

Fig. 18 depicts a block diagram of an example method 1800 of forming an article of footwear (e.g., article of footwear 500 shown in fig. 5) in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure herein. Method 1800 includes blocks 1802 and 1804, but is not limited to such selection of elements. In block 1802, method 1800 includes forming at least a portion of an upper (e.g., upper 104 shown in fig. 1) by knitting a knit element (e.g., knit element 531 shown in fig. 7) that includes a plurality of courses extending between an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, e.g., as shown in fig. 3, the outer perimeter defining a lower portion of the upper and the inner perimeter defining an upper portion of the upper, e.g., similar to inner perimeter 134 and outer perimeter 124 shown in fig. 3. In block 1804, the method 1800 includes integrally forming a continuous strand (e.g., the strand 520 shown in fig. 7) into the knit element during knitting to form a plurality of strand segments (e.g., the strand segment 522 shown in fig. 8) extending within respective ones of the plurality of courses of the knit element between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter.

Fig. 19 depicts an example knitted component 1940 having embedded

strands

1920, 1930 positioned in certain regions of the knitted component 1940, according to aspects herein. As discussed herein, knitted component 1940 can form at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear. In fig. 19, knitted component 1940 is formed to include forefoot region 1908, midfoot region 1910, and heel region 1912. Further, knitted component 1940 includes an outer perimeter 1924 and an inner perimeter 1934 (e.g., located about throat area 1926). The knitted component 1940 can be formed as a single unitary knit element, for example, knitted as a single unitary knit element in a single continuous knitting process on a knitting machine. Further, knitted component 1940 can be formed to include an inner knitted layer and an outer knitted layer, e.g., the inner knitted layer and the outer knitted layer are interconnected to collectively form a base textile. Fig. 19 also depicts how the embedded

strands

1920, 1930 are integrated such that each embedded

strand

1920, 1930 extends between the inner and outer knitted layers of the base textile, i.e., at least partially through the base textile, such that the embedded

strands

1920, 1930 are at least partially visible through the base textile of the knitted component 1940.

Still looking at fig. 19, it can be seen how the embedded strands 1920 are located on the outer side 1914 of the knitted component 1940 and how the embedded strands 1930 are located on the inner side 1916 of the knitted component 1940. Further, the embedded strands 1920 form a plurality of strand segments 1922, the strand segments 1922 extending from the perimeter 1924 of the knitted component 1940 toward a common portion of the knitted component 1940 on the outer side 1914, and the embedded strands 1930 form a plurality of strand segments 1932, the strand segments 1932 extending from the perimeter 1924 of the knitted component 1940 toward a common portion of the knitted component 1940 on the inner side 1916. Further, at least a portion of each set of

strand segments

1922, 1932 are connected with loops positioned along respective portions of an outer perimeter 1924 of their knitted component 1940. In addition,

strand segments

1922, 1932 also form loops 1921, 1931 adjacent an inner perimeter 1934 of knitted component 1940, e.g., forming at least a portion of a hole for receiving a lacing element.

With the knitted component 1940 shown in fig. 19, at least a portion of the strand segments 1922 extend at an angle relative to each other through the knit courses toward the inner perimeter 1934, such as forming at least a partial radial configuration around a common portion (e.g., throat area 1926), and at least a portion of the strand segments 1932 extend at an angle relative to each other through the knit courses toward the inner perimeter 1934, such as forming at least a partial radial configuration around the common portion (e.g., throat area 1926). However,

strand segments

1922, 1932 are not typically present in the toe region of forefoot region 1908. This creates localized reinforcement and/or restraint at medial side 1916 and lateral side 1914, and less reinforcement and/or restraint in forefoot region 1908. To provide such reinforcement and/or restriction, the

strands

1920, 1930 may be high tenacity yarns, cables, filaments, monofilaments, multifilaments, and the like. In other words, the

strands

1920, 1930 can be formed or selected to have a higher tenacity, stretch resistance, and/or tensile strength than the yarns of the base textile forming the knitted component 1940 to impart reinforcement and/or constraint in the direction of the common portion.

Fig. 20 depicts a knitted component 2040 having a substantially continuous insert that extends around knitted component 2040 in accordance with aspects hereof. Knitted component 2040 includes elements similar to other knitted components described herein. Further, the knitted component 2040 includes the continuous embedded

strands

2020, 2032, the continuous embedded

strands

2020, 2032 being embedded such that the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 extend substantially adjacent to each other from the outer perimeter 2024 toward the inner perimeter 2034. For example, in one aspect, the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 extend along immediately adjacent courses in a sequential or alternating manner. The embedded

strands

2020, 2032 are also embedded to extend toward and around a common portion (e.g., throat region 2026) of the knitted component 2040, forming a substantially radial configuration around the common portion. In fig. 20, the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 are continuously embedded along the medial side 2016, along the forefoot region 2008, and along the lateral side 2014.

The

strands

2020, 2032 may be embedded during the knitting process performed by the knitting machine. For example, the

strands

2020, 2032 may be embedded in the knitted component 2040 with each pass of the carrier of the knitting machine, e.g., such that the strands extend continuously along adjacent courses of the knitted component 2040. It should be noted that although a pair of

continuous strands

2020, 2032 are embedded in the knitted component 2040 (e.g., inside the knitted component 2040 or along a surface of the knitted component 2040), a single continuous embedded strand may be included, or more than two embedded strands may be included. In various aspects, the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 may be yarns, such as high tenacity yarns, such as polyester yarns, such as inelastic polyester yarns, or may be other types of fibers, cables, filaments, or multifilaments, such as materials having high tensile strength and/or high stretch resistance. For example, in one aspect, the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 may be monofilament or multifilament polyester yarns. This may allow the embedded

strands

2020, 2032 to have a higher tenacity, stretch resistance, and/or tensile strength than the yarns of the remaining base textile that form the knitted component 2040. Such a configuration can help impart reinforcement and/or restraint to knitted component 2040 in the direction of the common portion.

Further still looking at fig. 20, the outer side 2014 and inner side 2016 of knitted component 2040 further include embedded

cables

2023, 2033, respectively, wherein these

cables

2023, 2033 are also selected from higher strength or stretch resistant materials. The

cables

2023, 2033 extend from the outer perimeter 2024 through the knitted component 2040 (e.g., through layers thereof and/or through tunnel structures thereof), around the eyelet/

lace openings

2025, 2035, extend out of the inner perimeter 2034 (e.g., form loops), extend back into the knitted component 2040, and extend to the outer perimeter 2024 (e.g., form loops again), and continue to form a repeating sequence on the outer side 2014 and the inner side 2016 of the knitted component 2040. The

cables

2023, 2033 also (similar to the embedded strands 2020, 2032) extend around a common portion (e.g., throat area 2026). Thus, the

cables

2023, 2033 may also extend at least partially at an angle relative to each other, as discussed herein. The inclusion of

cables

2023, 2033 may provide further reinforcement and/or restraint on the outer side 2014 and inner side 2016 of knitted component 2040, as well as other benefits.

Fig. 21 depicts a knitted component 2140 that includes different regions having different types of knitted configurations in accordance with aspects herein. Knitted component 2140 includes knit elements that form a base textile having embedded

strands

2120, 2130 extending from an outer perimeter 2124 at least partially through the base textile to an inner perimeter 2134. The embedded

strands

2120, 2130 extend around a common portion (e.g., throat area 2126). In addition, throat region 2126 also includes textile 2115 interconnecting inner perimeter 2134 (e.g., forming an upper foot portion). The

strands

2120, 2130 embedded in the base textile may extend generally at an angle relative to each other, e.g., forming a radial configuration at least partially around a common portion of knitted component 2140.

Knitted component 2140 includes different knit structures in different regions. In this sense, knitted component 2140 is a composite knitted component formed using different knitting processes. Medial side 2116 of knitted component 2140 has strands 2120 embedded within the courses of knitted elements 2113, knitted elements 2113 forming a base textile at medial side 2116, wherein courses of knitted elements 2113 and embedded strands 2120 extend around a common portion of knitted component 2140, e.g., in a substantially radial configuration. The outer side 2114 of the knitted component 2140 has strands 2130 embedded within the courses of the knitted elements 2117, the knitted elements 2117 forming a base textile at the outer side 2114, wherein the courses of the knitted elements 2117 and the embedded strands 2130 extend around a common portion of the knitted component 2140, e.g., in a substantially radial configuration. Further, it can be seen that forefoot region 2108 includes differently formed knit elements 2119, e.g., formed with knit elements 2119 in a non-radial configuration. For example, the knit element 2119 can be a knit element including knit courses that extend horizontally (e.g., left to right in fig. 21), as opposed to a radial configuration in which the radial configuration has knit courses that extend toward and around a common portion, such as knit courses that extend at least partially at an angle relative to each other. Such multiple knit configurations can allow for greater reinforcement and/or restraint in medial side 2116 and lateral side 2114 of midfoot portion 2110 of knitted component 2140, while allowing for a more relaxed, more comfortably oriented feel in forefoot region 2108 of knitted component 2140, as well as other benefits.

Fig. 22 depicts a knitted component 2240 having differently configured zones in accordance with aspects herein. The knitted component 2240 includes elements similar to other knitted components described herein. For example, the knitted component 2240 includes a knitted element forming a base textile and at least one embedded strand 2220, the embedded strand 2220 extending through the knitted element between the outer perimeter 2224 and the inner perimeter 2234, e.g., toward a common portion (e.g., throat area 2226). The embedded strands 2220 form a plurality of strand segments 2222 extending around the toe region of the forefoot portion 2208, each strand segment extending toward a common portion (e.g., throat region 2226). In one aspect, strand segments 2222 may form lace loops at throat area 2226, and may be at least partially exposed through the base textile.

Still looking at fig. 22, it can be seen that the knitted component 2240 is formed such that a portion of the knitted component 2240 includes or contains a fusible yarn (e.g., a yarn formed from a thermoplastic polymer material). In fig. 22, these fusible yarns are localized in a portion of forefoot region 2208, e.g., in this case, on lateral side 2114, to impart localized properties to lateral side 2114, e.g., stiffness (stiffness), stretch resistance, constraint, reinforcement, durability, and other properties. It should be appreciated that these materials may be integrated at any location on the knitted component 2240 or other knitted component described herein. Inclusion of these fusible yarns means that heat may be applied at a temperature at or above the melting temperature of the fusible yarns, but below the melting temperature of the yarns forming the remainder of the knitted component 2240, to form at least partially fused zone 2215 on knitted component 2240, e.g., on the inner and/or outer surfaces of knitted component 2240. Alternatively, the fused region 2215 can be on the medial side 2216, or on portions of both the medial side 2216 and the lateral side 2214 and/or on the entire toe area, and can cover larger or smaller portions of the knitted component in different aspects.

Fig. 23A illustrates a schematic diagram of an example knitting sequence diagram 2310 (hereinafter referred to as a knitting diagram 2310) for knitting a knitted component 2330 as shown in fig. 23B, which depicts the knitted component 2330 as the knitted component 2330 is formed on a knitting machine (e.g., the knitting machine 162 including the front needle bed 161 and the back needle bed 163 as shown in fig. 3) according to the knitting pattern of fig. 23A, in accordance with aspects herein. Knitting schematic 2310 shows a knitting direction 2312 for radially knitting or sequentially knitting the heel region, the medial region or the lateral region, the forefoot region, and the other of the medial region or the lateral region in a sequential manner. Radial knitting or sequential knitting is further described herein in connection with fig. 17 and 18, among others. The knitting schematic 2310 may be implemented by a knitting machine such that, when executed by the knitting machine, the knitting schematic 2310 generates a knitted component 2330 that forms a portion of the footwear upper.

Knitting schematic 2310 shows an outer perimeter 2302 of knitted component 2330 and an inner perimeter 2304 of knitted component 2330. Further, the knitting schematic 2310 shows a plurality of wedges 2314 that can be knitted to form a knitted component. The plurality of wedges 2314 each include a first edge at the outer perimeter 2302 and a second edge at the inner perimeter 2304. In addition, the first edge is greater in length than the second edge. Further, each of the plurality of wedges 2314 includes at least one course extending between the outer perimeter 2302 and the inner perimeter 2304. In some examples, a second edge of one or more of the plurality of wedges 2314 may be formed as a vertex.

Each wedge 2314 may be formed by knitting a series of courses, for example, by starting with a first row, increasing the length of a subsequent course or group of subsequent courses in the series until a desired width of the knitted component at that region (e.g., midfoot region, forefoot region, etc.) is reached, and then decreasing the length until the last row is reached. Further, when a course having a desired length is reached, one or more additional courses may be knitted with a length corresponding to the desired width to form a second edge (at inner perimeter 2304). In this way, a first set of courses with progressively increasing lengths in the knitting direction 2312 may be knitted to form a third edge of the wedge 2314, and a second set of courses with progressively decreasing lengths in the knitting direction 2312 may be knitted to form a fourth edge of the wedge 2314. As discussed above, to create a wedge structure, a first set of courses of progressively increasing length are knitted until the desired fabric width is reached. Subsequently, one or more courses at the desired width are knitted, followed by a second set of courses of progressively smaller length to complete the wedge structure. Thus, by this process, a wedge is created that extends between the inner perimeter 2304 and the outer perimeter 2302. The number and/or length of the courses may be adjusted to increase or decrease the surface area of the wedge.

By knitting a series of wedges, knitted component 2330 can be configured to bend or otherwise form an arcuate shape relative to a common portion (e.g., inner perimeter 2304 in this example). The inner perimeter 2304 may form at least a portion of a throat area of an upper in the fully formed knitted component 2330.

Further, as shown in knitting diagram 2310, forefoot region 2306 includes a set of cleats configured to form a curved structure with a higher curvature (e.g., a smaller radius of curvature). For example, each of the sets of cleats in forefoot region 2306 may have a smaller surface area than the sets of cleats in midfoot region. Additionally, or alternatively, the total number of cleats in forefoot region 2306 may be increased. Thus, by incorporating multiple cleats in forefoot region 2306, a curved structure of knitted component 2330 of the upper is created in forefoot region 2306.

In this manner, knitted component 2330 includes a stack of wedges, wherein when knitted in a medial-to-lateral direction, a first set of wedges is configured to form a medial side of knitted component 2330, a second set of wedges is configured to form a toe region of knitted component 2330, and a third set of wedges is configured to form a lateral side of knitted component 2330. Additionally, in one aspect, a fourth set of cleats may be included to form a heel region of the knitted component. In a second example, optionally including the first example, the number of wedges in the second set of wedges is greater than the number of wedges in the first set of wedges or the number of wedges in the third set of wedges.

In one embodiment, the upper includes a knitted component having a plurality of courses that are mutually looped defining wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component, each wedge-shaped portion being defined by a portion of an outer perimeter of the knitted component, a portion of an inner perimeter of the knitted component, a first course extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter, and a second course extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter. In a first example of an upper, a portion of the inner perimeter defining the wedge-shaped portion has a shorter length than a portion of the outer perimeter defining the wedge-shaped portion. In a second example that optionally includes the upper of the first example, each wedge portion includes a full length course positioned between the first course and the second course and extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter, and includes a partial length course positioned between the first course and the second course and extending from the outer perimeter and terminating before the inner perimeter. In a third example of an upper that optionally includes one or more of the first example and the second example, at least some of the wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component form a forefoot region of the upper. In a fourth example of an upper that optionally includes one or more of the first example through the third example, at least some of the wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component form a midfoot region of the upper. In a fifth example of the upper that optionally includes one or more of the first example through the fourth example, at least some of the wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component form a heel region of the upper. In a sixth example that optionally includes an upper of one or more of the first example through the fifth examples, the upper is an upper of an article of footwear.

The knitting schematic 2310 shows one or more embedded strands 2318 that may be looped with one or more courses in the knitted component 2330. The location and number of embedded strands (i.e., where the embedded strands are embedded) may be selected to provide a desired level of restriction and/or direction of restriction. In one example, the positions of the embedded strands may be selected to allow one or more embedded strands to be aligned or substantially aligned with one or more constraint lines (such as the constraint lines along

axes

121, 123 discussed in connection with fig. 3). In another example, additionally or alternatively, the geometry of the wedge (e.g., length, surface area, etc. of each side of the wedge) may be adjusted to position one or more embedded strands at a desired location and/or to align or substantially align the embedded strands with one or more constraint lines or desired reinforcement directions.

In fig. 23A, the rows of knitting forming the wedges 2314 are represented by how the rows would be formed/knitted by the knitting machine. In this sense, the rows of knitting include both longer rows and shorter rows. Longer rows (measured from left to right in fig. 23A) represent longer courses of knitting, and shorter rows (measured from left to right in fig. 23A) represent shorter courses of knitting. The spaces 2316 located near and between the rows of knitting forming the wedge 2314 represent stitches that remain or are unfinished during the knitting process, or rather, represent the non-knitted sections of the knitting courses. The line in fig. 23A represents embedded strands 2318. Forming knitting members 2330 with wedges (e.g., longer and shorter courses in knitting direction 2312) allows a base textile formed on the knitting machine to rotate, i.e., naturally form a non-linear, arcuate, and/or radial shape that surrounds a common portion, location, and/or point. This knitted configuration also allows the embedded strands 2318 to extend around a common portion, location, and/or point in a similar non-linear, arcuate, and/or radial shape. The formation of knitted component 2330 based on the knitting sequence 2310 shown in fig. 23A is depicted in the example of fig. 23B, and the wedge of fig. 23A can be seen in fig. 23B to produce a radially arranged knit on the course of the knitting process.

The knitted components described herein may be incorporated into different articles (e.g., uppers, articles of footwear, articles of apparel, such as hats, caps, shirts, jerseys, jackets, socks, shorts, pants, undergarments (such as underpants and brassieres), athletic support garments, gloves, wrist bands/arms bands, sleeves, headbands) or may be incorporated into other articles (such as athletic equipment, bags, backpacks, or outdoor entertainment equipment or equipment, among other contemplated articles).

Clause 1: an upper, comprising: a knitted component forming at least a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the upper and having an outer perimeter, the forefoot region integrally knit with the midfoot region, the forefoot region having a first course extending continuously between the outer perimeter in the forefoot region and a common portion of the knitted component, the midfoot region having a second course extending continuously between the outer perimeter in the midfoot region and the common portion of the knitted component, the first course and the second course extending at an angle relative to each other.

Clause 2: the upper of clause 1, wherein the knitted component forms a heel region of the upper having a third course extending continuously between the outer perimeter in the heel region and the common portion of the knitted component.

Clause 3: an upper according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the common portion of the knitted component is a throat area of the upper.

Clause 4: an upper according to any of clauses 1-3, wherein the common portion of the knitted component is a forward portion of the throat area of the upper.

Clause 5: the upper of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the knitted component forms a tongue of the upper.

Clause 6: the upper of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the tongue is integrally knit with at least the forefoot region.

Clause 7: an upper according to any of clauses 1-6, wherein the needleThe textile element forms a heel region of the upper and includes a fourth course extending at least partially in the heel region and a fifth course extending at least partially in a forefoot region, each of the fourth course and the fifth course extending parallel to an axis extending between a portion of the forefoot region configured to cover a first metatarsal of a wearer to a lateral portion of the heel region.

Clause 8: the upper of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the knitted component forms a heel region of the upper, and includes a fourth course extending at least partially in the heel region and a fifth course extending at least partially in a forefoot region, the fourth course and the fifth course each extending parallel to an axis extending between a portion of the forefoot region configured to cover a fifth metatarsal of a wearer to a medial portion of the heel region.

Clause 9: the upper of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the knitted component further includes an embedded strand having a plurality of strand segments, each strand segment extending from the outer perimeter to the common portion.

Clause 10: the upper of any of clauses 1-9, wherein each strand segment extends from the outer perimeter, through the upper, to the common portion.

Clause 11: the upper of any of clauses 1-10, wherein one or more strand segments within the plurality of strand segments are positioned within the forefoot region of the upper.

Clause 12: an upper according to any of clauses 1-11, wherein the common portion includes a throat area of the upper.

Clause 13: the upper of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the upper comprises a portion of an article of footwear.

Clause 14: a method of manufacturing a knitted component for an upper, the method comprising: forming the first vamp on a knitting machineA midfoot region, the first midfoot region forming one of a lateral side and a medial side of the upper; forming a forefoot region of the upper on the knitting machine after forming the first midfoot region, the forefoot region integrally knit with the first midfoot region; and after forming the forefoot region, forming a second midfoot region of the upper on the knitting machine, the second midfoot region integrally knit with the forefoot region and forming the other of the lateral side and the medial side.

Clause 15: the method of clause 14, wherein the knitted component comprises: a first course positioned in the forefoot region and extending continuously from an outer perimeter of the upper to a common portion of the upper; and a second course positioned in the first midfoot region of the upper and extending continuously between the outer perimeter and the common portion.

Clause 16: the method of clauses 14 or 15, wherein at least a subset of the needles used to form the first midfoot region are used to form the second midfoot region.

Clause 17: the method of any of clauses 14-16, wherein the knitted component comprises a knit element and an inlaid strand extending through one or more courses of the knit element, the inlaid strand being inlaid when the knit element is formed on a plurality of needles of the knitting machine.

Clause 18: the method of any of clauses 14-17, wherein the knitted component is formed such that the knitted component includes a plurality of embedded strands in at least a first portion of the knitted component, the plurality of embedded strands extending at an angle relative to each other between an outer perimeter of the upper and a common portion of the upper, the plurality of embedded strands having a higher tenacity than one or more yarns forming a remaining portion of the knitted component.

Clause 19: vamp, bagThe method comprises the following steps: a knit element defining at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the upper and having a plurality of courses extending between the outer perimeter and a throat area; at least one embedded strand integral with the knitted component to form a plurality of strand segments extending between the outer perimeter and the throat area within respective ones of a plurality of courses of the knitted component, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of strand segments extend at an angle relative to each other.

Clause 20: the upper of clause 19, wherein the at least one embedded strand is integral with the knit element such that the plurality of strand segments are spaced apart along a length of the knit element.

Clause 21: the upper of clauses 19 or 20, wherein the plurality of strand segments includes a midfoot strand segment located in a midfoot region of the upper.

Clause 22: the upper of any of clauses 19-21, wherein the plurality of strand segments includes a heel strand segment extending from the sole structure to the throat area.

Clause 23 : an upper according to any of clauses 19-22, wherein adjacent ones of the heel strand segments are spaced farther apart than adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments.

Clause 24: the upper of any of clauses 19-23, wherein the ratio of the average spacing between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to the average spacing between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is greater than 1.5:1.

Clause 25: the upper of any of clauses 19-24, wherein a ratio of an average spacing between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to an average spacing between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is between 2:1 and 5:1.

Clause 26: an upper according to any of clauses 19-25, wherein the shoeThe ratio of the average number of courses between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to the average number of courses between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is greater than 1.5:1.

Clause 27: the upper of any of clauses 19-26, wherein a ratio of an average number of courses between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to an average number of courses between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is between 2:1 and 5:1.

Clause 28: the upper of any of clauses 19-27, wherein the number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side of the upper is the same as the number of strand segments positioned on the lateral side of the upper.

Clause 29: the upper of any of clauses 19-28, wherein a number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on a medial side of the upper is different than a number of strand segments positioned on a lateral side of the upper.

Clause 30: the upper of any of clauses 19-29, wherein the strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side of the upper and the strand segments positioned on the lateral side of the upper are symmetrically positioned with respect to a longitudinal axis of the upper.

Clause 31: the upper of any of clauses 19-31, wherein the strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side of the upper and the strand segments positioned on the lateral side of the upper are asymmetrically positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the upper.

Clause 32: an upper according to any of clauses 19-31, wherein the common portion is a front half of the throat area.

Clause 33: an upper according to any of clauses 19-32, wherein the common portion is a rear half of the throat area.

Clause 34: a knitted component for an upper, comprising: a knitted element having an outer perimeter defining a lower edge and a pair of heel edges of the knitted componentAnd an inner perimeter defining at least one of a throat opening and an ankle opening, the knit element having a plurality of courses extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter; and one or more embedded strands integral with the knit element, the one or more embedded strands forming a plurality of strand segments extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter within respective ones of the plurality of courses of the knit element.

Clause 35: the knitted component of clause 34, wherein continuous strands are integrally formed within the knitted component such that the plurality of strand segments are courses spaced apart along a length of the knitted component.

Clause 36: the knitted component of clause 34 or 35, wherein the knitted component comprises a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the plurality of strand segments comprises one or more of a forefoot strand segment, a midfoot strand segment, and a heel strand segment.

Clause 37: the knitted component of any of clauses 34-36, wherein the knitted component comprises an inner side and an outer side, and wherein the one or more embedded strands form a first plurality of strands on the inner side, and wherein the one or more embedded strands form a second plurality of strands on the outer side.

Clause 38: the knitted component of any of clauses 34-37, wherein a ratio of an average number of courses between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to an average number of courses between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is greater than 1.5:1 or between 2:1 and 5:1.

Clause 39: the knitted component of any of clauses 34-38, wherein the knitted component comprises an inner side and an outer side, and wherein a number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments on the inner side is the same as a number of strand segments on the outer side.

Clause 40: according to clauses and subclauses34-39, wherein the knitted component comprises a medial side and a lateral side, and wherein a number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments on the medial side strand segment is different from a number of strand segments on the lateral side.

Clause 41: a method of forming an article of footwear, comprising: forming at least a portion of an upper by knitting a knit element, the knit element including a plurality of courses extending between an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, the outer perimeter defining a lower portion of the upper and the inner perimeter defining an upper portion of the upper; and integrally forming continuous strands into a knit element during knitting to form a plurality of strand segments extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter within respective ones of the plurality of courses of the knit element.

Clause 42: the method of clause 42, further comprising securing at least a portion of the lower portion of the knit element to a sole structure.

Clause 43: the method of clause 41 or 42, wherein knitting the knit element includes sequentially knitting the medial side and the lateral side of the knit element to form a single knit component that can be joined together at a pair of edges in a heel region.

Clause 44: the method of any of clauses 41-44, wherein a continuous strand is integrated with the knitted component by embedding the continuous strand through courses within the plurality of courses.

Clause 45: the method of any of clauses 41-45, wherein the article of footwear includes a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and integrating the continuous strands to form the plurality of strand segments includes forming a forefoot strand segment that extends from the sole structure to a throat region of the upper.

Clause 46: the method of any of clauses 41-45, wherein the article of footwear includes a forefoot region,A midfoot region and a heel region, and integrating the continuous strands to form a plurality of strand segments includes forming a forefoot strand segment extending from the sole structure to the throat region, a midfoot strand segment extending from the sole structure to the throat region, and a heel strand segment extending from the sole structure to the throat region.

Clause 47: the method of any of clauses 41-46, wherein adjacent ones of the heel strand segments are spaced farther apart than adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments.

Clause 48: the method of any of clauses 41-47, wherein the ratio of the average spacing between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to the average spacing between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is greater than 1.5:1 or between 2:1 and 5:1.

Clause 49: the method of any of clauses 41-48, wherein the ratio of the average number of courses between adjacent ones of the heel strand segments to the average number of courses between adjacent ones of the forefoot strand segments is greater than 1.5:1 or between 2:1 and 5:1.

Clause 50: the method of any of clauses 41-49, wherein the article of footwear includes a medial side and a lateral side, and wherein the number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side is the same as the number of strand segments positioned on the lateral side.

Clause 51: the method of any of clauses 41-50, wherein the article of footwear includes a medial side and a lateral side, and wherein a number of strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side is different from a number of strand segments positioned on the lateral side.

Clause 52: the method of any of clauses 41-51, wherein the article of footwear includes a medial side and a lateral side, and wherein strand segments within the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side and strand segments positioned on the lateral side are relative to the footwearThe longitudinal axis of the article is symmetrically positioned.

Clause 53: the method of any of clauses 41-52, wherein the article of footwear includes a medial side and a lateral side, and wherein a strand segment of the plurality of strand segments positioned on the medial side and a strand segment of the plurality of strand segments positioned on the lateral side are positioned asymmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

Clause 54: a knitted component comprising a plurality of knitted structures arranged in an at least partially radial configuration.

Clause 55: the knitted component of clause 54, further comprising an article comprising the knitted component.

Clause 56: the knitted component of clause 55, wherein the article is an article of footwear or an article of apparel.

Clause 57: an upper comprising a knitted component having a plurality of inter-looped courses defining wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component, each wedge-shaped course being defined by a portion of an outer perimeter of the knitted component, a portion of an inner perimeter of the knitted component, a first course extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter, and a second course extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter.

Clause 58 : the upper of clause 57, wherein the portion of the inner perimeter defining the wedge-shaped portion has a shorter length than the portion of the outer perimeter defining the wedge-shaped portion.

Clause 59: an upper according to clause 57 or 58, wherein each wedge portion includes a full length course positioned between the first course and the second course and extending from the outer perimeter to the inner perimeter, and includes a partial length course positioned between the first course and the second course and extending from the outer perimeter and terminating before the inner perimeter.

Clause 60: an upper according to any of clauses 57-59, wherein the knit component is joined to the upper in the wedge-shaped portionLess forming the forefoot region of the upper.

Clause 61: an upper according to any of clauses 57-60, wherein at least some of the wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component form a midfoot region of the upper.

Clause 62: an upper according to any of clauses 57-60, wherein at least some of the wedge-shaped portions of the knitted component form a heel region of the upper.

Aspects of the present disclosure have been described as being intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Alternative means of implementing the above-described improvements may be developed by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated 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 performed in the particular order described.

Claims

1. An upper, comprising:

a knitted component forming at least a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the upper and having an outer perimeter, the forefoot region integrally knit with the midfoot region, the forefoot region having a first course extending continuously between the outer perimeter in the forefoot region and a common portion of the knitted component, the midfoot region having a second course extending continuously between the outer perimeter in the midfoot region and the common portion of the knitted component, the first course and the second course extending at an angle relative to each other.

2. The upper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component forms a heel region of the upper having a third course that extends continuously from the outer perimeter in the heel region to the common portion of the knitted component.

3. An upper according to claim 1, wherein the common portion of the knitted component is a throat area of the upper.

4. An upper according to claim 3, wherein the common portion of the knitted component is a forward portion of the throat area of the upper.

5. The upper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component forms a tongue of the upper.

6. The upper of claim 5, wherein the tongue is integrally knit with at least the forefoot region.

7. The upper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component forms a heel region of the upper, the heel region having a third course, and wherein the knitted component includes a fourth course extending at least partially in the heel region and a fifth course extending at least partially in a forefoot region, the fourth course and the fifth course each extending parallel to an axis extending between a portion of the forefoot region configured to cover a first metatarsal of a wearer to a lateral portion of the heel region.

8. The upper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component forms a heel region of the upper, the heel region having a third course, and wherein the knitted component includes a fourth course extending at least partially in the heel region and a fifth course extending at least partially in a forefoot region, the fourth course and the fifth course each extending parallel to an axis extending between a portion of the forefoot region configured to cover a fifth metatarsal of a wearer to a medial portion of the heel region.

9. The upper of claim 1, wherein the knitted component further includes an embedded strand having a plurality of strand segments, each strand segment extending between the outer perimeter and the common portion.

10. The upper of claim 9, wherein one or more strand segments within the plurality of strand segments are positioned within the forefoot region of the upper.

11. An upper according to claim 9, wherein the common portion includes a throat area of the upper.

12. An upper according to claim 1, wherein the upper includes a portion of an article of footwear.

13. A method of manufacturing a knitted component for an upper, the method comprising:

forming a first midfoot region of the upper on a knitting machine, the first midfoot region forming one of a lateral side and a medial side of the upper;

forming a forefoot region of the upper on the knitting machine after forming the first midfoot region, the forefoot region integrally knit with the first midfoot region; and

after forming the forefoot region, a second midfoot region of the upper is formed on the knitting machine, integrally knit with the forefoot region and form the other of the lateral side and the medial side.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the knitted component comprises:

a first course positioned in the forefoot region and extending continuously between an outer perimeter of the upper and a common portion; and

a second course positioned in a first midfoot region of the upper and extending continuously between the outer perimeter and the common portion.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein at least a subset of the needles used to form the first midfoot region are used to form the second midfoot region.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the knitted component includes a knit element and an inlaid strand extending through one or more courses of the knit element, the inlaid strand being inlaid when the knit element is formed on a plurality of needles of the knitting machine.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the knitted component is formed such that the knitted component includes a plurality of embedded strands in at least a first portion of the knitted component, the plurality of embedded strands extending at an angle relative to one another between an outer perimeter of the upper and a common portion of the upper, the plurality of embedded strands having a higher tenacity than one or more yarns forming a remaining portion of the knitted component.

18. An upper, the upper comprising:

a knit element defining at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the upper and having a plurality of courses extending between the outer perimeter of the upper and a throat area; and

at least one embedded strand integral with the knit element such that the at least one embedded strand forms a plurality of strand segments extending between the outer perimeter and the throat area along respective ones of the plurality of courses of the knit element, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of strand segments extend at an angle relative to each other.

19. The upper of claim 18, wherein the at least one embedded strand is integral with the knit element such that the plurality of strand segments are spaced apart along a length of the knit element.

20. The upper of claim 18, wherein the plurality of strand segments includes a plurality of midfoot strand segments located in a midfoot region of the upper.

21. The upper of claim 18, wherein the plurality of strand segments includes a plurality of heel strand segments extending from the outer perimeter to the throat area.

22. A knitted component for an upper, comprising:

a knit element having an outer perimeter defining a lower edge and a pair of heel edges of the knitted component and an inner perimeter defining at least one of a throat opening and an ankle opening, the knit element having a plurality of courses extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter; and

one or more embedded strands integral with the knit element, the one or more embedded strands forming a plurality of strand segments extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter within respective ones of the plurality of courses of the knit element.

23. The knitted component of claim 22, wherein the one or more embedded strands are integrally formed within the knitted component such that the plurality of strand segments are courses spaced apart along a length of the knitted component.

24. The knitted component of claim 22, wherein the knitted component includes a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the plurality of strand segments includes one or more of a forefoot strand segment, a midfoot strand segment, and a heel strand segment.

25. The knitted component of claim 22, wherein the knitted component comprises an inner side and an outer side, and wherein the one or more embedded strands form a first plurality of strands on the inner side, and wherein the one or more embedded strands form a second plurality of strands on the outer side.

26. The knitted component of claim 25, wherein the knitted component comprises an inner side and an outer side, and wherein a number of strand segments of the plurality of strand segments located on the inner side is the same as a number of strand segments of the plurality of strand segments located on the outer side.

27. The knitted component of claim 25, wherein the knitted component comprises an inner side and an outer side, and wherein a number of strand segments of the plurality of strand segments located on the inner side is different than a number of strand segments of the plurality of strand segments located on the outer side.

28. The knitted component of claim 22, wherein the knitted component comprises a portion of an article of footwear.

29. The knitted component of claim 22, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of courses is configured to form a set of wedge portions, each wedge portion having a first edge at the outer perimeter, a second edge at the inner perimeter, and at least one wedge course extending between the outer perimeter and the inner perimeter.

30. The knitted component of claim 29, wherein the set of wedge-shaped portions is located in a forefoot region of the upper.