CN204763685U - Article of footwear and knitted component for incorporation into the article - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an article of footwear and a woven component for incorporation into an article of footwear. An article of footwear is provided that includes an upper incorporating a woven component having a color-changing property. The color-changing property can be produced by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed throughout the upper of the article of footwear. The lenticular knit structures are formed of a unitary knit construction with the remainder of the woven component. The lenticular knit structures have portions formed with different yarns. The different yarns in the portions of the lenticular knit structures produce a visual effect in which the color of the article of footwear changes depending on the viewing angle.

Description

Articles of footwear and knitted components for incorporation into articles

technical field

The present invention relates generally to articles of footwear, and in particular, to articles of footwear incorporating knitted components.

Background technique

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 on the interior of the footwear to comfortably and securely accommodate the foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower region of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in an athletic shoe, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. Midsoles often include polymer foam materials that attenuate ground reaction forces during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities to reduce stress on the foot and leg. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, adjusters, or other elements that further attenuate forces, increase stability, or affect foot motion. The outsole is secured to the lower surface of the midsole and provides the ground engaging portion of the sole structure formed of a durable and wear resistant material such as rubber. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the cavity and proximate to the lower surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear.

The upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball shoes and boots, the upper may extend up and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is typically provided by an ankle opening in the heel region of the footwear. Lacing systems are often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, allowing entry and removal of the foot from cavities within the upper. The lacing system also allows the wearer to alter certain dimensions of the upper (specifically, girth) to accommodate feet of different sizes. Additionally, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter to limit heel movement.

A variety of material elements (eg, textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally used in the manufacture of shoe uppers. For example, in an athletic shoe, the upper may have multiple layers, each layer comprising various connected material elements. As an example, material elements may be selected to impart stretch resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different regions of the upper. In order to impart different properties to different areas of the upper, material elements are often cut to the desired shape and then joined together, often using stitching or adhesive bonding. Furthermore, material elements are often connected in a layered configuration to impart multiple properties to the same area. As the number and types of material elements incorporated into an upper increase, so does the time and expense associated with shipping, storing, cutting, and joining the material elements. Waste from the cutting and stitching process also accumulates to a greater extent as the number and types of material elements incorporated into the upper increase. Additionally, uppers with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. Thus, by reducing the number of material elements used for the upper, waste can be reduced, increasing manufacturing efficiency and recycling of the upper.

Utility model content

Various configurations of the article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The upper may incorporate a knitted component. The knitted component may include color-shifting properties produced by one or more lenticular knit structures disposed throughout the upper of the article of footwear. The lens weave structure is formed of a unitary weave construction with the remainder of the knitted component.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear that includes an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The upper incorporates knitted components formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes at least one lens knit structure including a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the lens knit structure. The knitted component also includes a base portion disposed adjacent to the at least one lens knitted structure. The at least one lens weave structure extends away from the base portion on the outer surface of the upper. A first portion of the at least one lens weave is associated with a first visual effect when the upper is viewed from a first viewing angle, and a second portion of the at least one lens weave is associated with the upper when viewing the upper from a second angle Associated with the second visual effect, the second viewing angle is different from the first viewing angle.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein said first portion of said at least one lens knit structure may be formed using a first yarn, and said second portion of said at least one lens knit structure may be formed using a second yarn The first yarn and the second yarn may have different properties.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn may have one or more of different yarn types, different colors, different textures, and different deniers.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein said first yarn can substantially produce said first visual effect when said upper is viewed from said first viewing angle, and For the upper, the second yarn may substantially produce the second visual effect.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein the knitted component may further include a plurality of lens knitted structures.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein the plurality of lens weaves may include a first lens weave and a second lens weave, the first lens weave may have the first lens weave formed using a first yarn. A portion and the second portion formed using a second yarn, and the second lens weave structure may have the first portion formed using the first yarn, the second portion formed using the second yarn A second portion and an upper portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the upper portion may be formed using a third yarn.

An article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein one or more of said second lens knit structures may be located in a first region on said knitted component, and the remainder of said knitted component may include a plurality of said The first lens weave structure.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein the first yarn, the second yarn and the third yarn may be different colors.

The article of footwear according to the present invention, wherein the upper portion can produce a third visual effect that is visible from both the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle.

In another aspect, the invention provides a knitted component for incorporation into an article. The knitted component includes a plurality of lens knitted structures. Each of the lens weaves includes a first portion on one side of the lens weave, the first portion formed using a first yarn, and a second portion disposed on an opposite side of the lens weave, the second portion Formed using a second yarn. The first yarn and the second yarn are different. The knitted component also includes a base portion disposed between adjacent lens knitted structures. The first portion, the second portion, and the base portion are formed of unitary knit construction with the knitted component. A first portion of the lens weave is associated with a first visual effect when the knitted component is viewed from a first viewing angle, and a second portion of the at least one lens weave is associated with a second visual effect when the knitted component is viewed from a second viewing angle. The effect is linked, the second view is not the same as the first view.

A knitted component according to the present invention, wherein said base portion may be formed using a different yarn than said first yarn and said second yarn; and wherein said base portion may comprise at least one course which Connected to: (a) at least one course of said first yarn forming said first portion, and (b) at least one course of said second yarn forming said second portion.

According to the woven component of the present invention, each of the plurality of lens woven structures may have a configuration of a tubular rib structure, the tubular rib structure includes a hollow space disposed between overlapping woven layers of the tubular rib structure Unfixed area.

According to the woven component of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of lens woven structures may further include a tensile element disposed in the hollow unsecured region.

According to the knitted component of the present invention, wherein the plurality of lens knit structures may include a first lens knit structure and a second lens knit structure, and the first lens knit structure may have the lens knit structure formed using the first yarn. A first portion and the second portion formed using the second yarn, and the second lens weave structure may have the first portion formed using the first yarn, the second portion formed using the second yarn The second portion and an upper portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the upper portion may be formed using a third yarn.

The knitted component according to the present invention, wherein the upper portion can produce a third visual effect visible from both the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making a knitted component for incorporation into an article. The method includes knitting a base portion of the knitted component; knitting a first portion of the lens knit structure with a first yarn; and knitting a second portion of the lens knit structure with a second yarn. The second yarn is different from the first yarn. The lens weave is formed such that the first portion and the second portion are arranged on opposite sides of the lens weave, and the lens weave extends away from the base portion in a vertical direction. A first portion of the lens weave is associated with a first visual effect when the knitted component is viewed from a first viewing angle, and a second portion of the at least one lens weave is associated with a second visual effect when the knitted component is viewed from a second viewing angle. The effect is linked, the second view is not the same as the first view.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.

Description of drawings

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure;

2 is a medial side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure;

3 is a lateral side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure;

4 is a top front view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure;

5 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component of footwear having a lens knit structure from a first viewing angle;

6 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component of footwear having a lens knit structure from a second viewing angle;

Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a knitting machine configured to manufacture knitted components;

8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for weaving a lens weave structure;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method of making an embodiment of a knitted component showing forming a base portion;

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method of making an embodiment of a knitted component showing forming a first portion of a lens knit structure;

Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method of making an embodiment of a knitted component showing forming a second portion of a lens knit structure;

Figure 12 is a schematic weave illustration of an embodiment of a knitted component incorporating a lens weave structure;

Figure 13 is a schematic knit illustration of an embodiment of a knitted component incorporating a lens knit structure including inlaid tensile elements;

14 is a representative view of a cross-section of a knitted component incorporating a lens knitted structure;

15 is a representative view of a cross-section of a knitted component incorporating a lens knitted structure including an inlaid tensile element;

16 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure including regions associated with three colors;

17 is a medial side view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure;

18 is a lateral side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure including regions associated with three colors;

19 is a top front view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component having a lens knit structure including regions associated with three colors;

Figure 20 is a schematic weave illustration of an alternative embodiment of a knitted component incorporating a lens weave structure having three colors;

21 is a schematic weave illustration of an embodiment incorporating a knitted component having a lenticular weave structure of three colors including inlaid tensile elements; and

22 is a representative view of a cross-section of a knitted component incorporating a lens knit structure having three colors.

Detailed ways

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various concepts related to knitted components and the manufacture of knitted components. Although knitted components may be used in a variety of products, articles of footwear incorporating one or more knitted components are disclosed below as examples. In addition to footwear, knitted components can be used in other types of clothing (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, jackets, underwear), sports equipment (e.g., golf bags, baseball and soccer gloves, soccer restraint structures), containers (eg, backpacks, bags) and seat covers for furniture (eg, chairs, couches, car seats). Woven components can also be used in bed covers (eg, sheets, blankets), table covers, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. Woven components can be used as technical fabrics for industrial purposes, including structures for automotive applications and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles (e.g. bandages, swabs, implants), geotextiles for embankment reinforcement, crop protection agricultural fabrics and industrial clothing for protection or insulation against heat and radiation. Accordingly, knitted components and other concepts disclosed herein may be incorporated into a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

1-22 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper including an upper incorporating a knitted component, including a lens knit structure, and an associated method of manufacture. The upper incorporates a knitted component including one or more lenticular weave structures that provide color shifting properties to the upper and the article of footwear. Individual features of any of the knitted components described herein may be used in combination or may be provided separately in different configurations for use in an article of footwear. Additionally, any of the features may be optional and may not be included in any one particular embodiment of a knitted component.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term "longitudinal" as used throughout this detailed description and claims refers to a direction extending the length or major axis of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also, the term "transverse" as used throughout this detailed description and claims refers to a direction extending the width or minor axis of an article. In other words, the transverse direction may extend between the inside and outside of the article. Additionally, the term "vertical" as used throughout this detailed description and claims refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal directions. For example, in a situation where an item sits flat on a floor surface, the vertical direction may extend upwards from the floor surface. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may apply to various components of an article, including an upper, knitted components and portions thereof, and/or a sole structure.

1-6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as article 100 ). In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include sole structure 110 and upper 120 . Although article 100 is illustrated as having a general configuration suitable for running, concepts associated with article 100 are also applicable to a variety of other athletic footwear types, including, for example, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes , soccer shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, walking shoes and hiking boots. Concepts can also be applied to footwear types that are generally considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed with respect to article 100 are applicable to a wide variety of footwear types.

For reference purposes, article 100 may be divided into three general regions: forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 12 , and heel region 14 , as shown in FIGS. 1 , 2 , and 3 . Forefoot region 10 generally includes the portion of article 100 that corresponds to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals to the phalanges. Midfoot region 12 generally includes a portion of article 100 that corresponds to an arch area of the foot. Heel region 14 generally corresponds to the rear portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. Article 100 also includes lateral side 16 and medial side 18 extending through each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 and corresponding to opposing sides of article 100. . More particularly, lateral side 16 corresponds to the lateral area of the foot (ie, the surface facing away from the other foot), and medial side 18 corresponds to the medial area of the foot (ie, the surface facing toward the other foot). Forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 12 , and heel region 14 , and lateral side 16 and medial side 18 are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100 . Rather, forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14, as well as lateral side 16 and medial side 18, are intended to represent general areas of article 100 to aid in the discussion that follows. In addition to article 100 , forefoot region 10 , midfoot region 12 , and heel region 14 and lateral side 16 , medial side 18 may also be applied to sole structure 110 , upper 210 , and individual elements thereof.

An exemplary coordinate system describing the embodiment of the article 100 shown in FIGS. 1-15 is illustrated in FIG. The lateral direction 4 extends along the article 100 between the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 , and the vertical direction 6 extends along the article 100 between the sole structure 110 and the top of the article 100 .

In the exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 is secured to upper 120 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may include one or more components including a midsole, an outsole, and/or a sockliner or insole. In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 may include an outsole secured to a lower surface of upper 120 and/or a base portion configured to secure sole structure 110 to upper 120 . In one embodiment, the outsole may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. While this configuration for sole structure 110 provides an example of a sole structure that may be used with upper 120 , a variety of other conventional or non-conventional configurations for sole structure 110 may also be used. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the characteristics of sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with upper 120 may vary.

For example, in other embodiments, sole structure 110 may include a midsole and/or a sockliner. The midsole may be secured to the lower surface of the upper, and in some cases, the midsole may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that when Attenuates ground reaction forces (ie, provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In other cases, the midsole may incorporate plates, adjusters, fluid-filled chambers, lasting elements, or motion control members that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or affect foot motion. In still other cases, the midsole may be formed primarily of fluid-filled chambers located within the upper and positioned to extend beneath a lower surface of the foot to enhance article comfort.

In some embodiments, upper 120 defines a void within article 100 for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 110 . The cavity is shaped to receive the foot and extends along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. Upper 120 includes an outer surface 121 and an opposing inner surface 122 . The outer surface faces outward and faces away from article 100 , while the inner surface faces inward and defines most or a relatively large portion of the cavity within article 100 for receiving a foot. Additionally, the inner surface can rest against the foot or a sock that covers the foot. Upper 120 may also include a collar 142 located at least in heel region 14 and forming throat opening 140 . Access to the cavity is provided by throat opening 140 . More particularly, a foot may be inserted into upper 120 through throat opening 140 formed by collar 142 , and the foot may exit upper 120 through throat opening 140 formed by collar 142 . In some embodiments, instep region 150 extends forwardly from collar 142 and throat opening 140 in heel region 14 to adjacent forefoot region 10 across an area corresponding to the instep of the foot in midfoot region 12 . area.

In some embodiments, upper 120 may include a throat portion disposed across instep region 150 between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 of upper 120 . In an exemplary embodiment, throat portion may be integrally attached to the portion of upper 120 that passes through instep region 150 along the lateral and medial sides, and with the portion of upper 120 that passes along the lateral and medial sides. Portions of instep region 150 are together formed of a unitary knit construction. Accordingly, as shown, upper 120 may extend substantially continuously across instep region 150 between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 . In other embodiments, the throat portion may be broken through the instep region 150 along the lateral and medial sides such that the throat portion is movable within the opening between the lateral portion and the medial portion on opposite sides of the instep region 150 , thus forming the tongue.

In some embodiments, lace 152 extends through a plurality of lace receiving members 154 in upper 120 and allows the wearer to vary the size of upper 120 to accommodate the size of the foot. In some embodiments, lace 152 may extend through lace receiving members 154 disposed along either side in instep region 150 . More particularly, lace 152 allows the wearer to tighten upper 120 around the foot, and lace 152 allows the wearer to loosen upper 120 to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void (i.e., through shoe throat opening 140). Additionally, a throat portion of upper 120 in instep region 150 extends under lace 152 to enhance the comfort of article 100 . Lace 152 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with article 100 , and in the remaining figures, lace 152 has been omitted for purposes of clarity. In other configurations, upper 120 may include additional elements such as (a) a heel counter in heel region 14 to enhance stability, (b) a heel counter formed of a wear-resistant material in the shoe. Toe guards in the front area 10, and (c) emblems, trademarks and placards with care instructions and material information.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple material elements (eg, fabric, polymer foam, polymer sheet, leather, synthetic leather) joined, for example, by stitching or bonding. Instead, in some embodiments, a substantial portion of upper 120 is formed from knitted component 130 , which will be discussed in more detail below. For example, knitted component 130 may be manufactured by a flatknitting process and extend across the forefoot region along both lateral side 16 and medial side 18 , over forefoot region 10 , and around heel region 14 . 10. Each of the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, knitted component 130 forms substantially all of upper 120 , including exterior surface 121 , and a majority or a relatively large portion of interior surface 122 , thereby defining a portion of upper 120 interior cavity. In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may also extend under the foot. In other embodiments, however, a strobelsock or thin sole-like piece of material is secured to knitted component 130 to form an attachment portion of upper 120 that extends under the foot for attachment with sole structure 110 .

Additionally, in this embodiment, seam 160 extends generally vertically from collar 142 in a downward direction toward sole structure 110 along lateral side 16 to join the edges of knitted component 130 . In other embodiments, the seam 160 may be disposed on the inner side 18 in a substantially similar manner. In still other embodiments, seam 160 may instead extend vertically from collar 142 through heel region 14 toward sole structure 110 at the rear of article 100 in a downward direction.

Although seams may be present in knitted component 130 , the majority of knitted component 130 has a generally seamless configuration. Additionally, knitted component 130 may be formed of a unitary knit construction. As used herein, a knitted component (eg, knitted component 130 ) is defined as being formed of "unitary knit construction" when formed as a one-piece element by a knitting process. That is, the knitting process generally forms the various features and structures of knitted component 130 without requiring additional significant manufacturing steps or processes. Unitary knit constructions may be used to form knitted components having structures or elements comprising one or more courses of yarn, strands, or other knit material joined such that the structures or elements comprise At least one common course (ie, sharing a common yarn) and/or substantially continuous course is included between each of the structures or elements. Using this arrangement, a one-piece element of overall braided construction is provided.

Although multiple portions of knitted component 130 may be joined to one another after the knitting process (e.g., the edges of knitted component 130 are joined together), knitted component 130 is still formed of a unitary knit construction because the unitary knit construction is formed as a one-piece knit element. . Furthermore, knitted component 130 is still formed of unitary knit construction when other elements (eg, laces, logos, trademarks, and placards with care instructions and material information, structural elements) are added after the knitting process.

In various embodiments, any suitable knitting process may be used to produce knitted component 130 formed from a unitary knit construction, including but not limited to: warp knitting or weft knitting, including flat knitting or circular knitting. Or any other weaving process suitable for providing knitted components. Examples of various configurations of knitted components and methods for forming knitted component 130 with unitary knit construction are in U.S. Patent No. 6,931,762 to Dua; U.S. Patent No. 7,347,011 to Dua et al; U.S. Patent No. 8,490,299 to Dua et al. No.; and in one or more of US Patent Nos. 8,839,532 to Huffa et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In an exemplary embodiment, a flat knitting process may be used to form knitted component 130, as will be described in greater detail.

In various embodiments, an article of footwear may be provided with an upper incorporating a knitted component having color changing properties. In general, the color-changing property refers to the property of an element that exhibits a different color depending on the viewing angle of the element. In an exemplary embodiment, color shifting properties may be provided to an article of footwear using visual effects similar to or inspired by lenticular printing techniques. Lens printing involves the use of lenses to cause changes in the visible image or pattern when viewed from different viewing angles. This lenticular printing technique can be used to produce simple animations and visual effects for advertising and other purposes.

In some embodiments, a knitted component can be provided with color changing properties through the use of a lensed knit structure. The lens weave is configured to present at least two different colors to the viewer when the lens weave is viewed from different viewing angles. For example, a lensed knit structure can cause the knitted component to appear a first color when viewed from a first viewing angle, but when viewed from a second viewing angle different from the first viewing angle, the lensed knit structure can cause the knitted component to appear a different color than the first color. second color. Using this configuration, the lens knit structure can change the visual color appearance of the knitted component as the knitted component and/or the viewer move relative to the article of footwear. The change in viewing angle associated with such movement of the knitted component and/or the viewer causes the lens weave to appear a different color to the viewer, thereby producing a color changing property to the knitted component and the article of footwear.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of knitted component 130 may be provided with color changing properties by incorporating one or more lens knit structures 132 . In this embodiment, the lens weave structure 132 may be in the form of a tubular rib structure. In some cases, tubular rib structure may be a non-planar structure that extends away from the surface of knitted component 130 and defines a hollow tube that passes in knitted component 130 to form coextensive and coextensive tubes. Overlapping braided layers are formed. In other cases, the tubular rib structure may include additional components disposed within the tube, as will be described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of knitted component 130 can include regions on outer surface 121 of knitted component that extend between lens knit structures 132 , that is, between adjacent tubular rib structures that form lens knit structure 132 . area. In an exemplary embodiment, base portion 136 of knitted component 130 is disposed between lens knit structures 132 . In some cases, base portion 136 may be flexible, elastic, and resilient and assist in the stretching of knitted component 130 .

The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to regions of knitted component 130 depend in part on the materials that form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. For example, cotton provides a soft feel, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. Elastane and stretch polyester each provide considerable stretch and recovery, with stretch polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides high shine and moisture absorption. Wool also provides high moisture absorption in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable and abrasion resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also offers relatively high durability. In addition to material, other aspects of the yarn selected for knitted component 130 may affect the properties of upper 120 . For example, yarns forming knitted component 130 may include individual filaments each formed from a different material. Furthermore, the yarn may comprise filaments each formed from two or more different materials, such as a bicomponent yarn in which the filaments have a sheath-core configuration or two halves formed from different materials. Different degrees of twist and curl, as well as different deniers, may also affect the properties of upper 120 . Accordingly, the two materials forming the yarns and other aspects of the yarns may be selected to impart various properties to separate regions of upper 120 .

In some configurations of knitted component 130 , the material forming yarns may be non-meltable or fusible. For example, the non-fusible yarns may be formed substantially from a thermoset polyester material and the fusible yarns may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polyester material. As the fusible yarns are heated and fused to the non-fusible yarns, this process may have the effect of hardening or rigidifying the structure of knitted component 30 . Additionally, the use of fusible yarns to join portions of non-fusible yarns may have the effect of fixing or locking the relative positions of the non-fusible yarns within knitted component 130, thereby imparting stretch resistance and stiffness. That is, portions of non-fusible yarns may not slide relative to each other when fused with fusible yarns, thereby preventing warping or permanent stretching of knitted component 130 due to relative movement of the knit structure. Another feature of using fusible yarns in portions of knitted component 130 involves limiting unraveling if a portion of knitted component 130 becomes damaged or one of the non-fusible yarns breaks. Accordingly, regions of knitted component 130 may be configured with both fusible and non-fusible yarns within the knit structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, lens knit structure 132 may provide color changing properties to knitted component 130 by combining the two or more types of yarns used to weave lens knit structure 132 . For example, in embodiments where lens weave structure 132 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, different portions of lens weave structure 132 may include different types of yarns along each side of the tubular rib structure. In one embodiment, the first portion 133 of the lens knit structure 132 disposed on one side of the tubular rib structure may be woven using a first yarn, and the second portion of the lens knit structure 132 disposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure Second portion 134 may be knitted using a second yarn different from the first yarn. In some cases, the type of yarn may change color to provide knitted component 130 with a color changing property. In other cases, the type of yarn may vary in texture or denier to provide knitted component 130 with a color changing property.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in this embodiment knitted component 130 includes a plurality of lens knit structures 132 in the form of tubular rib structures extending through the shoe approximately in the transverse direction between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 . A portion of the front region 10 , the midfoot region 12 and the heel region 14 . Each lens knit structure 132 includes a first portion 133 disposed on the side of the tubular rib structure facing the forefoot region 10 at the front of the article 100 and a second portion 134, the second portion 134. 134 is disposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure facing the heel region 14 at the back or rear portion of the article 100 . Using this configuration, the color shifting properties of knitted component 130 caused by lens knit structure 132 may change when article 100 is viewed from different viewing angles.

Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of knitted component 130 may include lens knit structure 132 having a different orientation. For example, in a region of knitted component 130 disposed on lateral side 16 and medial side 18 proximate heel region 14 , lens knit structure 132 transitions from being oriented approximately in the transverse direction to approximately oriented in the longitudinal direction. The medial side 18 may be viewed with particular reference to the medial side view shown in FIG. 2 , and the lateral side 16 may be viewed with particular reference to the lateral side view shown in FIG. 3 . As a result of this different orientation, the lens weave structure 132 in these regions may include a first portion 133 and a second portion 134 disposed at the sole of the tubular rib structure facing vertically downward at the bottom of the article 100 On one side of structure 110 , said second portion 134 is disposed on the opposite side of collar 142 and throat opening 140 at the vertically upward facing top of article 100 of the tubular rib structure. Using this configuration, the color shifting properties of knitted component 130 caused by lens knit structure 132 may change when article 100 is viewed from different viewing angles.

Furthermore, due to the different orientation of the lens weave 132 arranged approximately in the longitudinal direction, the viewing angle at which the color shifting property is visible may be different from that of the lens weave 132 arranged approximately in the transverse direction. Using this configuration, different regions of knitted component 130 and article 100 can have color-changing properties throughout various viewing angles such that when article 100 and/or the viewer move relative to each other, different regions of knitted component 130 appear to individually change color or Change color at different times during movement.

5-6 illustrate two representative views of the discoloration properties of knitted component 130 caused by lensed knit structure 132 when article 100 is viewed from two different viewing angles. In this embodiment, knitted component 130 includes lens knit structure 132 having first portion 133 formed using a first yarn and second portion 134 formed using a second yarn. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn can be of different types that provide different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, a first yarn may be associated with a first color, and a second yarn may be associated with a second color that is different from the first color. However, in other embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn may be of a type having different properties that may cause a visual color changing effect.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , in this embodiment, article 100 is viewed by a viewer from a first perspective 500 . The first viewing angle 500 is arranged approximately at the front of the article 100 and is at least partially oriented along the longitudinal direction of the article 100 . From first viewing angle 500, article 100 presents knitted component 130 that appears to have a first color. In an exemplary embodiment, the first color is the same as the first yarn used to weave first portion 133 of lens weave structure 132 . That is, from a first viewing angle 500, the first portion 133 of each lens weave 132 is aligned so as to face the viewer. Using this orientation, the first yarns used to form the first portion 133 of the lens weave 132 are visible from a first viewing angle 500, while the second yarns used to form the second portion 134 of the lens weave 132 are disposed on the opposite side. on the side and covered from viewing from the first viewing angle 500 . In this case, the nature (i.e., type, color, texture, denier, etc.) of the first yarns forming first portion 133 of lens knit structure 132 is primarily that of knitted component 130 that causes it to appear from first viewing angle 500 The reason for the visual effect of the first color.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , in this embodiment, article 100 is viewed by a viewer from a second viewing angle 600 . The second viewing angle 600 is different from the first viewing angle 500 shown in FIG. 5 and may be at least partially oriented along a longitudinal direction of the article 100 disposed approximately behind the article 100 . From second viewing angle 600 , article 100 presents knitted component 130 that appears to have a second color that is different from the first color that appears to the viewer from first viewing angle 500 . In an exemplary embodiment, the second color is the same as the second yarn used to weave second portion 134 of lens weave structure 132 . That is, from the second viewing angle 600, the second portion 134 of each lens weave 132 is aligned so as to face the viewer. Using this orientation, the second yarn used to form the second portion 134 of the lens weave 132 is visible from the second viewing angle 600 , while the second yarn used to form the first portion 133 of the lens weave 132 is visible from the first viewing angle 500 The first yarn is now arranged on the opposite side and is covered from viewing from the second viewing angle 600 . In this case, the nature (i.e., type, color, texture, denier, etc.) of the second yarns forming second portion 134 of lens knit structure 132 is primarily a function of knitted component 130 that causes it to be viewed from second viewing angle 600. The reason for the visual effect of the secondary color. Using this configuration, the color shifting properties of knitted component 130 may be provided by lens knit structure 132 .

Additionally, in some embodiments, base portion 136 of knitted component 130 may be visible from each of first viewing angle 500 and second viewing angle 600 . Base portion 136 may be formed using a yarn type (including yarn color) substantially similar to any of the first or second yarns forming first portion 133 or second portion 134 of lens knit structure 132 . Using this configuration, the type of yarn used to form base portion 136 may also assist by providing the visual effect of the first color or the second color to knitted component 130 from first viewing angle 500 or second viewing angle 600 . However, in other embodiments, base portion 136 may utilize a different yarn type than either of the first or second yarns forming first portion 133 or second portion 134 of lens knit structure 132 (including different yarn colors) to form. With this configuration, base portion 136 can provide a visual effect that contrasts with either the first color or the second color.

In still other embodiments, lens weave structures 132 may be closely spaced such that base portion 136 is not initially partially or entirely visible from either first viewing angle 500 or second viewing angle 600 . However, when knitted component 130 is stretched, base portion 136 may emerge between adjacent lens knit structures 132 . Accordingly, in these embodiments, the base portion 136 may utilize a yarn type that is highly contrasting to the yarn type or color of the first or second yarns that form the first portion 133 or the second portion 134 of the lens knit structure 132. (including yarn color) to form. For example, in one embodiment, base portion 136 may be formed using yarns having reflective or retroreflective properties.

Knitted component 130 may be manufactured using the configurations described above using any suitable machines, implements, and techniques. For example, in some embodiments knitted component 130 may be automatically manufactured using a knitting machine such as knitting machine 700 shown in FIG. 7 . Knitting machine 700 may be of any suitable type, such as a flat knitting machine. However, it will be appreciated that the knitting machine 700 may be of another type in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7 , a knitting machine 700 may include a front needle bed 701 having a plurality of front needles 703 and a rear needle bed 702 having a plurality of rear needles 704 . The front needles 703 may be arranged in a common plane, and the rear needles 704 may be arranged in a different common plane intersecting the plane of the front needles 703 . The front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 may be angled with respect to each other. In some embodiments, front needle bed 701 and rear needle bed 702 may be angled such that they form a V-bed. The knitting machine 700 may also include one or more feeders configured to move on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 . In Fig. 7, a first type of feeder 720 and a second type of feeder 722 are indicated. Knitting machine 700 also includes carriage 730 that moves across the needle bed and assists in moving the feeder relative to the needle bed. In this embodiment, a knitting machine 700 is illustrated with a plurality of feeders 720 of a first type and at least one feeder 722 of a second type. When the first type of feeder 720 is moved, the feeder 720 can deliver the yarn to the front needle 703 and/or the rear needle 704 for looping, tucking or floating with the yarn ) to form a knitted component including knitted component 130 . When the second type of feeder 722 moves, the second type of feeder 722 can deliver the yarn to the front needle 703 and/or the rear needle 704 for one of looping, tucking or float spinning or more. In some embodiments, the second type of feeder 722 can be a combination feeder that can additionally be configured as an inlaid yarn. In an exemplary embodiment, second type of feeder 722 may deliver tensile element 724 for inlay within knitted component 130 .

A pair of rails comprising front rail 710 and rear rail 711 may extend above and parallel to the intersection area of front needle bed 701 and rear needle bed 702 . The rails may provide attachment points for the feeders. The front rail 710 and the rear rail 711 may each have two sides, including a front side 712 and a rear side 714 . Each of the front side 712 and rear side 714 may accommodate one or more feeders. As depicted, rear rail 711 includes two feeders 720 on opposite sides, and front rail 710 includes feeder 722 . Although two rails are depicted, additional configurations of knitting machine 700 may incorporate additional rails to provide attachment points for more feeders.

The feeder is movable along the front rail 710 and the rear rail 711 to supply yarn to the needles. As shown in FIG. 7, the feeder is provided with yarn for weaving by routing the yarn through the yarn guide 728 to one or more bobbins of the feeder. Although not depicted, additional bobbins could be used to provide yarn to the feeder in a substantially similar manner. Suitable knitting machines, including conventional and combination feeders for knitting machine 700, and associated methods of knitting using the machines to form knitted components are described in U.S. Patent No. 8,522,577 to Huffa, the disclosure of which is accessed via References are incorporated in their entirety.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for knitting a knitted component, including knitted component 130 having lens knit structure 132 , to include a lens knit structure. In one embodiment, process 800 may include one or more steps that may be repeated to form a complete knitted component. The sequence of steps is exemplary, and in other embodiments, additional or different steps not shown in FIG. 8 may be included to knit the knitted component. In a first step 802, base portion 136 of knitted component 130 may be knitted using a first yarn. Next, at step 804, the first portion 133 of the tubular rib structure forming the lens weave structure 132 may be woven using the second yarn. At step 806, the second portion 134 of the tubular rib structure forming the lens weave structure 132 may be woven using a third yarn. As mentioned above, in an exemplary embodiment, the second yarn used in step 804 and the third yarn used in step 806 may be different types of yarns (including yarns with different properties, the Different properties include, but are not limited to: color, texture, denier, or other quality) to provide knitted component 130 with a color shifting property caused by lens knit structure 132 .

In some embodiments, the first yarn used at step 802 to form base portion 136 may be different from one or both of the second and third yarns. In other embodiments, the first yarn used in step 802 can be similar to either of the second yarn and the third yarn.

In some embodiments, tensile element 724 may be incorporated, inlaid, or extended into one or more tubular rib structures during overall knit construction of knitted component 130 . In other words, tensile element 724 may be incorporated during knitting process 800 of knitted component 130 . As shown in FIG. 8 , process 800 may include an optional step 808 of embedding a tensile element within one or more of the tubular rib structures forming lens weave structure 132 . In some embodiments, tensile elements 724 may be located in unsecured regions of the channels within the tubular rib structure forming lens weave structure 132 . In various embodiments, one or more tensile elements 724 may be incorporated into knitted component 130 . For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , tensile element 724 may be used to form lace receiving member 154 that forms a loop to receive lace 152 through instep region 150 . Tensile element 724 may also provide support to knitted component 130 by resisting deformation, stretching, or otherwise providing support to the wearer's foot during running, jumping, or other movement.

Using this configuration, process 800 may be used to form base portions 136 and lens knit structures 132 disposed throughout a portion or a substantial majority of knitted component 130 to be incorporated into upper 120 of article 100 . In general, base portion 136 of knitted component 130 may be one or more elements of knitted component 130 and/or a connecting portion between components. Base portion 136 is formed of unitary knit construction with the remainder of knitted component 130 and may facilitate joining the various portions together as a one-piece knit element. Knitted component 130 may include any suitable number of base portions 136 . In various embodiments, base portion 136 may be a region of knitted component 130 that includes one knit layer. In some embodiments, base portion 136 can extend between one portion of knitted component and another portion of knitted component 130 . In one embodiment, base portion 136 may extend between one tubular rib structure and another tubular rib structure forming adjacent lens weave structures 132 . In various embodiments, base portion 136 can extend between one tubular rib structure and another portion of knitted component 130 . In another embodiment, base portion 136 may extend between a tubular rib structure and the edge of knitted component 130 . A suitable configuration for base portion 136 may be in the form of a reticulated area as described in co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/057264 [Attorney Docket No. 51, filed September 30, 2014]. -3901], the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As described above, in some embodiments, lens knit structure 132 may be formed as a tubular rib structure, which is a region of knitted component 130 constructed from two or more coextensive and overlapping knit layers. Knit layers may be portions of knitted component 130 that are formed from knitted material such as threads, yarns, or ropes, and two or more knit layers may be formed so as to form tubes or channels (known as tubular rib structures) in knitted component 130 . ) in this manner is formed by an integral braided construction. While the sides or edges of the braided layers forming the tubular rib structure may be secured to other layers, the central region is generally unsecured to form a hollow between the two layers of braided material forming each braided layer. In some embodiments, the central region of the tubular rib structure may be configured such that another element (e.g., a tensile element) may be positioned between and pass between the two knit layers forming the tubular rib structure. the hollow in between. Suitable tubular rib structures, including or not including inlaid tensile elements, that may be used to form lens weave structure 132 are described in co-pending and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. filed September 30, 2014, incorporated by reference above. 62/057264 [Attorney Docket No. 51-3901].

9-11 illustrate a series of representative views of knitting process 800 using knitting machine 700 to form a portion of knitted component 130 . Additional steps or processes not shown here may be used to form a complete knitted component to be incorporated into an upper of an article of footwear, including upper 120 of article 100 . Additionally, only a relatively small segment of knitted component 130 may be shown in order to better illustrate the knitted structure of one or more portions of knitted component 130 . Additionally, the scale or size of one or more elements of knitting machine 700 and knitted component 130 may be exaggerated to better illustrate the knitting process.

It should be appreciated that although knitted component 130 is formed between front needle bed 701 and rear needle bed 702, for purposes of illustration, in FIGS. Needle beds 702 are adjacent to (a) be more visible during a discussion of the knitting process, and (b) show the position of portions of knitted component 130 relative to each other and the needle beds. For clarity purposes, the front and rear needles are not depicted in Figures 9-11. Also, although one rail and a limited number of feeders are depicted, additional rails, feeders, and conduits could be used. Therefore, the general structure of the knitting machine 700 is simplified for the purpose of explaining the knitting process.

Referring to Figure 9, a portion of a knitting machine 700 is shown. In this embodiment, knitting machine 700 may include a first feeder 900 , a second feeder 902 and a third feeder 904 . In other embodiments, additional or fewer feeders may be used, and may be located on the front or rear sides of the front rail 710 and/or the rear rail 711 . In this embodiment, the first yarn 901 passes through the first feeder 900 from a bobbin (not shown), and one end of the first yarn 901 passes from a dispensing tip at the end of the first feeder 900. (Dispensing tip) extends outward. Any type of yarn (eg, wire, thread, rope, tape, cable, warp, or rope) may pass through the first feeder 900 . The second yarn 903 similarly passes through the second feeder 902 and extends outwardly from the dispensing tip at the end of the second feeder 902 . In the exemplary embodiment, third yarn 905 also similarly passes through third feeder 904 and extends outwardly from a dispensing tip at the end of third feeder 904 . In some embodiments, first yarn 901 , second yarn 903 , and third yarn 905 can be used to form one or more portions of knitted component 130 , as will be discussed further below.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first yarn 901, the second yarn 903, and the third yarn 905 may be of a different characteristic (including but not limited to: color, texture, denier, or other quality) The different yarn types are associated to provide knitted component 130 with the color shifting properties induced by lens knit structure 132 . In FIG. 9 , first feeder 900 may use first yarn 901 to knit base portion 136 of knitted component 130 . Each pass of the first feeder 900 across the needle beds 701 , 702 of the knitting machine 700 produces a course of intermeshing loops formed from the first yarn 901 . Multiple passes of the first feeder 900 may be used to knit the base portion 136 having a desired number of courses. Next, according to step 804 of process 800 , FIG. 10 illustrates second feeder 902 using second yarn 903 to form first portion 133 of tubular rib structure forming one side of lens weave structure 132 . Second feeder 902 may similarly make multiple passes to weave a desired number of courses using second yarn 903 to form first portion 133 .

After the desired number of courses of second yarn 903 have been knitted by second feeder 902 , knitting process 800 may proceed to step 806 to knit second portion 134 . As shown in FIG. 11, a third feeder 904 is used to weave a third yarn 905 to form one or more courses forming the second portion 134 of the tubular rib structure forming the lens The opposite side of the braided structure 132 . Optional step 808 of inserting tensile elements may then be performed to place tensile elements 724 within the tubular rib structure.

FIGS. 9-11 have been used to illustrate an exemplary knitting process 800 without specific regard to the order in which knitting is performed with respect to any particular set of needles associated with front needle bed 701 and/or rear needle bed 702 . 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary knitting or knitting sequence with respect to the sequence of each of the specific bed of needles knit knitted components 130 (including base portion 136, first portion 133, and second portion 134) that may be used to form each portion. Circle illustration. It should be noted, however, that FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate one exemplary configuration for implementing process 800 . Other configurations are readily available in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein to form other lens weaves to provide color changing properties to articles.

In one embodiment of the first knitting scheme 1200 shown in FIG. 12 , the base portion 136 may be formed from a first yarn 901 using the back needle bed 702 , followed by the first portion 133 of the lens knit structure 132 being formed from a second yarn 903 , and the second portion 134 of the lens knit structure 132 is formed from the third yarn 905 using the combination of the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, and another base portion 136 may be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702 . The following discussion describes the knitting process schematically illustrated in FIGS. 12-13 , and it will be understood that the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 referred to in this discussion are shown schematically in FIG. 7 .

Referring again to FIG. 12 , after the final course 1202 of the base portion 136 is formed using the first yarn 901 , a linking course 1204 may be formed extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 . Next, one or more courses can be knitted on the front needle bed 701 . For example, the course forming first portion 133 of lens knit structure 132 may be formed in a similar manner as course 1206 knitted on front needle bed 701 using second yarn 903 . Immediately after the final course 1208 of the first portion 133 is knitted on the front needle bed 701 using the second yarn 903, the additional courses forming the second portion 134 of the lens knit structure 132 may use a third yarn in a similar manner 905 is formed as a course 1210 on the front needle bed 701 . After the desired number of courses forming second portion 134 are knitted on front needle bed 701 , third yarn 905 may be used to knit course 1212 using rear needle bed 702 . For example, course 1212 may form the last course of second portion 134 of lens weave structure 132 that closes the tubular rib structure and forms a hollow channel. After the course 1212 completes the lens knitting structure 132, it can extend between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 to form another sleeve course 1214, which is mutually punched with the previous courses on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. lock up. The third yarn 905 that forms the second portion 134 of the lens knit structure 132 can be prepared by using a knitstitch at the loop course 1214 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701. Knitted component 130 is transferred to rear needle bed 702 and the process described above is repeated until knitted component 130 is complete in association with forming another course of base portion 136 from first yarn 901 using rear needle bed 702 .

In various embodiments, a different number of courses may be knitted on one or both of the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 in order to vary the shape and/or size of the tubular rib structures forming the lens knit structure 132 . In some cases, by increasing or decreasing the number of courses knitted on rear needle bed 702 and/or front needle bed 701 , the size of the tubular rib structure can be correspondingly enlarged or reduced. In other cases, the shape of the tubular rib structure can be changed by increasing the number of courses knitted on one of the rear needle bed 702 or the front needle bed 701 (relative to the other). For example, by increasing the number of courses knitted on the rear needle bed 702, the shape of the tubular rib structure can be changed so that the curvature on the inner surface 122 of knitted component 130 is rounded to match the curvature on the outer surface 121 of knitted component 130. The curvature is similar. Additionally, the extent or amount of first portion 133 and/or second portion 134 may be similarly modified by increasing or decreasing the number of courses of each knitting using second yarn 903 and/or third yarn 905 .

For example, by increasing the number of courses using the second yarn 903 to form the first portion 133 and/or by decreasing the number of courses using the third yarn 905 to form the second portion 134, a lens knit structure having this configuration The color changing properties provided to knitted component 130 may be altered to increase the number of viewing angles associated with visual effects or colors from first portion 133 and/or decrease the number of viewing angles associated with visual effects or colors from second portion 134 number. That is, a lens weave structure having a first portion that is larger than a second portion will have more viewing angles associated with the visual effect caused by the first portion (as compared to the second portion), given the greater degree of formation of the resulting lens weave structure of the second yarn.

In the exemplary weave diagram 1200 described with respect to FIG. 12, the lens weave structure 132 is formed as a hollow tubular rib structure. In other embodiments, a tensile element may be embedded within the unsecured central region of one or more lens weaves 132 forming a tubular rib structure. FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary weave diagram 1300 for forming lens weave structure 132 including inlaid tensile elements 724 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the process is generally similar to that shown in weave diagram 1200 for forming lens braid structure 132 of hollow tubular rib structure as illustrated in FIG. 12 .

However, in the process of FIG. 13 , after course 1212 is formed on rear needle bed 702 , tensile element 724 is inlaid within a portion of the tubular rib structure forming lens knit structure 132 at an inlay step 1302 . Tensile element 724 may be set at step 1302 using a combination feeder and the associated setting method described in US Patent No. 8,522,577 to Huffa (incorporated by reference above).

After tensile element 724 is inlaid within lens knit structure 132 at step 1302 , the process shown in knit diagram 1300 proceeds in a substantially similar manner as in knit diagram 1200 . That is, another pocket course 1214 may be formed extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, and the other pocket course 1214 is mutually punched with the previous course on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. lock up. By using the lower needle at the loop course 1214 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 134 of the lens knit structure 132 can be prepared to be Knitted component 130 is transferred to rear needle bed 702 and the process described above is repeated until knitted component 130 is complete, in association with using rear needle bed 702 to form another course of base portion 136 from first yarn 901 . Using this configuration, lens braid structure 132 including inlaid tensile elements 724 is formed with tensile elements 724 contained within hollow unsecured regions in tubular ribs extending along the length of lens braid structure 132. within the structure.

In other embodiments, the formation of knitted component 130 may be similar but necessitating stitching using a bed of needles, for example, the knitting process shown in FIGS. It can be formed using the front needle bed 701 and the remaining steps shown in Figures 12 and 13 can be performed in the same order using the needle bed opposite to that shown. Other methods of using one or more needle beds of knitting machine 700 to form base portion 136 and lens knit structure 132 (including first portion 133 and second portion 134 ) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the above description.

14 and 15 illustrate representative views of a cross-section of knitted component 130 incorporating lens knit structure 132 . FIG. 14 illustrates a representative view 1400 of a portion of a knitted component 130 incorporating a lens knitted structure 132 having a hollow unsecured region 1410 . As shown in this embodiment, each lens knit structure 132 includes a first portion 133 formed using a second yarn 903 and a second portion 134 formed using a third yarn 905 . In an exemplary embodiment, at least one course of first portion 133 formed using second yarn 903 and at least one course of second portion 134 formed using third yarn 905 are interlooped. With this configuration, first portion 133 and second portion 134 are formed of unitary braided construction. Base portion 136 of knitted component 130 is spaced between and separates each of lens weaves 132 . Base portion 136 is formed from first yarn 901 (as described above), and is also formed of unitary knit construction with first portion 133 and second portion 134 on respective sides of lens knit structure 132 .

Configuration pair of lens knit structure 132 comprising first portion 133 formed by second yarn 903 on one side of the tubular rib structure and second portion 134 formed by third yarn 905 on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure Knitted component 130 provides color changing properties. As mentioned above, in one or more embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 can be of different types that provide different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the second yarn 903 can be associated with a first color, and the third yarn 905 can be associated with a second color that is different than the first color. However, in other embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may be of a type having different properties that may cause a visual color changing effect.

The color shifting properties of knitted component 130 provided by lens knit structure 132 will be described with reference to representative view 1400 . In this embodiment, when knitted component 130 is viewed from first viewing angle 1402, first portion 133 formed by third yarn 905 initially and generally appears toward the viewer. Thus, from first viewing angle 1402, first portion 133 of lens knit structure 132 may provide a primary overall visual effect of knitted component 130 to a viewer. In this case, a property associated with the third yarn 905 forming the first portion 133 provides a visual effect, such as the color of the second yarn 903 .

In contrast, when knitted component 130 is viewed from second viewing angle 1404 that is different than first viewing angle 1402, the viewer is presented with a different visual effect. In this embodiment, when knitted component 130 is viewed from second viewing angle 1404, second portion 134 formed by third yarn 905 initially and generally appears toward the viewer. Thus, from second viewing angle 1404 , second portion 134 of lens knit 132 may provide a primary overall visual appearance of knitted component 130 to a viewer. In this case, a property associated with the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 134 provides a visual effect, such as a color of the third yarn 905 that is different from the color of the second yarn 903 . As previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the different visual effects provided between the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may include other characteristics including, but not limited to: yarn type, denier, texture or other properties that produce a different visual effect.

Using this configuration of lens knit structure 132 on knitted component 130 , the color-changing properties of upper 120 and/or article 100 may be provided such that when the viewing angle changes, for example, when the viewing angle is between first viewing angle 1402 and second viewing angle 1404 As time changes, the viewer observes a change in the visual effect of upper 120 and/or article 100 . Additionally, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, base portion 136 may be formed using first yarn 901 that is similar or different to either or both second yarn 903 and third yarn 905. , to cooperate with or form contrast with first portion 133 and/or second portion 134 of lens knit structure 132 to further assist in the visual effect provided to knitted component 130 .

Referring now to FIG. 15 , a representative view 1501 of a portion of knitted component 130 incorporating lens knit structure 132 having unsecured regions 1410 including tensile elements 724 is illustrated. In this embodiment, each of lens weaves 132 includes inlaid tensile elements 724 extending through unsecured regions 1410 within the interior of the tubular rib structure forming lens weaves 132 . As shown in FIG. 15 , each lens weave 132 includes an attached tensile element 724 . In other embodiments, however, tensile elements 724 may be disposed in only selected lens knit structures 132 that are located in specific regions or regions of knitted component 130 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , tensile elements 724 may be included in lens knit structure 132 positioned along instep region 150 to provide lace receiving member 154 that forms a loop to receive lace 152 . In still other embodiments, tensile element 724 may be omitted.

The previous embodiment of knitted component 130 illustrates having two-part lens knitted structure 132 formed using different yarns to provide color changing properties to upper 120 and article 100 . In other embodiments, a lens weave structure may be formed that includes an additional portion formed using another type of yarn than both of the yarns forming the first and second portions of the lens weave structure. 16-22 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 1600 that includes a lens weave structure having three sections formed using different yarns.

An exemplary coordinate system used to describe the exemplary embodiment of the article 1600 shown in FIGS. 16-22 is illustrated in FIG. 19 , where the longitudinal direction 2 is along the forefoot region 10 of the article 1600 to the footwear region 1600 of the article 1600. Extending between heel regions 14 , lateral direction 4 extends along article 1600 between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 , and vertical direction 6 extends along article 1600 between sole structure 110 and the top of article 1600 .

In some embodiments, article 1600 includes upper 1620 that includes substantially similar components to components associated with upper 120 described above. For example, upper 1620 may include throat opening 140 surrounded by collar 142 and may be joined along seam 160 as described above. Similarly, upper 1620 may include exterior surface 121 and interior surface 122 associated with the exterior and interior of article 1600 , respectively. Upper 1620 may be attached or secured to sole structure 110 to complete article of footwear 1600 .

In an exemplary embodiment, upper 1620 incorporates knitted component 1630 that includes a first lens knit structure 1632 that is composed of two lens knit structures 1632 in a manner substantially similar to that described above to form lens knit structure 132 . The first lens weave structure 1632 is generally similar to the lens weave structure 132 described above. In the exemplary embodiment, knitted component 1630 also includes at least one region 1602 having a second lens knit structure 1638 having three sections formed from three different yarns. Additionally, in this embodiment, knitted component 1630 includes base portion 1636 disposed between one or more of first lens knit structures 1632 and/or second lens knit structures 1638 . In one embodiment, base portion 1636 may be formed in a manner substantially similar to, and generally similar to, base portion 136 described above.

Referring to FIG. 16 , in this embodiment knitted component 1630 includes region 1602 with one or more second lens knit structures 1638 , while the remainder of knitted component 1630 includes first lens weave structures 1632 . Although this embodiment illustrates a single region 1602 with a second lens weave structure 1638, it should be understood that additional or different regions located on other regions or portions of knitted component 1630 may be provided. Additionally, in some embodiments, region 1602 may be selected to serve as a mark, logo, pattern, or other visual effect that is distinct from the rest of knitted component 1630 .

In an exemplary embodiment, first lens knit structure 1632 may provide color changing properties to knitted component 1630 by incorporating one or more types of yarns used to knit first lens knit structure 1632 . For example, in embodiments where lens weave structure 1632 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, different portions of first lens weave structure 1632 may include different types of yarns along each side of the tubular rib structure. In one embodiment, the first portion 1633 of the first lens weave structure 1632 disposed on one side of the tubular rib structure may be woven using a first yarn, and the first lens weave disposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure Second portion 1634 of structure 1632 may be knitted using a second yarn that is different from the first yarn. In some cases, the type of yarn may change color to provide knitted component 1630 with a color changing property. In other cases, the type of yarn may vary in texture or denier to provide knitted component 1630 with color changing properties.

In some embodiments, knitted component 1630 also includes region 1602 having second lens knit structure 1638 . As with first lens knit structure 1632 , second lens knit structure 1638 may similarly provide color changing properties to knitted component 1630 by incorporating one or more types of yarns used to weave said lens knit structure 1638 . For example, in embodiments where second lens weave structure 1638 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, different portions of second lens weave structure 1638 may similarly include different types of yarns along each side of the tubular rib structure, including A first portion 1633 of a second lens knit structure 1638 disposed on one side of the tubular rib structure and a second portion 1634 of a second lens knit structure 1638 disposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure are knitted using the first yarn A second yarn different from the first yarn may be used for knitting. In this embodiment, the second lens weave structure 1638 also includes an upper portion 1637 disposed on top of the tubular rib structure using the same first A third yarn different from both the yarn and the second yarn is formed. Using this configuration, second lens weave 1638 can present knitted component 1630 with a third visual effect caused by upper portion 1637 that is consistent with the second lens weave 1638 and first lens weave along the second lens weave 1638 and the first lens weave. The first part 1633 and/or the second part 1634 arranged on the side of 1632 present different visual effects.

In one embodiment, region 1602 having second lens weave structure 1638 may be located approximately in a portion of forefoot region 10 and/or midfoot region 12 and offset toward lateral side 16 of article 1600 . Using this configuration, region 1602 may present a third visual effect to a viewer when viewing article 1600 and upper 1620 from a perspective that includes at least a portion of lateral side 16 and when viewing the article from a perspective that is primarily along medial side 18. 1600 and the upper 1620, the region 1602 does not present the third visual effect to the viewer. For example, as shown in the medial side view illustrated in FIG. 17 , region 1602 is not visible from medial side 18 . However, as shown in the lateral side view illustrated in FIG. 18 , region 1602 is visible from lateral side 16 . Similarly, region 1602 is also visible to a viewer when viewing article 1600 and upper 1620 from the top or front view illustrated in FIG. 19 . Using this configuration, region 1602 including second lens knit structure 1638 can be selectively provided on various portions of knitted component 1630 . However, in different embodiments, region 1602 or additional regions may be located on different portions of upper 1620 as desired to produce different color changing properties for those portions of upper 1620 .

As mentioned above, first lens weave structure 1632 may be formed in a substantially similar manner as lens weave structure 132 described above and particularly illustrated with reference to weave diagrams 1200 and 1300 in FIGS. 12 and 13 . The braiding process for braiding second lens braid structure 1638 may include many similar steps as first lens braid structure 1632 and/or lens braid structure 132 . In contrast, however, a third yarn may be used to form upper portion 1637 of second lens knit structure 1638 in order to present knitted component 1630 with a third visual effect. 20 to 21 illustrate the order in which each portion of knitted component 1630 is knitted (including base portion 1636, first portion 1633, second portion 1634, and upper portion 1637) with respect to the specific needle beds that may be used to form each portion. Illustration of an exemplary braid or loop. It should be noted, however, that FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate one example configuration for implementing a knitting process for forming knitted component 1630 . Other configurations are readily available in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein to form other lens weaves to provide color changing properties to articles.

In one embodiment of the third knitting scheme 2000 shown in FIG. 20, the base portion 1636 may be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702, followed by the first portion 1633 of the second lens knit structure 1638 from the second yarn 903, and the second portion 1634 of the second lens knit structure 1638 is formed from the third yarn 905 using the combination of the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, and another base portion 1636 can be formed from the first needle bed 702 using the rear needle bed 702. Yarn 901 is formed. The following discussion describes the knitting process schematically illustrated in FIGS. 20-21 , and it will be understood that the front needle bed 701 and rear needle bed 702 referred to in this discussion are shown schematically in FIG. 7 .

Referring again to FIG. 20 , after the final course 2002 of the base portion 1636 is formed using the first yarn 901 , the cuff course 2004 may be formed extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 . Next, one or more courses can be knitted on the front needle bed 701 . For example, the course forming first portion 1633 of second lens knit structure 1638 may be formed in a similar manner as course 2006 knitted on front needle bed 701 using second yarn 903 . Immediately after knitting the final course 2008 of the first portion 1633 using the second yarn 903 on the front needle bed 701, the course forming the upper portion 1637 of the second lens knit structure 1638 may use the fourth yarn 907 in a similar manner Formed into rows 2010 .

After the desired number of courses forming upper portion 1637 are knitted using fourth yarn 907, additional courses forming second portion 1634 of second lens knit structure 1638 may be previously stitched in a similar manner using third yarn 905. A row 2012 is formed on the bed 701 . After the desired number of courses forming the second portion 1634 have been knitted on the front needle bed 701 , the third yarn 905 can be used to knit the course 2014 using the rear needle bed 702 . For example, the course 2014 may form the closed tubular rib structure of the second portion 1634 of the second lens weave structure 1638 and form the final course of the hollow channel. After the second lens knit structure 1638 is completed in course 2014, another pocket course 2016 can be formed extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, said pocket course 2016 being formed between the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed. On 702, circle with the previous rows. By using lower needles at the loop course 2016 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 1634 of the second lens knit structure 1638 can be prepared to be 2018 transfers knitted component 1630 to rear needle bed 702 and repeats the process described above until knitted component 1630 is complete, associated with forming another course of base portion 1636 from first yarn 901 using rear needle bed 702 .

In various embodiments, a different number of courses may be knitted on one or both of the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 to vary the shape and/or size of the tubular rib structure forming the second lenticular knit structure 1638, As described above with respect to lens weave 132 .

In the exemplary weave scheme 2000 described with respect to FIG. 20, the second lens weave structure 1638 is formed as a hollow tubular rib structure. In other embodiments, a tensile element may be embedded within the unsecured central region of one or more second lens weaves 1638 forming a tubular rib structure in a manner similar to first lens weave 1632 and/or lens weave 132 . FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary weave diagram 2100 for forming second lens weave structure 1638 including inlaid tensile elements 724 . As shown in FIG. 21 , the process is generally similar to the process shown in weave diagram 2000 for forming second lens weave structure 1638 as a hollow tubular rib structure as illustrated in FIG. 20 .

However, in the process of FIG. 21 , after course 2014 is formed on rear needle bed 702 , tensile element 724 is inset at step 2102 within a portion of the tubular rib structure forming second lens knit structure 1638 . Tensile element 724 may be set at step 2102 using a combination feeder and the associated setting method described in US Patent No. 8,522,577 to Huffa (incorporated by reference above).

After tensile element 724 is inlaid within second lens weave structure 1638 at step 2102 , the process shown in weave diagram 2100 proceeds in a substantially similar manner as in weave diagram 2000 . That is, another pocket course 2016 may be formed extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, and the other pocket course 2016 is mutually punched with the previous course on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. lock up. By using lower needles at the loop course 2016 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 1634 of the second lens knit structure 1638 can be prepared to be 2018 transfers knitted component 1630 to rear needle bed 702 and repeats the process described above until knitted component 1630 is complete in association with forming another base portion 1636 from first yarn 901 using rear needle bed 702 . Using this configuration, second lens weave structure 1638 including inlaid tensile elements 724 is formed with tensile elements 724 contained within hollow unsecured regions along the length of second lens weave structure 1638. Extended tubular ribbing inside.

FIG. 22 illustrates a representative view 2200 of a cross-section of a portion of knitted component 1630 incorporating second lens knit structure 1638 . For example, view 2200 may be a portion of knitted component associated with region 1602 . In this embodiment, portions of knitted component 1630 incorporate second lens knit structure 1638 having hollow unsecured regions 2210 . It should be appreciated that the second lens weave structure 1638 including the inlaid tensile element 724 may have a substantially similar structure to the inlaid tensile element 724 located in the hollow unsecured region 2210 . As shown in this embodiment, each second lens knit structure 1638 includes a first portion 1633 formed using the second yarn 903 and a second portion 1634 formed using the third yarn 905 . Additionally, in contrast to first lens knit structure 1632 , second lens knit structure 1638 also includes upper portion 1637 formed using fourth yarn 907 .

In an exemplary embodiment, upper portion 1637 is located at the top of the tubular rib structure forming second lens weave structure 1638 . In some embodiments, upper portion 1637 formed using fourth yarn 907 may be disposed between first portion 1633 and second portion 1634 . That is, at least one course of the first portion 1633 formed using the second yarn 903 is looped with at least one course of the upper portion 1637 formed using the fourth yarn 907, and the second portion 1634 formed using the third yarn 905 At least one course of is also looped with at least one course of upper portion 1637 formed using fourth yarn 907. With this configuration, each of first portion 1633, upper portion 1637, and second portion 1634 are formed of unitary braided construction. Base portion 1636 of knitted component 1630 is spaced between and separates each of second lens weaves 1638 . Base portion 1636 is formed from first yarn 901 (as described above), and is also formed of unitary knit construction with first portion 1633 and second portion 1634 on respective sides of second lens knit structure 1638 .

The construction of the second lens knit structure 1638 comprising a first portion 1633 formed by the second yarn 903 on one side of the tubular rib structure and a second portion 1634 formed by the third yarn 905 on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure Pattern provides color changing properties to knitted component 1630 . Additionally, upper portion 1637 of second lens knit structure 1638 formed by fourth yarn 907 on top of tubular rib structure may provide an additional visual effect to knitted component 1630 . As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 can be of different types that provide different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the second yarn 903 can be associated with a first color, and the third yarn 905 can be associated with a second color that is different than the first color. However, in other embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may be of a type having different properties that may cause a visual color changing effect. Additionally, the fourth yarn 907 may be of a different type than either or both of the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 .

The color shifting properties of knitted component 1630 provided by second lens knit structure 1638 will be described with reference to representative view 2200 . In this embodiment, when knitted component 1630 is viewed from first viewing angle 2202, first portion 1633 formed by second yarn 903 initially and generally appears toward the viewer. Thus, from first viewing angle 2202, first portion 1633 of second lens knit 1638 may provide a primary overall visual effect of knitted component 1630 to a viewer. In this case, a property associated with the second yarn 903 forming the first portion 1633 provides a visual effect, such as the color of the second yarn 903 .

In contrast, when knitted component 1630 is viewed from second viewing angle 2204 that is different from first viewing angle 2202, the viewer is presented with a different visual effect. In this embodiment, when knitted component 1630 is viewed from second viewing angle 2204, second portion 1634 formed by third yarn 905 initially and generally appears toward the viewer. Thus, from second viewing angle 2204 , second portion 1634 of second lens knit 1638 may provide a primary overall visual effect of knitted component 1630 to a viewer. In this case, a property associated with third yarn 905 forming second portion 1634 provides a visual effect, such as a color of third yarn 905 that is different from the color of second yarn 903 . As previously mentioned, in other embodiments, the different visual effects provided between the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may include other characteristics including, but not limited to: yarn type, denier, texture or other properties that produce a different visual effect.

Using this configuration of second lens weave 1638 on knitted component 1630 and similar components forming first lens weave 1632, the color-shifting properties of upper 1620 and/or article 1600 may be provided such that when the viewing angle changes, for example As the viewing angle changes between first viewing angle 2202 and second viewing angle 2204 , a viewer observes a change in the visual effect of upper 1620 and/or article 1600 . In contrast to first lens weave 1632 and lens weave 132 shown in representative view 1400 described above, second lens weave 1638 is configured to provide a third lens weave caused by upper portion 1637 formed using fourth yarn 907 . Visual effect.

As shown in FIG. 22 , when knitted component 1630 is viewed from a third viewing angle 2206 , which views the top of second lens weave 1638 from an approximately vertical Three visual effects may be visible. However, because upper portion 1637 is positioned on top of second lens knit structure 1638 , upper portion 1637 is also visible when knitted component 1630 is viewed from either or both first viewing angle 2202 and second viewing angle 2204 . That is, the third visual effect provided by upper portion 1637 formed using fourth yarn 907 may remain substantially constant across multiple viewing angles. For example, from the first viewing angle 2202, the second viewing angle 2204, and the third viewing angle 2206, the same visual effect produced by the upper portion 1637 is visible. Using this configuration, second lens knit 1638 can provide a visual effect within region 1602 of knitted component 1630 that remains substantially constant through multiple viewing angles.

Additionally, in some embodiments, base portion 1636 can be formed using first yarn 901 that is similar to or different from second yarn 903, third yarn 905, and/or fourth yarn 907 to be compatible with the second lens First portion 1633 , upper portion 1637 , and/or second portion 1634 of knitted structure 1638 cooperate or contrast to further assist in the visual effect provided to knitted component 1630 .

While various embodiments have been described, the specification is intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the present embodiments of. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in view of the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims. As used in the claims, "any of" when referring to a preceding claim is intended to mean (i) any one claim, or (ii) two or more of the referenced claims any combination of .

Claims (15)

What is claimed is: 1. An article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper, the upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction, the knitted component comprising: at least one lens weave comprising a first portion and a second portion disposed on opposite sides of the at least one lens weave; and a base portion disposed adjacent to the at least one lens weave structure; wherein said at least one lens weave structure extends away from said base portion on an outer surface of said upper; and Wherein, the first portion of the at least one lens weave structure is associated with a first visual effect when viewing the upper from a first viewing angle, and the at least one lens weave is associated with a first visual effect when viewing the upper from a second viewing angle. The second portion of a lens weave is associated with a second visual effect, the second viewing angle being different than the first viewing angle. 2. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the at least one lens knit structure is formed using a first yarn, and the second portion of the at least one lens knit structure is formed using a first yarn. Two yarns are formed, the first yarn and the second yarn have different properties. 3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first yarn and the second yarn have one or more of different yarn types, different colors, different textures, and different deniers . 4. The article of footwear according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first yarn substantially produces the first visual effect when viewing the upper from the first viewing angle, and when viewing the upper from the first viewing angle, When the shoe upper is viewed from the second viewing angle, the second yarn substantially produces the second visual effect. 5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the knitted component further includes a plurality of lens knit structures. 6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of lens knit structures includes a first lens knit structure and a second lens knit structure, the first lens knit structure having the lens knit formed using the first yarn. The first portion and the second portion formed using a second yarn, and the second lens knit structure has the first portion formed using the first yarn, the second portion formed using the second yarn The second portion and an upper portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the upper portion being formed using a third yarn. 7. The article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein one or more of the second lens knit structures are located in a first region on the knitted component, and the remainder of the knitted component includes a plurality of The first lens weaving structure. 8. The article of footwear according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first yarn, the second yarn, and the third yarn are different colors. 9. The article of footwear according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the upper portion produces a third visual effect that is visible from both the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle. 10. A knitted component for incorporation into an article, said knitted component comprising: a plurality of lens weaves each comprising a first portion on one side of the lens weave and a second portion disposed on the opposite side of the lens weave, the first portion formed using a first yarn, the second portion is formed using a second yarn, the first yarn and the second yarn being different; and a base portion disposed between adjacent lens weaves; wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the base portion are formed of unitary knit construction with the knitted component; and wherein said first portion of the lens weave is associated with a first visual effect when viewing said knitted component from a first viewing angle, and said first portion of said lens weave is associated with said knitted component when viewing said knitted component from a second viewing angle The second portion is associated with a second visual effect, and the second viewing angle is different from the first viewing angle. 11. The knitted component recited in claim 10, wherein the base portion is formed using a different yarn than the first yarn and the second yarn; and Wherein said base portion comprises at least one course connected to: (a) at least one course of said first yarn forming said first portion, and (b) said second portion forming said second portion. At least one course of yarn. 12. The knitted component of claim 10 or 11, wherein each of the plurality of lens knit structures has the configuration of a tubular rib structure comprising overlapping weaves disposed on the tubular rib structure. Hollow unsecured areas between layers. 13. The knitted component of claim 12, wherein at least one of the plurality of lens knit structures further comprises a tensile element disposed within the hollow unsecured region. 14. The knitted component of any one of claims 10, 11 or 13, wherein the plurality of lens weaves includes a first lens weave and a second lens weave, the first lens weave having a the first portion formed using the first yarn and the second portion formed using the second yarn, and the second lens weave structure has the first portion formed using the first yarn , the second portion formed using the second yarn, and an upper portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the upper portion formed using a third yarn. 15. The knitted component recited in claim 14, wherein the upper portion creates a third visual effect that is visible from both the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle.