TW201811211A - Method of forming a contoured knit element for a footwear article and method of making an article of footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper. The upper has a knitted component formed from a unitary woven structure including at least one triangle cloth area positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear. The triangle cloth area provides a contoured configuration for the knitted component. In a manufacturing method, a knitted component may include a first triangle cloth area and a plurality of second triangle cloth areas, wherein the first triangle cloth area is positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear and the second triangle areas The cloth area is positioned adjacent to the sole structure.

Description

Method for forming a contoured knitted element for an article of footwear and method for manufacturing an article of footwear

Conventional footwear items generally include two main components: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is fixed to the sole structure and forms a gap for comfortably and securely holding one foot inside the footwear. The sole structure is fixed to a lower surface of one of the uppers so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some sports footwear items, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stress on the feet and legs during walking, running, and other walking activities. The outsole is fixed to the lower surface of one of the midsoles and forms a ground-engaging portion of a sole structure formed of a durable and wear-resistant material. The sole structure may also include an insole, which is positioned in the gap and immediately adjacent to a lower surface of the foot to improve footwear comfort. The upper generally extends above the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the inside and outside of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend up and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. An opening in the upper of the shoe is generally provided by an ankle opening in one of the heel areas of the footwear. A shoelace system is usually incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing the foot to protrude into and out of the gap in the upper. The shoelace system also allows the wearer to modify specific dimensions (specifically the circumference) of the upper to fit the foot in different sizes. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends below the lace system to improve the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel back to limit the movement of the heel. Various materials are conventionally used to make uppers. For example, the upper of athletic footwear may be formed from a variety of material elements. Materials can be selected based on a variety of properties, including, for example, tensile resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, and moisture wicking. Regarding the exterior of the upper, the toe area and the heel area may be formed from leather, synthetic leather, or rubber materials to impart relatively high abrasion resistance. Leather, synthetic leather, and rubber materials cannot exhibit the required degree of flexibility and breathability for various other areas outside. Thus, for example, other areas of the exterior may be formed from synthetic fabrics. Therefore, the exterior of the upper can be formed from many material elements, each of which imparts different properties to the upper. The middle or center layer of the upper may be formed from a lightweight polymer foam material that provides cushioning and improved comfort. Similarly, the inside of the upper may be formed of a comfortable and moisture-wicking fabric that removes sweat from the area directly surrounding the foot. Various material elements and other components can be bonded or stitched with adhesive. Therefore, the conventional upper is formed of various material elements, each of which imparts different properties to various regions of the footwear.

An article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a lower edge disposed adjacent to one of the sole structures. The upper further includes a collar defining an opening in a gap in the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced from the lower edge. The upper includes a forward portion and a heel portion. The heel contains a knitted component of one-piece knitted construction. The knitted component at least partially defines an upper edge and a lower edge of the upper. The braided component includes a first side edge attached to one of the forward portions along a first side. The knitted component also includes a second side edge attached to a forward portion along a second side. Furthermore, an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a forward portion formed by a first component and a heel portion formed by a second component, and the first component is separated from the second component. The forward portion and the heel portion are joined to each other along at least one seam. The heel contains a heel braid component, which is a one-piece braid construction. The heel knit assembly has a first knitted zone associated with a first amount of stretch resistance and a second knitted zone associated with a second amount of stretch resistance. The first amount of tensile resistance of the first knitted zone is greater than the second amount of tensile resistance of the second knitted zone. In addition, an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure is disclosed. The upper includes a lower edge disposed adjacent to one of the sole structures. The upper includes a collar defining an opening in a gap in the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced from the lower edge. The upper also includes a forward portion, which includes a forward knitted component of a unitary knitted structure. In addition, the upper includes a heel portion that includes a heel knit component of a unitary knit construction. The heel has a first knitted zone, a second knitted zone, and a third knitted zone. The first braided zone is associated with a first amount of stretch resistance, the second braided zone is associated with a second amount of stretch resistance and the third braided zone is associated with a third amount of Stretch resistance is associated. The first amount of stretch resistance is greater than the second amount of stretch resistance, and the second amount of stretch resistance is greater than the third amount of stretch resistance. The third knitted zone portion defines a collar and an upper edge. The first knitted zone portion defines a lower edge. The second knitted zone is surrounded by the first knitted zone and the third knitted zone. The heel knitting component includes a first edge of a forward knitting component joined to an inside of one of the uppers via stitching. The heel knitting component further includes a second edge of a forward knitting component joined to one of the outer sides of the upper via stitching. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent or become apparent to those of ordinary skill after reviewing the following drawings and detailed description. It is contemplated that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are contained within this description and this summary, are within the scope of the present invention, and are protected by the scope of the following patent applications.

Related applications Of Cross reference This U.S. patent application is part of a continuing application and is based on 35 U. S. C.  §120 provides for U.S. Patent Application No. 13/893, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 14, 2013 and titled `` Article Of Footwear Having Heel Portion With Knitted Component, '' Priority No. 712, This prior U.S. patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  The following discussion and accompanying drawings disclose an article of footwear having an upper including at least one knitted component. The article of footwear is disclosed as having a general configuration suitable for walking or running. The concepts associated with footwear (including uppers) can also be applied to many other types of athletic footwear, For example, Including baseball shoes, Basketball shoes, Cross training shoes, Cycling shoes, soccer shoes, Soccer boots, Sprint shoes, Tennis shoes and hiking boots. These concepts can also be applied to types of footwear that are often considered non-sports, Including gift shoes, Flat shoes, Sandals and work boots. therefore, The concepts disclosed in this article apply to a wide variety of footwear types.  Footwear Configurations Figures 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear 100 (also referred to simply as footwear 100). In some embodiments, The article of footwear 100 may generally include a sole structure 110 and an upper 120.  For reference purposes, The footwear 100 may be divided into three general regions along a longitudinal axis X: A forefoot area 101, A midfoot area 102 and a heel area 103. The forefoot region 101 generally includes portions of the footwear 100 that correspond to the toes and the joints that connect the metatarsal to the phalanges. The midfoot region 102 generally includes portions of the footwear 100 that correspond to an arch region of the foot. The heel region 103 generally corresponds to the posterior part of the foot (including the calcaneus). Footwear 100 also includes an outer side 104 and an inner side 105. It extends through the forefoot area 101, Each of the midfoot region 102 and the heel region 103 corresponds to the opposite side of the footwear 100. More specifically, The outside 104 corresponds to one of the outer regions of the foot (i.e., Back to the surface of the other foot), And the inside 105 corresponds to one of the inner regions of the foot (i.e., Facing the surface of the other foot). Forefoot area 101, Mid-foot area 102 and heel area 103 and outer side 104, The inside 105 is not intended to delimit a precise area of the footwear 100. Instead, Forefoot area 101, Mid-foot area 102 and heel area 103 and outer side 104, The inside 105 is intended to represent a general area of the footwear 100 to assist in the discussion below. In addition to footwear 100, Forefoot area 101, Mid-foot area 102 and heel area 103 and outer side 104, The inside 105 can also refer to the sole structure 110 independently, Upper 120 and its individual elements.  The sole structure 110 may be fixed to the upper 120 and extend between the feet and the ground when the footwear 100 is worn. In some embodiments, The sole structure 110 may generally include a midsole 111 and an outsole 112.  The midsole 111 may be fixed to one of the lower surfaces of the upper 120 and may be made of a compressible polymer foam element (for example, Polyurethane or ethyl acetate foam), When walking, When compressed between feet and the ground during running or other walking activities, The compressible polymer foam element reduces ground reaction forces (i.e., Provide buffering). In additional embodiments, The midsole 111 can be incorporated into a plate, Buffer body, Fluid-filled chamber, Shoe last elements or motion control components, Which further weakens the force, Enhance stability or affect foot movement. The midsole 111 may also be mainly formed by a fluid-filled chamber.  The outsole 112 may be fixed to a lower surface of one of the midsoles 111. The outsole 112 may also be formed of a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction.  In some embodiments, The sole structure 110 may further include an insole 113. The insole 113 is partially shown in FIG. 3. The insole 113 may be located within the upper 120 and may be positioned to extend below a lower surface of one of the feet to improve the comfort of the footwear 100.  Although this configuration of sole structure 110 provides an example of a sole structure 110 that can be used in conjunction with upper 120, However, various other conventional or non-conventional configurations of the sole structure 110 may be used. therefore, In other embodiments, The characteristics of sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with upper 120 may vary.  The upper 120 will now be discussed generally. The upper 120 may define a gap 117 in the footwear 100 with respect to the sole structure 110 for receiving a foot and fixing the foot. The gap 117 is shaped to accommodate the foot and along the outside of one of the feet, Along the inside of one of the feet, Above the feet and toes, It surrounds the heel and extends under the foot.  The upper 120 may define a collar 130 with an upper edge 132 defining an opening 121. The opening 121 can provide an access for the wearer's foot with a gap 117 and can be positioned at least in the heel region 103.  A tongue 140 may be included in front of the collar 130 and may extend longitudinally toward the forefoot region 101 and between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, The tongue 140 can be integratedly attached to the forefoot area 101, Outside 104 and inside 105. In other embodiments, The tongue 140 may be separated from the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. thus, The tongue 140 is movably received in an open throat area of one of the uppers 120 between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105.  In some embodiments, A closure element 122 for selectively securing the upper 120 to the wearer's foot may also be included. The closure element 122 may be of any suitable type, Such as one of the shoelaces shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, The closure element 122 may also include one or more shoe buckles for securing the upper 120 to a wearer's foot, Lace or other suitable device.  In an exemplary embodiment, The closure element 122 may be configured to interact with the stretch line 141 to assist in securing the upper 120 to a wearer's foot. In the illustrated embodiment, The upper 120 includes a plurality of stretching lines 141, They extend upward from the sole structure 110 along the upper 120 and back downward to form a looped end, To provide an aperture 143 for receiving the closure element 122. The stretch line 141 suitable for use with the upper 120 may include the stretch line and / or stretch elements disclosed in one or more of the following applications: Application titled "Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component", which was filed on December 18, 2008 and published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2010/0154256 on June 24, 2010, was jointly owned by Dua et al. U.S. Patent Application No. 12/338, US Patent No. 726 and Huffa et al. Titled "Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component" filed on March 15, 2011 and published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0233882 on September 20, 2012 Application No. 13/048, No. 514, Both of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.  In this embodiment, The aperture 143 provided by the line 141 is spaced along the axis X and is spaced between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. therefore, The closure element 122 extends along the axis X and alternates between the outer side 104 and the inner side 105. By tensioning the closure element 122, The wearer can modify the size of the upper 120 to fit the proportion of the foot. More specifically, The closure element 122 may allow the wearer to tighten the upper 120 around the foot, In addition, the closure element 122 may allow the wearer to relax the upper 120 to facilitate the foot to extend into and out of the gap 117 through the opening 121.  In some configurations, The upper 120 may also extend at least partially under the wearer's feet. E.g, The sole structure 110 is removed in FIG. 4 and the upper 120 as shown may include a strobel 125 attached to a lower edge 160 along a perimeter. This can be done by stitching 162 as shown in the illustrated embodiment, Via fasteners, The midsole cloth 125 is attached via an adhesive or via another attachment device. therefore, The midsole 125 extends under the wearer's feet. As mentioned above, The sole structure 110 may include an insole 113 and a midsole 111. In these embodiments, The insole 113 may be laminated on one of the upper surfaces of the midsole cloth 125 in the gap 117 and the midsole 111 may be joined to one of the lower surfaces of the midsole cloth 125.  In a further configuration, The upper 120 may include additional elements. E.g, The upper 120 may include a toe guard formed of a wear-resistant material in the forefoot region 101. In addition, the upper 120 may include a logo, trademark, Symbols and signs with maintenance instructions and material information. The average skilled person will understand, The upper 120 may include still further elements, Without departing from the scope of the present invention.  Many conventional footwear uppers are composed of multiple material elements (e.g., Polymer foam, Polymer flakes, leather, Synthetic leather). however, In the various embodiments discussed herein, The upper 120 may be formed at least partially by a knitted component 130. The knitted component 130 may extend at least partially through the forefoot region 101, Midfoot area 102 and / or heel area 103. The braided component 130 may also run along the outer side 104, Inside 105, It extends above the forefoot region 101 and / or around the heel region 103. In addition, The knitted component 130 may at least partially define an outer surface 119 and an opposite inner surface 115 of the upper 120. The inner surface 115 may define at least a portion of the gap 117 in the upper 120, The outer surface 119 may face a direction opposite to the inner surface 115.  As will be discussed, Compared with other known uppers, The knitted component 130 can save the weight of the upper 120. In addition, In some embodiments, The knitted component 130 may be configured to have different zones with different characteristics. E.g, One or more predetermined zones may have more tensile resistance than other zones. also, The knitted component 130 can provide aesthetic features and texture to the upper 120. Going one step further, The knitted component 130 may provide advantages in the manufacture of the footwear 100. Other advantages attributed to knitted component 130 will be discussed in detail below.  Braided component configuration In some embodiments, The knitted component 130 may include a plurality of knitted sub-components that are independently formed to each have a unitary knitted structure. Once formed, These knitted components of the unitary knitted construction may be joined together to define at least a portion of the upper 120.  E.g, As shown in the illustrated embodiment, The knitted component 130 may include a first knitted component 150 or a forward knitted component 150 and a second knitted component or heel knitted component 152 joined together to collectively define the knitted component 130. In one embodiment, As shown in FIG. 4, the forward knitting assembly 150, The heel knit assembly 152 and the midsole cloth 125 may be joined together to collectively define the upper 120.  For clarity, The forward knitting component 150 and the heel knitting component 152 are shown in FIG. 6 as separated and laid substantially flat according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, The forward knitting component 150 is formed by a single-type knitting structure, And the heel knitting component 152 is also formed by a single-type knitting structure.  As used in this article, The term "monolithic knit construction" means that the individual components are formed into a one-piece element through a knitting procedure. which is, The knitting procedure essentially forms various features and structures of a single-type knitting structure, Without a lot of extra manufacturing steps or procedures. A one-piece braided construction can be used to form a braided component having a structure or element containing one or more wefts of yarn or other braided material, The one or more weft loops are joined such that the structures or elements collectively include at least one weft loop (i.e., Share a common yarn) and / or contain substantially continuous weft loops between each of these structures or elements. With this configuration, Provides a one-piece element in a unitary woven construction.  As shown in Figure 6, The forward knitting component 150 may include an inner portion 202, An outer portion 204 and a forward portion 200. By a first U-shaped peripheral edge 208, A smaller second U-shaped peripheral edge 209, One of the first rear edges 210 extending laterally between the edge 208 and the edge 209 and one of the second rear edges 212 extending laterally between the edge 208 and the edge 209 define the boundary of the forward knitted component 150.  In addition, The heel knit component 152 may include an upper peripheral edge 220, A lower peripheral edge 222, A first lateral edge 224 extending laterally between the upper peripheral edge 220 and the lower peripheral edge 222 and a second lateral edge 226 extending laterally between the upper peripheral edge 220 and the lower peripheral edge 222. In some embodiments, On the edge 224, 226 extends from the upper peripheral edge 220 to the lower peripheral edge 222 when the edge 224, 226 may be at least partially angled away from each other.  A forward knitted component 150 as shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be coupled to the heel knitted component 152 to define an upper 120. E.g, The first rear edge 210 of the forward knit component 150 may be coupled to the first side edge 224 of the heel knit component 152 to define a first seam 164 of the upper 120. also, The second rear edge 212 of the forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the second side edge 226 of the heel knitted component 152 to define a second seam 242 of the upper 120.  The forward knitted component 150 may be coupled to the heel knitted component 152 along the seams 164 and 166 in any suitable manner. E.g, Braided component 150, 152 can be sutured, Via adhesives, Coupling at seams 164 and seams 166 via fasteners or via any other suitable attachment mechanism.  When assembled into the upper 120, The medial portion 202 of the forward knitted component 150 may define a substantial portion of the medial 105 of the upper 120. also, The forward portion 200 may define a substantial portion of the front foot region 101 of the upper 120. In addition, The outboard portion 204 may define a substantial portion of the outboard side 104 of the upper 120. The heel knit component 152 may define a substantial portion of the heel region 103 of the upper 120. also, As shown in Figures 1 to 3, The second peripheral edge 209 and the upper peripheral edge 220 may cooperate to define an upper edge 132 of the upper 120. In addition, As shown in Figure 4, The first perimeter edge 208 and the lower perimeter edge 222 can cooperate to define a lower edge 160 of the upper 120. and, Figure 2 As shown in Figures 3 and 4, The first seam 164 may extend from the upper edge to the lower edge 160 on the inside 105 of the upper 120. In addition, Figure 1, As shown in Figures 3 and 4, The second seam 166 may extend from the upper edge 132 to the lower edge 160 on the outer side 105 of the upper 120.  In some embodiments, The forward knitted component 150 may include a plurality of zones having one or more different physical properties. The boundaries of these zones are indicated by dashed lines in the illustrated embodiment. E.g, As best illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, The forward knitting assembly 150 may include a first zone 214, A second zone 216 and a third zone 218. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, The third zone 218 may be U-shaped and substantially centered between the inner portion 202 and the outer portion 204 adjacent to the second peripheral edge 209. therefore, As shown in the plan view of FIG. 6, An inner boundary 163 of one of the third zones 218 may be positioned approximately a uniform distance from the second peripheral edge 209 so as to be substantially concentric with the second peripheral edge 209. also, The second zone 216 may extend longitudinally forward from the third zone 218 toward the forward portion 200, And the second zone 216 may include an inner branch 219 extending between the forward portion 200 and the inner portion 202. A first portion 221 of one of the first zones 214 extends from the third zone 218, First rear edge 210, A second portion 223 of one of the first zones 214 between the peripheral edge 208 and the second zone 216 extends from the third zone 218, Second rear edge 212, Between the peripheral edge 208 and the second zone 216.  First zone 214, The second zone 216 and the third zone 218 may have one or more different physical properties. E.g, The first zone 214 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the second zone 216, And the second zone 216 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the third zone 218. In other words, The first zone 214 may be more rigid than the second zone 216, And the second zone 216 may be more rigid than the third zone 218. therefore, The third zone 218 can be easily stretched to allow the wearer's foot to pass through the collar 123 of the upper 120, The first zone 214 can be more stretch-resistant, so that the first zone 214 provides support for the wearer's feet. In addition, The second zone 216 can be fully stretched to allow the upper 120 to comfortably conform to the wearer's foot.  Similarly, In some embodiments, The heel braid assembly 152 may include a plurality of zones having one or more different physical properties. The boundaries of these zones are indicated by dashed lines in the illustrated embodiment. E.g, As illustrated most clearly in Figure 6, The heel braid assembly 152 may include a first zone 228, A second zone 230 and a third zone 232.  In an exemplary embodiment, Different zones 228, 230, One or more of 232 may be associated with different portions of the heel knit assembly 152. By providing zones with different physical properties to different parts of the heel braid assembly 152, The tightness provided to the upper 120 by the heel knitting component can be changed as needed, Comfort and / or support.  In one embodiment, A third zone 232 may be provided along a peripheral edge of the knitted component 152 associated with the collar 132 and adjacent to the opening 121 of the upper 120. An inner boundary 161 of one of the third zones 232 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6 and partially delimits the third zone 232 and the first zone 228 and partially delimits the third zone 232 and the second zone 230. As shown in Figure 6, The third zone 232 may have a substantially constant width and may extend along the upper peripheral edge 220. therefore, As shown in the plan view of FIG. 6, The inner boundary 161 of the third zone 232 may be positioned approximately a uniform distance from the upper peripheral edge 220 so as to be substantially concentric with the upper peripheral edge 220.  In an exemplary embodiment, The second zone 230 may be provided along a portion of the braided component 152 corresponding to a heel and / or a portion of an Achilles tendon of a wearer's foot. In this embodiment, The second zone 230 may be positioned approximately in the middle of the knitted component 152 in the transverse direction. By providing the second zone 230 with a configuration that imparts various physical properties, The portion of knitted component 152 corresponding to the heel and / or Achilles tendon of a wearer's foot may have a desired fit, Comfort and / or support.  In different embodiments, The second zone 230 may have any suitable shape. In one embodiment, The second zone 230 may have a substantially symmetrical geometry. E.g, In this embodiment, The second zone 230 may be a polygon. As shown in Figure 6, The second zone 230 may include an inverted triangular portion 231 and a diamond-shaped portion 233 arranged end-to-end and extending from the third zone 232 toward the lower peripheral edge 222. The second zone 230 may also be substantially symmetrical and centered with respect to the axis X of the upper 120. In addition, The first zone 228 may extend from the third zone 232, First side edge 224, Lower peripheral edge 222, Between the second side edge 226 and the second zone 230.  First zone 228, The second zone 230 and the third zone 232 may have one or more different physical properties. E.g, The first zone 228 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the second zone 230, And the second zone 230 may have a greater or greater amount of tensile resistance than the third zone 232. In other words, The first zone 228 may be more rigid than the second zone 230, And the second zone 230 may be more rigid than the third zone 232.  In some embodiments, The first zone 228 of the heel knitted component 152 may have a physical property similar to the first zone 214 of the forward knitted component 150. also, The second zone 230 of the heel knitted component 152 may have a physical property similar to the second zone 216 of the forward knitted component 150. In addition, The third zone 232 of the heel knitted component 152 may have a physical property similar to the third zone 218 of the forward knitted component 150. therefore, For example, First zone 228, 214 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or stiffness, Second zone 230, 216 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or stiffness and the third zone 232, 218 may have substantially the same tensile resistance or stiffness.  Various zones can be reached in various ways 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, Different tensile resistance of 232. E.g, In some cases, Zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 may have a different stitching pattern. In addition, Zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 may include different types of yarns or threads. More specifically, In one embodiment, The third zone 218 can be knitted using half gauge. 232 to provide a striped appearance, The third zone 218 may be formed at least in part using one or more elastic yarns such as spandex, 232. Second zone 216, 230 may be formed using a full gauge weave and may be formed using one or more elastic yarns such as elastic fibers. In additional embodiments, Second zone 216, 230 may have a grid-type appearance to increase breathability. In addition, First zone 214, 228 may be formed using a full gauge weave and may include a yarn made of a thermoplastic polymeric material. These yarns can be compared to the second zone 216, 230 and third zone 218, The yarn contained in 232 has less elasticity. And after applying heat to the upper 120, these yarns can be partially melted and fused to give additional rigidity to the respective zones 214, 228. Will understand, These thermoplastic yarns may not be present in the second zone 216, 230 and third zone 218, 232. Will also understand, Each zone can be incorporated and controlled through known intarsia weaving procedures 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232 yarn. In addition, Can be applied on November 30, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/691, entitled `` Article of Footwear Incorporating a Knitted Component, '' co-owned by Podhajny et al., The teachings in 316 formed and merged into zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, 232, The entire text of the case is incorporated herein by reference.  Will understand, The knitted component 130 of the upper 120 can save weight on the article of footwear 100. also, The braided component 130 may be in different zones 214, 216, 218, 228, 230, Provide different physical properties at 232 to make the upper 120 comfortable. Provides local support for the wearer's feet and can be easily put on and off. In addition, The knitting procedure used to produce the knitting component 130 can reduce waste, Manufacturing time can be reduced and / or other manufacturing advantages can be provided.  also, As discussed above, The knitted component 130 may be composed of a plurality of sub-components (i.e., The forward knitted component 150 and the heel knitted component 152) are formed. thus, The nature of knitted component 130 may be highly controlled during manufacturing. E.g, Will understand, The heel region 103 of the upper 120 may be important to provide support to the wearer's heel without slipping or rubbing uncomfortably on the wearer's skin. therefore, The heel braid assembly 152 may include a relatively rigid first zone 228 for providing suitable support. The heel weaving assembly 152 may also include a more elastic second zone 230, The second zone 230 can be substantially centered on the heel knit component 152 so that the second zone 230 can comfortably stretch and fit against the wearer's heel. The second zone 230 can also walk on the wearer's heel, Stretch and fit while flexing during running and other movements. therefore, The heel knit assembly 152 may provide an important balance of rigid support and flexure such that a separate heel back may not be required in the article of footwear 100.  In addition, Because the forward knitting component 150 and the heel knitting component 152 are separate and independent and each has a single-type knitted structure, So for specific uses, Parts of upper 120 are customized and tuned for a particular wearer or for other purposes. E.g, If the heel region 103 of the upper 120 will have a different desired physical property (e.g., Made more rigid), The forward knitted component 150 may then be joined to a different heel knitted component having a second zone that is smaller than one of the second zones 230. Alternatively, If the heel area 103 would be made more flexible, The forward knitted component 150 may then be joined to a different heel knitted component having a second zone that is larger than one of the second zones 230.  Manufacturing braided components 150, 152 and upper 120. As mentioned, Braided component 150, 152 may be formed to have a one-piece, unitary woven construction. E.g, Knitting components 150 on flat knitting machines, 152. also, In some embodiments, The heel knit assembly 152 may be warped so that the upper peripheral edge 220 is formed first and additional weft loops may be added until the lower peripheral edge 222 is formed. thus, The upper peripheral edge 220 may have a neat and trimmed appearance, Finally, the original lower peripheral edge 222 can be covered and restricted by the sole structure 110. Similarly, The forward knitted component 150 may be formed such that a second peripheral edge 209 is formed first and a weft loop may be added until the first peripheral edge 208 is formed.  then, As discussed above at seam 164, 166 joint knitted components 150, 152. To facilitate this assembly process, The heel braid component 152 may include a mark 254 (such as an "X" shown in FIG. 8) that distinguishes between an inner surface 250 of the heel braid component 152 and an outer surface 252 of the heel braid component 152. It should be noted that The outer surface 252 of the heel braid assembly 152 shown in FIG. 7 does not include indicia 254. therefore, Even if the heel knit component 152 is substantially symmetrical, The manufacturer may also distinguish between the inner surface 250 and the outer surface 252 to assist in orienting the heel knit component 152 for attachment to the forward knit component 150.  It should also be noted that The inner surface 250 may partially define the gap 117 of the upper 120 and the outer surface 252 may face outward. therefore, When the upper 120 is fully assembled, the indicia 254 as shown in FIG. 8 is less visible to the wearer or others. however, Will understand, The outer surface 252 may include a marker 254 instead of the inner surface 250. also, The indicia 254 may be formed by yarns or threads included in the unitary knit construction of the heel knit component 152, Or the indicia 254 may be marked separately from the unitary weaving construction of the heel weaving assembly 152. In addition, The indicia 254 may be positioned in any suitable location on the heel knit assembly 152. E.g, As shown in Figure 8, The indicia 254 may be substantially centered on the heel knit assembly 152 and may be adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 222.  As shown in Figure 4, Once the component 150 is knitted, 152 at seams 164, 166 joints, The midsole cloth 125 can then be attached to the lower edge 160. then, The sole assembly 110 may be attached as discussed above.  Referring now to FIG. 9, An alternate embodiment of a heel knit assembly 352 is illustrated in accordance with additional teachings of the present invention. The heel knit assembly 352 may be substantially similar to the embodiments discussed above. E.g, Similar to the embodiments discussed above, The heel braid assembly 352 may include a first zone 328, A second zone 330 and a third zone 332. however, The heel weaving assembly 352 may define an inner boundary 361 that demarcates the third zone 332 from the first zone 328 and the second zone 330 different from the embodiment of FIG. 7. More specifically, Although the inner boundary 161 is positioned at approximately a uniform distance from the upper peripheral edge 220 in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8, However, the curvature of the boundary 361 can be reversed relative to the upper peripheral edge 320, This allows portions of the inner border 361 to be spaced at different distances from the upper peripheral edge 320. E.g, The portion of the inner boundary 361 that is closer to the second zone 330 may be spaced a greater distance from the upper peripheral edge 320 than the other portions. therefore, In the plan view of Figure 9, The width of the third zone 332 between the upper peripheral edge 320 and the inner boundary 361 may vary across the third zone 332. This may allow the heel knitting component 352 to more closely fit the wearer's heel for added comfort and support.  In summary, Footwear 100 may provide several advantages. The footwear 100 can be comfortably worn. Footwear 100 may provide support for a wearer's foot. The footwear 100 can also flex with the foot of the wearer and flexibly fit the foot of the wearer. The physical properties can be changed across different regions of footwear 100 to further improve performance.  Knitting components with gores. Various knitting structures including triangles can be incorporated into forward knitting components 150, Heel knitting component 152 or other knitting components to impart a contour (e.g., Round, Non-planar or other three-dimensional) configurations. In addition to shaping or contouring the knitted component during the knitting procedure that forms the knitted component, A triangle cloth can also provide the advantages of improving the comfort of the footwear 100 and increasing the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.  Figure 10. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B depict an example of a heel knitting component 400 including a triangle cloth. The heel knitting assembly 400 has an upper peripheral edge 401, A lower peripheral edge 402, A first side edge 403 extending between the upper peripheral edge 401 and the lower peripheral edge 402 and a second side edge 404 extending between the upper peripheral edge 401 and the lower peripheral edge 402. The heel braid assembly 400 defines an outer surface 405 and an opposite inner surface 406.  The braided structure of the heel braid assembly 400 incorporates a triangle cloth area 410, The triangle cloth area 410 includes a triangle cloth giving a contoured configuration, As depicted in Figures 11A and 11B. The gusset 410 is formed with a single knitted structure together with the rest of the heel knitted component 400. In addition, Triangular region 410 has a substantial portion of a distance centered in heel knit assembly 400 and extending through peripheral edge 401 and peripheral edge 402 (i.e., At least 50%) but may be one of a substantially triangular shape that is smaller or larger in a further configuration of the heel knit assembly 400. In this position, The portion of the heel knit assembly 400 including the triangle cloth area 410 corresponds to the position of the wearer's heel and Achilles tendon. The triangle cloth area 410 provides a circular shape for the heel knitting component 400, This can improve the comfort of the footwear 100 and increase the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.  The triangle cloth area 410 is positioned at least partially in a central area 407 of the heel knitting component 400, The center region 407 is positioned centrally or spaced inwardly from the edges 401 to 404 and contains a center of one of the heel knit assemblies 400. Triangle area 410 is depicted as having a generally triangular shape caused by weaving a series of weft loops of decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops of increasing length to insert a triangle cloth into the heel knit assembly 400. Referring to Figure 10, One of the weft loops 411 and 416 in the triangle cloth area 410 has a relatively long length, One of the weft loops 412 and 415 in the triangle cloth area 410 has a length shorter than one of the weft loops 411 and 416, And one of the weft loops 413 and 414 in the triangle cloth area 410 has less than the weft loops 411, 412, 415, The length of each of the 416. thus, A substantially triangular shape of the triangle cloth region 410 is formed by weaving weft loops of different lengths in the central region 407. note, The weft loops 411 to 416 are selected for example purposes and the triangle cloth area 410 may have many other weft loops, Some such wefts are positioned between individual wefts 411 to 416 or elsewhere. Additional details regarding the process of forming the triangle 410 will be discussed in more detail below.  As discussed above and depicted in the drawings, The configuration of the gusset 410 provides one example suitable for use in footwear 100. In other configurations of the heel knit assembly 400, The triangle cloth area 410 may have various other shapes, Contains diamonds, square, rectangle, Oval, Round or irregular, This depends on the particular weaving method used to form the triangle 410. In a further configuration, The size or position of the gusset 410 may be significantly changed to provide specific features for the heel knit assembly 400 or other areas of the heel knit assembly 400 (e.g., Three-dimensional area). The orientation of the triangular area 410 can also be changed. A structure similar to the triangle cloth area 410 can also be incorporated into the forward knitting component 150 to give a three-dimensional area.  FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 depict another structure of a heel braid assembly 400 including a plurality of peripheral triangle fabric regions 420 distributed along or adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 and on the opposite sides of the triangle fabric region 410. shape. which is, A first portion of one of the peripheral triangular areas 420 is positioned on one side of the triangular area 410 and a second part of one of the peripheral triangular areas 420 is positioned on an opposite side of the one. The peripheral gusset region 420 forms a common edge (i.e., The lower peripheral edge 402) is a series of triangle cloth.  Compared with the triangle area 410, The peripheral triangle 420 is relatively small and can extend through less than one third of the distance between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402, But can also extend over a smaller distance, Including less than 20% between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402, 15% or 10% distance. In some configurations, The triangle cloth area 410 may be at least twice the area of each of the surrounding triangle cloth areas 420, At least three times or more than four times. One of the advantages of incorporating the peripheral triangle cloth area 420 into the heel knitting component 400 is the circular shape, Non-planar or other three-dimensional configurations. More specifically, The peripheral gusset 420 may impart greater curvature to the heel knitting component 400 than the single gusset 410, As illustrated by comparing FIG. 11A with FIG. 13. In addition, The combination of each of the triangle cloth area 410 and the surrounding triangle cloth area 420 can further give a contoured configuration to the area of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 420. Like the triangle 410, The peripheral triangle cloth area 420 may be formed by weaving a series of weft loops having a decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops having an increasing length to insert the triangle cloth into the heel knitting assembly 400.  In FIGS. 11A and 13, A vertical axis V and a horizontal axis H are superimposed on the heel knitting assembly 400. An angle 431 indicates the deflection of the heel knitting assembly 400 from the vertical axis V. Similarly, An angle 432 indicates the deflection of the heel knitting assembly 400 from the horizontal axis H. In the absence of triangle 410, In each of FIGS. 11A and 13, The angle 431 will be substantially zero. Assuming the triangle area 410 gives contouring or curvature, however, The heel knit assembly 400 is deflected away from the vertical axis V and the angle 431 is greater than zero. In the absence of the surrounding triangle 420, The angle 432 will be substantially zero in FIGS. 11A and 13. Assuming the peripheral triangle 420 gives contouring or curvature, however, The angle 432 is smaller in FIG. 13 than in FIG. 11A. which is, The curvature of the heel knitting component 400 due to the peripheral gusset region 420 brings the portion of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 closer to the horizontal axis H.  The gusset 410 and the perimeter gusset 420 each assist in imparting a contoured configuration to the heel knit assembly 400. Assuming that the triangular area 410 extends through most of a distance between the peripheral edge 401 and the peripheral edge 402, The triangle cloth area 410 may be mainly responsible for giving the overall circular shape to the heel knitting component 410, As depicted in Figures 11A and 11B. Assuming the peripheral triangle 420 is positioned along the lower peripheral edge 402, The peripheral triangle cloth area 420 may be mainly responsible for giving a more round shape to the area of the heel knitting component 410 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402. therefore, The triangle cloth area 410 and the surrounding triangle cloth area 420 operate together to form a circle, A non-planar or other three-dimensional configuration to specify the area of the heel braid assembly 400.  The peripheral gusset region 420 effectively bends or contours the portion of the heel knit component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 402 to facilitate attachment of the heel knit component 400 to one of the upper surface of the forward knit component and sole structure 110 or one of the other Or both. In some configurations, The contoured configuration in the heel knit assembly 400 forms approximately parallel to the upper surface of the sole structure 110 and can be used in place of the midsole cloth 125 to facilitate attachment of the heel knit assembly 400 to one of the lips of the sole structure 110. In addition, In some configurations, The lower region of the forward knitting component 150 may include a triangle cloth region similar to the peripheral triangle cloth region 420 to continue extending the lip around the periphery of the upper 120 and facilitate attachment of the upper 120 to the sole structure 110. In some cases, This structure can be used with midsole cloth 125 or another midsole cloth socks or this structure can be used instead of a midsole cloth 125.  A further configuration of one of the heel knit assemblies 400 is depicted in FIG. 14A, The triangle cloth area 410 extends inward from the upper peripheral edge 401 and extends into an area corresponding to the central area 407. Referring to FIG. 14B, The heel knitting component 400 has the general shape of the heel knitting component 152 and incorporates the triangle cloth area 410 into this shape. FIG. 14C depicts another configuration of the heel braid assembly 400 as having a U-shaped configuration. therefore, Various aspects related to the position of the triangle cloth area 410 and the overall shape of the heel knitting assembly 400 can be significantly changed.  The manner by which the heel knit assembly 400 is incorporated into the footwear 100 is depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. Although the overall shape of the heel knitted component 400 is different from the shape of the heel knitted component 152, However, the heel knit assembly 400 may be incorporated into the footwear 100 in a similar manner. More specifically, The first rear edge 210 of the forward knitting component 150 may be coupled to the first side edge 403 of the heel knitting component 400 and the second rear edge 212 of the forward knitting component 150 may be coupled to the second side edge 404 of the heel knitting component 400. In addition, The lower peripheral edge 402 may be fixed to the upper surface of one of the midsole cloth 125 or the sole structure 110. In some configurations, The shape and position of the first rear edge 210 and the second rear edge 212 of the forward knitted component 150 may be modified to engage the side edges 403 and 404. Although the heel knit component 400 and the forward knit component 150 are depicted as being fixed to the midsole 125, However, the midsole 125 may not be present in some configurations of the footwear 100.  When incorporated into footwear 100, The gusset region 410 extends upward in the heel region 103 and extends through the sole structure 110 and the opening 121 (for example, Most of a distance between the upper edges 132 of one of the ankle openings of the upper 120. In this position, The convex configuration of the inner surface 406 contacts and conforms to the heel and Achilles tendon regions of the wearer. It is assumed that the circular shape of the heel knitting component 400 can better fit the contour of the wearer's foot than a flat knitted component, Then, the heel knitted component 400 can improve the comfort of the footwear 100. When incorporated into footwear 100, The peripheral triangle cloth area 420 is positioned in the heel area 103 and is close to the interface between the sole structure 110 and the upper 120. In this position, The circular shape of the heel knitting component 400 adjacent to the lower peripheral edge 404 fits the shape of one of the upper surfaces of the midsole 111. Assuming that one or both of the gusset 410 and the surrounding gusset 420 are also incorporated during the knitting procedure to shape the heel knit assembly 400, The number of shaping procedures that occur before or during the formation of the continuous procedure of footwear 100 is reduced, This increases the overall manufacturing efficiency of the footwear 100.  Although weaving can be performed by hand, However, the commercial manufacture of knitted components is generally performed by a knitting machine. Suitable for the production of knitted components 150, An example of a knitting machine 500 of any of 152 and 400. For the purpose of example, the knitting machine 500 has a configuration of a V-shaped flat knitting machine, However, weaving components 150 can be produced on other types of weaving machines, 152 and 400 or knitted components 150, 152 and 400.  The knitting machine 500 includes two needle beds 501 that are angled relative to each other thereby forming a V-shaped bed. Each of the needle beds 501 includes a plurality of individual needles 502 located on a common plane. which is, The needle 502 from a needle bed 501 lies on a first plane, And the needle 502 from another needle bed 501 is located on a second plane. The first plane and the second plane of the two needle beds 501 are angled relative to each other and intersect to form an intersection that extends along most of the width of the knitting machine 500. Known in this form of knitting machine, The needles 502 each have a first position in which they are retracted and a second position in which they are extended. In this first position, The needle 502 is spaced from the intersection of the first plane and the second plane. however, In this second position, The needle 502 passes through the intersection of the first plane and the second plane.  A pair of rails 503 extend above the intersection of the needle bed 501 and parallel to the intersection of the needle bed 501, Attachment points are provided for multiple wire feeders 504. Due to the action of a stand 505, The thread feeder 504 moves along the rail 503 and the needle bed 501, Thereby, the needle 502 is supplied with yarn. In Figure 17, A yarn 506 is provided to one of the thread feeders 504 through a spool 507. More specifically, The yarn 506 extends from the spool 507 to various yarn guides 508 before entering the thread feeder 504, A yarn recovery spring 509 and a yarn tensioner 510. Although not depicted, However, additional spools 507 may be utilized to provide yarn to other thread feeders 504.  Manufacturing Process One of the manufacturing processes for forming the heel knit assembly 400 depicted in FIG. 10 using the knitting machine 500 will now be discussed. initial, As depicted in Figure 18A, A part of the heel knitting assembly 400 is formed by the knitting machine 500. During the formation of this portion of the heel knit assembly 400, The thread feeder 504 is repeatedly moved along the rail 503 and various weft loops are formed by at least the yarn 506. More specifically, The needle 502 pulls sections of the yarn 506 through a loop of a previous weft, This forms another weft loop. It should be noted that Although the heel knit assembly 400 is depicted as being formed from a yarn 506, However, additional yarn may be incorporated into the heel knit assembly 400 from a further thread feeder 504.  As depicted in Figure 18B, The knitting machine 500 now starts the process of forming a triangle cloth region 410 by weaving a series of weft loops with decreasing length. More specifically, Weft loop 411 is formed, A weft 412 having a smaller length is formed after the weft 411, Then, a weft loop 413 having one or less length is formed after each of the weft loop 411 and the weft loop 412. Weft loops 411, At 412 and 413, Parts of the previously formed weft loop may be held on the needle 502.  As the manufacturing process continues, As depicted in Figure 18C, The knitting machine 500 forms the rest of the triangle cloth area 410 by weaving a series of weft loops having an increasing length. More specifically, Forming weft loop 414, A weft 415 having a larger length is formed after the weft 414, Then, a weft loop 416 having an even greater length is formed after each of the weft loop 414 and the weft loop 415. After forming weft loops 414 with increasing length, 415 and 416 hours, Parts of the previously formed weft loop held on the needle 502 are now engaged with the weft loops 414 to 416.  Based on the above discussion, Knitting machine 500 knits a first series of weft loops having a decreasing length (for example, Weft loops 411 to 413) and then weave a second series of weft loops of increasing length (e.g., Weft loops 414 to 416) to insert a triangle cloth into the heel knitting assembly 400 to form a triangle cloth area 410 to form a triangle cloth area 410. After forming the triangular area 410, The knitting procedure continues as depicted in Figure 18D, And forms a substantial part of the rest of the heel knitting assembly 400.  The general procedures discussed above for forming the triangular area 410 may also be employed to form each of the peripheral triangular areas 420. Referring to Figure 19, Knitting machine 500 is depicted as forming the configuration of heel knitting assembly 400 depicted in FIG. 12. Like the triangle 410, The peripheral triangle cloth area 420 can be knitted by weaving a series of weft loops of decreasing length and then weaving a series of weft loops of increasing length to be in each of the peripheral triangle cloth regions 420 and along the lower peripheral edge 402 or adjacent to the lower The peripheral edge 402 is formed by forming a triangle cloth.  In addition to forming the knitted heel assembly 400, The knitting machine 500 can also be used to form other knitting components or a combination of knitting components. Referring to Figure 20, For example, A knitted component 600 is depicted as including a forward knitted component 150 and another heel knitted component 610 formed from a unitary knitted structure. which is, The combination of the forward knitting component 150 and the heel knitting component 610 is formed into a one-piece element through a knitting procedure. In this configuration, A peripheral edge 602 extends from the forward knitting component to the heel knitting component 610 and can be fixed to the midsole cloth 125 or the sole structure 110. In addition, One of the side edges 603 of the heel knit component 610 may be joined to the rear edge 210 of the forward knit component 150 to form the opening 121 when the knitted component 600 is incorporated into the footwear 100. In addition, The heel knit assembly 610 includes a triangle cloth area 620. therefore, Substantially all of the upper 120 including a triangle cloth in the triangle cloth area 620 can be formed by a single knitting structure through a single knitting procedure.  Although various embodiments of the invention have been described, This description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. And the ordinary skilled person will understand that more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the present invention are feasible. therefore, The invention is not limited except by considering the scope of the accompanying patent applications and their equivalents. also, Various modifications can be made within the scope of the accompanying patent application, Combinations and changes. As used in the scope of the patent application, "Any of" when referring to a previous claim is intended to mean (i) any claim or (ii) any combination of two or more requests referred to.

100‧‧‧Footwear / Shoes

101‧‧‧ Forefoot area

102‧‧‧ Midfoot

103‧‧‧ Heel Zone

104‧‧‧ Outside

105‧‧‧ inside

110‧‧‧sole structure / sole assembly

111‧‧‧ midsole

112‧‧‧ outsole

113‧‧‧ insole

115‧‧‧Inner surface

117‧‧‧Gap

119‧‧‧outer surface

120‧‧‧ Upper

121‧‧‧ opening

122‧‧‧ Closing element

123‧‧‧Shoe collar

125‧‧‧ Midsole

130‧‧‧ Braided components

132‧‧‧top edge

140‧‧‧ Tongue

141‧‧‧Stretching line / line

143‧‧‧ Pore

150‧‧‧First knitting component or forward knitting component / knitting component

152‧‧‧Second knitting component or heel knitting component / knitting component

160‧‧‧ lower edge

161‧‧‧Inner border

162‧‧‧ suture

163‧‧‧Inner border

164‧‧‧Seams

166‧‧‧Seam

200‧‧‧ forward part

202‧‧‧ inside part

204‧‧‧outer part

208‧‧‧First U-shaped peripheral edge / edge / first peripheral edge / peripheral edge

209‧‧‧Small second U-shaped peripheral edge / edge / second peripheral edge

210‧‧‧first rear edge / back edge

212‧‧‧Second rear edge

214‧‧‧The first zone / zone

216‧‧‧Second zone / zone

218‧‧‧Third zone / zone

219‧‧‧ inside branch

220‧‧‧ Upper peripheral edge

221‧‧‧ Part I

222‧‧‧Lower peripheral edge

223‧‧‧Part Two

224‧‧‧First side edge / edge

226‧‧‧Second side edge / edge

228‧‧‧The first zone / zone

230‧‧‧Second zone / zone

231‧‧‧ inverted triangle

232‧‧‧Third zone / zone

233‧‧‧Rhombus

250‧‧‧ inner surface

252‧‧‧outer surface

254‧‧‧Mark

320‧‧‧ Upper peripheral edge

328‧‧‧The first zone

330‧‧‧Second Zone

332‧‧‧Zone 3

352‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit

361‧‧‧Inner boundary / boundary

400‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit / Knitting Kit

401‧‧‧upper peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

402‧‧‧Lower peripheral edge / peripheral edge / edge

403‧‧‧first side edge / edge / side edge

404‧‧‧Second side edge / edge / side edge

405‧‧‧outer surface

406‧‧‧Inner surface

407‧‧‧Central Area

410‧‧‧Triangle cloth

411‧‧‧ weft

412‧‧‧ weft

413‧‧‧ weft

414‧‧‧ weft

415‧‧‧ weft

416‧‧‧ weft

420‧‧‧ around triangle cloth area

431‧‧‧angle

432‧‧‧angle

500‧‧‧ braiding machine

501‧‧‧needle bed

502‧‧‧ needle

503‧‧‧ rail

504‧‧‧line feeder

505‧‧‧ bracket

506‧‧‧ Yarn

507‧‧‧ spool

508‧‧‧ Yarn Guide

509‧‧‧Yarn recovery spring

510‧‧‧Yarn tensioner

600‧‧‧ braided components

602‧‧‧peripheral edge

603‧‧‧side edge

610‧‧‧Heel Knitting Kit

620‧‧‧Triangle cloth

X‧‧‧ vertical axis

V‧‧‧ vertical axis

H‧‧‧horizontal axis

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the emphasis is on illustrating the principles of the present invention. In addition, in the drawings, the same element symbols indicate corresponding parts in different views. FIG. 1 is an external side view of one of the footwear objects according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an internal side view of one of the footwear objects of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a top view of one of the footwear objects of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a bottom view of one of the uppers of the footwear of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a rear view of one of the uppers of the footwear of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is one of the knitted components of the upper of the footwear of FIG. Plan view; FIG. 7 is a plan view of an outer surface of a heel knitted component of a shoe upper of the footwear article of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is an inner surface of a heel knitted component of a shoe upper of the footwear article of FIG. A plan view; FIG. 9 is a plan view of a heel knitting assembly according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heel knitting assembly according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B 10 is a cross-sectional view of the heel knitted component illustrated in FIG. 10 as defined along section lines 11A-11A and 11B-11B in FIG. 10, respectively; FIG. 12 is a view of a heel knitted component according to an additional embodiment of the present invention A plan view; FIG. 13 is along the line 13-13 of FIG. 12 12 is a cross-sectional view of one of the heel knitting components illustrated in FIG. 12; FIGS. 14A to 14C are plan views of further heel knitting components according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 15 is a combination of FIGS. 12 and 13 An exploded rear view of one of the footwear items of the heel knitting component depicted; FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of one of the footwear items as defined along section line 15-15 in FIG. 14; FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one of the knitting machines Figures 18A to 18D are part of a knitting machine and a schematic front view depicting a knitting procedure for forming one of the heel knitting components depicted in Figs. 10 and 11; 13 is a schematic front view of a part of a knitting procedure of a heel knitting component depicted in 13; and FIG. 20 is a plan view of a knitting component according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (13)

A method of forming a contoured knitted element for an article of footwear, the method comprising: weaving a first triangle cloth into a central region of the knitted element, the first triangle cloth extending vertically through the footwear A substantial portion of a distance between a sole structure of an object and an ankle opening of an upper; and a plurality of second triangle cloths are woven into a peripheral area of the knitting element, the first triangle cloth is larger than the Each of the second triangle cloths, and the first triangle cloth and the second triangle cloths are formed by a single-type knitted structure together with one of the other knitting elements. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of weaving the first triangle cloth includes forming a first series of weft loops having a decreasing length and a second series of weft loops having an increasing length. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of weaving the first triangle cloth includes extending the first triangle cloth into a center region of the knitting element. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of weaving the first triangle cloth includes forming at least twice an area of the first triangle cloth as an area of each of the second triangle cloths. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of weaving the plurality of second triangles includes: (a) positioning a portion of the second triangles on one side of the first triangle; and (b) Another portion of the second triangles is positioned on an opposite side of the first triangle. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of weaving the plurality of second triangles includes positioning the second triangles along a common edge of the knitted component. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: providing a knitted component including a first triangle cloth area and a plurality of second triangle cloth areas; incorporating the knitted component into an upper of the article of footwear The first triangle cloth area is positioned in a heel area of the article of footwear and extends vertically through most of a distance between a sole structure of the article of footwear and an ankle opening of the upper And the second triangle cloth areas are positioned adjacent to the sole structure. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of providing the knitted component comprises: weaving each of the first triangle cloth area and the second triangle cloth areas to include a first series of weft loops with decreasing length and One of the second series of wefts in length. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of providing the knitted component comprises: forming the first triangle cloth area to be larger than each of the second triangle cloth areas. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of providing the knitted component includes: positioning a portion of the second triangle cloth areas on one side of the first triangle cloth areas; and The other part is positioned on the opposite side of one of the first triangular areas. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of providing the knitted component comprises forming the second triangular areas along a common edge of the knitted component. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of incorporating the knitted component includes: fixing a portion of the knitted component including the second triangle cloth areas to at least one of a midsole cloth and the sole structure. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of providing the knitted component comprises forming the knitted component including the first triangular cloth area and the second triangular cloth area in a unitary knitted structure.