Footwear article with a knitted component forming a shoe upper incorporating a lenticular knit structure and method of making same
Abstract
Footwear products are provided that include an upper that incorporates a knit component with color-changing properties. The color change property can be generated by one or more lenticular knit structures provided across the upper of the footwear product. The lenticular knit structure is formed in an integral knit structure with the rest of the knit components. The lenticular knit structure has parts formed of different yarns. The different yarns in those parts of the lenticular knit construction create a visual effect that changes the color of the footwear depending on the viewing angle. [Selection diagram] Fig. 22

Term
9 yearsto projected expiry
Projected expiry 25 September 2035, counted from filing; an application has no term until it is granted.
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30 claims: 9 independent, 21 dependent
- 1アッパーと、前記アッパーに取り付けられたソール構造とを含む履物製品であって、前記アッパーが、一体ニット構造で形成されたニット構成要素を組み込んでおり、前記ニット構成要素は、 レンチキュラーニット構造の両側に設けられた第1の部分および第2の部分を含む少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造と、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造に隣接して設けられたベース部と、を備え、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造は、前記アッパーの外側面で、前記ベース部から離れるように延び、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記アッパーが第1の見る角度から見られた場合の第1の視覚効果に関連付けられ、および前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、前記アッパーが、前記第1の見る角度とは異なる第2の見る角度から見られた場合の第2の視覚効果に関連付けられる、履物製品。
- 2前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、第1のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、第2のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記第1のヤーンと前記第2のヤーンとは異なる特性を有する、請求項1に記載の履物製品。
- 3前記第1のヤーンおよび前記第2のヤーンは、異なるヤーン種別、異なる色、異なる質感および異なるデニールのうちの1つ以上である、請求項1または2に記載の履物製品。
- 4前記第1のヤーンは、前記アッパーが前記第1の見る角度から見られた場合に前記第1の視覚効果を実質的に生じさせ、前記第2のヤーンは、前記アッパーが前記第2の見る角度から見られた場合には、前記第2の視覚効果を実質的に生じさせる、請求項1~3のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 5前記ニット構成要素は、複数のレンチキュラーニット構造をさらに備える、請求項1~4のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 6前記複数のレンチキュラーニット構造は、第1のレンチキュラーニット構造および第2のレンチキュラーニット構造を備え、 前記第1のレンチキュラーニット構造は、第1のヤーンを用いて形成された第1の部分と、第2のヤーンを用いて形成された第2の部分とを有し、 前記第2のレンチキュラーニット構造は、前記第1のヤーンを用いて形成された前記第1の部分と、前記第2のヤーンを用いて形成された第2の部分と、前記第1の部分と前記第2の部分との間に設けられた上方部とを有し、 前記上方部は、第3のヤーンを用いて形成される、請求項1~5のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 7前記第2のレンチキュラーニット構造のうちの1つ以上は、前記ニット構成要素上の第1の区域に配設され、前記ニット構成要素の残りの部分は、複数の前記第1のレンチキュラーニット構造を含む、請求項1~6のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 8前記第1のヤーン、前記第2のヤーンと前記第3のヤーンとは異なる色である、請求項1~7のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 9前記上方部は、前記第1の見る角度および前記第2の見る角度の両方から見られる第3の視覚効果を生じさせる、請求項1~8のいずれか一項に記載の履物製品。
- 10製品に組み込むためのニット構成要素であって、前記ニット構成要素は、 複数のレンチキュラーニット構造であって、前記レンチキュラーニット構造の各々が、前記レンチキュラーニット構造の一方の側で第1のヤーンを用いて形成された第1の部分と、前記レンチキュラーニット構造の反対側に配置された第2のヤーンを用いて形成された第2の部分とを含み、前記第1のヤーンと第2のヤーンとが異なる、複数のレンチキュラーニット構造と、 隣接するレンチキュラーニット構造の間に配設されたベース部と、を備え、前記第1の部分、前記第2の部分および前記ベース部は、前記ニット構成要素とともに一体ニット構造で形成され、 前記レンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記ニット構成要素が第1の見る角度から見られた場合の第1の視覚効果に関連付けられ、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、前記ニット構成要素が、前記第1の見る角度とは異なる第2の見る角度から見られた場合の第2の視覚効果に関連付けられる、ニット構成要素。
- 11前記ベース部は、前記第1のヤーンとも前記第2のヤーンとも異なるヤーンを用いて形成され、 前記ベース部は、(a)前記第1の部分を形成している前記第1のヤーンから成る少なくとも1つのコースと、(b)前記第2の部分を形成している前記第2のヤーンから成る少なくとも1つのコースとに接続されている少なくとも1つのコースを含む、請求項1~10のいずれか一項に記載のニット構成要素。
- 12前記複数のレンチキュラーニット構造の各々は、チューブ状リブ構造から成る重なっているニット層の間に設けられた、中空の固定されていない区域を含むチューブ状リブ構造から成る構造を有する、請求項1~11のいずれか一項に記載のニット構成要素。
- 13前記複数のレンチキュラーニット構造のうちの少なくとも1つは、前記中空の固定されていない区域内に設けられた伸張性要素をさらに含む、請求項1~13のいずれか一項に記載のニット構成要素。
- 14前記複数のレンチキュラーニット構造は、第1のレンチキュラーニット構造および第2のレンチキュラーニット構造を備え、 前記第1のレンチキュラーニット構造は、第1のヤーンを用いて形成された第1の部分と、第2のヤーンを用いて形成された第2の部分とを有し、 前記第2のレンチキュラーニット構造は、前記第1のヤーンを用いて形成された前記第1の部分と、前記第2のヤーンを用いて形成された第2の部分と、前記第1の部分と前記第2の部分との間に設けられた上方部とを有し、 前記上方部は、第3のヤーンを用いて形成される、請求項1~13のいずれか一項に記載のニット構成要素。
- 15前記上方部は、前記第1の見る角度および前記第2の見る角度の両方から見られる第3の視覚効果を生じさる、請求項1~14のいずれか一項に記載のニット構成要素。
- 16製品に組み込むためのニット構成要素を製造する方法であって、前記方法は、 前記ニット構成要素のベース部を編むことと、 第1のヤーンを用いて、レンチキュラーニット構造の第1の部分を編むことと、 第2のヤーンを用いて、前記レンチキュラーニット構造の第2の部分を編むことであって、前記第2のヤーンが前記第1のヤーンとは異なることと、を含み、 前記レンチキュラーニット構造は、前記第1の部分と前記第2の部分とが前記レンチキュラーニット構造の両側に設けられ、および、前記レンチキュラーニット構造が、前記ベース部から垂直方向に離れるように延びるように形成され、 前記レンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記ニット構成要素が第1の見る角度から見られた場合の第1の視覚効果に関連付けられ、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、前記ニット構成要素が、前記第1の見る角度とは異なる第2の見る角度から見られた場合の第2の視覚効果に関連付けられる、方法。
- 17前記ベース部、前記第1の部分および前記第2の部分は、編みプロセス中に、一体ニット構造で形成される、請求項1~16のいずれか一項に記載の方法。
- 18前記方法は、前記第1の部分と前記第2の部分との間に設けられる前記レンチキュラーニット構造の上方部を編むことをさらに含み、前記上方部は、第3のヤーンを用いて編まれる、請求項1~17のいずれか一項に記載の方法。
- 19前記上方部は、前記第1の見る角度および前記第2の見る角度の両方から見られる第3の視覚効果を生じさる、請求項1~18のいずれか一項に記載の方法。
- 20前記レンチキュラーニット構造内に伸張性要素を挿入することをさらに含む、請求項1~19のいずれか一項に記載の方法。
- 21少なくとも1つのヤーンを備え、および第1の部分と第2の部分とを含む少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造と、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造に隣接して配設されたベース部と、を備える製品であって、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造は、前記ベース部から離れるように延び、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記製品が第1の見る角度から見られた場合の第1の視覚効果に関連付けられ、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、前記製品が、前記第1の見る角度とは異なる第2の見る角度から見られた場合の第2の視覚効果に関連付けられる、製品。
- 22前記製品は、アッパーと、前記アッパーに取り付けられたソール構造とを含み、前記アッパーは、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラー構造を備える、請求項21に記載の製品。
- 23前記レンチキュラー構造はニット構造を備える、請求項20~22のいずれか一項に記載の製品。
- 24前記製品は、一体ニット構造で形成されたアッパーを備える、請求項20~23のいずれか一項に記載の製品。
- 25前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラー構造の前記第1の部分は、前記第1のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラー構造の前記第2の部分は、第2のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記第1のヤーンと前記第2のヤーンとは異なる特性を有する、請求項20~24のいずれか一項に記載の製品。
- 26少なくとも1つのヤーンを備え、および第1の部分と第2の部分とを含む少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造と、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造に隣接して配設されたベース部と、を備える製品であって、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造は、前記ベース部から離れるように延び、 前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記製品が第1の見る角度から見られた場合の第1の視覚効果に関連付けられ、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、前記製品が、前記第1の見る角度とは異なる第2の見る角度から見られた場合の第2の視覚効果に関連付けられる、製品。
- 27前記製品は、アッパーと、前記アッパーに取り付けられたソール構造とを含み、前記アッパーは、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造を備える、請求項26に記載の製品。
- 28前記アッパーは一体ニット構造で形成される、請求項27に記載の製品。
- 29前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第1の部分は、前記第1のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記少なくとも1つのレンチキュラーニット構造の前記第2の部分は、第2のヤーンを用いて形成され、前記第1のヤーンと前記第2のヤーンとは異なる特性を有する、請求項26~28のいずれか一項に記載の製品。
- 30前記第1のヤーンおよび前記第2のヤーンは、異なるヤーン種別、異なる色、異なる質感および異なるデニールのうちの1つ以上である、請求項26~29のいずれか一項に記載の製品。
Independent claims30
142 paragraphs, as filed
0001The present invention generally relates to footwear products, specifically footwear products incorporating knit components.
0002Traditional footwear products generally include two main components: the upper and sole construction. The upper is fixed to the sole structure and forms a cavity inside the footwear to comfortably and stably receive the foot. The sole structure is fixed in the lower area of the upper, thereby being placed between the upper and the ground. For example, in athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. Midsole often contains a polymeric foam material that reduces the reaction force of the ground to reduce stress on the feet and legs during walking, running and other walking activities. The midsole may also include a fluid filling chamber, plate, moderator, or other element that further reduces force, increases stability, or affects foot movement. The outsole is fixed to the underside of the midsole to form a ground locking portion of the sole structure made of a durable abrasion resistant material such as rubber. The sole structure may also include insoles placed in the cavity and in close proximity to the underside of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear.
0003The upper generally extends above the instep and toe areas, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, below the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some footwear products, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend upwards and around the ankle to provide support or protection to the ankle. Access to the inner cavity of the upper is generally provided by the ankle opening in the heel area of the footwear. To adjust the fit of the upper, a lacing system is often built into the upper, allowing the foot to enter and remove from the cavity within the upper. The lacing system also allows the wearer to change some dimensions of the upper, especially the perimeter, in order to adapt to different dimensions of the foot. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lace-up system to increase the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter to limit heel movement. ..
0004Various material elements (eg, fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) have traditionally been used in the manufacture of uppers. For example, in athletic footwear, the upper may have multiple layers, each containing various bonding material elements. As an example, those material elements may be selected to impart stretch resistance, abrasion resistance, flexibility, breathability, compressibility, comfort and quick-drying to different areas of the upper. In order to impart different properties to different areas of the upper, the material elements are often cut into the desired shape and then usually sewn or glued together. Also, the material elements are often joined in a layered configuration to impart a number of properties to the same area. As the number and variety of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, so does the time and cost associated with transporting, storing, cutting and joining the material elements. Waste from the cutting and sewing process also accumulates as the number and variety of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, the greater the number of material elements in the upper, the more difficult it may be to recycle than the upper formed from a smaller number and type of material elements. Therefore, by reducing the number of material elements used for the upper, it is possible to reduce waste while improving the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.
<p num="0005"><patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,762</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,011</text></patcit><patcit num="3"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,299</text></patcit><patcit num="4"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 8,839,532</text></patcit><patcit num="5"><text>U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,577</text></patcit></p>
<p num="0006"> Various configurations of footwear products may have an upper and a sole structure fixed to the upper. The upper may incorporate knit components. The knit component may include color shifting properties caused by one or more lenticular knit structures provided across the upper of the footwear product. The lenticular knit structure is formed in an integral knit structure with the rest of the knit components.</p><p num="0007"> In one embodiment, the invention provides a footwear product comprising an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The upper incorporates knit components formed in an integral knit structure. The knit component comprises at least one lenticular knit structure including a first portion and a second portion located on both sides of the lenticular knit structure. The knit component further comprises a base located adjacent to at least one lenticular knit structure. At least one lenticular knit construction extends away from the base on the outer surface of the upper. The first part of at least one lenticular knit structure is associated with the first visual effect when the upper is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure is The upper is associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.</p><p num="0008"> In another aspect, the invention provides a knit component for incorporation into a product. The knit component comprises a plurality of lenticular knit structures. Each of the lenticular knit structures is formed using a first portion formed with a first yarn on one side of the lenticular knit structure and a second yarn placed on the opposite side of the lenticular knit structure. Also includes the second part. The first yarn and the second yarn are different. The knit component further comprises a base portion disposed between adjacent lenticular knit structures. The first portion, the second portion, and the base portion are formed of an integral knit structure having knit components. The first part of the lenticular knit structure is associated with the first visual effect when the knit component is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure is knit. The component is associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.</p><p num="0009"> In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a knit component for incorporation into a product. The method is to knit the base of the knit component, knit the first part of the lenticular knit structure using the first yarn, and use the second yarn to knit the second part of the lenticular knit structure. Including knitting the part of. The second yarn is different from the first yarn. In the lenticular knit structure, a first portion and a second portion are provided on both sides of the lenticular knit structure, and the lenticular knit structure is formed so as to extend vertically away from the base portion. The first part of the lenticular knit structure is associated with the first visual effect when the knit component is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure is knit. The component is associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.</p><p num="0010"> Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent or will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reviewing the drawings and detailed description below. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are included within the scope of this description and this overview, within the scope of the present invention, and are protected by the following claims. Is intended.</p><p num="0011"> The present invention can be better understood by reference to the drawings and description below. The components of the drawings are not necessarily on scale and instead are emphasized in explaining the principles of the invention. Further, in the drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar members across different drawings.</p>
0012<figref num="1">FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 5 is a view of the inner side of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="3">It is a figure of the outer side part of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="4">It is a front top view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="5">It is a typical figure of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure, as viewed from a first viewing angle.</figref><figref num="6">It is a typical figure of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure, as viewed from a second viewing angle.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a knitting machine configured to manufacture knit components.</figref><figref num="8">It is a flowchart of an exemplary process of knitting a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="9">It is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the method of manufacturing the embodiment of a knit component which shows that the base part is formed.</figref><figref num="10">It is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the method of manufacturing the embodiment of the knit component which shows that the first part of the lenticular knit structure is formed.</figref><figref num="11">It is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of the method of manufacturing the embodiment of the knit component which shows that the 2nd part of the lenticular knit structure is formed.</figref><figref num="12">It is a schematic knitting diagram of an embodiment of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="13">FIG. 6 is a schematic knitting diagram of an embodiment of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure including an inlay extension element.</figref><figref num="14">It is a typical figure of the cross section of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="15">It is a typical figure of the cross section of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure including an inlay extension element.</figref><figref num="16">FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure including areas associated with three colors.</figref><figref num="17">FIG. 5 is a view of the inner side of an alternative embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure.</figref><figref num="18">FIG. 5 is an outer side view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure including areas associated with three colors.</figref><figref num="19">FIG. 3 is a front top view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear product incorporating a knit component having a lenticular knit structure including areas associated with three colors.</figref><figref num="20">It is a schematic knitting diagram of an alternative embodiment of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure having three colors.</figref><figref num="21">FIG. 6 is a schematic knitting diagram of an embodiment of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure having three colors including an inlay stretch element.</figref><figref num="22">It is a typical figure of the cross section of a knit component incorporating a lenticular knit structure having three colors.</figref>
0013The following description and accompanying drawings disclose knit components and various concepts relating to the manufacture of knit components. Knit components can be used in a variety of products, but footwear products incorporating one or more of those knit components are disclosed below as examples. In addition to footwear, knit components include other types of clothing (eg, shirts, pants, socks, jackets, underwear), athletic equipment (eg, golf bags, baseball and football gloves, soccer ball regulatory structures). ), Containers (eg, rucksacks, bags) and furniture decorations (eg, chairs, couches, vehicle seats). Knit components may also be used in bed coverings (eg sheets, blankets), table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails and parachutes. Knit components are used for automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles (eg bandages, cotton bars, implants), civil engineering fiber sheets, agricultural fiber sheets for crop protection, and protection from heat and radiation or It may be used as an industrial technical fabric containing insulating industrial clothing. Thus, the knit components and other concepts disclosed herein can be incorporated into a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.
00141 to 22 show exemplary embodiments of footwear products with uppers incorporating knit components, including lenticular knit structures, and related manufacturing methods. The upper incorporates knit components, including one or more lenticular knit structures that give the upper and footwear color-changing properties. The individual shape configurations of any of the knit components described herein may be used in combination or may be provided separately with different configurations for the footwear product. Moreover, any shape configuration is free to choose and may not be included in any one particular embodiment of the knit component.
0015For consistency and for convenience, directional adjectives are used throughout this detailed description, corresponding to the embodiments illustrated. The term "longitudinal", as used throughout this detailed description and claim, refers to the direction in which the length or spindle of the product extends. Optionally, the longitudinal direction may extend from the toe area of the product to the heel area. Also, the term "lateral", as used throughout this detailed description and claim, refers to the direction in which the width or minor axis of the product extends. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between the inner and outer sides of the product. Moreover, the term "vertical", as used throughout this detailed description and claim, refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, if the product is laid flat on the ground, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground. It will be appreciated that those adjectives for direction may be applied to the individual components of the product, including the upper, knit components and their parts, and / or sole structure.
00161 to 6 show exemplary embodiments of footwear product 100, also simply referred to as product 100. In some embodiments, product 100 may include a sole structure 110 and an upper 120. Product 100 is illustrated to have a general structure suitable for running, but concepts related to Product 100 include, for example, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes. It may also be applied to various other types of athletic footwear, including training shoes, walking shoes and hiking boots. The concept may also be applied to the types of footwear commonly considered non-exercise, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals and work boots. Therefore, the concepts disclosed for Product 100 may apply to a wide variety of footwear.
0017For reference, product 100 has three general areas, namely the toe area 10, the midfoot area 12, and the heel area 14, as outlined in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. It can be divided into. The toe region 10 roughly includes the portion of the product 100 that corresponds to the toe and the joint connecting the metatarsal and phalanges. The midfoot region 12 roughly includes a portion of the product 100 that corresponds to the arched area of the foot. The heel region 14 roughly corresponds to the posterior part of the foot, including the calcaneus. Product 100 also includes lateral side 16 and medial side 18 that extend through each of the toe area 10, midfoot area 12 and heel area 14 and correspond to both sides of product 100. .. More specifically, the lateral side 16 corresponds to the lateral area of the foot (ie, the surface facing away from the other foot), and the medial side 18 corresponds to the medial area of the foot (ie, the other). It corresponds to the side facing the foot). The toe area 10, midfoot area 12, and heel area 14, as well as the lateral side 16 and medial side 18, are not intended to define the exact area of product 100. Rather, the toe area 10, midfoot area 12, and heel area 14, as well as the lateral side 16 and medial side 18, are intended to represent the general area of product 100, as useful in the discussion below. .. In addition to product 100, toe area 10, midfoot area 12 and heel area 14, and lateral side 16 and medial side 18 can also be applied to the sole structure 110, upper 120 and their individual elements. Good.
0018An exemplary coordinate system for explaining embodiments of the product 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 is shown in FIG. 4, with longitudinal direction 2 between the toe region 10 and the heel region 14 of the product 100. Extends along product 100 in, lateral 4 extends along product 100 between the outer side 16 and inner side 18, and vertical 6 extends between the sole structure 110 and top of product 100. Extends along product 100.
0019In an exemplary embodiment, the sole structure 110 is secured to the upper 120 and extends between the foot and the ground when the product 100 is worn. In some embodiments, the sole structure 110 may include one or more components including a midsole, outsole and / or insole or insole. In an exemplary embodiment, the sole structure 110 may include an outsole that is secured to the underside of the upper 120 and / or a base that is configured to secure the sole structure 110 to the upper 120. In one embodiment, the outsole may be formed from an abrasion resistant rubber material that has been textured to provide traction. This configuration for sole structure 110 shows examples of sole structures that may be used with the upper 120, but various other conventional or non-conventional structures for sole structure 110 may also be used. .. Therefore, in other embodiments, the shape configuration of the sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with the upper 120 may be modified.
0020For example, in other embodiments, the sole structure 110 may include a midsole and / or an insole. The midsole can be secured to the underside of the upper and, in some cases, dampenes the ground reaction force when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other walking activity ( That is, it may be formed from a compressible polymeric foam element (eg, polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate foam) that provides cushioning. In other cases, the midsole may incorporate plates, moderators, fluid filling chambers, lasting elements or motion control members that further reduce force, increase stability, or affect foot movement. In yet other cases, the midsole may be formed primarily from a fluid filling chamber that is located within the upper and that extends to the underside of the foot to enhance product comfort. Good.
0021In some embodiments, the upper 120 defines a cavity within the product 100 to accept the foot and secure it to the sole structure 110. The cavity is shaped to accommodate the foot and extend along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of the foot, on the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. .. The upper 120 includes an outer surface 121 and an opposite inner surface 122. The outer surface faces outward and away from the product 100, whereas the inner surface faces inward and covers most or a relatively large portion of the cavity within the product 100 to accommodate the foot. It is defined. In addition, the inner surface may be in contact with the foot or socks covering the foot. The upper 120 may also include a collar 142 that is disposed at least within the heel region 14 and forms a throat opening 140. Access to the cavity is provided by the throat opening 140. More specifically, the foot can be inserted into the upper 120 via the throat opening 140 formed by the collar 142, and the foot can be inserted through the throat opening 140 formed by the collar 142. It can be pulled out from the upper 120. In some embodiments, the instep area 150 is adjacent to the toe area 10 from the collar 142 and throat opening 140 of the heel area 14 beyond the area corresponding to the instep area in the midfoot area 112. It extends to the area.
0022In some embodiments, the upper 120 may include a throat portion provided between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 of the upper 120 through the perimeter area 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the throat portion may be integrally attached to the portion of the upper 120 along the lateral and medial sides through the perimeter area 150 and is formed in an integral knit construction. May be good. Thus, as shown in the drawings, the upper 120 may extend substantially continuously beyond the perimeter area 150 between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18. In another embodiment, the throat is lateral through the instep area 150 so that the throat is movable within the opening between the outer and inner sides of both sides of the instep area 150. The tongue may be formed by separating along the portion and the medial side portion.
0023In some embodiments, the lacing 152 extends through a plurality of lacing receiving members 154 within the upper 120, and the wearer resizes the upper 120 to accommodate the proportions of the foot. To enable. In some embodiments, the lacing 152 may extend through the lacing receiving member 154, which is located along both sides of the instep area 150. More specifically, the lacing 152 allows the wearer to tighten the upper 120 around the foot, and the lacing 152 allows the wearer to tighten the upper 120 from the cavity (ie, the throat opening 140). Allows the upper 120 to be loosened for easy foot entry and exit (via). In addition, the throat portion of the upper 120 in the instep area 150 extends under the lacing 152 to enhance the comfort of the product 100. The lacing string 152 is illustrated with product 100 in FIG. 1, but in the rest of the drawing, the lacing string 152 is omitted for clarity. In additional construction, the upper 120 has (a) a heel counter in the heel area 14 that enhances stability, (b) a toe guard in the toe area 10, and (c) made of abrasion resistant material. ) May include additional elements such as logos, trademarks, and tags with notes and material information.
0024Many conventional footwear uppers are made of, for example, a number of material elements (eg, fabrics, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) that are joined by sewing or bonding. In contrast, in some embodiments, the majority of the upper 120 is formed from the knit component 130, which will be described in more detail below. The knit component 130 may be manufactured, for example, by a flat knitting process, and through each of the toe area 10, midfoot area 12 and heel area 14, both the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. Along, above the toe area 10 and around the heel area 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the knit component 130 constitutes substantially all of the upper 120, including the outer surface 121 and most or a relatively large portion of the inner surface 122, thereby forming within the upper 120. It defines the part of the cavity. In some embodiments, the knit component 130 may also extend under the foot. However, in other embodiments, a straw-bell insole or a thin sole-like member of material is a knit component to form a mounting portion of the upper 120 that extends under the foot for mounting with the sole structure 110. It is fixed at 130.
0025Further, in this embodiment, the seam 160 is substantially vertical along the outer side portion 16 from the collar 142 downwards towards the sole structure 110 to join the edges of the knit component 130. It is extending. In other embodiments, the seam 160 may be placed on the inner side 18 in a substantially similar manner. In yet another embodiment, the seam 160 may instead extend vertically from the collar 142 downward through the heel region 14 towards the sole structure 110 at the rear of the product 100.
0026Although seams may be present on the knit component 130, most of the knit components 130 have a substantially seamless structure. Further, the knit component 130 may be formed of an integrally knit structure. As used herein, an integral knit structure (eg, knit component 130) is defined as being formed in an "integral knit structure" when formed as a one-piece element by the knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantially forms the various shape configurations and structures of the knit component 130 without requiring significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. An integral knit structure is one or more courses consisting of yarns, strands or other knit materials in which those structures or elements are joined so that they contain at least one course in common (ie, share a common yarn). And / or can be used to form a knit component having a structure or element containing a course that is substantially continuous between each structure or element. Using this configuration, a one-piece element with an integral knit structure is provided.
0027The portions of the knit component 130 can be joined together according to a later knitting process (eg, the ends of the knit component 130 are joined), but the knit component 130 is formed as a one-piece knit element. Therefore, it is still in a state of being formed with an integrally knit structure. In addition, the knit component 130 remains integral even if other elements (eg, lacing, logo, trademark, and tags with notes or material information, other structural elements) are added after the knitting process. It remains formed in a knit structure.
0028In different embodiments, a warp knitting process or a weft knitting process (including, but not limited to, a flat knitting process or a circular knitting process), or a knit component, to produce a knit component 130 formed in an integral knit structure. Any suitable knitting process may be used, including any other knitting process suitable for forming the. Examples of methods for forming the knit component 130 using various configurations of knit components and an integral knit structure include Dua et al. 1, Dua et al. 2, Dua et al. 3 and Huffa. It is disclosed in one or more of these Patent Documents 4, and these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In an exemplary embodiment, the flat knitting process may be used to form the knit component 130, as described in more detail.
0029In various embodiments, the footwear product may be provided with an upper incorporating a knit component with color-changing properties. In general, the color change characteristic refers to the characteristics of an element that looks different depending on the viewing angle of the element. In an exemplary embodiment, color change properties may be imparted to footwear products that use visual effects similar to or motivated by lenticular printing techniques. Lenticular printing involves the use of lenses to cause shifts in visible images or patterns when viewed from different viewing angles. This technique of lenticular printing can be used to create simple animations and visual effects for advertising and other purposes.
0030In some embodiments, the knit component may be provided with color-changing properties by utilizing a lenticular knit structure. The lenticular knit structure is configured to exhibit at least two different colors to the viewer when the lenticular knit structure is viewed from different viewing angles. For example, when viewed from a first viewing angle, a lenticular knit construction may make its knit components look like the first color, but at a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle. When viewed from, the lenticular knit construction makes its knit components look like a second color that is different from the first color. In this configuration, the lenticular knit construction may change the appearance of the color of the knit component and / or the viewer as it moves relative to the footwear product. The change in viewing angle associated with such movements of the knit component and / or the viewer causes the viewer to present a different color to the lenticular knit structure, thereby causing the knit component and footwear to change color. Produces properties.
0031In an exemplary embodiment, color change properties may be imparted by incorporating one or more lenticular knit structures 132 into at least a portion of the knit component 130. In this embodiment, the lenticular knit structure 132 may be in the form of a tubular rib structure. In some cases, the tubular rib structure extends away from the surface of the knit component 130 and is closed to form a tube, the knit component by overlapping knit layers with the same spread. It can be a non-planar structure defining a hollow tube formed within 130. In other cases, the tubular rib structure may include additional components provided within the tube, as described in more detail below.
0032In some embodiments, at least a portion of the knit component 130 is an adjacent tube forming the lenticular knit structure 132 in an area extending between the lenticular knit structure 132, i.e., on the outer surface 121 of the knit component. Areas arranged between the shaped rib structures may be included. In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion 136 of the knit component 130 is disposed between the lenticular knit structures 132. In some cases, the base 136 can be flexible, elastic and elastic, and can assist in stretching the knit component 130.
0033The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of knit component 130 will depend in part on the material that forms the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. For example, cotton provides a soft feel, natural beauty and biodegradability. Elastane and stretch polyester have considerable stretch and resilience, respectively, and stretch polyester is also recyclable. Rayon has excellent luster and hygroscopicity. Wool also has high hygroscopicity in addition to heat insulation and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable, wear-resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also has relatively high durability. In addition to the material, other aspects of the yarn selected for the knit component 130 can affect the properties of the upper 120. For example, the yarns forming the knit component 130 may contain separate filaments, each made of a different material. In addition, yarns include filaments in which the filaments have a sheath core structure or are each made of two or more different materials, such as composite yarns in which the two semifields are made of different materials. You may. Different twists and crimps, as well as different denier, can also affect the properties of the upper 120. Thus, both the material forming the yarn and the other aspects of the yarn can be selected to impart different properties to different areas of the upper 120.
0034In some configurations of the knit component 130, the material forming the yarn may be non-fused or cohesive. For example, the non-fusing yarn may be formed substantially from a thermosetting polyester material, and the fusion yarn may be formed at least partially from a thermoplastic polyester material. When the cohesive yarn is heated and fused to the non-fused yarn, this process has the effect of stiffening or hardening the structure of the knit component 130. Also, joining the portions of the non-fusing yarn with the fusion yarn has the effect of fixing or locking the relative position of the non-fusing yarn within the knit component 130, thereby resisting elongation. Property and rigidity may be imparted. That is, the non-fusing yarn portions, when fused with the fusion yarn, do not slip against each other, thereby preventing distortion or permanent stretching of the knit component 130 due to the relative movement of the knit structure. You may. Another feature of using a fusible yarn on the part of the knit component 130 is to limit it from unraveling if part of the knit component 130 is damaged or one of the non-fused yarns breaks. Involved in. Therefore, the area of knit component 130 may be constructed with both fused and non-fused yarns within the knit structure.
0035In an exemplary embodiment, the lenticular knit structure 132 may impart color change properties to the knit component 130 by incorporating two or more yarns used to knit the lenticular knit structure 132. For example, in an embodiment where the lenticular knit structure 132 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, different parts of the lenticular knit structure 132 include different types of yarn along each side of the tubular rib structure. You may. In one embodiment, the first portion 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 disposed on one side of the tubular rib structure can be knitted with a first yarn and also has a tubular rib structure. The second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 disposed on the opposite side of the can be knitted with a second yarn different from the first yarn. In some cases, the types of yarns may differ in terms of color in order to give the knit component 130 color-changing properties. In other cases, the type of yarn may differ in terms of texture or denier in order to give the knit component 130 color-changing properties.
0036Referring to FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the knit component 130 passes through the toe region 10, the midfoot region 12, and a portion of the heel region 14, with the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. Includes a plurality of lenticular knit structures 132 in the form of tubular rib structures extending approximately laterally between the spaces. Each of the lenticular knit structures 132 has a first portion 133 located on one side of a tubular rib structure facing the toe region 10 in front of the product 100 and a back or rear of the product 100. Includes a second portion 134 located on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure facing the heel region 14. For this configuration, the color change characteristics of the knit component 130 caused by the lenticular knit structure 132 can change when the product 100 is viewed from different viewing angles.
0037Further, in an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the knit component 130 may include a lenticular knit structure 132 having different orientations. For example, in the area of the knit component 130 located near the heel region 14 of the outer side 16 and the inner side 18, the lenticular knit structure 132 is approximately longitudinal from a nearly laterally oriented state. It shifts to the state of being oriented along the direction. The inner side 18 can be seen by a specific reference for the appearance of the inner side shown in FIG. 2, and the outer side 16 can be seen by a specific reference for the appearance of the outer side shown in FIG. Can be seen by. As a result of this different orientation, the lenticular knit structure 132 in these areas is placed at the bottom of the product 100 on one side of the tubular rib structure facing down to the sole structure 110 in the vertical direction. Includes a first portion 133 that has been made and a second portion 134 that is located at the top of the product 100 and is located on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure that faces vertically upwards toward the collar 142. You may. For this configuration, the color change characteristics of the knit component 130 caused by the lenticular knit structure 132 can change when the product 100 is viewed from different viewing angles.
0038Furthermore, due to the different orientations of the lenticular knit structure 132 arranged approximately along the longitudinal direction, the viewing angle at which the color change characteristics are seen differs from the viewing angle of the lenticular knit structure 132 arranged approximately along the lateral direction. You may be. In this configuration, the different areas of the knit component 130 and the product 100 can have color-changing properties over different viewing angles, so that the product 100 and / or the viewer moves relative to each other. The different areas of the knit component 130 appear to change color separately or at different times during operation.
00395 and 6 show two typical appearances of the color change characteristics of the knit component 130 caused by the lenticular knit structure 132 when the product 100 is viewed from two different viewing angles. In this embodiment, the knit component 130 has a lenticular knit structure 132 having a first portion 133 formed with a first yarn and a second portion 134 formed with a second yarn. Includes. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn may be of different types that produce different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the first yarn may be associated with the first color, and the 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 consist of species with different properties that can cause a visual color change effect.
0040Next, referring to FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the product 100 is viewed by the viewer from a first viewing angle of 500. The first viewing angle 500 is located approximately in front of the product 100 and is at least partially oriented along the longitudinal direction of the product 100. From a first viewing angle of 500, product 100 presents a knit component 130 that appears to have a first color. In an exemplary embodiment, the first color is the same color as the first yarn used to knit the first portion 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132. That is, from a first viewing angle of 500, the first portion 133 of each lenticular knit structure 132 is aligned to face the viewer. In this orientation, the first yarn used to form the first part 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 is visible from the first viewing angle 500, but the second part 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. The second yarn used to form is located on the opposite side and is not visible from the first viewing angle of 500. In this case, the characteristics of the first yarn forming the first portion 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 (ie, type, color, texture, denier, etc.) are mainly from the first viewing angle 500. It is a factor in the visual effect on the knit component 130, which makes it look like one color.
0041Next, referring to FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the product 100 is viewed by the viewer from a second viewing angle of 600. The second viewing angle 600 is different from the first viewing angle 500 shown in FIG. 5, and is at least partially oriented along the longitudinal direction of the product 100 and is located approximately behind the product 100. From the second viewing angle 600, the product 100 has a knit component 130 that appears to the viewer to have a second color that is different from the first color seen from the first viewing angle 500. I am presenting it. In an exemplary embodiment, the second color is the same as the second yarn used to knit the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. That is, from the second viewing angle 600, the second portion 134 of each lenticular knit structure 132 is aligned to face the viewer. In this orientation, the second yarn used to form the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 is viewed from a second viewing angle of 600, but from a first viewing angle of 500. The first yarn used to form the first part 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 is now located on the opposite side and is no longer visible from the second viewing angle 600. There is. In this case, the characteristics of the second yarn (ie, type, color, texture, denier, etc.) forming the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 are mainly from the second viewing angle 600. It is a factor in the visual effect on the knit component 130, which makes it look like two colors. For this configuration, the color change property of the knit component 130 may be provided by the lenticular knit structure 132.
0042Thus, in some embodiments, the base 136 of the knit component 130 may be visible from the first viewing angle 500 and the second viewing angle 600, respectively. The base portion 136 has a yarn type (yarn color that is substantially similar to either the first yarn or the second yarn forming the first portion 133 or the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. Including) may be formed. For this configuration, the type of yarn used to form the base 136 knits a visual effect consisting of a first color or a second color from a first viewing angle of 500 or a second viewing angle of 600. May further assist in feeding component 130. However, in other embodiments, the base portion 136 is a different yarn from either the first yarn or the second yarn forming the first portion 133 or the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. It may be formed using different yarn types, including the color of. For this configuration, the base 136 can provide a contrasting visual effect from either the first color or the second color.
0043In yet another embodiment, the lenticular knit construction 132 is densely arranged so that the base 136 is initially partially or totally invisible from either the first viewing angle 500 or the second viewing angle 600. It may be arranged. However, if the knit component 130 is stretched, the base 136 may be seen between adjacent lenticular knit structures 132. Thus, in these embodiments, the base portion 136 is either the yarn type or color of the first yarn or the second yarn forming the first portion 133 or the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. It may be formed using a yarn type that includes the color of the yarn, which is highly contrasting. For example, in one embodiment, the base 136 may be formed using yarn having a reflective or counter-reflective property.
0044The knit component 130 can be manufactured using the configurations described above, using any suitable machine, embodiment and technique. For example, in some embodiments, the knit component 130 can be automatically manufactured using a knitting machine, for example, the knitting machine 700 shown in FIG. The knitting machine 700 can be configured with any suitable type, for example a flat knitting machine. However, in different embodiments, it will be correctly recognized that the knitting machine 700 can be configured with different types without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
0045As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the knitting machine 700 can include a front needle bed 701 with a plurality of front needles 703 and a rear needle bed 702 with a plurality of rear needles 704. The front needle 703 can be arranged in a common plane, and the rear needle 704 can be arranged in a different common plane that intersects the plane of the front needle 703. The front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 may be angled with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the anterior needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 may be angled so that they form a V-bed. The knitting machine 700 may further include one or more feeders that are configured to move over the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. In FIG. 7, a first type feeder 720 and a second type feeder 722 are shown. The knitting machine 700 further includes a carriage 730 that moves across the needle bed and assists in moving the feeder with respect to the needle bed. In this embodiment, the knitting machine 700 is illustrated with a plurality of first type feeders 720 and at least one second type of feeder 722. When the first type feeder 720 moves, the feeder 720 uses yarn to form the knit component, including the knit component 130. For one or more of knitting, tacking or floating, the front needle. Yarn can be fed to the 703 and / or the rear needle 704. When the second type feeder 722 moves, the second type feeder 722 feeds yarn to the front needle 703 and / or the rear needle 704 for one or more of knitting, tacking or floating. can do. In some embodiments, the second type of feeder 722 may be a combination feeder that may be additionally configured to insert yarn. In an exemplary embodiment, the second type feeder 722 may feed an extensible element 724 that is inserted into the knit component 130.
0046A set of rails, including the front rail 710 and the rear rail 711, may extend above and parallel to the intersection of the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. The rails may provide mounting points for the feeder. The front rail 710 and the rear rail 711 may have two sides, including a front side surface 712 and a rear side surface 714, respectively. Each of the anterior side surface 712 and the rear side surface 714 can accommodate one or more feeders. As shown, the rear rail 711 includes two feeders 720 on each side, and the front rail 710 includes a feeder 722. Although two rails are drawn, additional configurations of the knitting machine 700 may include additional rails to provide mounting points for more feeders.
0047The feeder moves along the front rail 710 and the rear rail 711, whereby the yarn can be fed to the needle. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the yarn is fed to the feeder by one or more spools that feed the yarn for knitting to the feeder via the yarn guide 728. Although not shown, additional spools may be used to feed the yarn to the feeder in a substantially similar manner. A suitable knitting machine, including conventional feeders and combination feeders for the knitting machine 700, and related knitting methods for forming knit components using the machine are described in Huffa's Patent Document 5, the disclosure of which is described in Patent Document 5. By reference, the whole is incorporated herein by reference.
0048FIG. 8 shows an exemplary process 800 of knitting a knit component, including a knit component 130 having a lenticular knit structure 132, to include a lenticular knit structure. In one embodiment, process 800 may include one or more steps that may be repeated to form the finished knit component. The order of those steps is exemplary and in other embodiments, additional or different steps not shown in FIG. 8 may be included to knit the knit components. In step 802, the base 136 of the knit component 130 may be knitted using the first yarn. Next, in step 804, the first portion 133 of the tubular rib structure forming the lenticular knit structure 132 may be knitted with a second yarn. In step 806, the second portion 134 of the tubular rib structure forming the lenticular knit structure 132 may be knitted with a third yarn. As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the second yarn used in step 804 and the third yarn used in step 806 transfer the color change characteristics produced by the lenticular knit structure 132 to the knit component 130. It may be a different type of yarn, including yarns with different properties to give, including but not limited to color, texture, denier, or other qualities.
0049In some embodiments, in step 802, the first yarn used to form the base 136 may be different from one or both of the second and third yarns. In other embodiments, the first yarn used in step 802 may be similar to any of the second and third yarns.
0050In some embodiments, the extensible element 724 may be incorporated into, inserted, or inserted into one or more tubular rib structures between the integral knit structures of the knit components 130. It may extend inward. In other words, the extensibility element 724 can be incorporated during the knitting process 800 of the knit component 130. As illustrated in FIG. 8, process 800 may include any step 808 for inserting an extensible element within one or more tubular rib structures forming the lenticular knit structure 132. In some embodiments, the extensible element 724 may be in a non-fixed area forming a tunnel within the tubular rib structure of the lenticular knit structure 132. In different embodiments, one or more extensible elements 724 can be incorporated into the knit component 130. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extensible element 724 may be used to form a lacing accommodating member 154 that forms a loop for accommodating the lacing 152 through the instep area 150. The extensible element 724 also attaches to the knit component 130 by withstanding deformation, stretching, or otherwise providing support to the wearer's foot during running, jumping or other movements. Support may be given.
0051For this configuration, Process 800 is used to form a plurality of bases 136 and a plurality of lenticular knit structures 132 arranged over a portion or significant portion of the knit component 130 incorporated into the product 100 upper 120. You may. In general, the base 136 of the knit component 130 may be connected to the portion between the various elements and / or the components of the knit component 130. The base 136 is formed in an integral knit structure with the rest of the knit component 130 and may function to connect the various parts together as a one-piece knit element. The knit component 130 may include any suitable number of base portions 136. In a different embodiment, the base portion 136 can be an area of a knit component 130 consisting of one knit layer. In some embodiments, the base portion 136 may extend between one portion of the knit component and another portion of the knit component 130. In one embodiment, the base 136 can extend between one tubular rib structure and another tubular rib structure forming the adjacent lenticular knit structure 132. In different embodiments, the base 136 may extend between one tubular rib structure and another portion of the knit component 130. In another embodiment, the base 136 may extend between one tubular rib structure and the edges of the knit component 130. Appropriate configurations of base 136 are described in co-pending and co-owned U.S. Patent Application No. 62/057264 (agent reference number 51-3901) filed September 30, 2014. The disclosure may be in the form of an area, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
0052As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the lenticular knit structure 132 is tubular, which is an area consisting of knit components 130 composed of two or more knit layers having the same spread and overlapping. It may be formed as a rib structure. The knit layer may be a portion of the knit component 130 formed by a knit material such as a thread, yarn or strand, and the two or more knit layers are tubes identified as a tubular rib structure. Alternatively, it may be formed with an integral knit structure such that the tunnel is formed within the knit component 130. The sides or edges of the knit layer forming the tubular rib structure may be attached to other layers, but the central area is between the two layers of knit material forming each knit layer. It is not roughly fixed so as to form a hollow portion in the. In some embodiments, the central area of the tubular rib structure is hollow between two knit layers with another element (eg, an extensible element) placed in between and forming the tubular rib structure. It may be configured so that it may pass through a section. Suitable tubular rib structures with or without inlay extension elements, which may be used to form the lenticular knit structure 132, are incorporated herein by reference above, September 30, 2014. It is described in US Patent Application No. 62/057264, co-owned and co-owned, filed with Agent Reference No. 51-3901.
00539 to 11 show a typical set of knitting processes 800 using a knitting machine 700 to form portions of knit components 130. Additional steps or processes not shown here may be used to form the finished knit component that will be incorporated into the footwear product upper, including the product 100 upper 120. Also, in order to better illustrate the knit structure of the various parts of the knit component 130, it is possible that only the relatively small compartments of the knit component 130 are shown. In addition, the scale or proportions of the various elements of the knitting machine 700 and the knit component 130 may be emphasized to better illustrate the knitting process.
0054The knit component 130 is formed between the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702, but in FIGS. 9 to 11, for illustration purposes, the knit component 130 is described in (a) the knitting process. Understand that they are shown adjacent to the anterior needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 to better look and (b) to indicate the position of the parts of the knit component 130 relative to each other and the needle bed. Should be. The front and rear hands are not shown in FIGS. 9-11 for clarity. Also, one rail and a limited number of feeders are shown, but additional rails, feeders and spools may be used. Therefore, the general structure of the knitting machine 700 has been simplified to illustrate the knitting process.
0055With reference to FIG. 9, a part of the knitting machine 700 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the 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 those feeders may be disposed anterior or posterior to the front rail 710 and / or the rear rail 711. In this embodiment, the first yarn 901 from the spool (not shown) passes through the first feeder 900, and the end of the first yarn 901 is at the end of the first feeder 900. It extends outward from the tip of the thread feeder. Any type of yarn (eg, filament, thread, rope, band, cable, chain or strand) may pass through the first feeder 900. The second yarn 903 also extends outward from the thread feed tip at the end of the second feeder 902 through the second feeder 902. In an exemplary embodiment, the third yarn 905 also extends outward from the thread feed tip at the end of the third feeder 904 through the third feeder 904. In some embodiments, the first yarn 901, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 are also used to form different parts of the knit component 130, as further described below. Good.
0056In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first yarn 901, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 has different properties (colors) for imparting the color-changing properties produced by the lenticular knit structure 132 to the knit component 130. , Texture, denier or other qualities, including but not limited to) may be used. In FIG. 9, the first feeder 900 may use the first yarn 901 to knit the base portion 136 of the knit component 136. Each path of the first feeder 900 across the needle beds 701, 702 of the knitting machine 700 forms a course consisting of intertwined loops formed by the first yarn 901. The multiple passes of the first feeder 900 may be used to knit the base 136 having the desired number of courses. Then, according to step 804 of process 800, FIG. 10 uses a second yarn 903 to form the first portion 133 of the tubular rib structure forming one side of the lenticular knit structure 132. The feeder 902 of 2 is shown. Similarly, the second feeder 902 may form a large number of paths such that the second yarn 903 is used to knit a desired number of courses to form the first portion 133.
0057After the desired number of courses of the second yarn 903 have been knitted by the second feeder 902, the knitting process 800 may proceed to step 806 for knitting the second part 134. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the third feeder 904 forms one or more courses forming a second portion 134 of the tubular rib structure forming the opposite side of the lenticular knit structure 132. Used to knit the third yarn 905. As a result, any step 808 of inserting the extensible element can be performed to place the extensible element 724 within the tubular rib structure.
00589 to 11 are exemplary without specific considerations for the knitting ordering performed on any one particular set of needles associated with either the anterior needle bed 701 and / or the rear needle bed 702. It is used to describe the knitting process 800. 12 and 13 are each of the knit components 130, including a base 136, a first portion 133 and a second portion 134, associated with a particular needle bed that may be used to form each portion. Shown is an exemplary knitting or looping schematic for ordering with respect to knitting parts. However, it should be noted that FIGS. 12 and 13 show one exemplary configuration in which Process 800 is carried out. Other configurations can be readily obtained in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein to form other lenticular knit structures for imparting color change properties to the product.
0059In one embodiment of FIG. 1200 of the first knitting shown in FIG. 12, the base portion 136 can be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702, followed by the rear needle bed 702. And the front needle bed 701, the first part 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 is formed from the second yarn 903, and the second part 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 is from the third yarn 905. Another base portion 136 is formed and can be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702. The following description describes the knitting process schematically illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, with the anterior needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 referenced in this description schematically illustrated in FIG. It will be understood that it has been done.
0060Referring again to FIG. 12, even if the connecting course 1204 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 is formed after the formation of the last course 1202 of the base portion 136 using the first yarn 901. Good. One or more courses may then be knitted on the front needle bed 701. For example, the course forming the first portion 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 can be formed in the same manner as the course 1206 with the second yarn 903 on the front needle bed 701. The final course 1208 of the first part 133 is then knitted on the front needle bed 701 with the second yarn 903 and then an additional course forming the second part 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. Can be formed on the anterior needle bed 701 in a manner similar to course 1210 using a third yarn 905. After the desired number of courses forming the second portion 134 have been knitted on the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 may be used to knit the course 1212 by the rear needle bed 702. For example, the course 1212 may form the last course of the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 that closes the tubular rib structure to form a hollow tunnel. After the course 1212 completes the lenticular knit construction 132, it extends between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, which is woven against the previous course on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. Another connecting course 1214 may be formed. In the connecting 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 wrenchcular knit structure 132 by using knit stitches is step 1216. In, the knit component 130 is transferred to the rear needle bed 702 and the process described above is repeated until the knit component 130 is completed, so that the rear needle bed 702 is used and another base portion is provided by the first yarn 901. It can be created to be associated with additional courses that form 136.
0061In various embodiments, different numbers of courses are provided on one or both of the anterior needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702 to vary the shape and / or size of the tubular rib structure forming the lenticular knit structure 132. You may knit. In some cases, the size of the tubular rib structure may be increased or decreased accordingly by increasing or decreasing the number of courses knitted on the rear needle bed 702 and / or the front needle bed 701. In other cases, the shape of the tubular rib structure may be modified by increasing the number of courses knitted on either the rear needle bed 702 or the front needle bed 701 relative to each other. For example, by increasing the number of courses knitted on the rear needle bed 702, the curvature of the inner surface 122 of the knit component 130 is rounded so that it is the same as the curvature of the outer surface 121 of the knit component 130. The shape of the tubular rib structure may be changed for attachment. Furthermore, by increasing or decreasing the number of courses knitted by each of the second yarn 903 and / or the third yarn 905, the range or amount of the first portion 133 and / or the second portion 134 is similarly increased. You may change it.
0062For example, by increasing the number of courses knitted by the second yarn 903 to form the first part 133, and / or by knitting by the third yarn 905 to form the second part 134. The color change characteristic given to the knit component 130 by the lenticular knit construction using this configuration by reducing the number of courses is the number of viewing angles associated with the visual effect or color from the first part 133. May be modified to increase and / or reduce the number of viewing angles associated with visual effects or colors from the second part 134. That is, a lenticular knit structure having a first portion larger than the second portion will result in a visual effect produced by the first portion, given a larger range of second yarns forming the lenticular knit structure. Will have more viewing angles associated with than in the second part.
0063In schematic 1200 of the exemplary knitting described in connection with FIG. 12, the lenticular knit structure 132 is formed as a hollow tubular rib structure. In other embodiments, the extensible element may be inserted into the unfixed central area of one or more lenticular knit structures 132 forming a tubular rib structure. FIG. 13 shows schematic 1300 of an exemplary knit for forming a lenticular knit structure 132 including an inlay extension element 724. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the process is substantially similar to the process shown in FIG. 1200 for knitting to form the lenticular knit structure 132 as the hollow tubular rib structure shown in FIG.
0064However, in the process of FIG. 13, after forming the course 1212 on the rear needle bed 702, the extensible element 724 is inserted in the portion of the tubular rib structure forming the lenticular knit structure 132 at inlay step 1302. .. The extensible element 724 may be inserted in step 1302 using the combination feeder and associated insertion method described in Huffa's Patent Document 5, which is incorporated herein by reference above.
0065In step 1302, after the extensible element 724 has been inserted into the lenticular knit structure 132, the process shown in sketch 1300 of knitting proceeds in substantially the same manner as in schematic 1200 of knitting. That is, even if another connecting course 1214 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 is formed, which is knitted with respect to the immediately preceding course on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. Good. In the connecting 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 lenticular knit structure 132 by using knit stitches is step 1216. In, the knit component 130 is transferred to the rear needle bed 702 and the process described above is repeated until the knit component 130 is completed, so that the rear needle bed 702 is used and another base portion is provided by the first yarn 901. It can be created to be associated with additional courses that form 136. For this configuration, the lenticular knit structure 132, including the inlay extension element 724, is housed in a hollow, unfixed area within the tubular rib structure that extends along the length of the lenticular knit structure 132. An extensible element 724 is formed.
0066In other embodiments, the formation of the knit component 130 may be similar, but involves switching the needle bed used. For example, the knitting process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be performed using the needle beds on both sides, so that the base 136 can be formed using the front needle bed 701, and FIG. And the remaining steps shown in FIG. 13 can be performed in the same order using a needle bed on the opposite side of the one shown. Other methods of using the various needle beds of the knitting machine 700 to form the base portion 136 and the lenticular knit structure 132 including the first portion 133 and the second portion 134 are described above. It will be obvious to the trader.
006714 and 15 show typical cross-sections of the knit component 130 incorporating the lenticular knit structure 132. FIG. 14 shows a typical FIG. 1400 of some of the knit components 130 incorporating a lenticular knit structure 132 having a hollow, unfixed area 1410. As shown in this embodiment, each lenticular knit structure 132 has a first portion 133 formed using a second yarn 903 and a second portion 133 formed using a third yarn 905. Includes parts 134 and. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one course of the first part 133 formed by the second yarn 903 is braided with at least one course of the second part 134 formed by the third yarn 905. To. In this configuration, the first portion 133 and the second portion 134 are formed in an integral knit structure. The base portion 136 of the knit component 130 is spaced apart between the lenticular knit structures 132 to separate the lenticular knit structures 132. The base portion 136 is formed from a first yarn 901 and is formed by an integral knit structure having a first portion 133 and a second portion 134 on each side of the lenticular knit structure 132, as described above. Has been done.
0068Includes a first portion 133 formed by a second yarn 903 on one side of the tubular rib structure and a second portion 134 formed by a third yarn 905 on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure. The configuration of the lenticular knit structure 132 provides the knit component 130 with color change characteristics. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may be of different types with different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the second yarn 903 may be associated with the first color, and the third yarn 905 may be associated with a second color different from the first color. However, in other embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may consist of types with different properties that can cause a visual color change effect.
0069The color change characteristics of the knit component 130 provided by the lenticular knit structure 132 will be described with reference to typical FIG. 1400. In this embodiment, when the knit component 130 is viewed from a first viewing angle 1402, the first portion 133 formed by the second yarn 903 is, for the most part, and substantially the viewer. It is presented towards. Therefore, from the first viewing angle 1402, the first portion 133 of the lenticular knit structure 132 may give the viewer almost the entire visual effect of the knit component 130. In this case, the property associated with the second yarn 903 forming the first portion 133 indicates a visual effect, eg, the color of the second yarn 903.
0070In contrast, when the knit component 130 is viewed from a second viewing angle 1404, which is different from the first viewing angle 1402, the viewer is presented with a different visual effect. In this embodiment, when the knit component 130 is viewed from a second viewing angle 1404, the second portion 134 formed by the third yarn 905 is largely and substantially to the viewer. It is presented towards. Therefore, from the second viewing angle 1404, the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132 may give the viewer an almost overall appearance of the knit component 130. In this case, the property associated with the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 134 exhibits a visual effect, eg, the color of the third yarn 905 that is different from the color of the second yarn 903. As mentioned above, in other embodiments, the different visual effects provided between the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 have other properties that give rise to different visual effects (yarn type, denier, texture, etc.) Alternatively, it may include (but not limited to) other properties.
0071For this configuration of the lenticular knit structure 132 on the knit component 130, the color change characteristics of the upper 120 and / or product 100 are such that when the viewing angle changes, for example, the viewing angle becomes the first viewing angle 1402. The viewer may be provided to observe changes in the visual effects of the upper 120 and / or product 100 when changing between the second viewing angle 1404. Further, as described above, in some embodiments, the base portion 136 is knitted in cooperation with or in contrast to the first portion 133 and / or the second portion 134 of the lenticular knit structure 132. A first yarn 901 similar to or different from either or both of the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may be formed to further aid the visual effect provided to the element 130.
0072Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a typical FIG. 1500 of some of the knit components 130 incorporating a lenticular knit structure 132 with an unfixed area 1410 including an extensible element 724 is illustrated. In this embodiment, each lenticular knit structure 132 includes an inlay extension element 724 extending through an unfixed area 1410 inside the tubular rib structure forming the lenticular knit structure 132. As illustrated in FIG. 15, each lenticular knit structure 132 includes an accompanying extensible element 724. However, in other embodiments, the extensible element 724 may be provided only within the selected lenticular knit structure 132, which is located in a particular area or region of the knit component 130. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the extensible element 724 is disposed along the instep area 150 to provide a lacing accommodating member 154 that forms a loop to accommodate the lacing 152. It may be included in the lenticular knit structure 132. In yet other embodiments, the extensible element 724 may be omitted.
0073The aforementioned embodiment of the knit component 130 has shown a lenticular knit structure 132 having two parts formed with different yarns to impart color change properties to the upper 120 and product 100. In other embodiments, the lenticular knit structure comprises an additional portion formed using a different type of yarn than both yarns forming the first and second parts of the lenticular knit structure. May be formed. 16-22 show exemplary embodiments of footwear product 1600, including a lenticular knit structure with three parts formed using different yarns.
0074An exemplary coordinate system for explaining an exemplary embodiment of the product 1600 shown in FIGS. 16 to 22 is illustrated in FIG. 19, where the longitudinal direction 2 is the toe region 10 of the product 1600. Extends along the product 1600 between the heel area 14 and the lateral direction 4 extends along the product 1600 between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18, and the vertical 6 extends with the sole structure 110. It extends along the product 1600 to and from the top of the product 1600.
0075In some embodiments, product 1600 comprises an upper 1620 that includes components that are substantially similar to the components associated with the upper 120 described above. For example, the upper 1620 may include a throat opening 140 surrounded by a collar 142, and may be joined along the seam 160 as described above. Similarly, the upper 1620 may include an outer surface 121 and an inner surface 122 associated with the outer and inner sides of the product 1600, respectively. The upper 1620 may be joined or fixed to the sole structure 110 to complete the footwear product 1600.
0076In an exemplary embodiment, the upper 1620 is formed from two different yarns in a manner substantially similar to the lenticular knit structure 132 described above, and substantially similar to the lenticular knit structure 132 thereof. Includes knit components 1630, including a first lenticular knit structure 1632 with. In an exemplary embodiment, the knit component 1630 further comprises at least one area 1602 with a second lenticular knit structure 1638 having three parts formed from three different yarns. Further, in this embodiment, the knit component 1630 includes a base portion 1636 provided between one or more first lenticular knit structures 1632 and / or second lenticular knit structures 1638. In one embodiment, the base portion 1636 may be formed in substantially the same manner as the base portion 136 described above, and substantially the same as the base portion 136 thereof.
0077Referring to FIG. 16, in this embodiment, the knit component 1630 includes an area 1602 having one or more second lenticular knit structures 1638, while the rest of the knit component 1630 is a first. Includes lenticular knit construction 1632. This embodiment illustrates a single area 1602 with a second lenticular knit structure 1638, but may be provided with additional or different areas arranged in other areas or parts of the knit component 1630. You should understand the good things. Further, in some embodiments, the area 1602 may be selected to function as a marker, logo, pattern, or other visual effect that differs from the rest of the knit component 1630.
0078In an exemplary embodiment, the first lenticular knit structure 1632 imparts color-changing properties to the knit component 1630 by incorporating two or more yarns used to knit the first lenticular knit structure 1632. May be good. For example, in an embodiment where the lenticular knit structure 1632 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, different parts of the first lenticular knit structure 1632 contain different types of yarn along each side of the tubular rib structure. You may be. In one embodiment, the first portion 1633 of the first lenticular knit structure 1632 provided on one side of the tubular rib structure may be knitted with a first yarn and also the tubular rib structure. The second portion 1634 of the first lenticular knit structure 1632 provided on the opposite side of the first lenticular knit structure may be knitted with a second yarn different from the first yarn. In some cases, the yarn types may differ in terms of color in order to give the knit component 1630 color change characteristics. In other cases, the type of yarn may differ in texture or denier in order to give the knit component 1630 color change characteristics.
0079In some embodiments, the knit component 1630 further comprises an area 1602 having a second lenticular knit structure 1638. The second lenticular knit structure 1638, as in the case of the first lenticular knit structure 1632, incorporates two or more yarns used to knit the lenticular knit structure 1638 to provide color change characteristics to the knit component 1630. May be given in the same way. For example, in an embodiment in which the second lenticular knit structure 1638 is in the form of a tubular rib structure, a second lenticular knit structure provided on one side of the tubular rib structure knitted with the first yarn. The first part 1633 of 1638 and the second of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 provided on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure which may be knitted with a second yarn different from the first yarn. Different types of yarn may be similarly included along each side of the tubular rib structure, including portion 1634. In this embodiment, the second tubular rib structure 1638 is a third yarn that differs from both the first and second yarns used for each of the first portion 1633 and the second portion 1634. Further includes an upper portion 1637 provided at the top of the tubular rib structure. In this configuration, the second wrench knit structure 1638 is a first portion 1633 and / or second portion provided along the sides of the second wrench knit structure 1638 and the first wrench knit structure 1632. A third visual effect provided by the upper part 1637, which is different from the visual effect presented by 1634, may be given to the knit component 1630.
0080In one embodiment, the area 1602 having the second lenticular knit structure 1638 may be located approximately in part of the toe area 10 and / or the midfoot area 12, and the lateral side 16 of the product 1600. It may be shifted toward. In this configuration, area 1602 may present a third visual effect to the viewer when the product 1600 and upper 1620 are viewed from a viewing angle that includes at least a portion of the outer side 16. However, area 1602 does not present a third visual effect to the viewer when the product 1600 and upper 1620 are viewed from a viewing angle primarily along the medial side 18. May be good. For example, area 1602 is not visible from the medial side 18, as shown in the medial side diagram shown in FIG. However, as shown in the outer side view shown in FIG. 18, the area 1602 is visible from the outer side 16. Similarly, when looking at the product 1600 and upper 1620 from above or from the front as shown in FIG. 19, the viewer also sees area 1602. For this configuration, area 1602, including the second lenticular knit structure 1638, may be selectively provided at various parts of the knit component 1630. However, in different embodiments, areas 1602 or additional areas may be placed in different parts of the upper 1620 so that different color change characteristics occur in those parts of the upper 1620 as desired.
0081As mentioned above, the first lenticular knit structure 1632 is substantially similar to the lenticular knit structure 132 described above and specifically shown with reference to the knitting schematics 1200 and 1300 of FIGS. 12 and 13. It may be formed by a method. The knitting process for knitting the second lenticular knit structure 1638 may include many steps similar to the first lenticular knit structure 1632 and / or the lenticular knit structure 132. However, in contrast, a third yarn may be used to form the upper portion 1637 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 so as to give the knit component 1630 a third visual effect. 21 and 22 show a knit containing a base portion 1636, a first portion 1633, a second portion 1634 and an upper portion 1637, associated with a particular needle bed that may be used to form each portion. An exemplary knitting or looping schematic relating to the knitting order of each part of component 1630 is shown. However, it should be noted that FIGS. 20 and 21 show one exemplary configuration that carries out the knitting process to form the knit component 1630. Other configurations can be readily obtained in accordance with the principles of the invention described herein in order to form other lenticular knit structures to impart color change properties to the product.
0082In one embodiment of FIG. 2000 of the third knitting shown in FIG. 20, the base portion 1636 can be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702, followed by the rear needle bed. Using the combination of the 702 and the anterior needle bed 701, the first part 1633 of the second wrenchular knit structure 1638 is formed from the second yarn 903, and the second part 1634 of the second wrenchcular knit structure 1638. Is formed from the third yarn 905, and another base portion 1636 can be formed from the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702. The following description describes the knitting process schematically illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, with the anterior needle bed 701 and rear needle bed 702 referred to in this description schematically illustrated in FIG. It will be understood that it has been done.
0083Referring again to FIG. 20, even if the last course 2002 of the base portion 1636 is formed using the first yarn 901 and then the connecting course 2004 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 is formed. Good. One or more courses may then be knitted on the front needle bed 701. For example, the course forming the first portion 1633 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 can be formed in the same manner as course 2006 with the second yarn 903 on the front needle bed 701. The final course 2008 of the first part 1633 is then knitted on the front needle bed 701 with the second yarn 903 and then forms the upper part 1637 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638, It can be formed in a similar manner to Course 2010 with a fourth yarn 907.
0084After the desired number of courses forming the upper part 1637 are knitted with the fourth yarn 907, the front needle has an additional course forming the second part 1634 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638. It can be formed on the floor 701 in a manner similar to Course 2012 with a third yarn 905. A third yarn 905 may be used to knit course 2014 by the rear needle bed 702 after the desired number of courses forming the second part 1634 have been knitted on the front needle bed 701. For example, course 2014 may close the tubular rib structure to form the last course of the second part 1634 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 forming a hollow tunnel. After Course 2014 completed the second lenticular knit construction 1638, with the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, which are woven against the previous course above the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. Another connecting course 2016 may be formed that extends between. By using knit stitches in the connecting course 2016 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 forming the second part 1634 of the second wrenchcular knit structure 1638 In step 2018, the knit component 1630 is transferred to the rear needle bed 702 and another by the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702 by repeating the process described above until the knit component 1630 is completed. It can be created to be associated with additional courses that form the base 1636.
0085In various embodiments, as described above for the lenticular knit structure 132, different numbers of courses are provided on the anterior needle bed to vary the shape and / or size of the tubular rib structure forming the second lenticular knit structure 1638. It may be knitted on one or both of the 701 and the rear needle bed 702.
0086In a schematic 2000 of an exemplary knitting described in connection with FIG. 20, the second lenticular knit structure 1638 is formed as a hollow tubular rib structure. In other embodiments, the extensibility element of one or more second lenticular knit structures 1638 that form a tubular rib structure in a manner similar to the first lenticular knit structure 1632 and / or the lenticular knit structure 132. It may be inserted into an unfixed central area. FIG. 21 shows schematic 2100 of an exemplary knit for forming a second lenticular knit structure 1638 including an inlay extension element 724. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the process is substantially similar to the process shown in FIG. 2000 of knitting to form the second lenticular knit structure 1638 as the hollow tubular rib structure shown in FIG. Is.
0087However, in the process of FIG. 21, after forming the course 2014 on the rear needle bed 702, in insertion step 2102, the extensibility element 724 is inserted as part of the tubular rib structure forming the second lenticular knit structure 1638. Will be done. The extensible element 724 may be inserted in step 2102 using the combination feeder and accompanying insertion method described in Huffa's Patent Document 5, which is incorporated herein by reference above.
0088In step 2102, after the extensible element 724 has been inserted into the second lenticular knit structure 1638, the process shown in sketch 2100 of knitting proceeds in a manner substantially similar to sketch 2000 of knitting. That is, even if another connecting course 2016 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701 is formed, which is knitted with respect to the immediately preceding course on the front needle bed 701 and the rear needle bed 702. Good. By using knit stitches in the connecting course 2016 extending between the rear needle bed 702 and the front needle bed 701, the third yarn 905 forming the second part 1634 of the second wrenchcular knit structure 1638 In step 2018, the knit component 1630 is transferred to the rear needle bed 702 and another by the first yarn 901 using the rear needle bed 702 by repeating the process described above until the knit component 1630 is completed. It can be created to be associated with additional courses that form the base 1636. In this configuration, the second lenticular knit structure 1638, including the inlay extension element 724, has a hollow, unfixed area within the tubular rib structure that extends along the length of the second lenticular knit structure 1638. An extensible element 724 housed therein is provided.
0089FIG. 22 shows a typical FIG. 2200 of a partial cross section of a knit component 1630 incorporating a second lenticular knit structure 1638. For example, FIG. 2200 may be part of a knit component associated with area 1602. In this embodiment, the portion of the knit component 1630 comprises a second lenticular knit structure 1638 having a hollow, unfixed area 2210. It is understood that the second lenticular knit structure 1638 including the inlay extension element 724 may have a structure substantially similar to the inlay extension element 724 disposed together with the hollow non-fixed area 2210. Should. As illustrated in this embodiment, each second lenticular knit structure 1638 was formed using a first portion 1633 formed with a second yarn 903 and a third yarn 905. Includes the second part 1634 and. Further, in contrast to the first lenticular knit structure 1632, the second lenticular knit structure 1638 further comprises an upper portion 1637 formed using a fourth yarn 907.
0090In an exemplary embodiment, the upper portion 1637 is disposed on top of a tubular rib structure forming a second lenticular knit structure 1638. In some embodiments, the upper portion 1637 formed using the fourth yarn 907 may be provided between the first portion 1633 and the second portion 1634. That is, at least one course of the first part 1633 formed by the second yarn 903 is woven with at least one course of the upper 1637 formed by the fourth yarn 907 and also the third yarn. At least one course of the second part 1634 formed by the 905 is also knitted with at least one course of the upper 1637 formed by the fourth yarn 907. In this configuration, each of the first portion 1633, the upper portion 1637 and the second portion 1634 is formed in an integral knit structure. The base portion 1636 of the knit component 1630 is spaced apart between each second lenticular knit structure 1638 to separate each lenticular knit structure. The base portion 1636 is an integral knit formed from the first yarn 901 and having a first portion 1633 and a second portion 1634 on each side of the second lenticular knit structure 1638, as described above. It is formed by a structure.
0091Includes a first portion 1633 formed by a second yarn 903 on one side of the tubular rib structure and a second portion 1634 formed by a third yarn 905 on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure. The configuration of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 gives the knit component 1630 color change characteristics. In addition, the upper portion 1637 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 formed by the fourth yarn 907 on top of the tubular rib structure may provide additional visual effects to the knit component 1630. As mentioned above, in various embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may be of different types with different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the second yarn 903 may be associated with the first color, and the third yarn 905 may be associated with a second color different from the first color. However, in other embodiments, the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 may consist of types with different properties that can cause a visual color change effect. Further, the fourth yarn 907 may be of a different type than either or both of the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905.
0092The color change characteristics of the knit component 1630 provided by the second lenticular knit structure 1638 will be described with reference to typical Figure 2200. In this embodiment, if the knit component 1630 is viewed from a first viewing angle 2202, the first portion 1633 formed by the second yarn 903 is, for the most part, and substantially the viewer. It is presented towards. Therefore, from the first viewing angle 2202, the first part 1633 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 may give the viewer almost the entire visual effect of the knit component 1630. In this case, the property associated with the second yarn 903 forming the first portion 1633 indicates a visual effect, eg, the color of the second yarn 903.
0093In contrast, when the knit component 1630 is viewed from a second viewing angle 2204, which is different from the first viewing angle 2202, the viewer is presented with a different visual effect. In this embodiment, when the knit component 1630 is viewed from a second viewing angle 2204, the second portion 1634 formed by the third yarn 905 is, for the most part, and substantially to the viewer. It is presented towards. Therefore, from the second viewing angle 2204, the second part 1634 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 may give the viewer an almost overall appearance of the knit component 1630. In this case, the properties associated with the third yarn 905 forming the second portion 1634 exhibit a visual effect, eg, the color of the third yarn 905 that is different from the color of the second yarn 903. As mentioned above, in other embodiments, the different visual effects provided between the second yarn 903 and the third yarn 905 have other properties that give rise to different visual effects (yarn type, denier, texture, etc.) Alternatively, it may include (but not limited to) other properties.
0094For this configuration, which consists of a second wrench-cular knit structure 1638 on the knit component 1630, and similar components forming the first wrench-cular knit structure 1632, the color change characteristics of the upper 1620 and / or product 1600 are When the viewing angle changes, for example, when the viewing angle changes between the first viewing angle 2202 and the second viewing angle 2204, the viewer sees the upper 1620 and / or the product 1600. It may be given to observe the change in effect. In contrast to the first lenticular knit structure 1632 and the lenticular knit structure 132 shown in typical FIG. 1400 described above, the second lenticular knit structure 1638 is an upper portion formed using a fourth yarn 907. It is configured to give a third visual effect brought about by 1637.
0095As illustrated in FIG. 22, the third visual effect produced by the upper portion 1637 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 is a third looking at the top of the second lenticular knit structure 1638 from approximately vertical. May be visible when looking at the knit component 1630 from a viewing angle of 2206. However, because the upper portion 1637 is located on top of the second lenticular knit structure 1638, the upper portion 1637 is a knit component from either or both of the first viewing angle 2202 and the second viewing angle 2204. You can also see it when looking at 1630. That is, the third visual effect produced by the upper 1637 formed with the fourth yarn 907 may remain substantially constant over multiple viewing angles. For example, the same visual effects produced by the upper 1637 can be seen from the first viewing angle 2202, the second viewing angle 2204, and the third viewing angle 2206. For this configuration, the second lenticular knit structure 1638 can provide a substantially unchanged visual effect across multiple viewing angles within area 1602 of the knit component 1630.
0096Further, in some embodiments, the base portion 1636 is knitted in collaboration with or in contrast to the first portion 1633, upper portion 1637 and / or second portion 1634 of the second lenticular knit structure 1638. A first yarn 901 that is similar to or different from one or more of the second yarn 903, the third yarn 905 and / or the fourth yarn 907 to further aid the visual effects that are brought to the component 1630. It may be formed using.
0097In one embodiment, a footwear product comprising an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper is provided. The upper can include knit components formed in an integral knit structure.
0098The knit component can comprise at least one lenticular knit structure including a first portion and a second portion provided on both sides of the lenticular knit structure.
0099The knit component may include a base that is located adjacent to at least one lenticular knit structure.
0100At least one lenticular knit construction can extend away from the base on the outer surface of the upper.
0101The first part of at least one lenticular knit structure can be associated with the first visual effect when the upper is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure. Can be associated with a second visual effect when the upper is viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.
0102The first part of at least one lenticular knit structure can be formed using the first yarn and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure is formed using the second yarn. be able to. The first yarn and the second yarn can have different properties.
0103The first yarn and the second yarn can be one or more of different yarn types, different colors, different textures and different denier.
0104The first yarn can substantially produce the first visual effect when the upper is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second yarn is the second yarn from which the upper is viewed from the second viewing angle. A second visual effect when seen can be substantially produced.
0105The knit component can include a plurality of lenticular knit structures.
0106The plurality of lenticular knit structures can include a first lenticular knit structure and a second lenticular knit structure. The first lenticular knit structure may have a first portion formed with a first yarn and a second portion formed with a second yarn. The second lenticular knit structure may have a first portion formed using the first yarn and a second portion formed using the second yarn. Further, there may be an upper portion between the first portion and the second portion. The upper part can be formed using a third yarn.
0107One or more second lenticular knit structures can be disposed within the first area on the knit component. The rest of the knit component can include a plurality of first lenticular knit structures.
0108The first yarn, the second yarn and the third yarn can be different colors.
0109The upper part can produce a third visual effect that is visible from both the first and second viewing angles.
0110In one embodiment, knit components are provided for incorporation into the product.
0111The knit component can include a plurality of lenticular knit structures. Each of the lenticular knit structures has a first portion formed on one side of the lenticular knit structure using a first yarn and a second provided on the opposite side of the lenticular knit structure using a second yarn. Can include parts of.
0112The first yarn and the second yarn can be different.
0113The base can be placed between adjacent lenticular knit structures.
0114The first portion, the second portion and the base portion can be formed in an integral knit structure together with the knit components.
0115The first part of the lenticular knit structure can be associated with the first visual effect when the knit component is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure , The knit component can be associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.
0116The base portion can be formed using a yarn different from that of the first yarn and the second yarn.
0117The base is (a) at least one course consisting of the first yarn forming the first part and (b) at least one course consisting of the second yarn forming the second part. Can include at least one course connected to.
0118Each of the plurality of lenticular knit structures can have a structure consisting of a tubular rib structure including a hollow, non-fixed area provided between overlapping knit layers made of a tubular rib structure.
0119At least one of the plurality of lenticular knit structures can include an extensible element provided within a hollow, non-fixed area.
0120The plurality of lenticular knit structures include a first lenticular knit structure and a second lenticular knit structure. The first lenticular knit structure can have a first portion formed with a first yarn and a second portion formed with a second yarn. The second lenticular knit structure can have a first portion formed with a first yarn and a second portion formed with a second yarn. An upper portion may be provided between the first portion and the second portion. The upper part can be formed using a third yarn.
0121The upper part can produce a third visual effect seen from both the first and second viewing angles.
0122In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a knit component for incorporation into a product is provided.
0123The method is to knit the base of the knit component, knit the first part of the lenticular knit structure using the first yarn, and use the second yarn to knit the second part of the lenticular knit structure. Can include knitting parts of. The second yarn can be different from the first yarn.
0124The lenticular knit structure can be formed such that a first portion and a second portion are provided on both sides of the lenticular knit structure, and the lenticular knit structure extends vertically away from the base portion.
0125The first part of the lenticular knit structure can be associated with the first visual effect when the knit component is viewed from the first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure , The knit component can be associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.
0126The base, first and second parts can be formed in an integral knit structure during the knitting process.
0127The method can further include knitting the upper portion of the lenticular knit structure provided between the first portion and the second portion. The upper part can be knitted using a third yarn.
0128The upper part can produce a third visual effect seen from both the first and second viewing angles.
0129The method may further include inserting an extensible element within the lenticular knit structure.
0130Since the above aspects generally help reduce the number of material elements used in the upper, waste can be reduced while improving the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.
0131Although various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary rather than limited, and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art within the scope of this embodiment. It will be clear that many embodiments and embodiments are possible. Therefore, this embodiment should not be limited except in terms of attached claims and their equivalents. In addition, various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the attached claims. The term "any" when referring to a claim above means either (i) any one term or (ii) a combination of two or more claimed claims as used in a claim. Is intended to be.
0132Separately, in another aspect, a product having at least one lenticular structure is provided.
0133The product may comprise at least one yarn and a base portion provided adjacent to at least one lenticular structure, including a first portion and a second portion.
0134At least one lenticular structure can extend away from the base on the outer surface of the product.
0135The first part of at least one lenticular structure can be associated with the first visual effect when the product is viewed from a first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular structure The product can be associated with a second visual effect when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.
0136The product can include an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper, the upper having at least one lenticular structure.
0137The lenticular structure can include a knit structure.
0138The upper can be formed with an integral knit structure.
0139The first part of at least one lenticular structure can be formed using the first yarn, and the second part of at least one lenticular structure can be formed using the second yarn. Yes, the first yarn and the second yarn have different characteristics.
0140In another aspect, a product with at least one lenticular knit structure is provided.
0141The product may comprise at least one yarn and a base portion provided adjacent to at least one lenticular knit construction, including a first portion and a second portion.
0142At least one lenticular knit construction can extend away from the base on the outer surface of the product.
0143The first part of at least one lenticular knit structure can be associated with the first visual effect when the product is viewed from a first viewing angle, and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure. Can be associated with a second visual effect when the product is viewed from a second viewing angle that is different from the first viewing angle.
0144The product can include an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper, the upper having at least one lenticular knit structure.
0145The upper can be formed with an integral knit structure.
0146The first part of at least one lenticular knit structure can be formed using the first yarn and the second part of at least one lenticular knit structure is formed using the second yarn. The first yarn and the second yarn can have different characteristics.
0147The first yarn and the second yarn can be one or more of different yarn types, different colors, different textures and different denier.
23 sheets
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Numbers
- Publication
- 2017531473
- Application
- 2017516110
Titles2
- Japanese
- レンチキュラーニット構造を組み込む製品用のニット構成要素およびそれを製造する方法
- English
- Knit components for products incorporating lenticular knit construction and how to manufacture them
Classification
- CPC, 8
- D04B1/126
- A43B23/04
- D10B2403/0113
- D10B2403/02411
- D10B2501/043
- D10B2401/20
- A43B23/0205
- D04B1/22
- IPC, 3
- A43B23 02
- A43B23 04
- D04B1 22
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