An article of footwear including a monofilament knit element with peripheral knit portions.
Abstract
A shoe article (100) is described which includes a knitted component (130) having a monofilament woven element (131) with peripheral woven portions. The knitted component (130) includes a monofilament woven element (131) formed by knitting with a monofilament strand. The monofilament woven element (131) is formed of unit tissue construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component (130), including peripheral portions that are woven with a braided strand of natural or synthetic fiber. An embedded tensile element (132) can extend through the knitted component (130) including parts of the monofilament woven element (131). The monofilament woven element (131) can be knitted with a monofilament strand, in accordance with a variety of tissue structures.

Term
8.1 yearsleft in the term
Expires 12 November 2034.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
19 claims: 2 independent, 17 dependent
- 1REIVINDICACIONES 1. Un artículo de calzado que tiene estructura superior y una estructura de suela asegurada a la estructura superior, la estructura superior incluyendo un 5 componente tricotado comprendiendo:un elemento tejido de monofilamento formado por ai menos una hebra de monofilamento, el elemento tejido de monofilamento formando una mayoría sustancial de la estructura superior y extendiéndose a través de al menos una porción de cada una de una región delantera del pie, una región medía del pie, y 10 una región del talón del artículo de calzado ;y una porción periférica formada por un primer hilo, el primer hilo siendo un hüo trenzado de fibra natural o sintética: en donde el elemento tejido de monofilamento es formado de construcción de tejido unitario con la porción periférica del componente tricotado de tal forma 15 que el componente tricotado es un elemento de una sola pieza, y en donde el elemento tejido de monofilamento comprende dos capas tejidas formadas de construcción de tejido unitario utilizando ál menos una hebra de monofilamento, las dos capas tejidas estando superpuestas y al menos parcialmente coextensivas entre sí.
- 2El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, en donde al menos un curso del primer hilo es sustancialmente continuo con al menos un curso de la hebra de monofilamento. 25
- 3El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, en donde la porción periférica incluye una porción de cuello del componente tricotado, la porción de cuello extendiéndose alrededor y definiendo una abertura de garganta de la estructura superior del artículo de calzada. 30
- 44, El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 3, en donde la porción periférica comprende además una porción de garganta, la porción de garganta extendiéndose hacia fuera desde la porción de cuello a través de un área del empeine de la estructura superior;y en donde la porción de cuello y la porción de garganta son formadas de construcción de tejido unitario una con otra y el elemento tejido de monofilamento.
- 5El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, en donde la al menos una hebra de monofilamento comprende una primera hebra de monofilamento y una segunda hebra de monofilamento.
- 6El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 5, en donde la primera hebra de monofilamento y la segunda hebra de monofilamento tienen cada una un diámetro de aproximadamente 0.08 mm.
- 7El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, en donde la al menos úna hebra de monofilamento comprende una única hebra de monofilamento.
- 8El articulo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 7, en donde la única hebra de monofilamento tiene un diámetro de aproximadamente 0.125 mm.
- 9El artículo de cateado de conformidad la reivindicación 1, en donde al menos un curso del elementó tejido de monofilamento incluye una hebra fundible.
- 10El artículo de calzado de conformidad con la reivindicación 1, comprendiendo además un elemento de tracción incrustado extendiéndose a través de al menos una porción del elemento tejido de monofilamento.
- 11Un método de fabricación de un artículo de calzado que tiene una estructura superior y una estructura de suela asegurada a la estructura superior, la estructura superior Incluyendo un componente tricotado, el método comprendiendo:tricotar un .elemento tejido de monofilamento utilizando al menos una hebra de monofilamento, el elemento tejido de monofilamento formando una sustancial 5 mayoría de la estructura superior y extendiéndose a través de al menos una porción de cada una de una región delantera del pie, una región media del píe, y una región del talón del artículo de calzado;tricotar una porción periférica utilizando un primer hilo, el primer hilo siendo un hilo trenzado de fibra natural o sintética;y 10 tricotar el elemento tejido de monofilamento de construcción de tejido unitario con la porción periférica del componente tricotado a fin de formar el componente tricotado como un elemento de una sola pieza: y en donde la etapa de tricotar el elemento tejido de monofilamento comprende además tricotar dos capas tejidas de construcción de tejido unitario 15 utilizando la al menos una hebra de monofilamento, las dos capas tejidas estando superpuestas y al menos parcialmente coextensivas entre si.
- 12El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, ei método comprendiendo además:20 tricotar al menos un curso del primer hilo para ser sustancialmente continuo con al menos un curso de la hebra de monofilamento,
- 13El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, en donde la etapa de tricotar ía porción periférica comprende además:25 tricotar una porción de cuello del componente tricotado utilizando el primer hilo, la porción de cuello extendiéndose alrededor y definiendo una abertura de garganta de la estructura superior del artículo de calzado.
- 14El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 13, en donde la etapa 30 de tricotar la porción periférica comprende además:tricotar una porción de garganta del componente trícotado, la porción de garganta extendiéndose hacia fuera desde la porción de cuello a través de un área del empeine de la estructura superior;y tricotar la porción de cuello y la porción de garganta de construcción de tejido unitario una con la otra y el elemento tejido de monofiiamento a fin de formar el componente trícotado como un elemente de una sola pieza.
- 15El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, en donde la etapa de tricotar el elemento tejido de monofiiamento utilizando la ai menos una hebra 10 de monofiiamento comprende además:tricotar el elemento tejido de monofiiamento utilizando una primera hebra de monofiiamento y una segunda hebra de monofiiamento.
- 1616;El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 15, en donde la primera 15 hebra de monofiiamento y la segunda hebra de monofiiamento tienen cada una un diámetro de aproximadamente 0.08 mm.
- 17El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, en donde la etapa de tricotar el elemento tejido de monofiiamento utilizando la al menos una hebra 20 de monofiiamento comprende tricotar utilizando una única hebra de monofiiamento.
- 18El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 17, en donde la única hebra de monofiiamento tiene un diámetro de aproximadamente 0.125 mm.
- 19El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, en donde la etapa de tricotar el elemento tejido de monofiiamento incluye tricotar al menos un curso del elemento tejido de monofiiamento utilizando una hebra fundible. 30 20. El método de conformidad con la reivindicación 11, en donde el método comprende además:incrustar un elemento de tracción incrustado dentro de al menos una porción del elemento tejido de monofilamento durante la etapa de tricotar el elemento tejido de monofilamento.
Independent claims19
115 paragraphs in 4 sections, as filed
FOOTWEAR ITEM INCLUDING A MONOFILAMENT WOVEN ELEMENT WITH PERIPHERAL WOVEN PORTIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional footwear articles generally include two main elements, an upper structure and a sole structure. The upper structure is secured to the sole structure and forms a vacuum inside the shoe to comfortably and safely receive a foot. The sole structure is fixed to a lower area of the upper structure, therefore it is positioned between the upper structure and the ground. In sports shoes, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole (midsole) and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to reduce stress on the foot and leg when walking, running, and other outpatient activities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, improve stability, or influence foot movements. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground contacting portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistant material such as rubber. The sole structure may also include an insole positioned within the void and proximal to a bottom surface of the foot to improve footwear comfort.
The upper structure generally extends over the instep and toe areas, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot, in some footwear items, such as Like basketball shoes and boots, the upper structure can extend up and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void within the upper structure is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the shoe. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper structure to tailor the fit of the upper structure thereby allowing the foot to enter and withdraw from the vacuum within the upper structure. The lacing system also allows the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper structure, in particular the circumference, to accommodate the feet with variable dimensions. In addition, the upper structure may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to improve shoe adjustability, and the upper structure may incorporate a heel counter to limit heel movement.
A variety of material elements (eg textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally used in the fabrication of the upper structure. In sports shoes, for example, the upper structure may have multiple layers, each including several joined material elements. As examples, the material elements can be selected to impart stretch resistance, wear resistance, flexibility, air permeability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture absorption to different areas of the upper structure. In order to impart different properties to different areas of the upper structure, the material elements are often cut to the desired shapes and then joined together, usually with seam or adhesive bonding. On the other hand, the material elements are often joined in a multilayer configuration to impart properties to the same areas. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper structure increase, the time and expense associated with the transportation, storage, cutting, and bonding of the material elements can also increase. The waste material from the cutting and sewing processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporated in the upper structures increases. On the other hand, upper structures with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than upper structures formed from fewer types and fewer material elements. By decreasing the number of material elements used in the upper structure, therefore, waste can be decreased while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Various configurations of a shoe article may have an upper structure and a sole structure attached to the upper structure. A knitted component may include a woven monofilament element forming a substantial majority of the upper structure of the shoe article. The monofilament woven element is formed of unitary weave construction with the remaining parts of the knitted component.
In one aspect, the invention provides a shoe article having an upper structure and a sole structure attached to the upper structure, the upper structure including a knitted component comprising a monofilament woven element formed of at least one monofilament strand, the monofilament woven element forming a substantial majority of the upper structure and extending through at least a part of each of a forefoot region (forefoot), a midfoot region, and a heel region of the shoe article ; and a peripheral portion formed by a first yarn, the first yarn being of a natural or synthetic braided fiber yarn; wherein the monofilament woven element is formed of unitary weave construction with the peripheral portion of the knitted component such that the knitted component is a one-piece element.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an article of footwear having an upper structure and a sole structure attached to the upper structure, the upper structure including a knitted component, the method comprising: knitting a woven monofilament element using at least one monofilament strand, the monofilament element forming a substantial majority of the upper structure and extending through at least a part of each of a forefoot region, a midfoot region , and a heel region of the shoe article; knitting a peripheral portion using a first yarn, and the first yarn being a natural or synthetic braided fiber yarn; and knitting the uni-woven monofilament construction knitted member with the peripheral portion of the knitted component in order to form the knitted component as a one-piece member,
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be, or become apparent to a person skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description, it is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and additional advantages included within of this description and this summary, are within the scope of the invention, and are protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components of the figures are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. On the other hand, in the figures, the same reference numbers designate corresponding parts in all the different views.
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a full monofibre upper structure;
Figure 2 is a middle side view! of the exemplary realization of an article of footwear incorporating a complete structure of a single monofíliament:
Figure 3 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of a shoe article incorporating a full monofilament upper structure;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of a shoe article incorporating a full monofilament upper structure;
Figure 5 is a representative view of the exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating a complete monofilament upper structure with a foot disposed within;
Figure 6 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component including a monofilament woven element;
Figure 7 is a representative view of the relative weights of an exemplary embodiment of a full monofilament top frame and one embodiment of a fiber yarn of the top frame;
Figure 8 is a schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a woven structure for a monofilament woven element;
Figure 9 is a schematic view of a second exemplary embodiment of a woven structure for a monofilament woven element;
Figure 10 is a schematic view of a third exemplary embodiment of a woven structure for a monofilament woven element;
Figure 11 is a schematic view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a woven structure for a monofilament woven element;
Figure 12 is a schematic view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a woven structure for a monofilament woven element;
Figure 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of a monofilament woven element including a meltable (fusible) strand;
Figure 14A is a schematic view of the interlocking portions of a monofilament woven element including a meltable strand in an unheated configuration;
Figure 14B is a schematic view of the interlocking portions of a monofilament woven element including a meltable strand in a heated configuration;
Figure 15A is a schematic view of an unheated configuration of fiber yarns and a meltable strand; and
Figure 15B is a schematic view of a heated configuration of fiber yarns and a meltable strand.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following discussion and accompanying figures describe a variety of concepts related to knitted components and the manufacture of knitted components. Although knitted components can be used in a variety of products, a shoe article incorporating one or more of the knitted components is described below as an example. Figures 1 to 15B illustrate embodiment examples of a shoe article that includes a complete monofilament upper structure. The complete monofilament upper structure incorporates a knitted component that includes a woven monofilament element. The monofilament woven element forms an entire portion of! body of the knitted component, including the portion of the upper structure that encloses and surrounds the wearer's foot, and only peripheral portions of the knitted component, such as the neck, tongue, embedded strands, laces, and logos, labels, or labels are formed from different elements than the monofilament woven element. The individual characteristics of any of the knitted components described in this document can be used in combination or provided separately in different configurations for footwear articles. Furthermore, any of the functions may be optional and may not be included in any particular embodiment of a knitted component.
Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a shoe article 100, also simply referred to as article 100. In some embodiments, the shoe article 100 may include a sole structure 110 and an upper structure 120. Although article 100 is illustrated as having a general configuration suitable for running, concepts associated with article 100 can also be applied to a variety of other types of sports footwear, including soccer shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, walking shoes, and hiking boots, for example. The concepts can also be applied to types of cating that are generally considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. Consequently, the concepts described with respect to article 100 can be applied to a wide variety of footwear types.
For reference purposes, item 100 can be divided into three general regions: the front region of foot 10, a median region of foot 12, and a region of taion 14, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The forefoot region 10 generally includes portions of article 100 that correspond to the toes and joints that connect the metatarsals to the phalanges. The midfoot region 12 generally includes portions of the article
100 corresponding with an area of the arch of the foot. Heel region 14 generally corresponds to rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 also includes a lateral side 16 and a medial side 18, which extend through each of the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 14 and correspond with the sides opposites of article 100. More particularly, the lateral side 16 corresponds to an exterior area of the foot (that is, the surface that faces away from the other foot), and the medial side 18 corresponds to an interior surface of the foot (that is, the surface that faces the other foot). The forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 14 and the lateral side 16, the medial side 18 are intended to demarcate precise areas of article 100. Rather, the forefoot 10 region, the midfoot 12 region, and the heel 14 region, as well as the lateral 16 and medial 18 sides are intended to represent general areas of Article 100 to aid in the following discussion. . In addition to article 100, the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel 14 and side 16, the medial side 18 can also be applied to the sole structure 110, the upper structure 120, and the individual elements thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 is attached to upper structure 120 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may include one or more components, including a midsole, an outsole, and / or an insole or insole. In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 may include an outsole 112 that is affixed to a lower surface of upper structure 120 and / or a base portion configured to secure sole structure 110 to upper structure 120. In one embodiment, outsole 112 may be formed from a wear resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. Although this configuration for sole structure 110 provides an example of a sole structure that can be used in connection with upper structure 120, a variety of other conventional or unconventional configurations for sole structure 10 can also be used. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the characteristics of sole structure 110 or any sole structure used with upper structure 120 may vary.
For example, in other embodiments, sole structure 110 may include a midsole and / or an insole. A midsole may be secured to a lower surface of the upper frame and in some cases may be formed of a compressible polymer foam element (for example, a polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate foam) that attenuates the reaction forces of the floor (i.e. , it provides cushioning) when it is compressed between the foot and the ground when walking, running or other ambulatory activities, In still other cases, the midsole can incorporate plates, moderators, Fluid-filled chambers, durable elements, or motion control members that attenuate more forces, improve stability, or influence foot movements. In still other cases, the midsole may be comprised primarily of a fluid-filled chamber located within the upper structure and positioned to extend below a lower surface of the foot to improve the comfort of an article.
In some embodiments, upper structure 120 defines a void within article 100 to receive and secure a foot relative to sole structure 110. The void is shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along a lateral side of the foot , along a medial side of the foot, above the foot, around the heel, and below the foot. Upper structure 120 includes an outer surface and an opposite inner surface. While the outer surface faces outward and away from article 100, the inner surface faces inward and defines a majority or a relatively large portion of the void within article 100 for foot reception. In addition, the inner surface may lie against the foot or a sock that covers the foot. Upper structure 120 may also include a collar 123 that is located in at least the heel region 14 and forms a throat opening 140. Access to the vacuum is provided by the throat opening 140. More particularly, the foot can be inserted into the upper structure 120 through the throat opening 140 formed by the neck 123, and the foot can be removed from the upper structure 120 through the throat opening 140 formed by the neck 123. In some embodiments, an area of the instep 150 extends forward from the neck 123 and the throat opening 140 in the heel region 14, over an area corresponding to an instep of the foot in the midfoot region 12, to an area adjacent to the front region of foot 10.
In some embodiments, upper structure 120 may include a throat portion 134. Throat portion 134 may be disposed between lateral side 16 and medial side 18 of upper structure 120 through instep area 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the throat portion 134 may be integrally attached to and formed of unitary tissue construction with portions of the upper structure 120 along the lateral and medial sides through the instep area 150. Accordingly, as shown in the figures, the upper structure 120 can extend substantially and continuously through the area of the instep 150 between the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18. In other embodiments, the throat portion 134 can be disconnected along the medial and lateral sides through the instep area 150 such that the throat portion 134 is movable within an opening between a lateral portion and a portion medially on opposite sides of the instep area 150, thereby forming a tongue.
A lacing (lanyard) 154 extends through a plurality of lacing openings 153 in the upper frame 120 and allows the user to modify the dimensions of the upper frame 120 to suit the proportions of the feet. In some embodiments, the lacing 154 may extend through the lacing openings 153 that are disposed along each side of the instep area 150. More particularly, the cleat 154 allows the user to tighten the upper structure 120 around the foot, and the cleat
154 it allows the user to loosen the upper structure 120 to facilitate the entry and removal of the foot from the vacuum (ie, through throat opening 140). Furthermore, the throat portion 134 of the upper structure 120 in the instep area 150 extends below the cleat 154 to improve the comfort of the article 100. The cleat 154 is illustrated with the article 100 in Figure 1, while In Figures 2 to 4, the pin 154 can be omitted for clarity. In other configurations, upper structure 120 may include additional elements, such as (a) a heel counter in the heel region 14 that improves stability, (b) a toe guard in the forefoot region 10 that is Form of a wear-resistant material, and (or) logos, trademarks, and labels with care instructions and material information.
Many conventional shoe upper structures are formed from multiple material elements (eg, textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) that are joined by sewing or bonding, for example. In contrast, in some embodiments, most of the upper structure 120 is formed of a knitted component 130, which will be discussed in more detail below. Knitted component 130 may, for example, be manufactured through a flat knitting process and extends through each of the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 12, and the heel region 14, through along both the lateral 16 and medial 18 sides, over the forefoot region 10, and around the heel region 14. In an exemplary embodiment, knitted component 130 forms substantially the entire upper structure 120, including the outer surface and a majority or a relatively large portion of the inner surface, thereby defining a portion of the void within the upper structure 120. In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may also extend below the foot. In other embodiments, however, a Strobel sock or thin sole-shaped piece of material is secured to knitted component 130 to form a base portion of the foot. upper structure 120 that extends below the foot to join the sole structure 110. Furthermore, a seam 129 extends vertically through heel region 14, to join the edges of knitted component 130.
Although seams may be present on knitted component 130, a majority of knitted component 130 has a substantially seamless configuration. Furthermore, the knitted component 130 may be formed of a unitary weave construction. As used herein, a knitted component (eg, knitted component 130) is defined as being formed of unitary weave construction when formed as a one-piece element through a knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantially forms the various features and structures of knitting component 130 without the need for significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. A unitary weave construction can be used to form a knitted component having structures or elements that include one or more courses of yarns, strands, or other woven material that are joined in such a way that the structures or elements include at least one course in common (that is, sharing a common thread) and / or including courses that are substantially continuous between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece unitary fabric construction element is provided.
Although the portions of the knitted component 130 can be joined together (for example, the edges of the knitted component 130 being joined together) following the knitting process, the knitted component 130 remains formed of unitary fabric construction, because it is formed as a single piece of woven element, In addition, knitted component 130 remains formed of unitary weave construction when other elements (eg, lace, logos, trademarks, labels with instructions for care and material information, structural elements) are added after the knitting process.
In some embodiments, upper structure 120 may include knitted component 130 having one or more portions including monofilament strands, as will be described in more detail below. The monofilament strands can be made of a plastic or polymer material that is extruded to form the monofilament strand. In general, monofilament strands can be light in weight and have high tensile strength, i.e. they are capable of maintaining a high degree of stress prior to failure of traction or breakage, in order to provide a large amount o degree of resistance to stretching of the upper structure 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper structure 120 may be a complete monofilament upper structure formed by knitted component 130 with monofilament strands
In some embodiments, the complete monofilament top structure 120 may comprise knitted component 130 having a monofilament element 131 formed using monofilament strands. In one embodiment, the entire monofilament upper structure 120 comprises monofilaments of the woven element 131 that form a substantial majority of the upper structure 120 for the shoe article 100. In some embodiments, the primary elements of the knitted component 130 are the monofilament woven element131 and an embedded tensile element 132. The monofilament woven element 131 may be formed of at least one monofilament strand that is manipulated (eg, with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of interwoven loops that define a variety of courses and wales (columns). That is, the monofilament woven element 131 has the structure of a woven textile material, the embedded tensile element 132 extends through the monofilament woven element 131 and passes between the various loops within the monofilament woven element 131. Although the embedded tensile member 132 generally extends along the courses within the monofilament woven element 131, the embedded tensile member 132 can also extend along the waves together with the monofilament woven member 131, the element embedded tensile 132 can impart strength and stretch, when incorporated into article 100, operates in connection with cleat 154 to improve the fit of article 100, In an exemplary embodiment, the embedded tensile member 132 may pass through one or more portions of the monofilament woven member 131.
In some embodiments, the embedded tensile member 132 may extend upward through the monofilament woven member 131 in a vertical direction from the sole structure 110 toward the instep area 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the portions of the embedded traction member 132 can form a loop that serves as a cleat opening 153 and can then extend downwardly back in the vertical direction from the instep area 150 to sole structure 110. Furthermore, when article 100 is provided with the cleat 154, the embedded tensile member 132 can be tensioned when the cleat 154 is squeezed, and the embedded tensile member 132 resists stretching on the upper structure 120. Furthermore, the embedded traction 132 assists in securing upper structure 120 around the foot and operates in connection with cleat 154 to improve the fit of article 100. In some embodiments, the embedded tensile member 132 may exit the monofilament woven member 131 in one or more portions, including along the medial and lateral sides of the instep area 150 in order to be exposed on the outer surface of the upper structure 120.
The knitted component 130 shown in Figures 1 to 6 can include multiple components, structures, or elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the composite monofilament top structure 120 comprises knitted component 130 having the monofilament woven element 131, as described above, as well as additional peripheral portions, including throat portion 134 and neck portion 133 . In some embodiments, the monofilament woven element 131 forms a substantial majority of upper structure 120, extending through each of the forefoot region of foot 10, the median region of foot 12, and the heel region 14, and it extends through the upper structure 120 from a lateral side 16 to a medial side 18. In addition, the monofilament woven element 131 extends over the upper structure of the foot. as well as under the lower portion of the foot. With this configuration, the monofilament woven element 131 forms an internal vacuum to receive the foot within the upper structure 120 of the shoe article 100.
In one embodiment, the monofilament woven element 131 can form substantially all or entirely of the upper structure 120. For example, with the exception of the peripheral portions of upper structure 120, including throat portion 134, neck portion 133 extending around the wearer's foot ankle, spike 154, and additional components, such as logos, trademarks and labels or labels with care instructions and material information, the remaining portion of the upper structure 120 is formed entirely from strands of the monofilament woven element131.
The remaining portions of the knitted component 130 other than the monofilament woven element 131, including peripheral portions such as the throat portion 134 and the neck portion 133, can incorporate various types of yarn that impart different properties to separate the areas of the upper structure 120 . That is, one area of knitted component 130 may be formed of a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of knitted component 130 may be formed of a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. In an exemplary embodiment, the peripheral portions of knitted component 130, including throat portion 134 and neck portion 133, can be formed from the first type of yarn and / or the second type of yarn. With this configuration, the properties can vary throughout the upper structure
120 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of knitted component 130.
The properties that a special type of yarn will impart to an area of knitted component 130 partially depend on the materials that make up the different filaments and fibers within the yarn. Cotton, for example, provides a soft touch, natural aesthetics and biodegradability. Elastane and elastic polyester each provide substantial stretch and recovery, with elastic polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides high gloss and moisture wicking. Wool also provides a high absorption of moisture, in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable, abrasion resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides relatively high durability. In addition to the materials, other aspects of the yarns selected for the knitted component 130 may affect the properties of the upper structure 120. For example, a yarn that forms the knitted component 130 may include separate filaments that are each formed of different materials. . In addition, the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials, such as a strand such as a bi-component yarn with filaments having a core-shell configuration or two halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twist and curl, as well as different sprinklers, can also affect the properties of the upper structure 120. Accordingly, both the yarn-forming materials and other aspects of the yarn can be selected to impart a variety of properties to separate areas of the upper structure 120.
In some configurations of knitted component 130, the materials that form the yarns can be meltable (fusible) or non-meltable. For example, a non-meltable strand (yarn) may be formed substantially of a thermosetting polyester material and the meltable strand (yarn) may be at least partially formed of a thermoplastic polyester material. When a meltable strand is heated and melted into the non-meltable strands, this process may have the effect of reinforcing or hardening the structure of the knitted component 130. Furthermore, joining the portions of the non-meltable strand using the meltable strand may have the effect of securing or blocking the relative positions of the non-meltable strands within the knitted component 130, thereby conferring stretch resistance and stiffness. That is, portions of the non-meltable strand cannot slide relative to one another when fused with the meltable strand, thereby preventing permanent deformation or stretching of the knitted component 130 due to relative movement of the woven structure. Another feature of using the meltable strands in portions of the knitted component 130 relates to limiting disentanglement if a portion of the knitted component 130 is damaged or one of the non-meltable strands is cut. Consequently, the areas of the knitted component 130 can be configured with both meltable and non-meltable strands within the woven structure.
In an exemplary embodiment, the upper structure 120 may include a first landmark type that is knitted to form portions of the knitted component
130 other than monofiiamento woven element 131. In one embodiment, the peripheral portions of knitted component 130, including throat portion 134 and neck portion 133, are formed by knitting with the first type of yarn. In an exemplary embodiment, e! First type of yarn is a natural or synthetic braided fiber yarn. In contrast, the monofiment woven element
131 Incorporated into upper structure 120 may be formed by knitting with one or more monofilament strands to form knit fabric component 130 with peripheral portions of knit component 130 with the first type of yarn. That is, the monofiment woven element 131 is formed of unitary weave construction with the remaining portions of the knitted component 130 in order to be a one-piece element. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the monofiment woven element
131 it is formed of unitary fabric construction with the throat portion 134 and the neck portion 133 so as to be a one-piece element.
In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may include one or more boundary areas (edge or contour). A boundary area defines the portion of knitted component 130 where the yarn used for the knitted component
130 transitions from one type of yarn to another type of yarn, For example, knitted component 130 may pass from a first type of yarn to a monofilament strand that forms monofilament woven element 131 in one or more boundary areas in the upper structure 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the first type of yarn transitions from a natural or synthetic braided fiber yarn to the monofilament strand in one or more contour areas around the neck portion 133 and / or along the instep area 150 on each side of throat portion 134.
In some embodiments, the monofilament strands that form the monofilament woven element 131 of the upper structure 120 can be transparent, translucent, opaque or depending on the characteristics or properties of the material that is used to make the monofilament strand. In an exemplary embodiment, the monofilament woven element 131 can be formed using monofilament strands that are transparent, semi-transparent, and / or translucent, so that at least some details of a user's foot within article 100 can be visible through upper structure 120. For example, Figure 5 shows a representative view of shoe article 100 incorporating full monofilament upper structure 120 with foot 500 disposed within the interior. In this embodiment, the details of foot 500 can be seen through the woven monofilament element
131 forming upper structure 120. While in Figure 5 foot 500 is shown barefoot, it should be understood that the details of a sock or stocking worn on foot 500 similarly may have been seen through the monofilament woven element 131 forming the upper structure 120.
In some embodiments, the amount of detail or visibility of foot 500 through upper frame 120 can be modified by selecting a monofilament strand having a different level or amount of transparency or translucency. For example, a smoked or dyed monofilament strand can provide less transparency than a clear monofilament strand. Similarly, a darker colored or monofilament strand can provide less translucency than a smoked or lightly dyed monofilament strand. Also, a monofilament strand of opaque or solid color can provide little or no transparency. In different embodiments, therefore, the level of transparency or translucency of the monofilament strands that form the woven monofilament element 131 can be varied to provide the associated levels or amounts of transparency or translucency to desired portions of the upper structure 120.
Referring now to Figure 6, knitted component 130 is shown in a planar or planar configuration. As described above, knitted component 130 includes monofilament woven element 131 and embedded tensile member 132. In an exemplary embodiment, knitted component 130 may have an oblong displacement configuration that is delineated by an outer perimeter. In this embodiment, the outer perimeter includes an upper perimeter edge of the forefoot (forefoot region) 600, a lateral upper perimeter edge 602, a pair of heel edges, including a medial heel edge 604 and a lateral heel edge 614, a lower lateral perimeter edge 612, and a lower perimeter edge of the forefoot 610. In an exemplary embodiment, knitted component 130 may further include an inner perimeter edge along neck 123 that associates with and defines throat opening 140, described above.
Furthermore, the monofilament woven element 131 has a first portion forming a portion of the outer surface of the upper structure 120 and a second opposite side that can form a portion of the inner surface of the upper structure 120, thereby defining this mode at least a portion of the vacuum within the upper structure 120, In many configurations, embedded tensile member 132 can extend through portions of monofilament woven element 131, including portions between the first side and second side of monofilament woven element 131.
As shown in Figure 6, the embedded traction element 132 repeatedly extends from the lateral perimeter edge of the upper structure 602 towards the instep area 150, where a portion of the embedded traction element 132 forms a loop to serve as an opening. of laces 153, and back to the perimeter edge! side of upper structure 602. Embedded traction member 132 can follow a similar path on the opposite side of knitted component 130. In this embodiment, the embedded traction member 132 repeatedly extends from a lower lateral perimeter edge 612 into the instep area 150, where a portion of the embedded traction member 132 forms a loop to serve as the cleat opening 153, and back to the lower lateral perimeter edge 612. In some embodiments, portions of the embedded traction member 132 may be angled back and extend to the medial edge of heel 604 and / or the lateral edge of heel 614.
Compared to monofilament woven element 131, embedded tensile element 132 can exhibit higher stretch resistance. That is, the embedded tensile member 132 can stretch less than the monofilament woven member 131. Since numerous sections of the embedded tensile member 132 extend through the woven monofilament member 131, the embedded tensile member 132 can impart stretch resistance to portions of the upper structure 120 between the instep area 150 and a lower surface adjacent to the sole structure 110.
Furthermore, placing tension on the cleat 154 can impart tension to the embedded traction member 132, thereby inducing the portions of the upper structure 120 between the area of the instep 150 and the lower area in which the foot is placed. Furthermore, since numerous sections of embedded tensile member 132 extend toward the medial edge of bead 604 and / or the lateral edge of bead 614, embedded tensile member 132 can impart stretch resistance to portions of upper structure 120 in the heel region 14. As such, the embedded traction member 132 operates in connection with the cleat 154 to improve the fit of the article 100.
In some embodiments, the configuration of the embedded pull member 132 can vary significantly. In addition to the yarn, the embedded pull member 132 may have the configurations of a filament (eg, a monofilament), strand, rope, ribbon, cable, or chain, for example. Compared to the monofilament strands forming the monofilament woven element 131, the thickness of the embedded tensile element 132 may be greater. In some configurations, the embedded tensile member 132 may be significantly thicker than the monofilament strands of the monofilament woven member 131. Although the cross-sectional shape of the embedded tensile member 132 may be round, a triangular, square shape , rectangular, elliptical or irregular can also be used. On the other hand, the materials that form the embedded pull member 132 can include any of the materials for the first yarn type or second landmark type, discussed above, such as cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, and nylon. As noted above, the embedded tensile member 132 may have greater stretch resistance than the monofilament woven member 131. As such, materials suitable for embedded tensile member 132 may include a variety of engineered filaments that are used for high tensile strength applications, including fiberglass, aramides (eg, para-aramid and meta-aramid). ), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. As another example, a braided polyester strand can also be used as an embedded tensile member 132.
United States Patent Application 2012/0233882 to Hutía, et al, a description of which is incorporated herein in its entirety, provides an explanation of how a knitted component (eg, knitted component 130) can be formed, including the process of embedding or otherwise locating the embedded tensile member within a woven member.
In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the perimeter edges of knitted component 130 may be joined to form upper structure 120. In this embodiment, knitted component 130 may be bent at a fold point 606 between the upper perimeter edge of the forefoot. 600 and the lower perimeter edge of the forefoot 610 to place the upper perimeter edge of the forefoot 600 and the lower perimeter edge of the forefoot 610 in contact with each other. Similarly, the upper lateral perimeter edge 602 can be photocovered in contact with the lower lateral perimeter edge 612 and a pair of heel edges, the medial heel edge 604 and the lateral heel edge 614, can be placed in contact with each other . In an exemplary embodiment, the medial edge of heel 604 and the lateral edge of heel 614 may be joined along seam 129 provided along medial side 18 of upper structure 120 in the region of heel 14. In addition, seam 129 can extend further along and connect each of the upper perimeter edge of forefoot 800 and the lower perimeter edge of forefoot 610 and the lower perimeter edge of forefoot 802 and lateral perimeter edge 612 to form upper structure 120 .
In an exemplary embodiment, knitted component 130 may include peripheral portions, including throat portion 134 and neck portion 133, which are not formed using monofilament strands that form monofilament woven element 131, but remain formed in construction. of unitary fabric with knitted component 130. In this embodiment, the neck portion 133 has a curved configuration that forms the neck 123 and defines the throat opening 140 when the upper structure 120 is incorporated in the article 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the neck portion 133 can be substantially extended continuously along the inner perimeter of knitted component 130. As described above, in one embodiment, the neck portion 133 can be formed by the fabric with a strand including a strand of natural or synthetic braided fiber. With this configuration, the strand of the neck portion 133 may be provided around the inner perimeter of the knitted component 130 in order to provide comfort to a user's foot when inserted into the throat opening 140 and contacting the neck 123.
In an exemplary embodiment, the throat portion 134 may extend outward from the neck portion 133 and extend through at least a portion of an instep area length 150. As shown in Figure 8, the throat portion 134 can extend substantially and continuously between opposite sides of monofilament woven element 131 along the medial and lateral side of instep area 150. In one embodiment, the throat portion 134 may also be formed by knitting a strand that includes a natural or synthetic braided fiber yarn. In some cases, the thread forming throat portion 134 may be the same as the thread forming neck portion 133. For example, in one embodiment, neck portion 133 may be formed by the first type of thread and the throat portion may also be formed by the first type of thread. In other cases, the thread forming the throat portion 134 may be different than the thread forming the neck portion 133. For example, in one embodiment, the neck portion 133 may be formed by the first type of thread and the portion Throat can be formed by the second type of thread that is different from the first type of thread. With this configuration, the thread of the throat portion 134 can have different properties than the thread of the neck portion 133, including, for example, the additional stretching capacity provided by the use of an elastic thread for the throat portion
134. By providing throat portion 134 with a synthetic or natural fiber braided yarn, the part of throat portion 134 that extends across instep area 150 can provide comfort to a user of article 100 when resting against the top of a user foot.
In some embodiments, the neck portion 133 and the throat portion 134 may be formed of unitary weave construction each, as well as with the remaining portion of the knitted component 130, including the monofilament woven element 131, i.e., the courses of the monofilament woven element 131 are joined with the courses of the neck portion 133 and / or the throat portion 134, and the courses of the neck portion 133 and the throat portion 134 may also be joined together. In this embodiment, a course of a monofilament strand forming the monofilament woven element may be attached (eg, by interlacing) to an adjacent course of the natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn of the neck portion 133 and / or the throat portion 134. That is, a course formed by knitting the woven monofilament strand that is substantially continuous with a course formed by knitting the braided yarn of natural or synthetic fiber. Additionally, in some embodiments, wales of the natural or synthetic braided fiber strand may be attached to an adjacent wales of the monofilament strand. In one embodiment, the peripheral portions, including the neck portion 133 and / or the throat portion 134, can be woven using an intarsia (taraceus) knitting technique for the transition between the monofilament strand and various types of strand to along the contour areas. For example, wales of the natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn of the throat portion 134 may be joined to adjacent waves of the monofilament strand of the monofilament woven element 131 by using intarsia knitting construction techniques in the instep area 150 . With this configuration, the monofilament woven element 131 can be formed of unitary weave construction with the peripheral portions of the knitted component 130, including the neck portion 133 and / or throat portion 134, in order to be a single element piece.
Various woven monofilament structures, incorporating one or more monofilament strands, can be used to form the woven monofilament element 131, as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 8 to 15B below. For example, in one embodiment, a single monofilament strand having a diameter of approximately 0.125 mm can be used to form the monofilament woven element 131. In another embodiment, two monofilament strands each having a diameter of approximately 0.08 mm can be used for the formation of the monofilament woven element 131, in other embodiments, monofilament strands having a larger or smaller diameter can be used .
By incorporating knitted component 130 with monofilament woven element 131 in upper structure 120 for article 100, monofilament woven element 131 can provide strength, stretch resistance, weight reduction, and / or assist with flow. air through upper frame 120 to provide ventilation to the interior of article 100. Furthermore, by forming the complete monofilament upper structure 120 such that the monofilament woven element 131 forms substantially all or all of the upper structure 120, the total weight of the upper structure 120 can be significantly reduced compared to a upper structure made entirely of a braided thread of natural or synthetic fiber. Figure 7 illustrates a representative view of the relative weights of the full monofilament top frame 120 and an embodiment of a fiber strand of the top frame 720 shown for added emphasis on a balance 700. For example, in one embodiment, the upper frame 720 for a size 8 of an adult male may weigh approximately 49 grams when knitted with a braided yarn of natural or synthetic fiber to form a fiber yarn of knitted component 730. In contrast, the complete monofilament upper structure 120 with the monofilament woven element 131 can weigh only 16 grams for a similar size. Therefore, the weight savings associated with the use of the monofilament strand of the monofilament woven element 131 forming the upper structure 120 can be lighter by at least 67%. Furthermore, by varying the number, thickness and / or size of monofilament strands forming monofilament woven element 131, additional weight savings can be achieved to increase the reduction in weight to more than 67%.
In different embodiments, various woven structures can be used to join monofilament strand courses to form monofilament woven element 131. Woven structures can include combinations of different types of fabric stitches, different monofilament strands and / or thread types. , and / or a different number of strand or strands to form various types of woven structures. Figures 8 to 12 illustrate embodiment examples of woven structures that can be used with one or more monofilament strands in portions of the monofilament woven element 131, described above. It should be understood that the woven structures illustrated in Figures 8 to 12 are merely exemplary conventional woven structures and others commonly used for natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn textiles may be used in addition to, in combination with, or in place of, the woven structures described herein by any of the exemplary embodiments.
In some embodiments, knitted component 130 may include monofilament woven element 131 with multiple woven layers. The woven layers associated with the knitted component 130 may be partially coextensive and overlap portions of the monofilament woven element 131 including at least one common monofilament strand that passes back and forth between the woven layers in order to bond and interlock the layers together, in an exemplary embodiment, a first fabric layer can form a majority of a first side of the knitted component 130 and a second woven layer can form a majority of a second side of the knitted component 130. In some embodiments, the first woven layer can be associated with a majority of the outer surface of upper structure 120 and the second woven layer may be associated with a majority of the inner surface of upper structure 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the embedded tensile member 132 may be extended through portions of the first woven layer, the second woven layer, and / or through portions of the monofilament woven element 131 between the first woven layer and the second layer. woven. With this configuration, the woven layers together form a single woven fabric formed by unitary weave construction.
Referring now to Figure 8, a first woven structure 800 that can be used to form portions of the monofilament woven element 131 is illustrated. In some embodiments, the first woven structure 800 may have the configuration of a double layer woven fabric in a knitting machine provided with two needle beds. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the knitting machine may be a flat bed knitting machine. However, in other embodiments, a different type of knitting machine can be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the first woven structure 800 may have the configuration of a double layer jersey woven structure. As shown in Figure 8, the needles in opposite needle beds can each sew stitches associated with the respective woven layer of the first woven structure 800 to form areas of the monofilament woven element 131 that are in the form of a tubular woven fabric. .
In some embodiments, the first woven structure 800 can be woven with a single monofilament strand for each knitted layer of the monofilament woven element 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the first woven structure 800 is knitted using a first monofilament strand 801 which is associated with a first needle bed and a second monofilament strand
802 which is associated with a second needle ceiling, opposite the first needle ceiling. As shown in Figure 8, the first monofilament strand 801 forms a first knitted layer and the second monofilament strand 802 forms a second knitted layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first monofilament strand 801 and the second monofilament strand 802 may be formed from the same type of monofilament strand. In various embodiments, the thickness of a monofilament strand can be described in terms of a strand diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the first monofilament strand 801 and the second monofilament strand 802 may be associated with a first diameter D1. In one embodiment, the first diameter D1 can be approximately 0.125mm. In some cases, the first monofilament strand 801 and the second monofilament strand 802 may be portions of the same monofilament strand. In other cases, the first monofilament strand 801 and the second monofilament strand 802 may be separate strands of the same type of monofilament strand.
Referring now to Figure 9, a second woven structure 900 is illustrated that can be used to form portions of the monofilament woven element 131. In some embodiments, the second woven structure 900 may have the configuration of a woven double layer woven fabric. on a knitting machine provided with two needle beds, as with the first woven structure 800. In contrast to the first woven structure 800, however, the second woven structure 900 can be formed using two separate monofilament strands, also referred to as two ends of the monofilament strands, to form the monofilament woven element 131. That is, two monofilament strands are run together through an application point of a feeder in the knitting machine so that each stitch of the second woven structure 900 can be formed using the two monofilament strands together. In an exemplary embodiment, the second woven structure 900 may also have the configuration of a double layer jersey woven structure. As shown in Figure 9, the needles in opposite needle beds can each knit stitches associated with the respective woven layer of the second fabric structure 900 to form areas of the monofilament fabric element 131 that are in the form of a woven fabric. tubular.
In some embodiments, the second woven structure 900 may be knitted using two monofilament strand ends for each knitted layer of the monofilament woven element 131. In an exemplary embodiment, the second woven structure 900 is knitted using a first monofilament strand 901 and a second monofilament strand 903 which are associated with a first needle bed and the third monofilament strand 902 and a fourth monofilament strand 904 which are associated with a second needle bed, opposite the first needle bed. The first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903 are run together through the dispenser tip of the feeder in the knitting machine to form a first knitted layer associated with the second woven structure 900. Similarly, the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904 are run together through the dispenser tip of the feeder in the knitting machine to form a second knitted layer associated with the second woven structure 900.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903, and the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904, may be formed of the same type of monofilament strand. Furthermore, in some embodiments, each of the first monofilament strand 901, the second monofilament strand 903, the third monofilament strand 902, and the fourth monofilament strand 904 may be formed from the same type of monofilament strand. In an exemplary embodiment, the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903 may be associated with a second diameter D2.
Similarly, the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904 may also be associated with the second diameter D2. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 may be less than the first diameter D1 associated with the first woven structure 800. In one embodiment, the second diameter D2 may be approximately 0.08mm. In some cases, the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903, and the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904, may be portions of the same monofilament strand. In other cases, the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903, and the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904, may be separate strands of the same type of monofilament strand.
In an exemplary embodiment, the second woven structure 900 utilizing two ends of the monofilament strands to woven portions of each knitted layer of the monofilament woven element 131 can provide increased comfort compared to the first woven structure 800 with a single monofilament strand . That is, by using the first monofilament strand 901, the second monofilament strand 903, the third monofilament strand 902, and the fourth monofilament strand 904 with the second diameter D2 according to the second woven structure 900, the Separate monofilament strands are able to move relative to one another to conform to the surfaces of a user's foot when disposed within article 100. In contrast, the coarser monofilament strands 801, 802 with the first diameter DI according to the first woven structure 800 above, can form the monofilament woven element 131 having sharp or pointed areas than where the foot of foot is inserted. a user when it is arranged within article 100.
In some embodiments, the opposing knitted layers of the monofilament knitted element 131 may be intertwined with each other in one or more portions to form the knitted component 130. In an exemplary embodiment, a knitted structure having a plurality of cross knit stitches ( cross stitch) that extend between the woven layers to connect and interlock the layers with each other. Figures 10 to 12 illustrate various configurations of woven structures including cross stitches extending between the opposing knitted layers to form the monofilament woven element 131.
Referring now to Figure 10, an exemplary embodiment of a third woven structure 1000 is illustrated including a cross stitch. In this embodiment, the third woven structure 1000 may have a configuration substantially similar to the second woven structure 900, described above, including the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903 forming the first knitted layer, and the third strand of monofilament 902 and the fourth strand of monofilament 904 forming the second knitted layer. In contrast to the second woven structure 900, however, the third woven structure 1000 further includes one or more monofilament strands extending back and forth between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer to interlock the separated layers between yes. In this embodiment, the third woven structure 1000 includes a first folded monofilament strand 1001 and a second folded monofilament strand 1002, In one embodiment, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may alternatively extend back and forth between the first knitted layer formed by the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903 and the second knitted layer formed by the third the monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904. In one embodiment, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may be joined via knitting to the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer with a cross stitch, in order to form monofilament woven element 131.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first folded single strand of strand 1001 and the second folded single strand of strand 1002 may be formed from the same type of single strand of strand. In addition, in some embodiments, the first folded monofiber strand 1001 and the second folded monofiber strand 1002 may be the same monofiber strand as one or more of the first monofire strand 901, the second monofire strand 903, the third strand of monofilament 902, and / or the fourth strand of monofilament 904. In other words, in the third woven structure 1000, the same monofilament thread used for the first knitted layer and / or the second knitted layer can also be used to form the cross stitches extending between the knitted layers. In other embodiments, the monofilament strand forming the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may be a separate strand from the first monofilament strand 901, the second monofilament strand 903, the third monofilament strand 902, and / or the fourth monofilament strand 904.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may be associated with the second diameter D2. In some cases, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may be portions of the same monofilament strand. In other cases, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 may be separate strands of the same type of monofilament strand,
In some embodiments, the first folded monofilament strand 1001 and the second folded monofilament strand 1002 extending between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer of the monofilament woven element 131 not only serve to interlock the layers, but also act furthermore to provide an amount of resistance to the monofiment woven element 131. For example, the plurality of cross stitches formed by the first folded monofiment strand 1001 and the second folded monofiment strand 1002 extending between the opposing knitted layers can act as a spring to resist compression and return to an uncompressed configuration. With this configuration, the third woven structure 1000 can provide cushioning and / or additional filler material compared to the first woven structure 800 and / or the second woven structure 900 that do not include cross-knit stitches. In an exemplary embodiment, by providing the third woven structure 1000 with the first folded monofiment strand 1001 and the second folded monofiment strand 1002 extending between the opposed woven layers of the monofiment woven element 131, the areas of the knitted component 130 may be provided with padding or additional cushioning.
In some embodiments, the type of monofiment strand used for cross-knit stitches extending between the knitted layers can be varied. For example, by varying the thickness of monofiiament strand used to form the cross stitches, the amount or degree of cushioning can be similarly varied. In some cases, by providing a finer monofiment strand for cross stitches, a lower degree of elasticity can be provided between the woven layers, making monofiment woven element 131 easier to compress. In other cases, by providing a thicker monofiment strand for cross-knit stitches, a greater degree of elasticity can be provided between the woven layers, making the monofiment knitted element 131 more difficult to compress and provides filler. and / or additional or increased cushioning.
Referring now to Figure 11, the fourth knit structure 1100 is illustrated including a cross knit stitch. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth knitted structure 1100 includes one or more monofiment strands used for the formation of the cross-knit stitches between the first and second knitted layers that provide additional padding and / or cushioning compared to the third frame woven 1000. In this embodiment, the fourth woven structure 1100 may have a configuration substantially similar to the second woven structure 900, described above, including the first monofilament strand 901 and the second monofilament strand 903 forming the first knitted layer, and the third strand of monofilament 902 and the fourth strand of monofilament 904 that form the second knitted layer. In addition, similar to the third woven structure 1000, and the fourth woven structure 1100, further includes one or more monofilament strands extending back and forth between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer to interlock the separated layers from each other. In this embodiment, the fourth woven structure 1100 includes a third folded monofilament strand 1101 and a fourth folded monofilament strand 1102. In an exemplary embodiment, the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may alternatively extend back and forth between the first knitted layer formed by the first monofilament strand 901 and 903 and the second monofilament strand and the second knitted layer formed by the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904. In one embodiment, the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may be joined by knitting the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer with a cross knit stitch, in order to form the knitted element monofilament 131.
In an exemplary embodiment, the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 can be formed from the same type of monofilament strand, in contrast to the third woven structure 1000, however, in some embodiments, the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may be of a monofilament strand thicker than any of the first monofilament strand 901, the second monofilament strand 903, the third monofilament strand 902, and / or the fourth monofilament strand 904. In an exemplary embodiment, the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may be associated with the first diameter D1. As described above, in one embodiment, the first diameter D1 can be approximately 0.125mm, while the second diameter can be approximately 0.08mm. In some cases the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may be portions of the same monofilament strand, in other cases the third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 may be separate strands of the same type of monofilament strand.
With this configuration, The third folded monofilament strand 1101 and the fourth folded monofilament strand 1102 are provided having the first thickest diameter D1 formed by the cross-stitching stitches between the first knitted layer formed by the first monofilament strand 901 and the second strand of monofilament 903 and the second knitted layer formed by the third monofilament strand 902 and the fourth monofilament strand 904 having a second thinner diameter D2, the fourth woven structure 1100 can provide additional cushioning or increase in padding areas of the monofilament woven element 131.
In some embodiments, a combination of monofilament strands having different thicknesses can be used to form the woven structure of the monofilament woven element131. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, two separate monofilament strands or ends, each having a different thickness, can be used to form a woven structure for the monofilament woven element 131. Referring now to Figure 12, a fifth woven structure 1200 including a combination of two different thicknesses of the monofilament strands is illustrated. In this embodiment, the fifth woven structure 1200 is formed using two monofilament strands which are run together through a dispenser tip of a feeder in the knitting machine such that each stitch of the fifth woven structure 1200 can be formed using the two monofilament strands together. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth woven structure 1200 includes a first thick monofilament strand 1201 and a first thin monofilament strand 1203 that combine to knit the first knitted layer of the fifth woven structure 1200 into the first needle roof. Similarly, the fifth woven structure 1200 includes a second thick monofilament strand 1202 and a second thin monofilament strand 1204 which are combined to knit the second knitted layer of the fifth woven structure.
1200 on the second needle roof, opposite the first knitted layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first coarse monofilament strand
1201 and the second thick monofilament strand 1202 may have the first diameter D1, described above, while the first thin monofilament strand 1203 and the second thin monofilament strand 1204 may have the second diameter D2, described above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first coarse monofilament strand 1201 and the second coarse monofilament strand 1202 may be formed from portions of the same monofilament strand, and the first thin monofilament strand 1203 and the second thin monofilament strand. 1204 can also be formed from portions of the same monofilament strand, different from the monofilament strand forming the first coarse monofilament strand 1201 and the second coarse monofilament strand 1202. In other embodiments, however, each of the first coarse monofilament strand 1201, the second coarse monofilament strand 1202, First thin monofilament strand 1203, and second thin monofilament strand 1204 may be formed of separate monofilament strands.
In some embodiments, the fifth woven structure 1200 may further include one or more monofilament strands extending back and forth between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer to interlock the layers separated from each other, similar to stitching. cross weaving associated with the third woven structure 1000 and / or fourth woven structure 1100, described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the fifth woven structure 1200 may include pairs of monofilament strands having different thicknesses alternatively extending between opposite knitted layers and forming cross stitches. In this embodiment, the fifth woven structure 1200 includes a first thick folded monofilament strand 1205 and a first thin folded monofilament strand 1206 running together between the knitted layers, and a second thick folded monofilament strand 1207 and a second folded monofilament strand. Thin 1208 running together between knitted layers.
In an exemplary embodiment, the first thick folded monofilament strand 1205 and the first thin folded monofilament strand 1206 may alternatively extend back and forth between the first knitted layer formed by the first thick folded monofilament strand 1201 and the first thin monofilament strand 1203 and the second knitted layer formed by the second thick monofilament strand 1202 and the second thin monofilament strand 1204. Similarly, the second thick folded monofilament strand 1207 and the second thin folded monofilament strand 1208 may alternatively extend back and forth between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer in a direction opposite to the first thick monofilament strand 1205 and the first monofilament thin strand 1208. In one embodiment, the first thick folded monofilament strand 1205 and the first thin folded monofilament strand 1206 and the second thick folded monofilament strand 1207 and the second thin folded monofilament strand 1208 may be joined through by knitting the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer with a cross stitch, in order to form the monofilament woven element 131.
In one embodiment, the same combination of two monofilament strand ends having different thicknesses can be used to form all of the various portions of the fifth woven structure 1200. That is, the same combination of a thick monofilament strand having the first diameter D1 and a thin monofilament strand having the second diameter D2 can form the first knitted layer, the second knitted layer, as well as the knit stitches. cross extending between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer. With this configuration for the fifth woven structure 1200, only a single feeder including a spool having the two coarse monofilament strands or ends having the first diameter D1 and the thin monofilament strand having the second diameter D2 is necessary for knit the entire area of the monofilament woven element 131 having the fifth woven structure 1200. By using only a single feeder, the knitting process can be made more efficient and less time consuming to knit the knitting component 130 including the monofilament knitted member 131 than other knitted structures that require multiple feeders and / or multiple spools of knitting material. .
In various embodiments, one or more of the woven structures described above with reference to Figures 8 to 12 can be used to form different areas of the woven monofilament element 131 in knitted component 25 130. That is, in some embodiments, different areas of the monofilament woven element 131 can incorporate different woven structures, including the first woven structure 800, the second woven structure 900, the third woven structure 1000, the fourth woven structure 1100, and / or the fifth woven structure 1200, as well as other types of woven structures not described here 30 but known in the art. Accordingly, knitted component 130 including woven monofilament 131 with different woven structures can be provided with different characteristics depending on the choice of woven structure in a particular area of monofilament woven element 131.
As described above with reference to knitted component 130, in some embodiments knitted component 130 may further include meltable strands. When a meltable strand is heated and fused to the non-meltable threads or non-meltable strands, this process may have the effect of reinforcing or hardening the structure of the knitted component 130. Furthermore, by joining (a) a portion of a non-meltable thread or strand to another portion of a non-meltable thread or strand, and / or (b) the non-meltable thread or strand and the embedded tensile member 132 each other. another has the effect of securing or locking the relative positions of the non-meltable threads or strands and the embedded tensile member132, which confers stretch resistance and stiffness. That is, portions of the non-meltable threads or strands cannot slide relative to one another when fused with the meltable strands, preventing permanent deformation or stretching of the monofilament woven element 131 due to relative movement of the woven structure. . Furthermore, the embedded tensile member 132 cannot slide relative to the monofilament woven element 131, thereby preventing portions of the embedded tensile member 132 from being pulled outward from the monofilament woven member 131. Accordingly, the areas The knitted component 130 may be formed from both meltable and non-meltable strands within the monofilament woven element 131.
Figures 13-15B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a knitted component incorporating a meltable strand within a woven element, such as the monofilament woven element131. Referring now to Figure 13, a woven element 1300 is illustrated incorporating one or more meltable strands combined with non-meltable strands. In some embodiments, woven member 1300 may include a monofilament strand 1301 and a meltable strand 1302. In an exemplary embodiment, the monofilament strand 1301 can be any of the monofilament strands as in the embodiment described above. As seen in Figure 13, woven element 1300 is formed by joining through the knitted portions monofilament thread 1301 and meltable thread 1302 along a plurality of courses to form woven element 1300.
In this embodiment, both the monofilament strand 1301 and the meltable strand 1302 may be in the form of a monofilament strand that is extruded from a plastic material or polymer material to form the monofilament strand. In one embodiment, the monofilament strand 1301 can be made of a thermoset polymer material and the meltable strand can be made of a thermoplastic polymer material. In an exemplary embodiment, the polymer materials that form the monofilament strand 1301 and meltable strand 1302 can be compatible materials capable of bonding together when the thermoplastic polymer material cools after reaching its glass transition temperature. However, in other embodiments, the polymeric materials forming the monofilament strand 1301 and the meltable strand 1302 may be incompatible materials such that only portions of the meltable strand 1302 in contact with other portions of the meltable strand 1302 can be bonded.
In one embodiment, the meltable strand 1302 may be provided together with the monofilament strand 1301 only in the courses of the knitted element 1300. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the knitted element 1300 includes a first course 1310, a second course 1312, a third course 1314, and a fourth course 1316. Each of the courses includes monofilament strand portions 1301 that are knitted to adjacent courses of monofilament strand 1301. However, meltable strand 1302 runs along monofilament strand 1301 only in every other course. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the fusible strand 1302 is included in the first course 1310 and the third course 1314, but is not present in the second course 1312 and / or the fourth course
1316. With this alternative configuration of meltable thread 1302, no portion of meltable thread 1302 from adjacent courses of woven element 1300 will be knitted to another portion of meltable thread 1302. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the portion The meltable strand 1302 extending along the first course 1310 will not be attached to the portion the meltable strand 1302 extending along the third course 1314. In some embodiments, woven element 1300 may continue to alternate melt strand courses 1302 for any number of courses.
By proportioning alternate courses of meltable thread 1302 in woven element 1300 including monofilament thread 1301, meltable thread 1302 can assist in attaching portions of monofilament thread 1301 to adjacent portions of monofilament thread 1301 to establish or secure the configuration of the woven element 1300. However, by proportioning only alternative courses with meltable strand 1302, the total weight and thickness of woven element 1300 can be reduced compared to e! woven element that includes meltable threads or strands in all adjacent courses.
Additionally, the combination of meltable strand 1302 and monofilament strand 1301 can take the form of a combined strand when woven element 1300 including meltable strand 1302 is heated. Figures 14A, 14B and Figures 15A, 15B illustrate different configurations of unheated and heated woven elements including a meltable yarn or strand. Referring now to Figure 14A, an unheated configuration 1400 of woven element 1300 is illustrated. In this embodiment, one of the courses including the monofilament strand 1301 and the meltable strand 1302 are attached to an adjacent course including the single monofilament strand 1301. For example, a first portion of the monofilament strand 1402 and the meltable strand 1302 run together along one course and a portion of the second monofilament strand 1404 extends alone along the adjacent course.
As seen in Figure 14A, the meltable strand 1302 can contact the portion of the second monofilament strand of 1404 at a first contact point.
1406 and a second point of contact 1408 linking the adjacent courses. In this embodiment, the meltable strand 1302 is kept separate from the monofilament strand 1301 in the unheated configuration 1400.
In some embodiments, when heat is applied to the meltable strand 1302 sufficient for the meltable strand 1302 to reach its glass transition temperature and become substantially plastic, the meltable strand 1302 may be attached to or joined with the monofilament strand 1301 to form a strand combined. Referring now to Figure 14B, a heated configuration 1410 of woven element 1300 is illustrated in this embodiment, heat 1420 from a heat source (not shown) has been applied to meltable strand 1302 and monofilament strand 1301. If the heat 1420 is sufficient to allow the meltable strand 1302 to reach its glass transition temperature and become substantially plastic, the meltable strand 1302 may then be melted and surround portions of the monofilament strand 1301 to form a combined strand 1412. As is shown in Figure 14B, in the heated configuration 1410, the meltable strand 1302 has been fused and surrounded the first portion of the monofilament strand 1402 to form the combined strand 1412. With this configuration, the meltable strand 1302 can act as a covering layer at least partially or completely surrounding monofilament strand 1301 in the resulting combined strand 1412.
Using a monofilament strand, eg, monofilament strand 1301, with a meltable strand, eg, meltable strand 1302, having relatively similar diameters allows the meltable strand to substantially cover and surround the monofilament strand. In contrast, when a meltable yarn or strand is used in combination with a conventional natural or synthetic fiber strand or braided yarn, the meltable strand can infiltrate and bond with only a portion of the natural or synthetic fiber strand or strand. Referring now to Figure 15A, an unheated configuration 1500 of a woven element is illustrated including braided yarns of natural or synthetic fibers. In this embodiment, the meltable strand 1302 is combined with a plurality of braided threads of natural or synthetic fibers. For example, a first natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1502, a second natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn) 504, and a third natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1506 are combined with a single meltable strand 1302. This combination can be run together along one or more courses to form a woven element, for a superior fiber yarn structure.
As seen in Figure 15A, each natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn may further include a plurality of individual strands that together are twisted and combined to form a single strand. In this embodiment, the first natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1502 includes a first plurality of filaments 1512, the second natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1504 includes a second plurality of filaments 1514, and the third natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1506 includes a third plurality of filaments 1516. Meltable strand 1302 may contact only a few of the braided yarns of natural or synthetic fibers. For example, in this embodiment, meltable strand 1302 contacts the second natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1504 and the third natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1506, but does not contact the first natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1502.
Accordingly, when heat is applied to meltable strand 1302 sufficiently for meltable strand) 302 to reach its glass transition temperature and become substantially plastic, meltable strand 1302 may be attached or joined with only portions of the twisted strands of adjacent natural or synthetic fibers. Referring now to Figure 15B, a heated configuration 1510 of a woven element for a fiber yarn top structure is illustrated. In this embodiment, heat 1420 from a heat source (not shown) has been applied to meltable strand 1302 and to the plurality of braided yarns of natural or synthetic fiber. If the heat 1420 is sufficient to allow the meltable strand 1302 to reach its glass transition temperature and become substantially plastic, the meltable strand 1302 may then melt and infiltrate portions of the adjacent natural or synthetic fiber braided yarns. As shown in Figure 15B, in the heated configuration 1510, the meltable strand 1302 has been melted and infiltrated into only a portion of the second plurality of strands 1514 of the second braided natural or synthetic fiber yarn 1504, and a portion of the third plurality of strands 1516 of the third braided yarn of natural or synthetic fiber 1506. In this embodiment, the meltable strand 1302 has not been bonded or infiltrated into any portion of the first plurality of filaments 1512 or the first natural or synthetic fiber braided yarn 1502.
In contrast to the heated configuration 1410 shown in Figure 14B described above, therefore, using meltable strand 1302 with braided yarns of natural or synthetic fiber does not form a combined strand or strand like combined strand 1412, described above.
The features of the exemplary embodiments described above with respect to melt strand 302 and Figures 13 to 14B can be used with any of the embodiments described above, including embodiments of woven structures shown in Figures 8 to 12 and embodiments of a knitted component, including knitted component 130 shown in Figures 1 to 7 described above. Furthermore, other embodiments of knitted components and woven structures made in accordance with the characteristics of the described embodiments may be made different from those shown here.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those with ordinary experience in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible than those within the scope of the invention. . Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.
Contents4
12 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12
23 members in 9 offices
Priority claims3
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14170978 | United States of America | – | |
| 201414170978 | United States of America | A | |
| 2014065140 | United States of America | W |
Members23
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US8997529B1 | United States of America | B1 | |
| US9010157B1 | United States of America | B1 | |
| CN204351182U | China | U | |
| CN104814562A | China | A | |
| US2015216256A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2015116295A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| TW201531250A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| CN204742824U | China | U | |
| HK1211809A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| AR099234A1 | Argentina | A1 | |
| KR20160115966A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| EP3102727A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| MX2016010074A | Mexico | A | |
| US9745678B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CN104814562B | China | B | |
| TWI601487B | Taiwan Province of China | B | |
| KR20180132994A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| KR101975161B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| KR101989662B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| MX369271BThis record | Mexico | B | |
| EP3102727B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| EP3663449A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| EP3663449B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 |
1 legal event, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Events
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Grant or registrationFG | FG |
Numbers
- Publication
- 369271
- Application
- 10074
Titles2
- Spanish
- ARTICULO DE CALZADO INCLUYENDO UN ELEMENTO TEJIDO MONOFILAMENTO CON PORCIONES TEJIDAS PERIFERICAS.
- English
- FOOTWEAR ITEM INCLUDING A MONOFILAMENT FABRIC ELEMENT WITH PERIPHERAL FABRIC PORTIONS.
Classification
- CPC, 14
- A43B1/04
- D04B1/123
- D04B1/16
- D10B2501/043
- A43B23/0205
- A43B23/024
- A43B23/0245
- A43C1/00
- A43C1/04
- A43B23/042
- D10B2403/032
- D10B2401/041
- A43B1/028
- D04B1/22
- IPC, 3
- A43B23 04
- A43B1 04
- D04B1 22