HK1220589B

HK1220589B - Method of knitting knitted textile element, article of footwear and method for manufacturing article of footwear

Info

Publication number: HK1220589B
Application number: HK16108838.1A
Authority: HK
Inventors: A．霍夫曼朱莉．; 艾米．利特尔; G．贝尔托马斯．
Original assignee: 耐克创新有限合夥公司
Priority date: 2014-05-30
Filing date: 2016-07-23
Publication date: 2018-03-09

Abstract

The present invention relates to method of knitting knitted textile element, article of footwear and method for manufacturing article of footwear. An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second kitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion.

Description

Method of knitting knitted textile elements, article of footwear and method of manufacturing an article of footwear

Technical Field

This embodiment relates generally to methods of manufacturing articles of footwear, and in particular to methods of knitting knitted components of a warp knit construction for forming a seamless bootie or textile upper.

Background

An article of athletic footwear generally includes two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper generally provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. The upper may have a configuration that protects the foot. The upper may have a configuration that provides ventilation to an interior of the upper, thereby facilitating cooling of the foot and/or removing perspiration from the foot. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and may be generally positioned between the foot and the ground surface during use of the article of footwear. The sole structure may be configured to attenuate impact and other ground surface reaction forces and absorb energy, i.e., provide cushioning to the foot during use of the article of footwear. The sole structure may provide traction with respect to a ground surface. The sole structure may help control foot motions during use of the article of footwear. The upper and the sole structure may collectively provide a comfortable structure that may be suited for a variety of ambulatory activities, such as walking and running.

The upper may form a void on an interior of the article of footwear for receiving a foot. The void may have the general size and/or shape of a foot. The upper may have an opening, such as an ankle opening, that provides access to the void. The upper may extend over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and/or around a heel area of the foot. The upper may include a fastening system or a closure system, such as a strap or lace system, that selectively adjusts the size of the opening (e.g., ankle opening). This type of construction enables the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper (particularly girth) to accommodate different feet having different proportions. The upper may include a tongue associated with the opening and/or closing system. For example, a tongue may be disposed between the lacing system and the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear. The upper may include a heel counter to limit movement of the foot in the heel region.

The materials selected for the upper may vary significantly. The textile material often forms at least a portion of the exterior and interior surfaces of the upper. A textile may be defined as any article of manufacture made from fibers, filaments, or yarns characterized by flexibility, thinness, and a high length to thickness ratio. Textiles generally fall into one of two categories. The first category includes textiles produced directly from a mesh or mat (mat) of filaments or fibers by randomly interlocking the filaments or fibers to construct non-woven fabrics (non-woven fabrics) and felts. The second category includes textiles formed by mechanical manipulation of yarns, such as woven or knitted fabrics.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction having a first knit layer, a second knit layer overlying the first knit layer, continuous with the first knit layer at a first common edge of the knit textile element, and extending in a direction of knitting the textile element, an interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer at a distance from the common edge, and at least one knit indicator portion located along the common edge, the common edge and the interlayer knit line trace collectively defining a contour of the knitted component. The method also includes removing the knitted component from the knitted textile element, and separating the knitted component along the at least one knit indicating portion to create an opening in the knitted component.

In another aspect, a method of knitting a knit textile element including a knitted component for an article of footwear includes: knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction, the knit textile element having a first knit layer, a second knit layer overlying the first knit layer and continuous with the first knit layer at a first common edge of the knit textile element, and an interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first and second knit layers, the common edge and interlayer knit line trace collectively defining a contour of the knitted component; and knitting at least one knit indicating portion located along a common edge of the knitted textile element, the at least one knit indicating portion configured to indicate a separation line for creating an opening in the knitted component.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a knitted component of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component includes: a first knit layer forming one of a medial side and a lateral side of the seamless bootie; a second knit layer forming the other of the medial and lateral sides of the seamless bootie and being continuous with the first knit layer through the continuous vamp forefoot portion of the seamless bootie; a midsole knit line interconnecting the first and second knit layers, the midsole knit line seamlessly joining the medial and lateral sides of the seamless bootie and extending substantially along a centerline of the heel, sole, and forefoot portions of the seamless bootie; and at least one knit indicating portion collectively indicating at least one line of separation of the knitted component and configured to define an opening in the knitted component that provides access to a void between the first knit layer and the second knit layer, the opening positioned between the continuous upper forefoot portion and the heel portion of the seamless bootie.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction, the knit textile element having a first knit layer; a second woven layer overlying the first woven layer and being continuous with the first woven layer along a common edge of a common opening in the first woven layer and the second woven layer, the common edge of the common opening extending in a direction of the weaving process; a first interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer, the common edge of the common opening and the first interlayer knit line trace collectively defining a contour of a first knit component portion of the knit component and a second knit component portion of the knit component that is seamlessly connected to the first knit component portion by a first continuous portion of the first knit layer adjacent the common opening and a second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent the common opening; a second interlayer knit line interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer at a location spaced from the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer, the second interlayer knit line delineating a contour of the second knit component portion, and the first knit component portion and the second knit component portion collectively forming a knit component. The method also includes removing the knitted component from the knitted textile element, and folding the second knitted component portion into an inner pocket formed between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer of the first knitted component portion.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction, the knit textile element having a first knit layer; a second woven layer covering the first woven layer and being continuous with the first woven layer along a common edge of the woven textile element extending in the direction of the weaving process; an interlayer braid trace interconnecting the first and second braid layers; at least one first knit indicator portion positioned along a common edge of the common knit layer, the common edge and the interlayer knit line trace defining a contour of a first knit component portion and a second knit component portion of the knit component, the first knit component portion configured to form a seamless bootie, the second knit component portion seamlessly associated with the first knit component portion at the interlayer knit line trace, the first knit component portion and the second knit component portion collectively forming a knit component. The method further includes removing the knitted component from the knitted textile element; separating the knitted component along the at least one knit indicating portion to create an opening in the knitted component; and partially wrapping the second knitted component around at least a portion of the first knitted component.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes: a knit textile element of knit unitary warp knit construction, said knit textile element having: a first knit layer, a second knit layer overlying the first knit layer and continuous therewith along a common edge of a common opening in the first and second knit layers, the common edge of the common opening extending in a direction of a knitting process, a first interlayer knit stitch interconnecting the first and second knit layers, the common edge of the common opening and the first interlayer knit stitch collectively defining a contour of a first knit component portion of a knit component configured to form a seamless bootie, and a second knit component portion of the knit component seamlessly connected to the first knit component portion of the first knit layer adjacent the common opening and a second knit component portion of the second knit layer adjacent the common opening by a first continuous portion of the first knit layer adjacent the common opening and a second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent the common opening A first knitted component portion, a second interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer at a location spaced from the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer, the second interlayer knit line trace defining an outline of the second knitted component portion, and the first knitted component portion and the second knitted component portion collectively forming the knitted component; removing the knitted component from the knitted textile element; and folding the second knitted component portion into an inner pocket formed between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer of the first knitted component portion.

In one embodiment, knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a closure structure for at least one of the first knit component portion and the second knit component portion, the closure structure being knitted at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second knit layer at the second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent to the common opening.

In one embodiment, knitting the closure structure includes knitting a plurality of knitted closure members associated with the closure structure.

In one embodiment, knitting the closure structure includes knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the closure structure and configured to be associated with a tensioning element of the closure structure.

In one embodiment, knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a dynamic fit structure for at least one of the first knit component portion and the second knit component portion, the dynamic fit structure being knitted at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent to the common opening.

In one embodiment, braiding the dynamic fit structure comprises braiding a plurality of braiding holes associated with the dynamic fit structure and configured to be associated with a tension element of the dynamic fit structure.

In one embodiment, knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a closed structure for the first knitted component portion at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second knit layer adjacent the common opening, and knitting a dynamic fit structure for the second knitted component portion at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second knit layer adjacent the common opening.

In one embodiment, knitting the closure structure includes knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the closure structure, and knitting the dynamic fit structure includes knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the dynamic fit structure.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of braid holes associated with the closure structure and at least one of the braid holes associated with the dynamic fit structure are configured to be aligned in registration with each other.

In one embodiment, the first knitted component portion is a seamless bootie and the second knitted component portion is one of a seamless bootie, a seamless open-toe bootie, and an instep support configured to be disposed in a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

In one embodiment, knitting the knit textile element includes knitting at least one knit indication portion indicative of a first fold line in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and knitting at least one knit indication portion indicative of a second fold line in the second continuous portion of the second knit layer.

In one embodiment, the first knitted component portion is a seamless bootie and the second knitted component portion is a tongue.

In one embodiment, knitting the knitted textile element includes knitting at least one knit indication portion indicating a first fold line for the second knitted component portion in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and knitting at least one knit indication portion indicating a second fold line for the second knitted component portion in the second continuous portion of the second knit layer.

In one embodiment, knitting the knitted textile element includes knitting a first closure structure for the first knitted component portion and knitting a second closure structure for the second knitted component portion, the first closure structure including a first plurality of knitting holes associated with the first closure structure, the second closure structure including a second plurality of knitting holes associated with the second closure structure, the first plurality of knitting holes and the second plurality of knitting holes configured to receive a common tensioning element.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first plurality of braid holes associated with the first closure structure and at least one of the second plurality of braid holes associated with the second closure structure are configured to be aligned in registration with each other.

In one embodiment, knitting the second knitted component portion includes knitting at least one knit indicating portion that indicates a tab portion in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent to the common edge of the common opening.

In one embodiment, folding the second knitted component portion into the first knitted component portion includes folding the ear portion adjacent to a continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie formed by the first knitted component portion.

The method also includes attaching the tab portion of the tongue to the continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie.

In one embodiment, knitting a second component portion of the knitted textile element includes knitting at least one knit indicator portion that collectively connects an end of the common opening and a portion of the second interlayer knit line trace, the at least one knit indicator portion and the second interlayer knit line trace collectively defining an outline of the second knitted component portion of the knitted component.

In one embodiment, knitting a knit textile element further includes knitting at least one first knit indicating portion and at least one second knit indicating portion, the at least one first knit indicating portion commonly connecting the common opening and a first portion of the second interlayer knit line trace, the at least one second knit indicating portion commonly connecting the first interlayer knit line trace and the second interlayer knit line trace, the at least one first knit indicating portion, the at least one second knit indicating portion, and the second interlayer knit line trace collectively defining an outline of the second knit component portion of the knit component.

The method also includes associating the knitted component with a sole structure.

The method also includes inserting an insert member between at least one of a pocket formed between the first knit layer of the first knitted component portion and the first knit layer of the second knitted component portion and a pocket formed between the second knit layer of the first knitted component portion and the second knit layer of the second knitted component portion.

In another aspect, a method of knitting a knit textile element including a knitted component for an article of footwear includes: knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction, said knit textile element having a first knit layer, a second knit layer overlying said first knit layer and continuous with said first knit layer along a common edge of a common opening in said first and second knit layers, said common edge of said common opening extending in a direction of a knitting process, a first interlayer knit stitch line interconnecting said first and second knit layers, said common edge of said common opening and said first interlayer knit stitch line collectively defining a contour of a first knit component portion of a knit component configured to form a seamless bootie, a second knit component portion of said knit component, said second knit component portion passing through a first continuous portion of said first knit layer adjacent to said common opening and said second knit layer Is seamlessly connected to the first knitted component portion adjacent the common opening; and a second interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer at a location spaced from the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer, the second interlayer knit line trace defining an outline of the second knit component portion, the first knit component portion and the second knit component portion collectively forming the knit component.

In another aspect, an article of footwear includes: a knitted component of unitary warp knit construction, the knitted component including a first knit layer including a first portion forming a medial side of a first knitted component portion configured as a seamless bootie and a second portion continuous with the first portion and forming a medial side of a second knitted component portion; a second knit layer including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second knit layer forming a lateral side of the first knitted component portion configured as the seamless bootie, the second portion of the second knit layer being continuous with the first portion and forming a lateral side of the second knitted component portion, the first portion of the second knit layer being continuous with the first portion of the first knit layer across a continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie; a first interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the medial side of the first knit layer of the seamless bootie and the lateral side of the second knit layer of the seamless bootie and extending substantially along a centerline of a heel portion, a plantar portion, and a forward toe portion of the seamless bootie; and a second interlayer knit stitch line interconnecting the inner side surface of the first knit layer of the second knitted component portion and the outer side surface of the second knit layer of the second knitted component portion.

In one embodiment, the second portion of the first knit layer and the second portion of the second knit layer form a single continuous layer through an inner vamp forefoot portion of the second knitted component portion.

In one embodiment, the second interlayer knit line trace extends substantially along a centerline of at least one of an interior heel portion, an interior midfoot portion, and an interior forward toe portion of the second knitted component portion.

The article of footwear also includes at least one knit indicating portion indicating a separation line configured as the first knitted component portion of the seamless bootie.

In one embodiment, the second portion of the first knit layer and the second portion of the second knit layer form a second knitted component portion that includes a dynamic fit structure.

In one embodiment, the first portion of the first knit layer and the first portion of the second knit layer include a closed structure for the first knitted component portion.

In one embodiment, the closure structure includes a first plurality of woven holes for receiving a first tensioning element and the dynamic fit structure includes a second plurality of woven holes for receiving a second tensioning element.

In one embodiment, at least one of the first plurality of braid holes of the closure structure is configured to be aligned in registration with at least one of the second plurality of braid holes of the dynamic fit structure, and the at least one braid hole of the closure structure and the at least one braid hole of the dynamic fit structure are configured to receive a common tensioning element.

In one embodiment, the second portion of the first knit layer and the second portion of the second knit layer form a gusseted tongue of the seamless bootie.

In one embodiment, the gusseted tongue includes a first plurality of knit holes formed in the first portion and the second portion of the first knit layer and a second plurality of knit holes formed in the first portion and the second portion of the second knit layer.

In one embodiment, the first plurality of braid holes and the second plurality of braid holes are configured to be aligned in registration. Other aspects, systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional aspects, systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

Drawings

The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the structural and functional principles of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views, and the initial digit or digits of each reference numeral designate the figure number of the first drawing in which the part is identified in the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear containing a seamless bootie or textile upper;

fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a knitted textile element including a knitted component (before removal), showing in detail features of a warp knit stitch and an interlayer warp knit line trace of the knitted textile element;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the knit textile element of FIG. 2 in an inboard isometric view;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the knit textile element of FIG. 2 in an inboard isometric view;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the knit textile element of FIG. 2 in a lateral isometric view;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the knit textile element of FIG. 2 in a side isometric view;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the knitted component for the tongue of FIG. 2 (after removal);

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the knitted component (after removal) of FIG. 2 for an upper in the form of a seamless bootie;

figure 9 illustrates the knitted component of figure 8 in an initial post-removal state;

FIG. 10 illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 9 with the toe portion inverted (inverted) into the interior cavity of the knitted component;

FIG. 11 illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 10 with the toe portion turned over protruding through the ankle opening;

FIG. 12 illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 11 with the toe portion and instep portion turned over protruding through the ankle opening;

figure 13 illustrates the knitted component of figures 9-12 fully inverted or turned inside out;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an article of footwear in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 8 in a lateral isometric view;

FIG. 15 schematically illustrates, in a bottom isometric plan view, an embodiment of an article of footwear in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 8;

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an article of footwear in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 8 in an isometric view from the inside;

FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric bottom front view of an embodiment of an article of footwear in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 8;

FIG. 18 is a schematic isometric top front view of an embodiment of an article of footwear in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 8;

FIG. 19 is a schematic isometric top front view of an embodiment of an article of footwear incorporating the seamless bootie or woven upper of FIGS. 14-18 in association with an optional sole structure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic rear isometric view of the article of footwear of FIG. 19;

fig. 21 schematically maps features of an embodiment of a knitted component (prior to removal) of the knitted textile element of fig. 2 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart including a process for manufacturing an article of footwear using a knitting method;

fig. 23 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a knitted textile element including a knitted component (prior to removal) showing in detail the features of the warp knit stitches and the interlayer warp knit line traces of the knitted textile element;

fig. 24 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component (prior to removal) of the knitted textile element of fig. 23 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component;

FIG. 25 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including a seamless knitted dynamically-fitted component that uses a continuous closed structure;

figure 26 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figure 25 in an initial post-removal state;

FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 26 with a toe portion of the inner knitted component portion turned over;

figure 28 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figure 27 with an inverted toe portion of the inner knitted component portion protruding through an ankle opening of the outer knitted component portion and a heel portion of the inner knitted component portion partially protruding through the ankle opening;

figure 29 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figure 28 with an inverted toe portion, instep portion, and heel portion of the inner knitted component portion protruding through an ankle opening of the outer knitted component portion;

figure 30 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figures 26-29 fully inverted or turned inside out (i.e., by folding an inner knitted component portion into another knitted component portion);

fig. 31 schematically maps features of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to an embodiment of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including another seamless knitted dynamic fit midsole component that uses a continuous closed structure;

FIG. 32 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including another seamless knitted dynamically fitted component that uses a continuous closure structure;

FIG. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary closing, tensioning and/or dynamic fit structure;

FIG. 34 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including a seamless knitted tongue component that uses a continuous closure structure;

FIG. 35 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of a knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including a seamless knitted tongue component that uses a continuous closure structure;

FIG. 36 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including a seamless knitted dynamically fitted component using a hoop structure;

figure 37 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figure 36 in an initial post-removal state;

FIG. 38 illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 37 with the dynamic fit component partially encircling each of the medial and lateral sides of the knitted component;

figure 39 is a front view of the knitted component of figure 38 schematically illustrating a dynamic fit component partially encircling respective medial and lateral sides of the knitted component;

FIG. 40 is a front view of the knitted component of FIG. 39 schematically illustrating a dynamic fit component completely encircling a medial side and a lateral side of the knitted component;

FIG. 41 is a side view of the knitted component of FIG. 40 schematically illustrating a dynamic fit component completely encircling a medial side and a lateral side of the knitted component;

FIG. 42 schematically illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 41 with the toe portion partially inverted;

FIG. 43 schematically illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 42 with an inverted toe portion protruding through an ankle opening of the knitted component;

FIG. 44 schematically illustrates the knitted component of FIG. 43 with the toe and instep portions turned over protruding through the ankle opening;

figure 45 schematically illustrates the knitted component of figures 37-44 fully inverted or turned inside out;

FIG. 46 is a schematic front isometric view (after the turn-over process of FIGS. 36-45) of a seamless bootie or textile upper incorporating the knitted component of FIG. 36;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the textile upper of FIG. 46, taken along section line 47-47;

FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the textile upper of FIG. 46, taken along section line 48-48;

FIG. 49 schematically maps features of another embodiment of a knitted component of the knitted textile element to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component, including a seamless knitted dynamically fitted finger component using a wraparound arrangement;

figure 50 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the knitted component of figure 49 in an initial post-removal state;

FIG. 51 schematically illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component of FIG. 50, wherein the knitted dynamically fitted finger elements partially encircle a medial side and a lateral side of the seamless bootie; and is

Fig. 52 schematically illustrates the seamless bootie or textile upper of fig. 51, with knitted dynamic fit finger elements completely encircling the medial and lateral sides of the seamless bootie.

Detailed Description

This detailed description generally describes embodiments of methods of manufacturing articles of footwear and articles of footwear manufactured by such methods. In each embodiment, the method generally includes knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction having a first knit layer and a second knit layer overlying the first knit layer. In each embodiment, the method generally includes knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component configured to form a seamless knitted bootie or textile upper for an article of footwear. In each embodiment, the first knit layer and the second knit layer form a single continuous layer throughout a forefoot portion of the knitted bootie or textile upper, and the seamless bootie or textile upper includes a sandwich knit stitch line that seamlessly joins the first knit layer and the second knit layer. A first section of this detailed description generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knit textile element including a knit component configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper for an article of footwear. The second section of this detailed description generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component having tucked-in portions. In particular, the second section generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component including a first knitted component portion configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper and a second knitted component portion configured to fold or fold into an interior pocket of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion), wherein the interior pocket is formed by a first knit layer and a second knit layer of the knitted textile element, and wherein the folded-in portion (i.e., the second knitted component portion) is seamlessly associated with the first knit layer and the second knit layer of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion) at an opening of the seamless bootie or textile upper configured to receive a foot. The third section of this particular embodiment generally describes an embodiment of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component having a hoop portion. In particular, the third section generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component including a first knitted component portion configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper and a second knitted component portion configured to wrap around at least a portion of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion), wherein the wrapped portion (i.e., the second knitted component portion) is seamlessly associated with the first knit layer and/or the second knit layer of the first knitted component portion at a sandwich knit line trace of the first knitted component portion.

Article of footwear configuration with seamless bootie or textile upper

This section generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper for an article of footwear.

Fig. 1 is an isometric top front view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 100 (also referred to as article 100). In some embodiments, article 100 may take the form of athletic footwear or athletic related footwear, including but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, hiking boots, running shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, and other types of athletic shoes or footwear. In some embodiments, article 100 may take the form of various non-athletic related footwear forms, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high-heeled shoes, loafers, and any other type of footwear and/or apparel.

As shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, article 100 may include an upper 102 and an optional sole structure 104. Sole structure 104 may be secured to upper 102 and extend between the foot and the ground surface when article 100 is worn. In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction to article 100. In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to absorb or attenuate impact or other ground surface reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground surface during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities.

The configuration of sole structure 104 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of known or newly developed sole structures and/or components. For example, sole structure 104 may variously include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. In some cases, sole structure 104 itself may be optional. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 104 may be selected to suit one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 104 may be used. Exemplary ground surfaces may include, but are not limited to: natural turf, artificial turf, mud, sand, gravel, snow, ice, and other surfaces.

Upper 102 may be configured to receive and cover the foot. In some embodiments, upper 102 may include an opening 106 that provides access to an interior of upper 102. For example, as shown in fig. 1, in some embodiments, the opening 106 may be an ankle opening.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may include a fastening or closure structure or other provisions (provision) for tightening or otherwise adjusting the fit characteristics (e.g., girth) of upper 102. For example, in some embodiments, upper 102 may include tensioning members (such as lace members 122) and eyelets 124 for receiving one or more laces or other tensioning members (such as cables) 126. In this manner, the size of opening 106 and the corresponding girth of upper 102 may be adjusted to customize the fit of upper 102 and article of footwear 100. In some embodiments, the closure structured lace members 122 may provide enhanced edge structure and form an opening having a V-shaped configuration, a U-shaped configuration, or another configuration. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, a closure structure having a V-shaped configuration may provide improved performance characteristics, such as comfort and fit. For example, in some cases, a V-shaped closed configuration may enable a tighter closure across upper 102 and a forefoot region and/or an instep region of article of footwear 100 without causing wrinkles in the forefoot region of the upper that may result from tightening a closed structure having a square or U-shaped configuration. In other embodiments, the closure system may provide a reinforced edge structure at a terminal portion adjacent the forefoot region of upper 102. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a shape and configuration of the closure system that is appropriate for the desired fit and performance characteristics of upper 102 and article of footwear 100.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may include a tongue 130 (shown in phantom in fig. 1). Tongue 130 may be disposed between the fastening or closure structure and the foot to promote comfort and fit. For example, tongue 130 may be disposed between lace member 122 and the foot-between eyelets 124 and the foot-or between lace 126 and the foot received in the interior of upper 102. It will be appreciated that the tongue may be optional in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may be generally formed from a unitary knitted component 140 in the form of a seamless bootie that may extend through each of forefoot region 142, midfoot region 144, and heel region 146 and along both lateral side 148 and medial side 150. This is in contrast with many known footwear uppers formed from various material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) that are joined, for example, by stitching or bonding. In some embodiments, knitted component 140 may also include tongue 130. Knitted component 140 may form portions of both an exposed exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of upper 102. As such, knitted component 140 may define at least a portion of a void within upper 102. Knitted component 140 also extends under the foot. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include a sole structure, and a portion of knitted component 140 may extend under the foot. In this configuration, the knitted component may replace or function as an insole (sock liner).

As described in greater detail below, knitted component 140, which may form a substantial portion of upper 102, generally includes a knitted material, such as from a knitted textile element. As such, in some embodiments, upper 102 may be substantially flexible and lightweight relative to some other known upper materials. While some embodiments disclosed herein may illustrate an upper that entirely includes a knitted material, other embodiments of an upper may only partially include a knitted material (or textile material).

In some embodiments, upper 102 may include one or more holes, apertures, perforations, openings, voids, channels, or other such structures (hereinafter generally referred to as holes). Upper 102 may include various sets of holes (collectively referred to herein as plurality of holes 152) arranged in various configurations and at various locations. However, in some embodiments, such holes may be optional. In some embodiments, some holes may extend through the entire thickness of upper 102, while other holes may extend only partially through the thickness of upper 102. The particular number, size, shape, alignment, and configuration of holes within the plurality of holes 152 may vary from implementation to implementation. The particular configuration of plurality of holes 152 may be selected to achieve desired performance characteristics of upper 102, such as the overall or partial breathability of upper 102 and/or the overall or partial stretch or softness characteristics of upper 102. For example, a greater number and/or size of holes may provide greater local or overall softness and stretchability of the fabric. Alternatively, different patterns of holes (such as in-line, staggered, or offset patterns) may provide different local and/or overall softness, stretchability, and/or ventilation characteristics. The particular configuration of the plurality of holes 152 may also be selected to provide aesthetic appeal.

For reference purposes, upper 102 and/or article of footwear 100 may generally be divided into forefoot portion 160, midfoot portion 162, and heel portion 164. Forefoot portion 160 may generally be associated with a toe box (toe box) for the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 162 may generally be associated with an instep and/or an arch of a foot. Heel portion 164 may generally be associated with the heel of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Upper 102 may also generally include a lateral side portion 166 and a medial side portion 168. Lateral side portion 166 and medial side portion 168 may be opposite sides of upper 102. One or both of lateral side 166 and medial side 168 may extend through forefoot portion 160, midfoot portion 162, and heel portion 164. Some embodiments may also include a forward toe portion 154 and a vamp (vamp) or instep portion 156.

As used in this specification, the terms forefoot portion or forefoot region, midfoot portion or midfoot region, heel portion or heel region, toe portion or toe region, and instep portion or instep region are intended for descriptive purposes only and are not intended to demarcate precise portions or boundaries of upper 102. Likewise, the terms lateral side (or lateral side portion) and medial side (or medial side portion) are intended to generally represent two sides of an article, rather than precisely divide upper 102 into two halves.

As mentioned above, upper 102 may be at least partially formed from knitted component 140. Knitted component 140 may be removable from a knitted textile element that includes an approximately flat, two-dimensional layered construction configured to be separated (e.g., cut) and formed or shaped to extend around the foot. As depicted in fig. 1, in some embodiments, knitted component 140 forms both an exposed exterior side or exterior surface of upper 102 that faces away from the foot and an interior side or interior side (interior surface) of upper 102 that faces inwardly toward the foot.

As discussed in further detail below, knitted component 140 may be formed from a unitary warp knit construction as part of a larger knit textile element. In this case, knitted component 140 may be removed from the larger knitted textile element, and various features of knitted component 140 may be manipulated and/or treated to form a desired shape of upper 102.

In some embodiments, a single knit textile element may include multiple knit components that may be removed to form a single component. For example, a first knitted component and a second knitted component of a single knitted textile element may correspond to a matching pair of left and right seamless booties or textile uppers for an article of footwear. Alternatively, the first and second knitted components of a single knit textile element may correspond to a seamless bootie or textile upper and an associated tongue or other accessory for an article of footwear. It will be understood that the knitted textile element may include additional numbers and/or types of knitted components.

Knitted component 140 may impart a variety of characteristics or performance characteristics to upper 102. Knitted component 140 may provide a variety of advantages over some known upper configurations. As mentioned above, known footwear uppers may be formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) joined at one or more seams, for example, by stitching or bonding. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the material elements also increases. Waste from the cutting and stitching process may also accumulate to a greater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. An upper with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than an upper formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. Accordingly, reducing the number of material elements used to manufacture the upper may reduce waste, while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper. To this end, in some embodiments, knitted component 140 may form a substantial portion of upper 102, thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency, reducing waste, and simplifying recyclability.

Embodiments of upper 102 may also utilize one or more reinforced portions. As used in this disclosure, the term reinforced portion refers to any portion of the upper that contains any additional material within one or more layers of knitted component 140. The reinforced portion may include a separate layer of knitted component 140 filled with a reinforcing material, such as an insert member. The insert members may be selected based on the desired performance characteristics of the upper, such as leather or plastic for rigidity, or foam rubber for cushioning. The insert members may be located in specific areas of the upper to provide localized or overall performance characteristics to the area or upper. Depending on the insert material used, the reinforcing portion may impart increased strength and/or reinforcement to the upper, and/or increased cushioning and comfort. For example, in some embodiments, tongue 130 may include a two-layer knitted component with an insert member (or reinforcing portion) that is a foam material inserted between two layers of the knitted component. In some embodiments, the toe region or heel region may include an insert member (or reinforcing portion) in the form of a toe cap (toe cap) or heel cap (heel cap), which is a rigid material inserted between layers of the knitted component or between a layer of the knitted component and a strap or other knitted structure.

Knitted component 140 may be formed from a unitary warp knit construction using a warp knitting machine and a warp knitting process. In some embodiments, a flat warp knitting machine (flat knitting machine) may be used to form the knitted component in a unitary warp knit construction. In some embodiments, knitted component 140 may be formed as a tubular textile of unitary knit construction using a warp knitting machine having two sets of needles.

As used herein and in the claims, a knitted component is defined as being formed of a "unitary knit construction" when formed as a one-piece element by a knitting process. That is, the knitting process generally forms the various features and structures of the knitted component without requiring a significant number of additional manufacturing steps or processes. Unitary knit constructions may be used to form knitted components having structures or elements that include one or more courses or wales of yarn or other knit material connected such that the structures or elements include at least one common course or wale (i.e., share a common yarn) and/or include substantially continuous courses or wales between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary woven construction is provided. In embodiments in which a warp knitting process is used to form a knitted component, the knitted component may be formed of unitary warp knit construction and may have structures or elements that include one or more wales of yarn or other knitted material that are connected such that the structures or elements include at least one common wale (i.e., share a common yarn) and/or include substantially continuous wales between each of the structures or elements.

As used in this disclosure, a yarn is generally defined as a component formed of at least one filament or a plurality of fibers having a substantial length and a relatively small cross-section. The filaments may have an infinite length and may be used alone or in combination with one or more other filaments to produce a yarn suitable for use in textiles. Modern silk includes a variety of synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being the primary, naturally occurring exception. The fibers may have a relatively short length and require a spinning or twisting process to produce a yarn of suitable length for use in textiles. Examples of fibers include cotton and wool. The yarns may be formed from a single filament, or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together, conventionally referred to as monofilament yarns. The yarns may comprise individual filaments formed of different materials. The yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials. Similar concepts apply to yarns formed from a variety of fibers. Accordingly, the yarns may have a variety of configurations that generally conform to the definitions provided above. Those skilled in the art will be able to select one or more known or later developed yarns suitable for the desired application based on the characteristics of the yarns and the desired performance characteristics of knitted component 140.

Knitted component 140 may contain multiple types of yarns that impart different properties to separate areas of upper 102 and/or tongue 130. That is, a portion of knitted component 140 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another portion of knitted component 140 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. In this configuration, the properties may vary throughout upper 102 and/or tongue 130 by selecting specific yarns for different portions of knitted component 140. The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to a portion of knitted component 140 depend in part on the materials that form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. For example, cotton provides a soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. The elastic fiber and the stretched polyester each provide considerable stretchability and recovery, with the stretched polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides high luster and moisture absorption. Wool also provides high moisture absorption in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable and wear resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides relatively high durability.

In addition to materials, other aspects of the yarn selected for knitted component 140 may affect properties of upper 102 and/or tongue 130. For example, the yarns forming knitted component 140 may be monofilament or multifilament yarns. The yarns may comprise individual filaments each formed from a different material. The yarn may comprise filaments each formed of two or more different materials, such as a bicomponent yarn in which the filaments have a sheath-core configuration or two halves formed of different materials. The different degrees of twisting and curling, as well as the different deniers, may also affect the properties of upper 102 and/or tongue 130. Accordingly, the materials forming the yarn, as well as other aspects of the yarn, may be selected to impart a variety of properties to separate areas of upper 102 and/or tongue 130.

Generally, textiles may be formed from one or more yarns that are mechanically manipulated through processes such as interweaving, entangling, and twisting or interlooping. Interweaving is the intersection of two yarns crossing each other at right angles and interweaving. The yarns used for interweaving are conventionally referred to as warp and weft yarns. Twisting and twisting includes procedures such as braiding and knotting in which yarns are intertwined with one another to form a textile. Interlooping involves the formation of multiple vertical rows of intermeshed loops, with weaving being a common method of interlooping. Accordingly, the textile element may be formed by one of these processes for manufacturing a textile. In some embodiments, the knit textile element can be formed using a knitting process.

A variety of mechanical processes have been developed to manufacture textiles by weaving. In general, mechanical processes can be classified as warp knitting or weft knitting. As used in this specification, warp knitting refers to a type of knitting process in which the yarns move in a zigzag pattern along the length of the textile (i.e., following adjacent vertical or wales of knitting, rather than along a single course or course). For comparison, weft knitting, as used in this specification, refers to weaving across the width of a textile. Various specific sub-types of warp knitting that may be used to make textiles include tricot, raschel, and double needle bar raschel (which also includes jacquard double needle bar raschel).

In some embodiments, the knitted textile element may be manufactured using a warp knitting process. Accordingly, in some embodiments, knitted component 140 included in a knitted textile element of a warp knit construction may include a warp knit material (e.g., knitted component 140 may be a warp knit component). The use of warp knit textile elements may help reduce the tendency of the peripheral or exposed edges of knitted component 140 to unravel as knitted component 140 is removed or otherwise separated (e.g., cut away) from the knitted textile elements. In an exemplary embodiment, a knit textile element may be formed from unitary knit construction by a warp knitting process and may include one or more knitted components (including one or more uppers and/or tongues) formed together on the same knit textile element.

In some embodiments, the woven textile element may be manufactured using different yarns to form one side and the other side. For example, in some embodiments, the woven textile element may be manufactured using different yarns to form the exposed exterior side and interior side. By using different yarns on the exposed exterior and interior sides, the knit textile element can be manufactured to have different knit configurations on the exposed exterior and interior sides. For example, in some cases, the particular configuration of the yarns on the exposed exterior side may be different than the configuration of the yarns on the interior side. These differences may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: differences in weave patterns, differences in weave structure, differences in yarn types used, differences in yarn colors used, and/or differences in material properties of the yarns used (e.g., different materials selected to provide a softer inner or interior side and a durable exposed exterior side).

In some embodiments, a braided configuration for the outer side may be provided to impart a greater degree of durability, strength, and/or abrasion or wear resistance to the exposed outer side of knitted component 140. For example, yarns having a heavier denier or made of stronger or more durable materials may be used in the woven configuration on the exposed outer side to provide a greater degree of durability, strength, and/or abrasion resistance. Similarly, in some embodiments, a braided configuration for the medial side may be provided to impart a higher degree of comfort or softness in order to serve as a lining for upper 102. For example, yarns having a lighter denier or made of a material that is soft to the touch may be used in a knitted configuration on the inner or interior side to provide a greater degree of comfort or softness. Where a desired knit configuration is selected for each of the exposed exterior and interior sides of the knitted component, desired properties may be selectively provided to the upper.

Fig. 2-6 illustrate schematic views of embodiments of a knitted textile element including a knitted component in a pre-removal state or condition. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a knitted textile element 200 including knitted components 230 and 240 (before removal), with the features of warp knit stitch 213 and interlayer warp knit stitch 214 of the knitted textile element schematically shown in enlarged detail views 213 and 215, respectively. Fig. 3-6 schematically illustrate, in a rotational sequence, a knit textile element 200 from a medial isometric view to a lateral isometric view, where fig. 3 is a medial isometric view, fig. 4 is a medial isometric view, fig. 5 is a lateral isometric view, and fig. 6 is a lateral isometric view. It will be understood that fig. 3 to 6 are schematic views intended to illustrate certain features of the knitted textile element. Fig. 2-6 illustrate the braided textile element 200 as a continuous braid (e.g., a tubular braided textile element) to facilitate illustration and discussion of certain features (such as features along a common edge of two layers of braided textile elements (fig. 4 and 5)) and certain processes that may be used in some embodiments. However, in some embodiments, the braided textile element 200 may not have a generally tubular configuration.

The knit textile element 200 may be a knit product of a warp knitting machine and a warp knitting process. The woven textile element 200 may be a substantially flat two-dimensional structure including a first layer 202 and a second layer 204 overlying the first layer 202. In some embodiments, the knit textile element 200 can be formed into a tubular textile using a warp knitting machine having two sets of needles. In some embodiments, the knit textile element 200 may be warp knit with a single knitting process progressing in the feed direction of arrow 201. In some embodiments, knitted textile element 200 is a unitary warp knit configuration.

In the tubular configuration of fig. 2-6, first layer 202 and second layer 204 have a common, continuous first surface 206 that is initially exposed as a result of the warp knitting process and a common second surface 208 that is not initially exposed as a result of the warp knitting process. In particular, exposed first surface 206 of first layer 202 and exposed first surface 206 of second layer 204 are continuous around an outer surface of common edge 210 of tubular knit textile element 200. Likewise, the initially unexposed second surface 208 of the first layer 202 and the initially unexposed second surface 208 of the second layer 204 are continuous around the interior or inside surface of the common edge 210. As shown in fig. 2-6, in some embodiments, the initially exposed first surface 206 and the initially non-exposed surface 208 may also be continuous around a second common edge 212 opposite the common edge 210. In some embodiments, the initially exposed first surface 206 and the initially non-exposed surface 208 may be discontinuous at the second edge 212. It will be understood that the term common edge as used in this specification refers to a substantially continuous layer that transitions between opposing sides along a line or crease (e.g., by being turned back or folded back on itself), serves as a shared boundary or perimeter between the opposing sides to form the common edge, and does not indicate a discontinuous surface or contour between the opposing sides.

The woven textile element 200 includes an interlayer braid wire trace between a first layer 202 and a second layer 204. For example, as shown in fig. 2, in some embodiments, knitted textile element 200 may include an interlayer knit line trace 214 located at a periphery of knitted component 240 and an interlayer knit line trace 232 located at a periphery of knitted component 230. Fig. 2 includes an enlarged schematic view 215 of interlayer knit line trace 214 between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 at a forefoot portion of knitted component 240. As shown at 215, interlayer knit stitch line 214 includes an interlayer knit stitch between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204, wherein at least one yarn of first knit layer 202 is looped with at least one yarn of second knit layer 204 at the interface of first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of yarns of first knit layer 202 and/or the plurality of yarns of second knit layer 204 may loop around each other at interlayer knit line trace 214.

Knitted textile element 200 is a textile material from which knitted components 230 and 240 may be removed. Knitted components 230 and 240 may be removed by any known or later developed removal method. For example, knitted components 230 and 240 may be removed or separated by cutting, stamping, or any other method for separating knitted components from larger knitted textile element 200 or any excess material of knitted textile element 200. In some embodiments, knitted components 230 and 240 may be removed by separating knitted components 230 and 240 from textile element 200 along interlayer knit line trace 214 using a cutting process or other separation process. It will be appreciated that because first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 are interconnected along interlayer knit line trace 214 and interlayer knit line trace 232 using a warp knitting process, separating knitted textile element 200 along interlayer knit line traces 214 and 232 may not cause unraveling of knitted components 230 and 240 along the separated or cut edges.

Fig. 3-6 illustrate a method for removing or separating knitted components 230 and 240 from knitted textile element 200 using an optional knit indicator portion. In some embodiments, knitted components 230 and 240 may be removed or separated from knitted textile element 200 using one or more optional knit indicator portions. FIG. 3 illustrates knit indicator portion 310 disposed about an outer periphery or contour of knitted component 230 corresponding with a tongue. Fig. 3 illustrates knit indicator portion 312 disposed about an outer periphery or contour of a knitted component 240, such as knitted component 140 of upper 102 shown in fig. 1, that corresponds with a seamless bootie or textile upper.

Knitted component 230 may be removed or separated from knitted textile element 200 by separating knitted textile element 200 along knitted indicating portion 310. Knitted component 240 may be removed or separated from knitted textile element 200 by separating knitted textile element 200 along knit indicator portion 312. It will be appreciated that because first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 are interconnected along interlayer knit line trace 214 and interlayer knit line trace 232 using a warp knitting process, separating knitted textile element 200 along knit indicator portions 310 and 312 may not cause unraveling of knitted components 230 and 240 along the separated or cut edges. In addition, providing knit indicator portions 310 and 312 along the outer periphery of knitted components 230 and 240 may provide controlled spacing between interlayer knit line traces 214 and 232 and respective separated or cut edges along knit indicator portions 310 and 312. It will be appreciated that this controlled spacing may also assist in preventing any unraveling of knitted components 230 and 240 along their peripheral edges.

Fig. 3-6 illustrate a method for removing or separating a knitted component from a knitted textile element using a cutting tool 314, such as a knife. Fig. 3 illustrates a method of separating a knitted component 240 from a knitted textile element 200 by cutting a first knit layer 202 of the knitted textile element 200 along a knit indicating portion 312 to form a separation or cut line 316. Similarly, fig. 6 illustrates a method of separating knitted component 240 from textile element 200 by cutting second knit layer 204 of knitted textile element 200 along knit indicator portion 312 to form separation or cut lines 616. As first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 are interconnected along interlayer knit line trace 214, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 may be separated or cut in a single, simultaneous separation or cutting process.

Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a method for separating portions of knitted component 240 to form openings in knitted component 240. Figure 4 illustrates knit indicator portion 410 positioned along common edge 210 (as shown by the double dashed line), and figure 5 illustrates a method of separating knitted component 240 along knit indicator portion 410 using a cutting method to form separation or cut lines 510 (corresponding to ankle openings of knitted component 240). Similarly, fig. 5 illustrates a knitted indicating portion 512 (as shown in double dashed lines), and fig. 4 illustrates a method of separating knitted component 240 along knitted indicating portion 512 using a cutting method to form separation or cut lines 412 (corresponding to the opening of the closure system). In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 4 and 5, the knit indicating portion 410 and/or the knit indicating portion 412 can be formed along substantially straight lines. In some embodiments, the knitted indicating portion 410 and/or the knitted indicating portion 412 may not be formed along straight lines, but may have a regular or irregular geometric configuration. For example, in some embodiments, knit indicator portion 410 may be a contoured bend line configured to provide a contoured ankle opening. In some embodiments, knit indicator portion 412 may be a thread having a fan-shaped configuration that outlines a series of lace members. In some embodiments, knit indicator portion 410 and knit indicator portion 412 can be continuous, and in some embodiments, knitted component 240 can be separated along knit indicator portions 410 and 412 in a single continuous cutting process or other separation process. In some embodiments, the knitted indicating portion 412 may be optional (i.e., no closure structure). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the various configurations for the knit indicator portion suitable for forming the desired ankle opening and any optional closure structures for the desired upper configuration.

In the configuration of fig. 2-6, knitted textile element 200 (and, therefore, knitted components 230 and 240) has a substantially flat, two-dimensional configuration including one or more yarns knitted together. In some embodiments, the braided textile element 200 may have a generally tubular configuration. In some embodiments, the knit textile element 200 may have an open or discontinuous configuration along the second common edge 212 of the knit textile element 200. In some embodiments, for example as disclosed below in fig. 23 and 24, first layer 202 and second layer 204 may have substantially continuous interlayer knit stitches on at least a portion of an area or region outside of the perimeter or contour of the knitted component.

Knitted component 240 may include various portions that correspond to portions or areas of a seamless bootie or textile upper 102 as shown in fig. 1. For example, knitted component 240 may include forefoot portion 242, midfoot portion 244, and heel portion 246 that may correspond, respectively, to forefoot portion 142, midfoot portion 144, and heel portion 146 of knitted component 140 in upper 102 in fig. 1. Likewise, for example, lateral side portion 248 may correspond with lateral side 148 of knitted component 140 of upper 102, and medial side portion 250 may correspond with medial side 150 of knitted component 140 of upper 102.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of knitted component 230 (removed) of FIG. 2, corresponding with a tongue. Knitted component 230 is of unitary warp knit construction. In some embodiments, knitted component 230 may include first knit layer 202, second knit layer 204, and interlayer knit line trace 232 that defines a perimeter or contour of knitted component 230. Since knitted component 230 is of unitary warp knit construction bounded at its periphery by interlayer knit line traces 232, knitted component 230 may have a stable knit construction that will not unravel at its peripheral edges when separated and removed from knitted textile element 200. Knitted component 230 may include a knit indicator portion 234 that indicates a separation line for creating an opening 236 in knitted component 230. In this manner, a cavity or pocket may be formed in the interior of knitted component 230. In some embodiments, knitted component 230 may optionally be flipped out through opening 236. In this case, the initially exposed outer surface 206 of knitted component 230 may be interchanged with the initially unexposed inner surface 208 of knitted component 230. In some embodiments, the initially exposed surface 206 may have different finishing and/or aesthetic characteristics than the initially unexposed surface 208. In either case, an optional insert member (not shown), for example, made of a foam material, may be inserted through opening 236 into an interior cavity or pocket formed between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knitted component 230 to modify the cushioning characteristics of the tongue. Knitted component 230 may be provided with a plurality of holes 238. In some embodiments, plurality of holes 238 may be disposed in first braid 202 and in second braid 204. In some embodiments, plurality of holes 238 may optionally be disposed in first braid 202 or second braid 204. The plurality of holes 238 may be formed, for example, by a knitting process or by separating knitted component 230 at a knit indicating portion corresponding to the plurality of holes 238. It will be appreciated that the plurality of holes 238 may provide improved overall and/or local ventilation characteristics. The plurality of holes 238 may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics.

Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of knitted component 240 (after removal) of fig. 2 corresponding with a seamless bootie or textile upper for an article of footwear. For example, in some embodiments, knitted component 240 may correspond to knitted component 140 of upper 102 in fig. 1. Knitted component 240 is of unitary warp knit construction. Knitted component 240 generally includes first knit layer 202 forming a medial side of knitted component 240 and second knit layer 204 forming a lateral side of knitted component 240. First knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knitted component 240 are continuous throughout forefoot portion 242 (including common edge portion 210). Knitted component 240 includes an interlayer knit line trace 214 interconnecting first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 along a peripheral portion of knitted component 240. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2 and 8, sandwich braided wire trace 214 may extend around a front toe portion 254 of knitted component 240, through a bottom portion 256 of knitted component 240, and around heel portion 246 of knitted component 240.

Knitted component 240 may have ankle opening 810 defined by edge 216 corresponding to knit indicator portion 410 and separation line 510 and closure structure 221 defined by edge 218 corresponding to knit indicator portion 412 and separation line 512. In some embodiments, closure structure 221 may include lace members 222 and eyelet holes 224. Lace member 222 may include a reinforcing structure for knitted component 240 resulting from a knit configuration or yarn selected to provide strong, durable textile characteristics. The particular configuration of closure structure 221 (e.g., including lace members 222 and eyelet holes 224) may be provided by selecting the knit configuration of knitted component 240. For example, in some embodiments, the eyelet holes 224 may be formed by selecting a knit configuration of the knitted component 240 that includes knit holes having a desired size and shape. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the weave configuration for the eyelet opening 224 may include a weave indicator portion that indicates a location for separating the knitted component 240 to form the eyelet opening 224.

In some embodiments, knitted component 240 removed or separated from knitted textile element 200 may be directly manipulated or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper in its final form. However, in some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be inverted or turned inside out to present an alternative finished surface of the seamless bootie or textile upper before being manipulated or stretched to form the final seamless bootie or textile upper.

Figures 9-13 schematically illustrate an optional flipping process for knitted component 240 of figure 8 (i.e., for flipping the removed knitted component 240 inside out). Because knitted component 240 is formed from a unitary warp knit construction that includes exposed peripheral edges that are defined in part by being separated (e.g., cut) along sandwich knit line trace 214, knitted component 240 generally provides a stable knit construction that will not unravel at the separated peripheral edges. However, in some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be turned over to interchange the initially exposed outer surface 206 and the initially unexposed inner surface 208 of first layer 202 and second layer 204 to present a clean (i.e., unseparated or uncut) portion of interlayer knit line trace 214 as the outer peripheral surface of knitted component 240. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the initially exposed outer surface 206 and the initially unexposed inner surface 208 may have different finishes or other characteristics. Inverting knitted component 240 enables initially unexposed interior surface 208 to appear as the final exposed exterior surface of knitted component 240 (and the resulting article of footwear 100).

Figure 9 illustrates knitted component 240 in an initial post-removal state. For purposes of distinguishing between the two surfaces in this description, in fig. 9-13, the initially exposed outer surface 206 is shown without substantial shading, and the initially unexposed inner surface 208 is shown with substantial shading. In some embodiments, the initially exposed outer surface 206 and the initially unexposed inner surface 208 may have the same or similar characteristics. In some embodiments, the initially exposed outer surface 206 and the initially unexposed inner surface 208 may have substantially different properties.

Fig. 10 illustrates knitted component 240 in which front toe portion 254 is turned over (i.e., front toe portion 254 is shown in phantom to schematically illustrate front toe portion 254 being pushed into an inner cavity or space between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knitted component 240 as indicated by arrow 1010).

Fig. 11 illustrates knitted component 240 with inverted front toe portion 254 pulled through ankle opening 810 as indicated by arrow 1110 and heel portion 246 pushed forward over front toe portion 254 as indicated by arrow 1112.

Fig. 12 illustrates knitted component 240 with forward toe and forefoot portions 244, 254 protruding through and pulled through ankle opening 810 as indicated by arrow 1210 and heel portion 246 pushing down over forward toe and forefoot portions 254, 244 as indicated by arrow 1212. In fig. 12, the flipping process is substantially complete.

Figure 13 illustrates knitted component 240 fully inverted (i.e., turned inside out from its initial removed or separated state). As schematically illustrated by the multiple shading in fig. 9-13, knitted component 240 may have substantially different finishing and aesthetic characteristics on the initially exposed outer surface (final inner surface) 206 and the initially unexposed inner surface (final exposed outer surface) 208. In some embodiments, different shading may represent different woven stitches, such as a loose or tight weave configuration. In some embodiments, different shading may represent holes of different sizes or shapes, such as large or small woven holes. In some embodiments, different shading may represent different aesthetic characteristics. In some embodiments, different shading may represent different knitting stitches corresponding to different knitting indicator portions. In some embodiments, different shading may represent different yarn materials. In some embodiments, different shading may represent different yarns or textile fabric treatments, such as a material-memory-enabled treated yarn and an untreated yarn. In this manner, any desired surface characteristics may be indicated and disposed on the exposed outer or inner surface, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 14-18 schematically illustrate an embodiment of article of footwear 100 in the form of a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. In some embodiments, seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may correspond to knitted component 140 of fig. 1 or knitted component 240 of fig. 2 and 8. Figures 14-16 illustrate a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 in a rotational sequence from a medial isometric view (figure 14) to a bottom isometric view (figure 15) to a lateral isometric view (figure 16); FIG. 17 is a schematic isometric bottom front view of a textile upper; and figure 18 is a schematic isometric top front view of a textile upper.

In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be operated to form a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 having a desired configuration (including at least size and shape). In some embodiments, one or more portions of knitted component 240 may be stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 having a desired configuration (including at least size and shape). In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be stretched over a last corresponding to a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 of a desired size and shape (generally corresponding to a particular foot or standard foot size). For example, the last may have a desired length, width, girth, and/or volume.

Knitted component 240 may include one or more portions or sections having a knit stitch or knit configuration selected to enable the portion to be stretched to a desired configuration of a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. For example, in some embodiments, a portion or section of knitted component 240 may be provided with a plurality of holes in the stretch section. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may include portions or sections having loose knit stitches or a loose knit configuration to form stretch sections. In some embodiments, the stretch zone of knitted component 240 may be configured to stretch more than other portions of knitted component 240, i.e., relatively more than other portions of knitted component 240, to facilitate forming knitted component 240 into a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 of a desired size and shape. In some embodiments, the bottom portion 256 may be a stretch section.

In fig. 14-18, knitted component 240 may be provided with stretch sections 1402 (shown in black shading). In some embodiments, tensile section 1402 may be configured to stretch more than some other portions of knitted component 240 (such as section 1404 corresponding with a central sole portion of a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440) and to stretch less than some other portions or sections of knitted component 240 (such as portions or sections corresponding with multiple holes 1406 and 1408). For example, respective portions 1502 and 1504 (shown in black shading) of first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knitted component 240 may be disposed, respectively, so as to form a substantially continuous annular stretch section 1402 about a periphery of central bottom portion 256 of knitted component 240. Such a configuration may facilitate knitted component 240 being stretched to form an asymmetric configuration having a substantially asymmetric central bottom portion 256 (e.g., having a first material property) and an asymmetric peripheral base or bottom portion (e.g., stretched section 1402) (having a second material property). In some embodiments, central sole portion 256 and peripheral stretch section 1402 together may generally correspond to the size and shape of a foot, i.e., the shape of a footprint and/or a sole. The second material characteristic may be different from the first material characteristic (e.g., in addition to a different degree of stretchability). It will be appreciated that using this configuration, knitted component 240 may be stretched in different ways to achieve one of at least two different possible desired final configurations for seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. For example, knitted component 240 may be stretched to form a right article of footwear or a matching left article of footwear by controlling the relative amounts of stretch in various portions of stretch zone 1402. Alternatively, knitted component 240 may be stretched to form an article of footwear having any of a narrow, medium, or wide finished width by controlling the amount of stretch in stretch zones 1402. It will also be appreciated that this configuration and configuration, including central sole portion 256 and peripheral stretch section 1402, may facilitate the bonding of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 to a sole structure having similar right and left foot configurations and/or a particular size or width.

In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be treated with a substance that facilitates or enables material memory when knitted component 240 is stretched to a desired size and shape. For example, in some embodiments, one or more yarns made of a material having an inherent material memory may be used in the knitting process of knitted component 240. In some embodiments, one or more yarns of knitted component 240 may be pre-treated with a substance for enabling material memory prior to the knitting process. In some embodiments, at least a portion of knitted textile element 200 corresponding with at least a portion of knitted component 240 may be pretreated with a substance for enabling material memory prior to removing knitted component 240 from knitted textile element 200. In some embodiments, portions of knitted component 240 may be treated with a substance that enables material memory prior to stretching knitted component 240 over a last. In some embodiments, at least a portion of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may be treated with a substance for enabling material memory during or after stretching on a last. Examples of substances for enabling material memory include, but are not limited to, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) coatings, TPU-based coatings, and/or other TPU-containing solutions. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select treated yarns, substances, and treatment regimens useful for facilitating or enabling the achievement of a material memory suitable for the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 for the desired application.

In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be heat treated to enable formation of the knitted component. For example, knitted component 240 may be heat treated in conjunction with stretching over a last. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be heat treated prior to being stretched over a last. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be heat treated while being stretched over a last. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be heat treated after removal from the last. In some embodiments, one or more of these thermal treatments may be used together. In each case, heat treating knitted component 240 may facilitate forming the knitted component by stretching one or more portions of knitted component 240 to a desired size, shape, or configuration.

In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be treated with a substance for facilitating or enabling material memory and heat treated to facilitate forming a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 having a desired size and shape and material memory.

As shown in fig. 15 and 17, after being formed by manipulation and/or stretching, width 1510 of a portion of stretch section 1502 on the medial side of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may be different than width 1512 of a corresponding portion of stretch section 1504 on the lateral side of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440.

As shown in fig. 15 and 17, after being formed by manipulating and/or stretching knitted textile 240, the location of sandwich knit stitch line 214 between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knitted component 240 may become asymmetric with respect to medial side 248 and lateral side 250 of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. For example, as shown in the bottom view in fig. 15, the sandwich knit line trace 214 may have a gentle S-shaped curve that generally follows the contour of the central sole portion 256 of the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440.

As shown in fig. 16 and 18, because knitted component 240 is a unitary warp knit construction having a continuous layer at forefoot portion 242, seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may have a continuous knit stitch and/or knit configuration, presenting an aesthetically pleasing appearance at forefoot portion 242. For example, as shown in fig. 16 and 18, knitted component 240 may have a plurality of holes 1406 with a continuous hole pattern throughout the entirety of forefoot portion 242, such as a plurality of continuous, parallel, linearly aligned holes.

As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the location of the sandwich knit line trace 214 may extend at least partially around (encircle) the front toe portion 254 of the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 after being formed by manipulation and/or stretching of knitted component 240. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may be turned over (i.e., turned inside out) such that sandwich knit wire trace 214 is substantially hidden on the inner surface of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. However, in some embodiments, knitted component 240 may not be flipped over, and interlayer knit line trace 214 may be present on the exposed outer surface at the front toe portion 254 of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. In this case, the sandwich knit line trace 214 still presents a substantially continuous and stable knit surface at the front toe portion 254 of the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the midsole knit line trace 214 exposed at the forward toe portion 254 may be covered by a sole structure or other finishing treatment.

A seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may provide article of footwear 100 without major further modification or manufacture. In some embodiments, seamless bootie 1440 may be formed into article of footwear 100 without any further modification or manufacture. In some embodiments, seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may be formed into an article of footwear by applying a finishing treatment or process to at least a portion of the bootie. In some embodiments, a finishing treatment may be applied to the bottom surface portion of the bootie to provide durability and/or traction. Examples of such applications or finishing processes may include, but are not limited to: a layer of gripping material (e.g. rubber) or direct injection of gripping material is applied. It will be appreciated that providing a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 using a finishing treatment or process may also provide enhanced properties to sandwich knit stitch line 214. In some embodiments, providing a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 using a finishing process may inject or impregnate a bonding agent between the yarns of first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 at sandwich knit stitch line 214 to bond or bond exposed yarn ends or otherwise unraveled yarns at sandwich knit stitch line 214. Such a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may form an article of footwear suitable for various activities, such as wrestling, dancing, aerobics, cliff climbing, or other activities that use lightweight footwear that does not have separate sole structural elements.

In some embodiments, seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 may be formed into an article of footwear by the addition of one or more accessories, such as a tongue or an insert member. Fig. 19 is a schematic isometric top front view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 1900 incorporating the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 of fig. 14-18, an optional tongue 1930, and an optional sole structure 1904. Fig. 20 is a schematic isometric rear view of the article of footwear 1900 of fig. 19.

Tongue 1930 can be formed from a knitted component. For example, tongue 1930 may correspond to knitted component 230 as shown in fig. 2 and 7. As shown in FIG. 19, tongue 1930 may be disposed within an interior space of a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. Tongue 1930 can be configured to be positioned between closure structure 221 of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 and the foot of the wearer. Tongue 1930 may be associated with closed region 221 by attaching a forward edge of tongue 1930 to seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 near forefoot portion 242 of knitted component 240. Tongue 1930 can include a plurality of holes 1910. The tongue 1930 may include an insert member (not shown), such as a foam material, disposed between the first and second knit layers. Tongue 1930 may be attached to seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 by any suitable known or later developed attachment method, such as by adhesive, thermal bonding, stitching, or other attachment mechanisms.

Sole structure 1904 may be any suitable known or later developed sole structure. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 19, sole structure 1904 may include a forward toe portion 1906, the forward toe portion 1906 covering at least a portion of the midsole knit line trace 214 located at the forward toe portion 254 of the seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 (illustrated in dashed lines as double dashed lines for descriptive purposes). In some embodiments, sole structure 1904 may encircle at least a portion of forward toe portion 254 and cover substantially all or the entirety of midsole knit line 214 at forward toe portion 254 (see, e.g., fig. 1). Sole structure 1904 may be associated with a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 by any suitable known or later developed attachment method, such as by adhesives or other bonding methods. It will be appreciated that attaching a seamless bootie or textile upper 1440 to sole structure 1904 may provide reinforcing properties to sandwich braided wire trace 214. In some embodiments, attachment by adhesive or other bonding methods may infuse adhesive or bonding agent between the yarns of first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 at interlayer knit line trace 214 to bond or bond any exposed ends or otherwise loose yarns at interlayer knit line trace 214.

As shown in fig. 20, sandwich knit line trace 214 of knitted component 240 (shown in double dashed lines for descriptive purposes) may be generally located along a centerline between medial side 250 and lateral side 248 of knitted component 240 of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. It will be appreciated that because knitted component 240 is of unitary warp knit construction including sandwich knit wire trace 214, knitted component 240 may exhibit a substantially continuous knit stitch and/or knit configuration throughout heel portion 246 of seamless bootie or textile upper 1440. In some embodiments, knitted component 240 may include a plurality of holes 2010, the plurality of holes 2010 having a substantially continuous hole pattern throughout the entirety of heel portion 246. For example, as shown in fig. 20, plurality of holes 2010 may include a plurality of substantially continuous, parallel, linearly arranged holes throughout the entirety of heel portion 246 (including sandwich braided wire traces 214). It will be appreciated that this configuration may provide desirable aesthetic characteristics.

Fig. 21 schematically maps features of an embodiment of knitted component 2140 (before removal) of knitted textile element 2100 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed by knitted component 2140 (after removal). In some embodiments, knitted textile element 2100 may correspond to knitted textile element 200 of fig. 2, and knitted component 2140 may correspond to knitted component 240 of fig. 2 and 8 and/or knitted component 140 of fig. 1.

In fig. 21, reference 2101 identifies a drawing of a braided textile element 2100 (hereinafter referred to as reference 2101), and includes a series of cross-sectional lines 2111-2119 that schematically map various features and characteristics of a braided component 2140 of the braided textile element 2100 through corresponding drawings at reference numerals 2102, 2103, 2104, and 2105 (hereinafter referred to as reference figures 2102, 2103, 2104, and 2105). Reference figure 2102 illustrates a series of cross-sectional views 2121-2129 taken along section lines 2111-2119 associated with a knitted component 2140 of knitted textile element 2100; reference figure 2103 illustrates a medial side view of knitted component 2140; reference figure 2104 illustrates a bottom view of knitted component 2140; and with reference to figure 2105, a lateral side view of knitted component 2140 is illustrated. Reference number 2106 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 2140 (hereinafter reference number 2106); reference 2107 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 2158 taken along section line 2107-2107 of reference figure 2106 (hereinafter reference figure 2107); reference number 2108 is an exploded detail view schematically illustrating an interlayer knit line trace 2150 of knitted component 2140 of reference figure 2107 (hereinafter reference figure 2108); and reference number 2109 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 2158 of knitted component 2140 taken along section line 2109-2109 of reference figure 2106 (hereinafter reference figure 2109).

Cross-sectional line 2111 passes through knitted textile element 2100 over knitted component 2140 outside the peripheral boundary of knitted component 2140 defined by interlayer knit layer 2150. Thus, mapping section line 2111 in reference figure 2101 to reference figure 2102 presents a cross-section of knitted component 2100 in the form of a tubular structure 2121 (without the physical features associated with knitted component 2140). Likewise, reference to figures 2103, 2104, and 2105 does not present the physical features associated with knitted component 2140 along section line 2111.

Section line 2112 passes through the rear heel portion of knitted component 2140. Mapping section line 2112 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of the braided textile element 2100 in the form of a substantially flat tubular structure 2122 having a single node, wherein the interlayer braid trace 2150 interconnects the first and second braids 2152, 2154 at a distance 2130 from a common side edge 2156 (see, e.g., common side edge 210 in fig. 2-6) of the braided textile element 2100.

Section line 2113 passes through the base of the heel portion of knitted component 2140. Mapping section line 2113 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2100 in the form of a substantially flat tubular structure 2123 having a single node, wherein interlayer knit line trace 2150 interconnects first and second knit layers 2152 and 2154 at a distance 2131 from a continuous common lateral edge 2156 of textile element 2100.

Section line 2114 passes through a midfoot portion of knitted component 2140 at an end of closure system 2170 proximate the ankle opening. Mapping section line 2114 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of the braided textile element 2100 in the form of a substantially flat tubular structure 2124 having a single node, wherein the interlayer braid trace 2150 interconnects the first and second braids 2152, 2154 at a distance 2132 from a common lateral edge 2156 of the textile element 2100.

Mapping the reference figure 2101 to the reference figure 2104, the reference figure 2104 illustrates a bottom view of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component 2140, it will be understood that along the section line 2114, the distance 2133 from the common edge 2156 of the knitted component 2140 to the edge of the central bottom portion 2160 and the distance 2134 from the edge of the central bottom portion 2160 to the interlayer knitting line trace 2150 correspond to the distance 2132 from the common edge 2156 to the interlayer knitting line trace 2150 (distance 2133+ distance 2134 ═ distance 2132), and the distance 2146 corresponding to the width of the central bottom portion 2160 along the section line 2114 is equal to twice the distance 2134 (distance 2146 ═ 2 × distance 2134). Similarly, the distance 2147 corresponding to the width of the central bottom portion 2160 and the bottom perimeter portion 2162 of the knitted component 2140 along section line 2114 is equal to twice the distance 2135 between the edge of the bottom perimeter portion 2162 and the interlayer knitting yarn trace 2150 along section line 2114 (distance 2147 ═ 2 × distance 2135).

Cross-sectional line 2115 passes through the midfoot portion of knitted component 2140 at an end of closure system 2170 proximate forefoot portion 2158. Mapping section line 2115 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2100 in the form of a flat tubular structure 2125 having a single node, wherein interlayer knit line trace 2150 interconnects first and second knit layers 2152 and 2154 at a distance 2136 from a common lateral edge 2156 of textile element 2100. Mapping reference figure 2101 to reference figure 2104 along section line 2115, it will be understood that the distance 2137 from the common edge 2156 of the knitted component 2140 to the edge of the central bottom portion 2160 and the distance 2138 from the edge of the central bottom portion 2156 to the interlayer knitting wire trace 2150 correspond to the distance 2136 from the common edge 2156 to the interlayer knitting wire trace 2150 (distance 2137+ distance 2138 — distance 2136), and the distance 2148 corresponding to the width of the central bottom portion 2160 along section line 2115 is equal to twice the distance 2138 along section line 2115. Similarly, the distance 2149 corresponding to the width of the central bottom portion 2160 and the bottom perimeter portion 2162 along section line 2115 is equal to twice the distance 2139 between the edge of the bottom perimeter portion 2162 and the interlayer braided wire trace 2150 along section line 2115 (distance 2149 ═ 2 × distance 2139).

Cross-sectional line 2116 passes through forefoot portion 2158 of knitted component 2140. Mapping section line 2116 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2100 in the form of a flat tubular structure 2126 having a single node, wherein interlayer knit line trace 2150 interconnects first and second knit layers 2152 and 2154 at a distance 2141 from a common lateral edge 2156 of textile element 2100.

Section line 2117 also passes through forefoot portion 2158 of knitted component 2140. Mapping section line 2117 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of the braided textile element 2100 in the form of a tubular structure 2127, the tubular structure 2127 having: a first node wherein interlayer braid trace 2150 interconnects first braid 2152 and second braid 2154 at a distance 2142 from a common lateral edge 2156 of textile element 2100; and a second node, wherein interlayer braid trace 2150 interconnects first braid 2152 and second braid 2154 along section line 2117 at a first node distance 2143 from textile element 2100.

Cross-sectional line 2118 contacts the forward edge of forefoot portion 2158 of knitted component 2140 and extends tangentially to the forward edge of forefoot portion 2158 of knitted component 2140. Mapping section line 2118 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of the knitted textile element 2100 in the form of a flat tubular structure 2128 having a single node, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 2150 interconnects the first and second knit layers 2152, 2154 at a distance 2144 from a common edge 2156 of the textile element 2100.

Section line 2119 passes through knitted textile element 2100 below knitted component 2140, outside of the peripheral boundary of knitted component 2140 defined by interlayer knit stitch line 2150. Accordingly, mapping section line 2119 in reference fig. 2101 to reference fig. 2102 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2100 in the form of a flat tubular structure 2129 (without the physical features associated with knitted component 2140). Likewise, reference to figures 2103, 2104, and 2105 does not present the physical features associated with knitted component 2100 and section lines 2119.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of knitted textile element 2100 and knitted component 2140 may be selected to provide a desired configuration (size and shape), custom fit (custom fit), and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2140.

For example, it will be understood that distance 2131 corresponds to the maximum width of knitted textile component 2140, and distance 2131 thus represents the minimum width of knitted textile element 2100 sufficient to define and manufacture knitted component 2140. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the width of knitted textile element 2100 may be selected to be substantially equal to distance 2131 to minimize the amount of material and cost required to manufacture knitted textile element 2100 and knitted component 2140.

Selecting dimensions 2132, 2133, 2134, and 2135 (e.g., at the end of closure system 2170 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 2140) and dimensions 2136, 2137, 2138, and 2139 (e.g., at the end of closure system 2170 proximate forefoot portion 2158) may provide a desired size and/or custom fit for a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2140. The desired custom fit of the seamless bootie may also be facilitated by the selection of the configuration of the closure system 2170. For example, providing a V-shaped closure structure 2170 having such selected dimensions at an end of the closure system 2170 proximate the forefoot portion 2158 (see, e.g., fig. 1) may provide a desired size and/or custom fit at that location (e.g., girth), and facilitate further custom fit by facilitating precise close tolerances (tightening tolerance) of the lacing system of the closure system 2170.

Selecting similar dimensions at other locations of knitted component 2141 (such as along section lines 2111 through 2119) may similarly provide a desired size and/or customized fit of knitted component 2141 at these locations. For example, selecting dimensions 2141, 2142, and 2143 at forefoot portion 2158 may provide a toe box having a desired size and/or custom fit.

Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a size for knitted component 2140 that is suitable to provide a desired size and/or custom fit for a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2140.

Additional features of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2140 are illustrated with reference to figures 2106 through 2109. Reference is made to figure 2106 which is a front perspective view of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2140.

Reference figure 2107 illustrates a cross-section of forefoot portion 2158 taken along section line 2107 and 2107 in reference figure 2106. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 2107, first and second knit layers 2152 and 2154 form a single continuous, substantially annular (tubular) knit layer at forefoot portion 2158. In particular, as shown in reference figure 2108 (which is an enlarged detailed view at interlayer braid trace 2150), first braid 2152 and second braid 2154 provide a continuous braid at interlayer braid trace 2150. As shown in reference figure 2108, interlayer knit stitch line 2150 includes at least one yarn of first knit layer 2152 interlooped with at least one yarn of second knit layer 2154. This continuous knit structure at interlayer knit line trace 2150 may help prevent unraveling of knitted component 2140 at interlayer knit line trace 2150. As schematically illustrated in reference figure 2108, after knitted component 2140 is separated or removed from knitted textile element 2100 along interlayer knit line trace 2150, a small amount of terminal yarn ends resulting from the separation process may be exposed at interlayer knit line trace 2150. In some embodiments where knitted component 2140 is flipped prior to forming a seamless bootie or textile upper, the exposed yarn ends at sandwich knit stitch line 2150 may be positioned on the medial side of the seamless bootie or textile upper (as shown in reference to figure 2108). In some embodiments where knitted component 2140 is not flipped prior to forming a seamless bootie or textile upper, the exposed yarn ends at sandwich knit stitch line 2150 may be positioned on the lateral side of the seamless bootie or textile upper.

Reference figure 2109 illustrates a cross-section of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 2109 and 2109 in reference figure 2106. In some embodiments, as shown in reference to fig. 2106, a seamless bootie or textile upper may include a closure system 2170 formed in knitted component 2140 by a separation process such as that shown in fig. 3-6. In some embodiments, closure system 2170 may include closure member 2172, eyelet 2174, and lace 2176. In some embodiments, as shown in reference to fig. 2109, first and second woven layers 2152 and 2154 form a single continuous woven layer, with one end of first woven layer 2152 terminating as woven closure member 2172 on one side of closed structure 2170 and one end of second woven layer 2154 terminating as woven lace member 2172 on an opposite side of closed structure 2170.

Fig. 22 illustrates a process flow diagram 2200 including a process for manufacturing an article of footwear using a knitting method according to the features of fig. 2-21. Process 2201 includes knitting a knit textile element of unitary warp knit construction. Process 2202 includes removing a knitted component from a knitted textile element. An optional process 2203 includes inverting the knitted component, i.e., turning the knitted component inside out. Process 2204 includes forming the knitted component into a seamless bootie or textile upper for an article of footwear. And optional process 2205 includes associating the seamless bootie or textile upper with one or more additional components, such as a sole structure, tongue, or covering component. The optional process 2205 may also include applying a finishing treatment, such as applying a gripping material to the bottom surface of the seamless bootie. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select a desired process for implementing an article of footwear consistent with the description of this embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a knitted textile element including a knitted component (before removal), with warp knit stitches and interlayer knit line traces of the knitted textile element shown in detail. Fig. 23 is generally similar to fig. 2. Thus, the description of the features in fig. 2 is incorporated herein by reference, and this description will be directed to features that may be different in fig. 23.

Fig. 23 illustrates a knit textile element 2300 of unitary warp knit configuration including first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 overlying first knit layer 202 and continuous with first knit layer 202 along common edge 210. In some embodiments, knitted textile element 2300 may include knitted component 230 corresponding to a tongue and knitted component 240 corresponding to a seamless bootie or textile upper. Knitted components 230 and 240 may generally include features corresponding to knitted components 230 and 240 as illustrated in figure 2 and described above. In fig. 23, knit textile element 2300 may include an interlayer knit line trace 214 interconnecting first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 at a peripheral portion of knitted component 240, and an interlayer knit line trace 232 interconnecting first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 at a peripheral portion of knitted component 240.

However, in some embodiments, as shown in fig. 23, first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 of knit textile element 2300 may be interconnected throughout sandwich knit portion 2310 outside of the peripheral portions of knitted components 230 and 240 (illustrated by the common continuous hatching in fig. 23). For purposes of description, fig. 23 includes an enlarged element 2315 schematically illustrating in cross-section the knitting configuration of the knitted textile element 2300 including the interlayer knit line trace 214 and the interlayer knit portion 2310. As schematically illustrated in element 2315, first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204 may be interconnected throughout interlayer knit portion 2310 by a plurality of common knit stitches (wherein at least one yarn of first knit layer 202 is interlooped with at least one yarn of second knit layer 204). In some embodiments, the plurality of common interlayer woven stitches may comprise a series of individual interlayer woven stitches using different yarns. In some embodiments, the plurality of common interlayer woven stitches may comprise a series of interlayer woven stitches using a common yarn. In some embodiments, as shown at element 2315, interlayer knit portion 2310 may be contiguous with interlayer knit line trace 214 between first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204. In some embodiments, interlayer braided portion 2310 may be continuous with interlayer braided wire trace 214 between first braided layer 202 and second braided layer 204. In some embodiments, the interlayer braided portion 2310 may include an interlayer braided wire trace 214.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, knit textile element 2300 including interlayer knit portion 2310 may provide improved dimensional stability to knitted components 230 and 240 (before removal). In some embodiments, textile element 2300 including interlayer knit portion 2310 can facilitate improved handling during manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, textile element 2300 including interlayer knit portion 2310 may facilitate removing knitted components 230 and 240 using a single separation process (i.e., a single process for separating a knitted component from first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204) for both first knit layer 202 and second knit layer 204.

Fig. 24 schematically maps features of an embodiment of knitted component 2440 (before removal) of knitted textile element 2400 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2440. Fig. 24 is generally similar to fig. 21. In some embodiments, textile element 2400 may correspond to textile element 2300 of fig. 23, and knitted component 2440 may correspond to knitted component 2140 of fig. 21. Therefore, the description of the features previously described in connection with fig. 21 and 23 will not be repeated, and this description will be directed to features that may be different in fig. 24.

In fig. 24, the features associated with knitted component 2440 are substantially similar to the features of knitted component 2140 in fig. 21. The reference fig. 2401 to 2409 are substantially similar to the reference fig. 2101 to 2109. Section lines 2411 to 2419 in fig. 24 correspond to the section lines 2111 to 2119 in fig. 21.

Section line 2411 passes through knit textile element 2400 over knit component 2440 outside the peripheral boundary of knit component 2440 defined by interlayer knit layer 2450. In some embodiments, this configuration may correspond to the sandwich woven portion 2310 in fig. 23. Thus, cross-sectional line 2411 in reference to fig. 2401 is mapped to a cross-section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 2421 of the knitted component 2400 presented in reference to fig. 2402. First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 may be interconnected by a plurality of common interbedded knit stitches and have no features associated with knitted component 2440. Likewise, reference to figures 2403, 2404, and 2405 does not present the physical features associated with knitted component 2440 along section line 2411.

Section line 2412 passes through the rear heel portion of knitted component 2440. Mapping section line 2412 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 2422 of braided textile element 2400 presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456, and a cavity is formed between first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 from common side edge 2456 to a single node (where interlayer knit wire trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2430 from common side edge 2456 of knit textile element 2400 (see, e.g., common side edge 210 in fig. 2-6)). First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2413 passes through the base of the heel portion of knitted component 2440. Mapping section line 2413 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2423 of knit textile element 2400 is presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456, and a cavity is formed between first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 from common side edge 2456 to a single node (where interlayer knit wire trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2431 from common side edge 2456 of knit textile element 2400). First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2414 passes through the midfoot portion of knitted component 2440 at the end of closure system 2470 proximate the ankle opening. Mapping section line 2414 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2424 of knit textile element 2400 is presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456, and a cavity is formed between first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 from common side edge 2456 to a single node (where interlayer knit wire trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2432 from common side edge 2456 of knit textile element 2400). First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2415 passes through the midfoot portion of knitted component 2440 at the end of closure system 2470 proximate forefoot portion 2458. Mapping section line 2415 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2425 of knit textile element 2400 presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456, and a cavity is formed between first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 from common side edge 2456 to a single node (where interlayer knit wire trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2436 from common side edge 2456 of knit textile element 2400). First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2416 passes through forefoot portion 2458 of knitted component 2440. Mapping section line 2416 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2426 of knit textile element 2400 is presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456, and a cavity is formed between first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 from common side edge 2456 to a single node (where interlayer knit wire trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2441 from common side edge 2456 of knit textile element 2400). First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2417 also passes through forefoot portion 2458 of knitted component 2440. Mapping section line 2413 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2427 of knit textile element 2400 is presented in reference to fig. 2402. Structure 2427 has two nodes, where interlayer knit line trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2442 from common side edge 2456 of textile element 2100 and at a distance 2443 from first node of textile element 2100 along section line 2417. First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2418 contacts the front edge of forefoot portion 2458 of knitted component 2440. Mapping section line 2418 in reference to fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer knit structure 2428 of knit textile element 2400 is presented in reference to fig. 2402. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 21, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 have a common side edge 2456 and a node (illustrated as a "pinch point" in two-layer structure 2428), wherein interlayer knit line trace 2450 interconnects first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 at a distance 2444 from common side edge 2456 of knitted textile element 2400. First knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 are interconnected by a plurality of common interlayer knit stitches outside interlayer knit stitch 2450 (see, e.g., interlayer knit portion 2310 in fig. 23).

Section line 2419 passes through knit textile element 2400 beneath knit component 2440 outside of the peripheral boundary of knit component 2440 defined by sandwich knit layer 2450. Accordingly, mapping section line 2419 in reference fig. 2401 to a cross-section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 2429 (without features associated with knitted component 2440) that presents knitted textile element 2400 in reference to fig. 2402. Likewise, reference to figures 2403, 2404, and 2405 does not present features associated with knitted component 2400 and section line 2419.

It will be appreciated that the dimensions of knitted textile element 2400 and knitted component 2440 may be selected as described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2440. One skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 2440 to provide a desired size and/or customized fit for a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2440.

Additional features of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2440 are illustrated with reference to fig. 2406-2409. Reference is made to fig. 2406 which is a front perspective view of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2440.

Reference figure 2407 illustrates a cross-section of forefoot portion 2458 taken along section line 2407 and 2407 in reference figure 2406. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 2407, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 form a single, continuous, substantially circular (tubular) knit layer at forefoot portion 2458. In particular, as shown in reference figure 2408 (which is an enlarged detailed view at interlayer braid wire trace 2450), first braid 2452 and second braid 2454 provide a continuous braid at interlayer braid wire trace 2450. As shown in reference figure 2408, sandwich knit stitch 2450 includes at least one yarn of first knit layer 2452 interlooping with at least one yarn of second knit layer 2454. Further, as shown in fig. 2408, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the interlayer braid wire trace 2450 may be separated at the adjoining interlayer braid portions 2310. This continuous knit structure at the interlayer knit line 2450 and the interlayer knit portion 2310 can help prevent unraveling of the knitted component 2440 at the interlayer knit line 2450. As schematically illustrated in reference figure 2408, after the knitted component 2440 is separated or removed from the knitted textile element 2400 along the interlayer knit line trace 2450 at the interlayer knit portion 2310, a small amount of terminal yarn ends resulting from the separation process may be exposed at the interlayer knit line trace 2450. In some embodiments where knitted component 2440 is turned over (i.e., turned inside out) prior to forming a seamless bootie or textile upper, the exposed yarn ends at interlayer knit stitch 2150 may be positioned on the interior side of the seamless bootie or textile upper (as shown in reference figure 2408). In some embodiments where knitted component 2440 is not flipped prior to forming a seamless bootie or textile upper, the exposed yarn ends at interlayer knit line trace 2150 may be positioned on the exterior side of the seamless bootie or textile upper.

Reference figure 2409 illustrates a cross-section of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 2409 and 2409 in reference figure 2406. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 2406, a seamless bootie or textile upper may include a closure system 2470 formed in knitted component 2440 by a separation process. In some embodiments, closure system 2470 can include lace member 2472, eyelet 2474, and lace 2476. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 2409, first knit layer 2452 and second knit layer 2454 form a single continuous knit layer with one end of first knit layer 2452 terminating as a knitted closure member 2472 on one side of closure structure 2470 and one end of second knit layer 2454 terminating as a knitted closure member 2472 on an opposite side of closure structure 2170.

Seamless bootie footwear configuration with tucked-in portion

This section of the detailed description generally describes embodiments of methods for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component having a tucked-in portion for incorporation into a textile upper for an article of footwear. In particular, this section generally describes embodiments of a method for knitting a knitted textile element including a first knitted component portion and a second knitted component portion, the first knitted component portion configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, and the second knitted component portion configured to fold or fold into an inner pocket of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion), wherein the inner pocket is formed by a first knit layer and a second knit layer of the knitted textile element, and wherein the folded portion (i.e., the second knitted component portion) is seamlessly associated with the first knit layer and the second knit layer of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion) at an opening of the seamless bootie or textile upper configured to receive a foot. In some embodiments, the tuck-in portion may form a dynamic fit structure of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the tucked-in portion may form a closure structure for the article of footwear, such as a gusseted tongue (gusseted tongue). In some embodiments, the tucked-in portion may include a pocket formed by the first woven layer and/or the second woven layer for receiving the insert member. In some embodiments, the tucked-in portion may cooperate with one of the first and second knitted layers of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion) to form a pocket for receiving the insert member. For example, in some embodiments, the insert member may include a toe cup at a forefoot portion of the article, a heel cup (heel cup) at a heel portion of the article, an arch support (arch) at a instep portion of the article, a padding layer for a tongue, and/or another insert member.

Fig. 25-35 illustrate embodiments of a seamless bootie or textile upper that includes a tucked-in portion. The embodiments illustrated in fig. 25-35 are similar in that each includes a seamless bootie or textile upper of unitary warp knit construction (including a tucked portion that is continuous with the bootie at the closure structure of the bootie). In some embodiments, the folded-in portion can provide a dynamic fit structure. In some embodiments, the tucked-in portion may provide a gusseted tongue structure.

Dynamic fit feature

Fig. 25 schematically maps features of an embodiment of knitted component 2540 of knitted textile element 2500 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component. In some embodiments, knitted component 2540 may comprise a knitted dynamic fit midsole component that uses a continuous closed structure.

In fig. 25, reference numeral 2501 identifies a drawing of knitted textile element 2500 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawing 2501), and includes a series of cross-sectional lines 2511-2519 that schematically map various features and characteristics of knitted component 2540 of knitted textile element 2500 through respective drawings at reference numerals 2502, 2503, 2504, and 2505 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawings 2502, 2503, 2504, and 2505). Referring to fig. 2502, a series of cross-sectional views 2521 to 2529 associated with knitted component 2540 of knitted textile element 2500 taken along section lines 2511 to 2519 are illustrated; reference figure 2503 illustrates a medial side view of knitted component 2540; reference figure 2504 illustrates a bottom view of knitted component 2540; and with reference to figure 2505, a lateral side view of knitted component 2540 is illustrated. Reference numeral 2506 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 2540 (hereinafter reference figure 2506); reference numeral 2507 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 2558 taken along section line 2507-2507 of reference fig. 2506 (hereinafter reference fig. 2507); and reference numeral 2508 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540 taken along section line 2508 and 2508 of reference figure 2506 (hereinafter reference figure 2508).

Similar to knit textile element 2100 in fig. 21 and knit textile element 2400 in fig. 24, knit textile element 2500 includes first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 overlying first knit layer 2552, and knit textile element 2500 is of a unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 2501, in this embodiment, first knit layer 2552 is continuous with second knit layer 2554 along a common edge 2556 of common opening 2553 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or knitting process). It will be understood that knit textile element 2500 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to knit textile element 200 and knit textile element 2100 in fig. 2 and 21 or a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to knit textile element 2300 and knit textile element 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, and since various features and portions of a knit textile element having a generally tubular configuration (e.g., fig. 2-8 and 21) correspond to features and portions of a knit textile element having a generally flat two-layer configuration (e.g., fig. 23 and 24) and are interchangeable with features and portions of a knit textile element having a generally flat two-layer configuration (e.g., fig. 23 and 24), knit textile element 2500 will be described with respect to a generally flat two-layer configuration.

Cross-sectional line 2511 passes through knit textile element 2500 above knit component 2540 outside the peripheral boundary of knit component 2540 defined by sandwich knit line trace 2550. Accordingly, cross-section line 2511 in reference to figure 2501 is mapped to a cross-section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 2521 (without the features associated with knitted component 2540) of knitted component 2500 in reference to figure 2502. Likewise, reference to figures 2503, 2504, and 2505 do not present features associated with knitted component 2540 along section line 2511.

Section line 2512 passes through the rear heel portion of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2512 in reference to fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2522 having a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnecting first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2530 from a centerline 2551 associated with common edge 2556 of knitted textile element 2500. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 2556 of knitted component 2540 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, and common edge 2456, in that common edge 2556 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 across a continuous surface of forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540 of knitted textile element 2500.

Section line 2513 passes through the heel portion of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2513 in reference to fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2523 having a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnecting first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2531 from centerline 2551.

Section line 2514 passes through a portion of closure structure 2570 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2514 in reference to fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2524 having a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnecting first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2532 from centerline 2551.

Section line 2515 passes through a portion of closure structure 2570 proximate forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2515 in reference to fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2525 having a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnecting first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2533 from centerline 2551.

Cross-sectional line 2516 passes through forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2516 in reference fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2526 having a pair of common edge portions 2556 and a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnecting first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2534 from centerline 2551.

Cross-sectional line 2517 also passes through forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2517 in reference fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2527 having a pair of common edge portions 2556 and a pair of opposing nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnects first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2535 from centerline 2551.

Cross-sectional line 2518 contacts forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 2558 of knitted component 2540. Mapping section line 2518 in reference to fig. 2501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 2502 represents a cross-section of knitted textile element 2500 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 2528 having a pair of opposing nodes (shown as a pair of opposing narrow point portions in two-layer structure 2528 in reference to fig. 2502), wherein interlayer knit line trace 2550 interconnects first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 at a distance 2536 from centerline 2551.

Cross-sectional line 2519 passes through knitted textile element 2500 below knitted component 2540 outside the peripheral boundary of knitted component 2540 defined by sandwich knit line trace 2550. Accordingly, cross-section line 2519 in reference to figure 2501 is mapped to a cross-section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 2529 (without the features associated with knitted component 2540) of knitted component 2500 in reference to figure 2502. Likewise, reference to figures 2503, 2504, and 2505 do not present features associated with knitted component 2540 along section line 2519.

Knitted component 2540 may be removed from knitted textile element 2500 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. For example, in some embodiments, knitted component 2540 may be removed or separated from textile element 2500 by separating knitted textile element 2500 along interlayer knit line trace 2550 of knitted component 2540 using a separation process (such as a cutting process as discussed above with respect to fig. 2-8).

After removal, knitted component 2540 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally shown in reference to fig. 2503-2508.

Figures 26-30 schematically illustrate an optional flipping process for knitted component 2540 of figure 25 (after removal) to fold or tuck second or secondary (e.g., inner) knitted component 2562 into first or primary (e.g., outer) knitted component 2560.

Figure 26 illustrates knitted component 2540 in an initial post-removal state. Figure 26 illustrates secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 disposed over primary (outer) knitted component 2560 prior to the everting process.

Fig. 27 illustrates knitted component 2540 where forefoot portion 2557 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 is pressed in the direction of arrow 2710 into the cavity formed between first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562. As shown in fig. 27, forefoot portion 2557 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 is then further advanced, down and turned around in the direction of dashed arrow 2720 to tuck forefoot portion 2557 (shown in phantom) of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 into the cavity formed between first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 of main (outer) knitted component 2560 at forefoot portion 2558 of main (outer) knitted component 2560.

Figure 28 illustrates forefoot portion 2557 (shown in phantom) of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 being pushed further in the direction of dashed arrow 2820 and tucked further into forefoot portion 2558 of first (inner) knitted component 2560. Fig. 28 also shows heel portion 2563 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 being pushed in the direction of arrow 2820 into the cavity formed between first knitted layer 2552 and second knitted layer 2554 of primary (outer) knitted component 2560. Heel portion 2563 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 is then pushed further in the direction of dashed arrow 2830 into the cavity formed between first knitted layer 2552 and second knitted layer 2554 at heel portion 2564 of primary (outer) knitted component 2560.

Fig. 29 illustrates forefoot portion 2557 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 being pushed further in the direction of dashed arrow 2910 to fold forefoot portion 2557 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 substantially into the cavity formed between first knit layer 2552 and second knit layer 2554 of forefoot portion 2558 of main (outer) knitted component 2560. Figure 29 illustrates heel portion 2563 (shown in phantom) being further advanced in the direction of phantom arrow 2920 to fold heel portion 2563 of secondary (inner) knitted portion 2562 substantially into heel portion 2564 of primary (outer) knitted component 2560.

Figure 30 illustrates secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 fully inverted, folded, or tucked into primary (outer) knitted component 2560 (shown in phantom). Using this configuration, knitted component 2562 and knitted component 2560 may form a bootie-in-a-bootie configuration for a textile upper of an article of footwear. In some embodiments, secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 may be substantially the same size and configuration as primary (outer) knitted component 2560. However, it will be understood that in some embodiments, the size of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 may be made slightly smaller than the size of primary (outer) knitted component 2560 (e.g., for a tolerance fit). In some embodiments, primary (outer) knitted component 2560 may stretch more than secondary (inner) knitted component 2562. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a size and configuration suitable for a desired seamless bootie or textile upper.

The dimensions of knitted textile element 2500 and knitted component 2540 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2540, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimensions 2531 and 2536 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. One skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 2540 that are appropriate to provide the desired size and/or custom fit of the seamless bootie or textile upper formed by knitted component 2540.

Referring to figures 2503 through 2505, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2540 including a primary (outer) knitted component 2560 and a secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 is illustrated in a side sectional view, a bottom sectional view, and a side sectional view.

Referring to fig. 2506, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2540. Reference figure 2507 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 2507-2507 of reference figure 2506, and reference figure 2508 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 2508-2508 of reference figure 2506.

As shown in reference figure 2507, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 2540 may include two contiguous, continuous layers at forefoot portions 2557, 2558. That is, each of primary or outer knitted component 2560 and secondary or inner knitted component 2562 may include a continuous knit layer formed from first knit layer 2552, second knit layer 2554, and interlayer knit wire trace 2550. In some embodiments, the two layers may be contiguous. In some embodiments, secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 may be sized smaller to facilitate a custom fit through a dynamic fit.

In some embodiments, knitted component 2540 may include a closure system 2570, which closure system 2570 includes a closure member 2572, eyelets 2573 in the secondary (inner) knitted component 2562, eyelets 2574 in the primary (outer) knitted component 2560, and laces 2576. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 2508, eyelets 2573 of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 and eyelets 2574 of primary (outer) knitted component 2560 may be aligned or configured in registry with common lace 2576. In some embodiments, by controlling the relative size of secondary (inner) knitted component 2562, the size of primary (outer) knitted component 2560, and optionally the attachment of primary (outer) knitted component 2560 to a sole structure (see, e.g., the sole structure of fig. 1), secondary (inner) knitted component 2562 may provide a dynamic fit for a user's foot using common lace 2576.

Dynamically matching instep and heel features

Fig. 31 schematically maps features of another embodiment of knitted component 3140 of knitted textile element 3100 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component. In some embodiments, the knitted component 3140 of the knitted textile element 3100 may include knitted dynamic fit components that use a continuous closed structure.

In fig. 31, reference numeral 3101 identifies a view of the woven textile element 3100 (hereinafter referred to as reference figure 3101) and includes a series of section lines 3111-3119 that schematically map various features and characteristics of a woven component 3140 of the woven textile element 3100 through respective views at reference numerals 3102, 3103, 3104 and 3105 (hereinafter referred to as reference figures 3102, 3103, 3104 and 3105). Referring to fig. 3102, a series of cross-sectional views 3121-3129 associated with knitting component 3140 of knit textile element 3100 are illustrated along section lines 3111-3119; referring to fig. 3103, a medial side view of knitted component 3140 (after the removal and eversion process) is illustrated; referring to fig. 3104, a bottom view of knitted component 3140 (after the removal and eversion process) is illustrated; and with reference to figure 3105, an outer side view of knitted component 3140 (after the removal and eversion process) is illustrated. Reference numeral 3106 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 3140 (after the removal and eversion process) (hereinafter reference figure 3106); reference numeral 3107 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3158 taken along section line 3107 and 3107 of reference figure 3106 (hereinafter reference figure 3107); and reference numeral 3108 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140 taken along section line 3108 of reference 3106 and 3108 (hereinafter reference 3108).

Similar to the knit textile element 2500 of fig. 25, the knit textile element 3100 includes a first knit layer 3152 and a second knit layer 3154 overlying the first knit layer 3152, and the knit textile element 3100 is of a unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 3101, in some embodiments, first braided layer 3152 may be continuous with second braided layer 3154 along a common edge 3156 of common opening 3153 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or braiding process). It will be understood that in some embodiments, knit textile element 3100 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to knit textile element 200 and knit textile element 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, knit textile element 3100 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to knit textile element 2300 and knit textile element 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, the knit textile element 3100 will be described with respect to a generally flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Section line 3111 passes through knit textile element 3100 above knit component 3140 outside of a peripheral boundary of knit component 3140 defined by interlayer knit line traces 3150. Accordingly, mapping section line 3111 in reference to fig. 3101 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3102 represents knitted component 3100 in the form of a flat two-layer structure 3121 (without features associated with knitted component 3140). Likewise, reference to fig. 3103, 3104 and 3105 does not present features associated with knitted component 3140 along section line 3111.

Section line 3112 passes through a rear heel portion of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3112 in reference fig. 3101 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the knit textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3122, the two-layer structure 3122 having a pair of opposing nodes, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 3150 interconnects the first knit layer 3152 and the second knit layer 3154 at a distance 3130 from a centerline 3151 associated with a common edge 3156 of the knit textile element 3100. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 3156 of knitted component 3140 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, common edge 2456 of fig. 24, and common edge 2556 of fig. 25, in that common edge 3156 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 3152 and second knit layer 3154 across a continuous surface of forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140 of knitted textile element 3100.

Section line 3113 passes through a heel portion of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3113 in reference fig. 3101 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the knit textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3123, the two-layer structure 3123 having a pair of opposing nodes, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 3150 interconnects the first knit layer 3152 and the second knit layer 3154 at a distance 3131 from the centerline 3151.

Section line 3114 passes through a portion of closure structure 3170 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3114 in reference fig. 3101 to reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the knit textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3124, the two-layer structure 3124 having a pair of opposing nodes, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 3150 interconnects the first knit layer 3152 and the second knit layer 3154 at a distance 3132 from the centerline 3151.

Section line 3115 passes through a portion of closure structure 3170 proximate forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3115 in reference fig. 3101 to reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the knit textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3125 having a pair of opposing nodes, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 3150 interconnects the first knit layer 3152 and the second knit layer 3154 at a distance 3133 from the centerline 3151.

Section line 3116 passes through forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3116 in reference fig. 3101 to reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the knit textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3126, the two-layer structure 3126 having a common edge portion 3156 and a node, wherein the interlayer knit line trace 3150 interconnects the first knit layer 3152 and the second knit layer 3154 at a distance 3134 from the centerline 3151.

Section line 3117 passes through forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140. Mapping the section line 3117 in reference to fig. 3101 to the cross-section in reference to fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the woven textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3127, the two-layer structure 3127 having: a first node where interlayer braid wire trace 3150 interconnects first braid 3152 and second braid 3154 at a distance 3135 from centerline 3151; and a second node, wherein the interlayer braided wire trace 3150 interconnects the first braid 3152 and the second braid 3154 at a distance 3136 from the first node.

Cross-section line 3118 contacts forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 3158 of knitted component 3140. Mapping section line 3118 in reference fig. 3101 to reference fig. 3102 presents a cross-section of the braided textile element 3100 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3128, the two-layer structure 3128 having a single node (shown as a narrow point in the two-layer structure 3128 of reference fig. 3102), wherein the interlayer braid wire trace 3150 interconnects the first braid 3152 and the second braid 3154 at a distance 3137 from the centerline 3151.

Section line 3119 passes through knit textile element 3100 below knit component 3140 outside of a peripheral boundary of knit component 3140 defined by interlayer knit line traces 3150. Accordingly, mapping section line 3119 in reference figure 3101 to a cross-section in reference figure 3102 represents knitted component 3100 in the form of a flat two-layer structure 3129 (without features associated with knitted component 3140). Likewise, reference to fig. 3103, 3104 and 3105 does not present features associated with knitted component 3140 along section line 3119.

Knitted component 3140 may be removed from knitted textile element 3100 via any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 3140 may be removed or separated from textile element 3100 by separating knitted textile element 3100 along interlayer knit line traces 3150 of knitted component 3140 using a separation process (such as the cutting process discussed above with respect to fig. 2-8).

After removal, knitted component 3140 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally illustrated in reference to fig. 3103 and 3108.

After removal, knitted component 3140 may optionally be turned or tucked in a manner similar to that of fig. 26-30.

The dimensions of knitted textile element 3100 and knitted component 3140 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3140, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimension 3131-3137 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 3140 that are suitable to provide the desired size and/or custom fit of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3140.

Referring to fig. 3103 through 3105, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3140 including a primary or outer knitted component 3160 and a secondary or inner knitted component 3162 is illustrated in a side sectional view, a bottom sectional view, and an outer side sectional view.

Referring to fig. 3106, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3140. Reference figure 3107 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3107 and 3107 of reference figure 3106, and reference figure 3108 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3108 and 3108 of reference figure 3106.

As shown in reference figure 3107, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3140 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 2558. That is, main (outer) knitted component 3160 may include a continuous knit layer formed from first knit layer 3152, second knit layer 3154, and interlayer knit line traces 3150.

In some embodiments, knitted component 3140 may include a closure system 3170, which closure system 3170 includes a closure member 3172, an eyelet 3173 in a secondary (inner) knitted component 3162, an eyelet 3174 in a primary (outer) knitted component 3160, and a lace 3176. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 3108, eyelets 3173 of secondary (inner) knitted component 3162 and eyelets 3174 of primary (outer) knitted component 3160 may be aligned or configured in registration with a common lace 3176. In some embodiments, by controlling the relative size of the secondary (inner) knitted component 3162, the size of the primary (outer) knitted component 3160, and optionally the attachment of the primary (outer) knitted component 3160 to a sole structure (see, e.g., the sole structure of fig. 1), the secondary (inner) knitted component 3162 may provide a dynamic fit for a user's foot using the common lace 3176.

Dynamic fit instep features

Fig. 32 schematically maps features of another embodiment of knitted component 3240 of knitted textile element 3200 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component. In some embodiments, knitted component 3240 of knitted textile element 3200 may comprise a knitted dynamic fit midsole component using a continuous closed structure.

In fig. 32, reference mark 3201 identifies a drawing of knit textile element 3200 (hereinafter referred to as reference fig. 3201), and includes a series of cross-sectional threads 3211-3219 that schematically map various features and characteristics of knit component 3240 of knit textile element 3200 through respective drawings at reference marks 3202, 3203, 3204, and 3205 (hereinafter referred to as reference fig. 3202, 3203, 3204, and 3205). Referring to fig. 3202, a series of cross-sectional views 3221 through 3229 are illustrated in relation to knitted component 3240 of knitted textile element 3200 taken along section lines 3211 through 3219. Referring to fig. 3203, a medial side view of knitted component 3240 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated; referring to fig. 3204, a bottom view of knitted component 3240 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated; and with reference to fig. 3205, a lateral side view of knitted component 3240 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated. Reference numeral 3206 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 3240 (hereinafter reference fig. 3206); reference numeral 3207 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3258 taken along section line 3207-3207 of reference fig. 3206 (hereinafter reference fig. 3207); and reference numeral 3208 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240 taken along section line 3208 and 3208 of reference fig. 3206 (hereinafter reference fig. 3208).

Similar to braided textile element 2500 in fig. 25, braided textile element 3200 includes a first braided layer 3252 and a second braided layer 3254 covering first braided layer 3252, and braided textile element 3200 is of unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 3201, in some embodiments, first braid 3252 may be continuous with second braid 3254 along a common edge 3256 of common opening 3253 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or braiding process). In some embodiments, first braid 3252 can be continuous with second braid 3254 along a common edge 3280 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or braiding process) of a common opening 3282. It will be understood that in some embodiments, knit textile element 3200 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to knit textile element 200 and knit textile element 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, knit textile element 3200 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to knit textile elements 2300 and 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, knitted textile element 3200 will be described with respect to a substantially flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Cross-sectional wire 3211 passes through knitted textile element 3200 over knitted component 3240 outside a peripheral boundary of knitted component 3240 defined by sandwich knit stitch line 3250. Accordingly, mapping section line 3211 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in the form of a flat, two-layer structure 3221 (without features associated with knitted component 3240) that presents knitted component 3200 in reference to fig. 3202. Likewise, features associated with knitted component 3240 along section line 3211 are not presented with reference to fig. 3203, 3204, and 3205.

Section line 3212 passes through a rear heel portion of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3212 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3222 having a common edge 3280 and nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 3250 interconnecting first and second knit layers 3252, 3254 at a distance 3231 from a centerline 3251 associated with common edge 3280 of knitted textile element 3200. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 3280 of knitted component 3240 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, common edge 2456 of fig. 24, and common edge 2556 of fig. 25, in that common edge 3280 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 3252 and second knit layer 3254 that is suitable for separating knitted component 3240 of knitted textile element 3200 and forming an ankle opening for knitted component 3240 of knitted textile element 3200.

Section line 3213 passes through a heel portion of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3213 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3223, the two-layer structure 3223 having a common edge 3280 and nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 3250 interconnects first knit layer 3252 and second knit layer 3254 at a distance 3232 from a centerline 3251 associated with common edge 3280 of knitted textile element 3200.

Cross-section line 3214 passes through a portion of closure structure 3270 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3214 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3224 having a pair of opposing nodes, with a sandwich knit line trace 3250 interconnecting first and second knit layers 3252, 3254 at a distance 3233 from a centerline 3251.

Cross-section line 3215 passes through a portion of closure structure 3270 proximate forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3215 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3225 having a pair of opposing nodes, with interlayer knit line trace 3250 interconnecting first and second knit layers 3252, 3254 at a distance 3234 from centerline 3251.

Cross-sectional line 3216 passes through forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3216 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3226, the two-layer structure 3226 having a common edge portion 3256 and node, with an interlayer knit line trace 3250 interconnecting first and second knit layers 3252, 3254 at a distance 3235 from a centerline 3251.

Cross-sectional line 3217 passes through forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3217 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3227, the two-layer structure 3227 having a first node (where interlayer braided wire trace 3250 interconnects first braid 3252 and second braid 3254 at a distance 3236 from centerline 3251) and a node where interlayer braided wire trace 3250 interconnects first braid 3252 and second braid 3254 at a distance 3237 from the first node.

Cross-sectional line 3218 contacts forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 3258 of knitted component 3240. Mapping section line 3218 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3202 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3200 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3228 having a single node (shown as a narrow point in two-layer structure 3228 in reference fig. 3202), with interlayer knit line trace 3250 interconnecting first knit layer 3252 and second knit layer 3254 at a distance 3238 from centerline 3251.

Cross-sectional wire 3219 passes through knitted textile element 3200 under knitted component 3240 outside a peripheral boundary of knitted component 3240 defined by sandwich knit stitch 3250. Accordingly, mapping section line 3219 in reference fig. 3201 to a cross-section in the form of a flat, two-layer structure 3229 (without features associated with knitted component 3240) that presents knitted component 3200 with reference to fig. 3202. Likewise, features associated with knitted component 3240 along section line 3219 are not presented with reference to fig. 3203, 3204, and 3205.

Knitted component 3240 may be removed from knitted textile element 3200 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 3240 may be removed or separated from textile element 3200 by separating knitted textile element 3200 along sandwich knit line trace 3250 of knitted component 3240 using a separation process (such as the cutting process discussed above with respect to fig. 2-8). Knitted component 3240 can also be separated along a common edge 3280 of common opening 3282 by any known or later developed separation process to form an ankle opening. For example, in some embodiments, common edge 3280 can be provided with one or more knitted indicator portions, and knitted component 3240 can be separated along the knitted indicator portions to form an ankle opening.

After removal, knitted component 3240 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally illustrated in reference to fig. 3203 and 3208.

After removal, knitted component 3240 may optionally be turned or tucked in a manner similar to fig. 26-30.

Dimensions of knitted textile element 3200 and knitted component 3240 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3240, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimensions 3231 and 3238 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. One skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 3240 that are suitable to provide the desired size and/or custom fit of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3240.

Referring to fig. 3203-3205, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component 3240 including a primary or outer knitted component 3260 and a secondary or inner knitted component 3262 is illustrated in a side sectional view, a bottom sectional view, and an outside sectional view.

Referring to fig. 3206, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3240 (removed and tucked in). Reference figure 3207 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section lines 3207 and 3207 of reference figure 3206, and reference figure 3208 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section lines 3208 and 3208 of reference figure 3206.

As shown in reference fig. 3207, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3240 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 3258. That is, the main (outer) knitted component 3260 may include a continuous knit layer formed from a first knit layer 3252, a second knit layer 3254, and an interlayer knit wire trace 3250.

In some embodiments, knitted component 3240 may include a closure system 3270, the closure system 3270 including a closure member 3272, eyelets 3273 in a secondary (inner) knitted component 3262, eyelets 3274 in a primary (outer) knitted component 3260, and laces 3276. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 3208, eyelets 3273 of secondary (inner) knitted component 3262 and eyelets 3274 of primary (outer) knitted component 3260 may be aligned or configured in registration with common lace 3276. In some embodiments, by controlling the relative size of the secondary (inner) knitted component 3262, the size of the primary (outer) knitted component 3260, and optionally the attachment of the primary (outer) knitted component 3260 to a sole structure (see, e.g., the sole structure of fig. 1), the secondary (inner) knitted structure 3262 may provide a dynamic fit for a user's foot using a common lace 3276.

Fig. 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating additional embodiments of a closure structure, a tensioning structure, and/or a dynamic fit structure for an article of footwear incorporating a knitted component. In some embodiments, the structure illustrated in fig. 33 may correspond to the embodiments of the knitted component illustrated in fig. 25, 31, or 32. In some embodiments, the structure illustrated in fig. 33 may correspond to other embodiments of a seamless bootie or textile upper.

In some embodiments, as shown on left or medial side 3310 of fig. 33, knitted component 3340 may include a single knit layer 3320 that is folded back on itself (e.g., tucked in) at a common edge 3322 to form a continuous double-walled structure of a seamless bootie or textile upper. In some embodiments, a single braid 3320 may be provided with a first aperture (hole) 3324 formed proximate edge 3322 and a second aperture (hole) 3326 formed at a distance 3328 from edge 3322. In some embodiments, the second aperture 3326 can be formed in the exposed outer layer 3330 as shown in fig. 33. In some embodiments, the second aperture 3326 may be formed in the inner layer 3332. Distance 3328 may vary based on various factors, including the overall configuration of the article of footwear in a closed configuration, a tensioned configuration, or a dynamic fit configuration. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a configuration of the first and second eyelets 3324, 3326 that is suitable for the desired closed, tensioned or dynamic fit configuration or system of a seamless bootie or textile upper.

In some embodiments, as shown on right or lateral side 3312 of fig. 33, knitted component 3340 may include an exposed first knit layer 3330 and an inner second knit layer 3332. In some embodiments, first braided layer 3330 and second braided layer 3332 may be arranged substantially parallel to one another to form a double-walled structure of a seamless bootie or textile upper. In some embodiments, one of first braided layer 3330 and second braided layer 3332 may be provided with an opening (e.g., a hole or slot) through which a closure member (e.g., a tab, finger, ribbon, or other closure structure) of the other of the first layer and second layer may be fed. In some embodiments, the closure member may be provided with an eyelet (hole) for receiving a lace or other tensioning structure (e.g., cable) of a closure system or tensioning system. For example, as shown in fig. 33, in some embodiments, exposed first knit layer 3330 may be provided with a slot 3334 for receiving tab or finger member 3336 of inner second knit layer 3332, and the inner second knit layer may also be provided with an eyelet (hole) 3338 for receiving lace 3346. In this case, lace 3346 may be disposed on the exposed lateral side of knitted component 3340 of the seamless bootie or textile upper. However, in some embodiments, the inner knit layer may be provided with openings (e.g., slots or holes) for receiving closure members (e.g., tab or finger components) of the exposed outer knit layer, and the closure members of the exposed outer knit layer may be provided with eyelets for receiving a lace or other tensioning structure positioned on the interior side of a double-walled seamless bootie or textile upper. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a closure structure and configuration, a tensioning structure and configuration, and/or a dynamic fit structure and configuration that is suitable for the desired application.

As also shown in fig. 33 (i.e., outer side 3312), in some embodiments, insert member 3360 may be disposed within a pocket formed between first braid 3330 and second braid 3332. For example, insert member 3360 may be an abutment positioned in a midfoot region of a knitted component.

Gusseted tongue feature

Fig. 34 schematically maps features of another embodiment of knitted component 3440 of knitted textile element 3400 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component that includes a tucked-in portion. In some embodiments, knitted component 3440 of knitted textile element 3400 may include a knitted gusseted tongue component using a continuous closure structure.

In fig. 34, reference numeral 3401 identifies a drawing of knit textile element 3400 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawing 3401), and includes a series of section lines 3411-3419 that schematically map various features and characteristics of knit component 3440 of knit textile element 3400 across respective views at reference numerals 3402, 3403, 3404, and 3405 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawings 3402, 3403, 3404, and 3405). Referring to fig. 3402, a series of cross-sectional views 3421-3429 associated with knit component 3440 of knit textile element 3400 are illustrated taken along section lines 3411-3419. Referring to FIG. 3403, a medial side view of knitted component 3440 (removed and tucked in); referring to figure 3404, a bottom view of knitted component 3440 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated; and with reference to figure 3405, a lateral side view of knitted component 3440 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated. Reference numeral 3406 is a drawing illustrating a front isometric view of the knitted component 3440 after removal and tucking (hereinafter reference figure 3406); reference numeral 3407 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the forefoot portion 3458 taken along section line 3407-3407 of reference figure 3406 (hereinafter reference figure 3407); and reference numeral 3408 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440 taken along section line 3408-3408 of reference figure 3406 (hereinafter reference figure 3408).

Similar to knit textile element 2500 in fig. 25, knit textile element 3400 includes a first knit layer 3452 and a second knit layer 3454 overlying first knit layer 3452, and knit textile element 3400 is of unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 3401, in some embodiments, first knit layer 3452 may be continuous with second knit layer 3454 along a common edge 3456 of common opening 3453 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or knitting process). In some embodiments, first knit layer 3452 may be continuous with second knit layer 3454 along a common edge 3480 of common opening 3482 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or knitting process). It will be understood that in some embodiments, knit textile element 3400 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to knit textile element 200 and knit textile element 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, knit textile element 3400 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to knit textile elements 2300 and 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, knit textile element 3400 will be described with respect to a generally flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Section line 3411 passes through knit textile element 3400 over knit component 3440 outside of a peripheral boundary of knit component 3440 defined by knit sandwich line trace 3450. Accordingly, mapping section line 3411 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in the form of a flat, two-layer structure 3421 (without features associated with knitted component 3440) of knitted component 3400 is presented in reference figure 3402. Likewise, reference to figures 3403, 3404, and 3405 do not present features associated with knitted component 3440 along section line 3411.

Section line 3412 passes through a rear heel portion of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3412 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in reference figure 3402 that represents knit textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3422, the two-layer structure 3422 having a common edge 3480 and nodes, wherein sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3431 from a centerline 3451 associated with common edge 3480 of knit textile element 3400. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 3480 of knitted component 3440 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, common edge 2456 of fig. 24, and common edge 2556 of fig. 25, in that common edge 3480 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 that is suitable for separating knitted component 3440 of knitted textile element 3400 and forming an ankle opening for knitted component 3440 of knitted textile element 3400.

Section line 3413 passes through a heel portion of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3413 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in reference figure 3402 presents knitted textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3423, the two-layer structure 3423 having a common edge 3480 and nodes, wherein sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3432 from a centerline 3451 associated with common edge 3480 of knitted textile element 3400.

Section line 3414 passes through a portion of closure structure 3470 proximate an ankle opening of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3414 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in reference figure 3402 presents knit textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3424 having a pair of asymmetrically arranged, opposing nodes, wherein a sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3433 on one side of a centerline 3451 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or textile upper 3460) and a distance 3434 on the other side of centerline 3451 (corresponding to gusseted tongue portion 3462 of seamless bootie or textile upper 3460).

Section line 3415 passes through a portion of closure structure 3470 proximate forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3415 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in reference figure 3402 representing knit textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3425 having a pair of asymmetrically arranged, opposing nodes, wherein sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a first distance 3435 on one side of centerline 3451 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or textile upper 3460) and at a distance 3436 on the other side of centerline 3451 (corresponding to gusseted tongue portion 3462 of seamless bootie or textile upper 3460).

Section line 3416 passes through forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3416 in reference fig. 3401 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3402 presents knit textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 3426, the two-layer structure 3426 having a common edge portion 3456 and nodes, wherein sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3437 from centerline 3451.

Section line 3417 passes through forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3417 in reference to fig. 3401 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3402 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3427 of knit textile element 3400, the two-layer structure 3427 having: a first node wherein interlining knit trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3438 from centerline 3451; and a second node, wherein interlining knit trace 3450 interconnects first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3439 from first node.

Section line 3418 contacts forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 3458 of knitted component 3440. Mapping section line 3418 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in reference figure 3402 presents knitted textile element 3400 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3428 having a single node (shown as a narrow point in two-layer structure 3428 in reference figure 3402) with a sandwich knit line trace 3450 interconnecting first knit layer 3452 and second knit layer 3454 at a distance 3441 from centerline 3451.

Section line 3419 passes through knit textile element 3400 beneath knit component 3440 outside the peripheral boundary of knit component 3240 defined by sandwich knit line trace 3450. Accordingly, mapping section line 3419 in reference figure 3401 to a cross-section in the form of a flat, two-layer structure 3429 (without features associated with knitted component 3440) of knitted component 3400 is presented in reference figure 3402. Likewise, reference to figures 3403, 3404, and 3405 do not present features associated with knitted component 3440 along section line 3419.

Knitted component 3440 may be removed from knitted textile element 3400 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 3440 may be removed or separated from textile element 3400 by separating knitted textile element 3400 along sandwich knit line trace 3450 of knitted component 3440 using a separation process (such as the cutting process discussed above with respect to fig. 2-8). Knitted component 3440 may also be separated along common edge 3480 of common opening 3482 by any known or later developed separation process to form an ankle opening. For example, in some embodiments, common edge 3480 may be provided with one or more knitted indicating portions, and knitted component 3440 may be separated along the knitted indicating portions to form an ankle opening.

After removal, knitted component 3440 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally illustrated in reference to fig. 3403 and 3408.

After removal, knitted component 3440 may be turned or tucked in a manner similar to that of figures 26-30.

The dimensions of knitted textile element 3400 and knitted component 3440 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3440, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimensions 3431 and 3439 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. One skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 3440 that are suitable to provide a desired size and/or custom fit for a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3440.

Referring to fig. 3403-3405, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3440 (removed and tucked in) including a knitted bootie component 3460 and a knitted gusseted tongue component 3462 is illustrated in a side sectional view, a bottom sectional view, and an outside sectional view.

Referring to fig. 3406, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3440 (removed and tucked in). Reference figure 3407 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3407 plus 3407 of reference figure 3406, and reference figure 3408 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3408 plus 3408 of reference figure 3406.

As shown in reference figure 3407, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3440 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 3458. That is, the knitted bootie component 3460 may include a continuous knit layer formed from a first knit layer 3452, a second knit layer 3454, and an interlaying knit line trace 3450.

In some embodiments, knitted component 3440 may include a closure system 3470, said closure system 3470 including a closure member 3472, eyelets 3473 in a knitted gusseted tongue component 3462, eyelets 3474 in a knitted bootie component 3460, and laces 3476. In some embodiments, as shown in reference figure 3408, eyelets 3473 of knitted gusseted tongue component 3462 and eyelets 3474 of knitted component 3460 may be aligned with a common lace 3476.

Gusseted tongue with ear feature

Fig. 35 schematically maps features of another embodiment of knitted component 3540 of knitted textile element 3500 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component that includes a tucked-in portion. In some embodiments, knitted component 3540 of knitted textile element 3500 may include a gusseted tongue component of knitted with ears using a continuous closure structure.

In fig. 35, reference numeral 3501 identifies a drawing of the woven textile element 3500 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawing 3501), and includes a series of section lines 3511-3519 that schematically map various features and characteristics of a woven component 3540 of the woven textile element 3500 through respective drawings at reference numerals 3502, 3503, 3504, and 3505 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawings 3502, 3503, 3504, and 3505). Referring to fig. 3502, a series of cross-sectional views 3521-3529 are illustrated in relation to knitted component 3540 of knitted textile element 3500 taken along section lines 3511-3519. Referring to fig. 3503, a medial side view of knitted component 3540 (removed and tucked in); referring to fig. 3504, a bottom view of knitted component 3540 (removed and tucked) is illustrated; and with reference to figure 3505, a lateral side view of knitted component 3540 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated. Reference numeral 3506 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 3540 (hereinafter reference numeral 3506); reference numeral 3507 is a view illustrating a cross-sectional view of the forefoot portion 3558 taken along section line 3507-3507 of fig. 3506 (hereinafter, refer to fig. 3507); and reference numeral 3508 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540 taken along section line 3508 and 3508 of FIG. 3506 (hereinafter, reference numeral 3508).

Similar to knit textile element 2500 in fig. 25, knit textile element 3500 includes a first knit layer 3552 and a second knit layer 3554 overlying first knit layer 3552, and knit textile element 3500 is of a unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 3501, in some embodiments, first braid 3552 may be continuous with second braid 3554 along a common edge 3556 of a common opening 3553 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or braiding process). In some embodiments, first knit layer 3552 may be continuous with second knit layer 3554 along a common edge 3580 of common opening 3582 (which extends in the direction of the manufacturing or knitting process). It will be understood that in some embodiments, knit textile element 3500 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to knit textile element 200 and knit textile element 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, knit textile element 3500 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to knit textile elements 2300 and 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, the knit textile element 3500 will be described with respect to a generally flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Section line 3511 passes through knitted textile element 3500 above knitted component 3540 outside the peripheral boundary of knitted component 3540 defined by interlayer knit line trace 3550. Accordingly, section line 3511 in reference to fig. 3501 is mapped to a cross-section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 3521 (without features associated with knitted component 3540) that presents knitted component 3500 in reference to fig. 3502. Likewise, reference to fig. 3503, 3504, and 3505 does not present features associated with knitted component 3540 along section line 3511.

Section line 3512 passes through the rear heel portion of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3512 in reference fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3502 representing knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3522, the two-layer structure 3522 having a common edge 3580 and nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3531 from a centerline 3551 associated with common edge 3580 of knitted textile element 3500. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 3580 of knitted component 3540 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, common edge 2456 of fig. 24, and common edge 2556 of fig. 25, in that common edge 3580 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 that is suitable for separating knitted component 3540 of knitted textile element 3500 and forming an ankle opening for knitted component 3540 of knitted textile element 3500.

Section line 3513 runs through the heel portion of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3513 in reference fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3502 representing knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3523, the two-layer structure 3523 having a common edge 3580 and nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3532 from a centerline 3551 associated with common edge 3580 of knitted textile element 3500.

Section line 3514 passes through a portion of closure structure 3570 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3514 in reference to fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3502 presents knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a generally flat two-layer structure 3524, the two-layer structure 3524 having a pair of asymmetrically arranged opposing nodes, wherein an interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3533 on one side of centerline 3551 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or component 3560) and at a distance 3534 on the other side of centerline 3551 (corresponding to gusseted portion 3562 of knitted bootie component 3560).

Section line 3515 passes through a portion of closure structure 3570 proximate forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3515 in reference to fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3502 presents knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3525 having a pair of asymmetrically arranged opposing nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 52 and second knit layer 3554 at a first distance 3535 on one side of centerline 3551 (corresponding to the body of seamless knitted bootie component 3560) and at a distance 3536 on the other side of centerline 3551 (corresponding to gusseted tongue portion 3562 of knitted bootie component 3560).

Section line 3516 passes through forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3516 in reference fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3502 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3526, the two-layer structure 3526 having a common edge portion 3556 and node, wherein an interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3538 on a side of centerline 3551 corresponding to the body of knitted bootie component 3560. Two-layer structure 3526 also includes a common edge 3556 and a node, where interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3537 on the other side of centerline 3551 corresponding to a tab on gusseted tongue 3562.

Section line 3517 passes through forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3517 in reference fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3502 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3527, the two-layer structure 3527 having common edges 3556 and nodes, wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3539 from centerline 3551.

Section line 3518 passes through forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3518 in reference fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3502 representing knit textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3528, the two-layer structure 3528 having nodes wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3538 from centerline 3551, and second nodes wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3539 from centerline 3551.

Section line 3519 contacts forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 3558 of knitted component 3540. Mapping section line 3519 in reference to fig. 3501 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3502 presents a cross-section of knitted textile element 3500 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3529 having a single node (shown as a narrow point in two-layer structure 3529 in reference to fig. 3502), wherein interlayer knit line trace 3550 interconnects first knit layer 3552 and second knit layer 3554 at a distance 3541 from centerline 3551.

Knitted component 3540 may be removed from knitted textile element 3500 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 3540 may be removed or separated from textile elements 3500 by separating knitted textile elements 3500 along interlayer knit line traces 3550 of knitted component 3540 using a separation process (such as a cutting process as discussed above with respect to fig. 2-8). Knitted component 3540 may also be separated along a common edge 3580 of common opening 3582 by any known or later developed separation process to form an ankle opening. For example, in some embodiments, common edge 3580 may be provided with one or more knit indicator portions, and knitted component 3540 may be separated along the knit indicator portions to form an ankle opening.

Once removed, knitted component 3540 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally illustrated in fig. 3503 and 3508.

Once removed, knitted component 3540 may be turned or tucked in a manner similar to that of figures 26-30.

The dimensions of knitted textile element 3500 and knitted component 3540 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3540, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimensions 3531, 3539, and 3541 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select a size for knitted component 3540 that is suitable to provide the desired size and/or custom fit of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3540.

Referring to fig. 3503-3505, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed of knitted component 3540 (removed and tucked in) including a knitted bootie component 3560 and a knitted gusseted tongue component 3562 is illustrated in a side sectional view, a bottom sectional view, and an outside sectional view.

Referring to fig. 3506, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3540 (removed and tucked in) is illustrated in a front cross-sectional view. Reference figure 3507 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3507-3507 of reference figure 3506, and reference figure 3508 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3508-3508 of reference figure 3506.

As shown in reference fig. 3507, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3540 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 3558. That is, knitted bootie component 3560 may include a continuous knit layer formed from first knit layer 3552, second knit layer 3554, and interlayer knit line trace 3550.

As shown in reference to fig. 3507, in some embodiments, the tab component 3583 with gusseted tongue 3562 can be tucked into the interior of the seamless bootie or textile upper 3540 at forefoot portion 3558. In some embodiments, ear component 3583 may be attached to forefoot portion 3558, for example, by bonding, stitching, or another attachment process.

In some embodiments, knitted component 3540 may include a closure system 3570, which closure system 3570 includes a tucked tongue portion 3562, a closure member 3572, eyelets 3573 in knitted gusseted tongue component 3562, eyelets 3574 in knitted bootie component 3560, and laces 3576. As shown in reference to fig. 3508, in some embodiments, the tongue member 3562 may be folded or tucked in. In some embodiments, as shown in reference fig. 3508, tongue member 3562 may be folded in and folded such that eyelets 3573 of knitted gusseted tongue member 3562 and eyelets 3574 of knitted member 3560 may be aligned or configured in registration with common lace 3576. In this manner, tongue member 3562 may be positioned between lace 3562 and the foot disposed in a seamless bootie or textile upper.

Article of footwear configuration with seamless bootie having a surround

This section generally describes embodiments and methods for knitting a knitted textile element including a knitted component having a surrounding portion for incorporation into a textile upper for an article of footwear. In particular, this section generally describes embodiments and methods for knitting a knit textile element including a first knit component portion configured to form a seamless bootie or textile upper and a second knit component portion configured to encircle at least a portion of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knit component portion), wherein the encircled portion (i.e., the second knit component portion) is seamlessly associated with the first knit layer and/or the second knit layer of the first knit component portion at a sandwich knit line trace of the first knit component portion. In some embodiments, the surround portion may form a dynamic fit structure of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the surrounding portion may include a pocket formed by the first woven layer and/or the second woven layer for receiving the insert member. In some embodiments, the surrounding portion may cooperate with one of the first and second knitted layers of the seamless bootie or textile upper (i.e., the first knitted component portion) to form a pocket for receiving the insert member. For example, in some embodiments, the insert member may include a toe cup at a forefoot portion of the article, a heel cup at a heel portion of the article, an arch at a instep portion of the article, a padding layer for a tongue, and/or another insert member.

Fig. 36-49 illustrate embodiments of a seamless bootie or textile upper that includes a circumferential spline structure. The embodiments illustrated in fig. 36-49 are similar in that each includes a seamless bootie or textile upper of unitary warp knit construction, including looped portions that are continuous with the bootie at splines of the bootie (i.e., at the interlayer knit line traces that define the body of the knitted bootie). In some embodiments, the surround structure may provide a dynamic fit structure.

Fig. 36 schematically maps features of an embodiment of knitted component 3640 of knitted textile element 3600 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component. In some embodiments, the knitted component 3640 of the knitted textile element 3600 may include knitted dynamically mating components that use a hoop structure. In some embodiments, the knitted dynamic fit component may be integrally knitted with splines of knitted component 3640 formed from sandwich knit wire traces 3650.

In fig. 36, reference mark 3601 identifies a drawing of a knitted textile element 3600 (hereinafter referred to as reference fig. 3601), and includes a series of cross-sectional threads 3611-. Referring to fig. 3602, a series of cross-sectional views 3621 through 3629 associated with a knitted component 3640 (before removal) of knitted textile element 3600 are illustrated taken along section lines 3611 through 3619. Referring to FIG. 3603, a medial side view of a knitted component 3640 (with portions encircled and removed); referring to figure 3604, a bottom view of a knitted component 3640 (with portions looped around, removed) is illustrated; and with reference to figure 3605, a lateral side view of a knitted component 3640 (with portions encircled when removed) is illustrated. Reference numeral 3606 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of the knitted component 3640 (after removal) and illustrating the wrapping process (hereinafter reference figure 3606); reference numeral 3607 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3658 (hereinafter reference figure 3607) taken along section line 3607-3607 of reference figure 3606; and reference numeral 3608 is a diagram that illustrates a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640 (hereinafter reference figure 3608) taken along section line 3608-3608 of reference figure 3606.

Similar to knit textile element 2400 in fig. 24, knit textile element 3600 includes a first knit layer 3652 and a second knit layer 3654 overlying first knit layer 3652, and knit textile element 3600 is of unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 3601, in some embodiments, first braid 3652 may be continuous with second braid 3654 along a common edge 3656 that extends in the direction of the manufacturing or braiding process. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the braided textile element 3600 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to the braided textile elements 200 and 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, the braided textile element 3600 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to the braided textile elements 2300 and 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, the knit textile element 3600 will be described with respect to a generally flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Cross-sectional wire 3611 is threaded through knit textile element 3600 over knitted component 3640 outside of the peripheral boundary of knitted component 3640 defined by sandwich knit wire trace 3650. Accordingly, cross section line 3611 in reference to fig. 3601 is mapped to a cross section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 3621 (without features associated with knitted component 3640) of the presenting knitted component 3600 in reference to fig. 3602. Likewise, reference to figures 3603, 3604, and 3605 do not present features associated with a knitted component 3640 along section line 3611.

Cross-sectional line 3612 passes through a rear heel portion of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3612 in reference fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3602 presents a cross-section of braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3622, the two-layer structure 3622 having nodes where interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3631 from a common edge 3656 of braided textile element 3600. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 3656 of knitted component 3640 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, and common edge 2456 in fig. 24, in that common edge 3656 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 3652 and second knit layer 3654 that is suitable for separating knitted component 3640 of knitted textile element 3600 and forming an ankle opening for knitted component 3640 of knitted textile element 3600.

Cross-sectional line 3613 passes through a heel portion of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3613 in reference fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3602 presents a cross-section of braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3623, the two-layer structure 3623 having nodes where interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3632 from a common edge 3656 of braided textile element 3600.

A cross-sectional line 3614 passes through a portion of the closure structure 3670 proximate to an ankle opening of the knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3614 in reference to fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3602, which represents a braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3624, said two-layer structure 3624 having: a first node in which interlayer knit trace 3650 interconnects first knit layer 3652 and second knit layer 3654 at a distance 3633 from common edge 3656 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or textile upper 3640); and a second node, wherein interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3634 from the first node (corresponding to distal ends of dynamic mating components 3660 of first braid 3652 and dynamic mating components 3662 of second braid 3654 of seamless bootie or textile upper 3640).

Cross-section line 3615 passes through a portion of closure structure 3570 proximate forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3615 in reference to fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3602, which represents a braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3625, said two-layer structure 3625 having: a first node wherein interlayer knit line 3650 interconnects first knit layer 3652 and second knit layer 3654 at a distance 3635 from common edge 3656 (corresponding to seamless bootie or textile upper 3640); and a second node, wherein interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3636 from the first node (corresponding to distal ends of dynamic mating components 3660 of first braid 3652 and dynamic mating components 3662 of second braid 3654 of seamless bootie or textile upper 3640).

Cross-section line 3616 passes through forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3616 in reference to fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference to fig. 3602 presents a cross-section of braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3626, the two-layer structure 3626 having nodes where interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3637 from common edge 3656.

Cross-sectional line 3617 passes through forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3617 in reference to fig. 3601 to a cross-section in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3627 of a woven textile element 3600 presented with reference to fig. 3602, said two-layer structure 3627 having: a first node in which interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3638 from common edge 3656; and a second node, wherein interlayer braid 3650 interconnects first braid 3652 and second braid 3654 at a distance 3639 from first node.

Cross-sectional line 3618 contacts forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 3658 of knitted component 3640. Mapping section line 3618 in reference fig. 3601 to a cross-section in reference fig. 3602 presents a cross-section of braided textile element 3600 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 3628, the two-layer structure 3628 having a single node (shown as a narrow point in the two-layer structure 3628 in reference fig. 3602), with an interlayer braid trace 3650 interconnecting first and second braids 3652, 3654 at a distance 3641 from a common edge 3656.

Cross-sectional wire 3619 passes through knit textile element 3600 beneath knit component 3640 outside of the peripheral boundary of knit component 3640 defined by sandwich knit line stitches 3650. Accordingly, cross section line 3619 in reference to fig. 3601 is mapped to a cross section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 3629 (without features associated with knitted component 3640) of the presenting knitted component 3600 in reference to fig. 3602. Likewise, reference to figures 3603, 3604, and 3605 do not present features associated with a knitted component 3640 along section line 3619.

Knitted component 3640, including dynamically mating components 3660 and 3662, may be removed from knitted textile element 3600 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 3640 may be removed or separated from textile element 3600 by separating knitted textile element 3600 along interlayer knit line trajectory 3650 of knitted component 3640 using a separation process (such as the cutting process described above with respect to fig. 2-8). In this case, knitted component 3640 is removed by separating knit textile elements 3600 around the perimeter of knitted component 3640 including dynamically mating components 3660 and 3662. Knitted component 3640 may also be separated along common edge 3656 by any known or later developed separation process to form an ankle opening. For example, in some embodiments, common edge 3656 can be provided with one or more knit indicator portions, and knitted component 3640 can be separated along the knit indicator portions to form an ankle opening. In some embodiments, knitted component 3640 may be separated along common edge 3656 using a separation process (such as a cutting process as described above with respect to fig. 2-8).

Similarly, dynamic mating components 3660 and 3662 can be separated along perimeter lines 3663, 3664 and 3665 of the sandwich braided wire trace 3650 to form a first dynamic mating component 3660 on an inner side of the braided component 3640 and a second dynamic mating component 3662 on an outer side of the braided component 3640.

Upon removal, knitted component 3640 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally shown in reference to fig. 3603-3608.

Upon removal, knitted component 3640 may optionally be turned over or turned inside out in a manner similar to fig. 26-30 (see, e.g., fig. 37-45 below).

The dimensions of knitted textile element 3600 and knitted component 3640 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, dimensions 3631, 3639 and 3641 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit. In some embodiments, the dimensions 3634 and 3636 of the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 may be selected to provide a customized dynamic fit. One skilled in the art will be able to readily select dimensions for knitted component 3640 that are suitable for providing a desired size and/or customized fit (including a dynamic fit) of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640.

Referring to fig. 3603-3605, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640 (removed) including dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 is illustrated in a side cross-sectional view, a bottom cross-sectional view, and an outside cross-sectional view. For purposes of description, in referring to fig. 3603, 3604, and 3605, the dynamic mating component 3660 is shown encircling a medial side of the knitted component 3640, and the dynamic mating component 3662 is shown fully extended in its initial post-removal state.

Referring to fig. 3606, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640 (removed). Reference figure 3607 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3607-3607 of reference figure 3606, and reference figure 3608 is a cross-sectional view of a seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 3608-3608 of reference figure 3606 (removed and encircled).

As shown in reference to fig. 3606, the knitted dynamic fit component 3660 can be wrapped around a medial side of the knitted component 3640 and the knitted dynamic fit component 3662 can be wrapped around a lateral side of the knitted component 3640.

As shown in reference to fig. 3607, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 3658. That is, seamless bootie or textile upper 3640 may include a continuous knit layer formed from first knit layer 3652, second knit layer 3654, and interlayer knit line 3650.

In some embodiments, the knitted component 3640 may include a closure system 3670. In some embodiments, closure system 3670 may include closure members 3672, eyelets 3674, and laces 3676.

In some embodiments, the braided dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 can be wrapped around the braided component 3640 such that the distal ends of the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 correspond with the closure system 3670. In some embodiments, the knitted dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 can include at least one closure member 3682 and at least one eyelet 3684. In some embodiments, the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 may be wrapped around the knitted component 3640 such that at least one closure member 3682 and an eyelet 3684 of the dynamic fit component 3660 and/or at least one closure member 3682 and an eyelet 3683 of the dynamic fit component 3662 are in registered alignment with at least one closure member 3672 and an eyelet 3674 of the seamless bootie or textile upper 3640. As shown in reference fig. 3608, in some embodiments, the plurality of closure members 3672, 3682 and the eyelets 3674, 3684 and the dynamic mating components 3660 and 3662 of the closure system 3670 can be arranged in registration. In this case, it will be appreciated that closure system 3670 and the dynamic fit system including dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 may use a common lace 3676, as shown in reference fig. 3608. In some embodiments, dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 may use different laces than closure system 3670. In some embodiments, the knitted component 3640 may include a dynamic fit system that includes dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 and does not include any closure system. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a dynamic fit system or a combination of a dynamic fit system and a closure system that is appropriate for the desired article of footwear.

In some embodiments, as shown in reference to fig. 3606 and 3608, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 3640 may include an insert member 3690. In some embodiments, an insert member may be inserted into a pocket formed between first braided layer 3652 and second braided layer 3654 of braided component 3640. For example, as shown in reference to fig. 3606 and 3608, in some embodiments, insert member 3690 can be an arch positioned in a midfoot region of knitted component 3640.

Figures 37-45 schematically illustrate an optional flipping process for folding or flipping the knitted component of figure 36 (after removal) inside out. Figure 37 illustrates knitted component 3640 of figure 36 in an initial post-removal state. As shown in figure 37, in some embodiments, a dynamic fit component 3660 can encircle the lateral side of the seamless bootie 3640 in the direction of arrow 3720, and a dynamic fit component 3662 can encircle the medial side of the seamless bootie 3640 in the direction of arrow 3710. Figure 38 illustrates a knitted component 3640 in which dynamic fit component portions 3660 and 3662 partially encircle each of the medial and lateral sides of the knitted seamless bootie in the direction of arrows 3810 and 3820, respectively, and figure 39 is a front view illustrating dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 substantially encircle each of the medial and lateral sides of knitted component 3640 in the direction of arrows 3910 and 3920, respectively. Figure 40 is a front view illustrating the closure structure 3670 with the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 completely encircling the medial and lateral sides of the knitted component 3640 and covering the seamless bootie 3640. Figure 41 is a side view illustrating the closure structure 3670 with the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 completely encircling the medial and lateral sides of the knitted component 3640 and covering the seamless bootie 3640. Fig. 42 illustrates a knitted component 3640 with a forefoot portion 3658 partially inverted. Specifically, forefoot portion 3658 is pushed into the interior of knitted component (seamless bootie) 3640 in the direction of arrow 4210. Fig. 43 illustrates a knitted component in which forefoot portion 3658 is pushed further into the ankle opening of knitted component (seamless bootie) 3640 in the direction of arrow 4320 and pushed out through the ankle opening of knitted component (seamless bootie) 3640 in the direction of arrow 4310 while the heel portion of seamless bootie 3640 is pushed in the direction of arrow 4330. Figure 44 illustrates a knitted component 3640 in which a forefoot portion 3658 is pushed generally through the ankle opening in the direction of arrow 4410 while a heel portion of the seamless bootie 3640 is flipped over by pushing in the direction of arrow 4420, and figure 45 illustrates a knitted component that is completely flipped over or turned inside out.

Figure 46 is a schematic front isometric view of a seamless bootie or textile upper incorporating knitted component 3640 after removal and inside-out (as shown in figures 36-45). FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper of FIG. 46, taken along section line 47-47. FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper of FIG. 46, taken along section line 48-48.

It will be appreciated that the structure and features of the seamless bootie or textile upper 3640 in fig. 46-48 are generally similar to those of fig. 36, except that in fig. 46-48, dynamically mating components 3660 and 3662 are positioned in the interior of the seamless bootie 3640.

Fig. 49 schematically maps features of another embodiment of knitted component 4940 of knitted textile element 4900 to a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from the knitted component. In some embodiments, knit component 4940 of knit textile element 4900 can include at least one knit dynamic fit finger component or wrap. In some embodiments, at least one knitted dynamic fit component may be integrally knitted with splines of knitted component 4940 formed by interlining knit line traces 4950. In some embodiments, optionally, at least one knitted dynamically mating finger component or portion 4980 may be provided at a heel region of the seamless bootie 4940. In some embodiments, optionally, at least one knitted dynamic fit finger element or portion (e.g., 4981, 4982, 4983, and 4984) may be provided at a midfoot region of seamless bootie 4940. In some embodiments, optionally, at least one knitted dynamic fit finger component or portion 4985 may be disposed at a forefoot region of seamless bootie 4940. For ease of description, while reference is made to fig. 4901-4905 to illustrate an embodiment that includes pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4980 and 4985 at the heel and forefoot regions of seamless bootie 4940, reference to fig. 4906 and 4908 of fig. 49 illustrates an embodiment that includes only five pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions (including details of dynamically mating finger components or portions 4981, 4982, 4983, and 4984) positioned at the midfoot region of seamless bootie 4940. Fig. 50-52 illustrate an embodiment of a detail of a pair including optional dynamically mating finger elements or portions positioned at a heel region and a forefoot region of a seamless bootie.

In fig. 49, reference numeral 4901 identifies a drawing of a knit textile element 4900 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawing 4901) and includes a series of section lines 4911 through 4919 that schematically map various features and characteristics of a knit component 4940 of the knit textile element 4900 across respective drawings at reference numerals 4902, 4903, 4904, and 4905 (hereinafter referred to as reference drawings 4902, 4903, 4904, and 4905). Reference figure 4902 illustrates a series of cross-sectional views 4921 through 4929 taken along section lines 4911 through 4919 in relation to knit component 4940 (before removal) of knit textile element 4900. Referring to figure 4903, a medial side view of knitted component 4940 (with portions encircled and removed) is illustrated; referring to figure 4904, a bottom view of knitted component 4940 (with portions looped away) is illustrated; and with reference to figure 4905, a lateral side view of knitted component 4940 (with portions removed, encircled) is illustrated. Reference numeral 4906 is a diagram illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 4940 (with portions thereof encircled after removal) and illustrating the process of encircling (hereinafter reference figure 4906); reference numeral 4907 is a drawing illustrating a front isometric view of knitted component 4940 fully encircled therein (hereinafter reference figure 4907); and reference numeral 4908 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940 taken along section line 4908-4908 of reference figure 4907 (hereinafter reference figure 4908).

Similar to knit textile element 2400 in fig. 24, knit textile element 4900 includes a first knit layer 4952 and a second knit layer 4954 overlying first knit layer 4952, and knit textile element 4900 is of unitary warp knit configuration. Referring to fig. 4901, in some embodiments, first braid 4952 may be continuous with second braid 4954 along a common edge 4956 that extends in a direction of a manufacturing or braiding process. It will be understood that in some embodiments, braided textile element 4900 may have a generally tubular configuration similar to braided textile elements 200 and 2100 in fig. 2 and 21, and in some embodiments, braided textile element 4900 may have a generally flat two-layer configuration similar to braided textile elements 2300 and 2400 in fig. 23 and 24. For purposes of brevity, knit textile element 4900 will be described with respect to a substantially flat two-layer configuration. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate the correspondence and interchangeability of various features and portions between a generally tubular structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 2 and 21) and a generally flat two-layer structure (e.g., as shown in fig. 23 and 24).

Cross-sectional line 4911 passes through knit textile element 4900 over knitted component 4940 outside of a peripheral boundary of knitted component 4940 defined by sandwich knit stitch line 4950. Accordingly, mapping section line 4911 in reference figure 4901 to a cross section in the form of a flat two-layer structure 4921 (without features associated with knitted component 4940) of knitted component 4900 is presented with reference to figure 4902. Likewise, reference figures 4903, 4904, and 4905 do not present features associated with knitted component 4940 along section line 4911.

Section line 4912 passes over the body of knitted component 4940, and in some embodiments section line 4912 may pass through three pairs of optional knitted dynamically mating finger elements or portions 4980 extending from the rear heel portion of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4912 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4922, the two-layer structure 4922 having: a first node where interlayer knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4931 from a common edge 4956 of knit textile element 4900; a second node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4932 from the first node; a third node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4933 from the second node; and a fourth node, wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4934 from the third node. In some embodiments, the four nodes define the boundaries of three pockets formed between first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 corresponding to three pairs of optional dynamically mating finger elements or portions 4980 extending from a heel portion of knitted component 4940. However, it will be appreciated that for simplicity of description, the three pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4980 are not shown in the embodiment with reference to figures 4906 and 4908.

Section line 4913 passes through a rear heel portion of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4913 in reference figure 4901 to reference figure 4902 presents a cross-section of knit textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially planar two-layer structure 4923, the two-layer structure 4923 having a node where interlayer knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4935 from a common edge 4956 of knit textile element 4900. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, common edge 4956 of knitted component 4940 may function in a manner similar to common edge 210 of fig. 2, common edge 2156 of fig. 21, and/or common edge 2456 in fig. 24 in that common edge 4956 may provide a continuous knit layer common to first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 that is suitable for separating knitted component 4940 of knitted textile element 4900 and forming an ankle opening for knitted component 4940 of knitted textile element 4900.

Section line 4914 passes through a portion of closure structure 4970 proximate the ankle opening of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4914 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4924, the two-layer structure 4924 having: a first node where interlayer knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4936 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or textile upper 4940) from common edge 4956; and a second node where interlayer knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4937 from the first node (corresponding to the distal end of the first pair of dynamically mating finger elements or portions 4981 of seamless bootie or textile upper 4940).

Section line 4915 passes through a portion of closure structure 4970 proximate forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4915 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4925, the two-layer structure 4925 having: a first node where interlayer knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4938 (corresponding to the body of seamless bootie or textile upper 4940) from common edge 4956; and a second node where sandwich knit line trace 4950 interconnects first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 at a distance 4939 from the first node (corresponding to the distal ends of another pair of dynamically mating finger elements or portions 4983 and 4984 of seamless bootie or textile upper 4940 that extend from knit element 4940).

Section line 4916 passes through forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4916 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4926, the two-layer structure 4926 having: a first node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4941 from common edge 4956; and a second node, wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4942 from the first node. In some embodiments, these two nodes define the boundaries of pockets formed between first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 corresponding to the other two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 extending from forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940.

Section line 4917 passes through forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4917 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a knitted textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4927, the two-layer structure 4927 having: a first node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4943 from common edge 4956; a second node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4944 from the first node; a third node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4945 from the second node; and a fourth node, wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4946 from the third node. In some embodiments, these second, third, and fourth nodes bound two pockets formed between first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 corresponding to two additional pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 extending from a forefoot region of knitted component 4940, as illustrated in reference figures 4902-4905. However, it will be appreciated that for simplicity of description, the two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 are not shown in the embodiment with reference to figures 4906 and 4908.

Cross-sectional line 4918 contacts forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940 and extends tangentially to forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4918 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4928, the two-layer structure 4928 having: a first node (shown as a pinch point in two-layer structure 4928 with reference to fig. 4902), wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4947 from common edge 4956; a second node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4948 from the first node; a third node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4949 from the second node; and a fourth node, wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4951 from the third node. In some embodiments, these second, third, and fourth nodes bound two pockets formed between first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 corresponding to two additional pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 extending from forefoot portion 4958 of knitted component 4940, as illustrated in reference figures 4901-4905. However, it will be appreciated that for simplicity of description, the two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 are not shown in the embodiments with reference to figures 4906 through 4908.

Section line 4919 passes under the body of knitted component 4940, and in some embodiments section line 4919 may pass through one of another two pairs of optional knitted dynamic fit finger components or portions 4985 extending from a forefoot region of knitted component 4940. Mapping section line 4919 in reference figure 4901 to a cross-section in reference figure 4902 presents a braided textile element 4900 in the form of a substantially flat two-layer structure 4929, the two-layer structure 4929 having: a first node where interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4952 from a common edge 4956 of braided textile element 4900; and a second node, wherein interlayer braid trace 4950 interconnects first braid 4952 and second braid 4954 at a distance 4953 from the first node. In some embodiments, these two nodes define the boundaries of a pocket formed between first knit layer 4952 and second knit layer 4954 corresponding to one of two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components 4985 extending from a forefoot region of knitted component 4940, as illustrated in reference to figures 4901 and 4905. However, it will be appreciated that for simplicity of description, the two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4985 are not shown in the embodiments with reference to figures 4906 through 4908.

Knitted component 4940, including any dynamically mating finger components or portions (e.g., dynamically mating finger components or portions 4981, 4982, 4983, and 4984, and/or any optional dynamically mating finger components or portions 4980 and/or 4985), may be removed from knitted textile element 4900 by any known or later developed removal or separation process. In some embodiments, knitted component 4940 may be removed or separated from textile element 4900 by separating knitted textile element 4900 along sandwich knit line trace 4950 of knitted component 4940 using a separation process (such as a cutting process as described above with respect to fig. 2-8). Knitted component 4940 may also be separated along common edge 4956 by any known or later developed separation process to form an ankle opening. For example, in some embodiments, common edge 4956 may be provided with one or more knit indicator portions, and knitted component 4940 may be separated along the knit indicator portions to form an ankle opening. In some embodiments, knitted component 4940 may be separated along common edge 4956 using a separation process (such as a cutting process as described above with respect to fig. 2-8). Similar to the process with respect to the dynamic fit components 3660 and 3662 in fig. 36, the dynamic fit finger components or portions may be separated along a perimeter line of the dynamic fit finger components or portions to form pairs of dynamic fit finger components or portions (e.g., pair 4981 and pair 4983 and 4984). In this case, it will be apparent that there may be one or more pairs of dynamically mating finger elements extending differently from the splines (i.e., the sandwich knit line trace 4650) of the seamless bootie or textile upper 4940 along any of the forefoot portion, midfoot portion, and heel portion of the seamless bootie or textile upper 4940. In some embodiments, dynamically mating finger components or portions may be formed on only one side of woven textile element 4900 (e.g., in only one of first woven layer 4952 and second woven layer 4954). Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select one or more, or the number, location, and configuration of one or more pairs of dynamically mating finger components or portions as appropriate for the desired performance characteristics of the desired article of footwear.

After removal, knitted component 4940 may be manipulated and/or stretched to form a seamless bootie or textile upper, as generally shown in referenced figures 4903 through 4908.

After removal, knitted component 4940 may optionally be turned or turned inside out in a manner similar to that of figures 37-45.

The dimensions of knitted textile element 4900 and knitted component 4940 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, in some embodiments, dimensions 4935, 4936, 4938, 4941, 4943, 4944, and/or 4947 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit for seamless bootie 4940. In some embodiments, dimensions 4937 and 4939 may be selected to provide a custom fit for dynamic fit of finger components 4981, 4982, 4983 and/or 4984. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select, for knitted component 4940 and any dynamically-mating finger components, dimensions suitable to provide a desired size and/or customized fit (including a dynamic fit) of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940.

Referring to fig. 4903-4905, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940 is illustrated in a medial cross-sectional view, a bottom cross-sectional view, and a lateral cross-sectional view that includes three pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components 4980 positioned at a heel region of knitted component 4940, five pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components positioned at a midfoot region of knitted component 4940 (see, e.g., pairs 4981 and 4983 and 4984), and two pairs of optional dynamically mating finger components 4985 positioned at a forefoot region of knitted component 4940. For example, for purposes of description, in reference to figures 4903, 4904, and 4905, knitted dynamic fit finger elements 4981 and 4983 for the medial side of knitted component 4940 are shown completely encircling the medial side of knitted component 4940, and knitted dynamic fit finger elements 4982 and 4984 for the lateral side of knitted component 4940 are shown extending completely in their initial post-removal states.

Referring to figure 4906 a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940 having five pairs of optional dynamically mating finger elements in a midfoot region of knitted component 4940 (e.g., where knitted dynamically mating finger elements or portions 4982 and 4984 wrap entirely on a medial side of knitted component 4940 and knitted dynamically mating finger elements 4981 and 4983 wrap only partially on a lateral side of knitted component 4940).

Referring to figure 4907, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940 in which five pairs of optional knitted dynamically mating finger elements (including pair 4981 and pair 4982 and 4983 and 4984) are completely wrapped on both a medial side of knitted component 4940 and a lateral side of knitted component 4940.

Reference figure 4908 is a cross-sectional view of the seamless bootie or textile upper taken along section line 4908-4908 of reference figure 4907.

As shown in reference to figures 4906 and 4907, the knitted dynamic fit finger components may wrap around a medial side of knitted component 4940 and the knitted dynamic fit finger components may wrap around a lateral side of knitted component 4940.

As shown in reference to fig. 4906 and 4907, in some embodiments, a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 4940 may include a continuous knit layer at forefoot portion 4958. That is, seamless bootie or textile upper 4940 may include a continuous knit layer formed from first knit layer 4952, second knit layer 4954, and interlayer knit line trace 4950.

In some embodiments, knitted component 4940 may include closure system 4970. In some embodiments, the closure system may include a closure member 4972, a knitted hole or eyelet 4974, and a lace 4976.

In some embodiments, knitted dynamically mating finger components 4981 and/or 4982 may wrap around knitted component 4940 such that a distal end of knitted dynamically mating finger components 4981 and/or 4982 corresponds with closure system 4970. In some embodiments, the distal ends of braided dynamically mated finger elements 4981 and 4982 may include a braided closure member 4986 and at least one braided hole or eyelet 4987. In some embodiments, knitted dynamically mating finger components 4981 and 4982 may be wrapped around knitted component 4940 such that at least one closure member 4986 and at least one eyelet 4987 of knitted dynamically mating finger component 4981 and/or at least one closure member 4986 and at least one eyelet 4987 of knitted dynamically mating finger component 4982 are in registered alignment with at least one closure member 4972 and eyelet 4974 of seamless bootie or textile upper 4940. As shown in reference figure 4908, in some embodiments, the plurality of closure members 4972, 4988 and eyelets 4974, 4987 and knitted dynamically mating finger components 4981 and 4982 of closure system 4970 may be arranged in registration. In this case, it will be appreciated that closure system 4970 and the dynamic fit system including knitted dynamic fit finger components 4981 and 4982 may utilize a common lace 4976, as shown in reference to fig. 4908. In some embodiments, knitted dynamic fit finger components 4981 and 4982 may use different lacing or other tensioning structures than closure system 4970. In some embodiments, knit component 4940 may include a dynamic fit system that includes knit dynamic fit finger components 4981 and 4982 and does not include any closure systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to select a combination of closure systems and dynamic fit components that are appropriate for the desired article of footwear.

Figure 50 illustrates another embodiment of knitted component 5040 in a unitary warp knit construction in a removed state or condition. As shown in figure 50, in some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may include three pairs of optional knitted dynamic fit finger components. A first pair of optional knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080 and 5081 may be positioned at a rear heel portion of knitted component 5040, where knitted dynamic fit finger component 5080 is formed from a portion of first knit layer 5052 at interlayer knit line trace 5050 and knitted dynamic fit finger component 5081 is formed from a portion of second knit layer 5054 at interlayer knit line trace 5050. A second pair of optional dynamic fit finger components 5082 and 5083 may be positioned at a bottom heel portion of knitted component 5040, where knitted dynamic fit finger component 5082 is formed from a portion of first knit layer 5052 at interlayer knit line trace 5050 and knitted dynamic fit finger component 5083 is formed from a portion of second knit layer 5054 at interlayer knit line trace 5050. A third pair of optional dynamic fit finger components 5084 and 5085 may be positioned at a forefoot portion of knitted component 5040, where knitted dynamic fit finger component 5084 is formed from a portion of first knit layer 5052 at interlayer knit line trace 5050 and knitted dynamic fit finger component 5085 is formed from a portion of second knit layer 5054 at interlayer knit line trace 5050. In some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may include a knitted closure structure 5070. In some embodiments, the braided closure structure may include a plurality of braided closure members 5072 and a plurality of braided holes or eyelets 5074.

In some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may be removable from the knitted textile element. For example, in some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may generally correspond to knitted component 4940 of knitted textile element 4900 in fig. 49. In some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may be removed from the knitted textile element by a separation process (e.g., by a cutting process).

After removal, knitted component 5040 may optionally be turned over or turned inside out in a manner similar to fig. 37-45.

The dimensions of knitted component 5040 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or customized fit and performance characteristics in a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 5040, as generally described above with respect to knitted component 2100 in fig. 21 and knitted component 2400 in fig. 24. For example, in some embodiments, dimension 5091 corresponding to the length of optional dynamically mating finger components 5080 and 5081 positioned in the rear heel portion of knitted component 5040, dimension 5092 corresponding to the length of optional dynamically mating finger components 5082 and 5083 positioned in the bottom heel region of knitted component 5040, and dimension 5093 corresponding to the length of optional dynamically mating finger components 5084 and 5085 positioned in the forefoot region of knitted component 5040 may be selected to provide a desired size and/or custom fit for seamless bootie 5040. Those skilled in the art will be able to readily select, for knitted component 5040 and any dynamically-fitting finger components, dimensions suitable to provide a desired size and/or custom fit (including dynamic fit) of a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 5040.

Figure 51 illustrates in a front cross-sectional view a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 5040 of figure 50, with optional knitted dynamic fit finger components or portions 5080, 5082, and 5084 partially wrapped on a medial side of knitted component 5040, and optional knitted dynamic fit finger components 5081, 5083, and 5085 partially wrapped on a lateral side of knitted component 5040. As shown in fig. 51, knitted dynamic fit finger elements 5080 may wrap around a medial rear heel portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5110 and dynamic fit finger elements 5081 may wrap around a lateral rear heel portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5112. Similarly, dynamically mating finger component 5082 may wrap around a medial bottom heel portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5114, and dynamically mating finger component 5083 may wrap around a lateral bottom heel portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5116. Similarly, knitted dynamic fit finger component 5084 may wrap around a medial forefoot portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5118, and dynamic fit finger component 5085 may wrap around a lateral forefoot portion of knitted component 5040 in the direction of arrow 5120.

Referring to fig. 5007, a front cross-sectional view illustrates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from knitted component 5040 with three pairs of optional knitted dynamic fit finger components (i.e., pair 5080, pair 5082, pair 5083, and pair 5084, 5085) completely wrapped on both a medial side of knitted component 4940 and a lateral side of knitted component 4940.

In some embodiments, knitted dynamic fit finger members 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 may be wrapped around and around knitted member 5040 such that a distal end of knitted dynamic fit finger members 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 corresponds with closure system 5070. In some embodiments, the distal end of knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 may comprise a knitted closure member 5086 and at least one knitted hole or eyelet 5087. In some embodiments, knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 may be wrapped around and surround knitted component 5040 such that at least one closure member 5086 and at least one eyelet 5087 of at least one knitted dynamic fit finger component 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 are in registered alignment with at least one closure member 5072 and eyelet 5074 of seamless bootie or textile upper 5040. As shown in fig. 52, in some embodiments, the plurality of closure members 5072, 5086 and eyelets 5074, 5087 and knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 of the closure system 5070 may be arranged in registration. In this case, it will be appreciated that closure system 5070 and the dynamic fit system including braided dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 may use a common lace. In some embodiments, knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 may use different lacing or other tensioning structures than closure system 5070. In some embodiments, knitted component 5040 may include a dynamic fit system that includes knitted dynamic fit finger components 5080, 5081, 5082, 5083, 5084, 5085 and does not include any closure systems. Those skilled in the art will be able to select a combination of closure systems and dynamic fit components that are appropriate for the desired article of footwear.

This description of embodiments relates to articles of footwear that may include methods and structures for providing closure, tension, and/or dynamic fit. Commonly owned U.S. patent application No. 13/939,208, entitled "Article With closed flexible handling Variable Volume" (PLG 51-2970), filed on 11/7/2013 by Tiffany Beers, discloses methods and structures for providing closure, tension and/or dynamic fit for an Article of footwear, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Those skilled in the art will be readily able to select a closure structure, a tensioning structure, and/or a dynamic fit structure suitable for use with the desired embodiments of a seamless bootie or textile upper as disclosed and claimed herein.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the present embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:

a knit textile element of knit unitary warp knit construction, said knit textile element having:

a first woven layer is arranged on the first side of the first woven layer,

a second woven layer overlying the first woven layer and continuous with the first woven layer along a common edge of a common opening in the first woven layer and the second woven layer, the common edge of the common opening extending in a direction of a weaving process,

a first interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer, the common edge of the common opening and the first interlayer knit line trace collectively defining an outline of a first knit component portion of a knit component configured to form a seamless bootie, and

a second knitted component portion of the knitted component that is seamlessly connected to the first knitted component portion through a first continuous portion of the first knitted layer adjacent the common opening and a second continuous portion of the second knitted layer adjacent the common opening,

a second interlayer braid wire trace interconnecting the first and second braid layers at a location spaced apart from the first and second continuous portions of the first and second braid layers, the second interlayer braid wire trace circumscribing the second braided component portion and

the first knitted component portion and the second knitted component portion collectively forming the knitted component;

removing the knitted component from the knitted textile element; and

folding the second knitted component portion into an inner pocket formed between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer of the first knitted component portion.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a closure structure for at least one of the first knitted component portion and the second knitted component portion, the closure structure being knitted at the first continuous portion of the first knitted layer and the second continuous portion of the second knitted layer adjacent to the common opening.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein knitting the closure structure comprises knitting a plurality of knitted closure members associated with the closure structure.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein knitting the closure structure comprises knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the closure structure and configured to be associated with a tensioning element of the closure structure.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a dynamic fit structure for at least one of the first knitted component portion and the second knitted component portion, the dynamic fit structure being knitted at the first continuous portion of the first knitted layer and the second continuous portion of the second knitted layer adjacent to the common opening.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein braiding the dynamic fit structure comprises braiding a plurality of braiding holes associated with the dynamic fit structure and configured to be associated with a tensioning element of the dynamic fit structure.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a closed structure for the first knitted component portion at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second knit layer adjacent the common opening, and knitting a dynamic fit structure for the second knitted component portion at the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second knit layer adjacent the common opening.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein knitting the closure structure comprises knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the closure structure, and knitting the dynamic fit structure comprises knitting a plurality of knit holes associated with the dynamic fit structure.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of braid holes associated with the closure structure is configured to be aligned in registration with at least one of the braid holes associated with the dynamic fit structure.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first knitted component portion is a seamless bootie and the second knitted component portion is one of a seamless bootie, a seamless open-toe bootie, and an instep support configured to be disposed in a midfoot region of the article of footwear.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting at least one knit indication portion indicative of a first fold line in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and knitting at least one knit indication portion indicative of a second fold line in the second continuous portion of the second knit layer.

12. The method recited in claim 1, wherein the first knitted component portion is a seamless bootie and the second knitted component portion is a tongue.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting at least one knit indication portion indicating a first fold line for the second knitted component portion in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and knitting at least one knit indication portion indicating a second fold line for the second knitted component portion in the second continuous portion of the second knit layer.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein knitting the knit textile element includes knitting a first closure structure for the first knitted component portion and knitting a second closure structure for the second knitted component portion, the first closure structure including a first plurality of knit holes associated with the first closure structure, the second closure structure including a second plurality of knit holes associated with the second closure structure, the first and second plurality of knit holes configured to receive a common tensioning element.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first plurality of braid holes associated with the first closure structure is configured to be aligned in registration with at least one of the second plurality of braid holes associated with the second closure structure.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein knitting the second knitted component portion includes knitting at least one knit indicating portion that indicates a tab portion in the first continuous portion of the first knit layer and the second continuous portion of the second knit layer adjacent to the common edge of the common opening.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein folding the second knitted component portion into the first knitted component portion includes folding the ear portion adjacent to a continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie formed by the first knitted component portion.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching the ear portion of the second knitted component portion to the continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the second knitted component portion of the knitted textile element includes knitting at least one knit indicator portion that collectively connects an end of the common opening and a portion of the second interlayer knit line trace that collectively defines an outline of the second knitted component portion of the knitted component.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein knitting the knit textile element further includes knitting at least one first knit indicating portion and at least one second knit indicating portion, the at least one first knit indicating portion collectively connecting the common opening and a first portion of the second interlayer knit line trace, the at least one second knit indicating portion collectively connecting the first interlayer knit line trace and the second interlayer knit line trace, the at least one first knit indicating portion, the at least one second knit indicating portion, and the second interlayer knit line trace collectively defining an outline of the second knit component portion of the knit component.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising associating the knitted component with a sole structure.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising inserting an insert member into at least one of a pocket formed between the first knit layer of the first knitted component portion and the first knit layer of the second knitted component portion and a pocket formed between the second knit layer of the first knitted component portion and the second knit layer of the second knitted component portion.

23. A method of knitting a knit textile element comprising a knitted component for an article of footwear, the method comprising:

a first woven layer is arranged on the first side of the first woven layer,

a first interlayer knit stitch line interconnecting the first knit layer and the second knit layer, the common edge of the common opening and the first interlayer knit stitch line collectively defining an outline of a first knit component portion of a knit component configured to form a seamless bootie,

a second knitted component portion of the knitted component that is seamlessly connected to the first knitted component portion through a first continuous portion of the first knitted layer adjacent the common opening and a second continuous portion of the second knitted layer adjacent the common opening; and

a second interlayer braid wire trace interconnecting said first braid and said second braid at a location spaced apart from said first continuous portion of said first braid and said second continuous portion of said second braid, said second interlayer braid wire trace defining an outline of said second braided component portion,

the first knitted component portion and the second knitted component portion collectively form the knitted component.

24. An article of footwear comprising:

a knitted component of unitary warp knit construction, the knitted component comprising:

a first knit layer including a first portion forming a medial side of a first knitted component portion configured as a seamless bootie and a second portion that is continuous with the first portion and forms a medial side of a second knitted component portion;

a second knit layer including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the second knit layer forming a lateral side of the first knitted component portion configured as the seamless bootie, the second portion of the second knit layer being continuous with the first portion of the second knit layer and forming a lateral side of the second knitted component portion, the first portion of the second knit layer being continuous with the first portion of the first knit layer through a continuous forefoot portion of the seamless bootie;

a first interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the medial side of the first knitted component portion configured as the seamless bootie and the lateral side of the first knitted component portion configured as the seamless bootie and extending generally along a centerline of a heel portion, a plantar portion, and a forward toe portion of the seamless bootie; and

a second interlayer knit line trace interconnecting the medial side of the second knitted component portion and the lateral side of the second knitted component portion.

25. The article of footwear recited in claim 24, wherein the second portion of the first knitted layer and the second portion of the second knitted layer form a single continuous layer through an inner vamp forefoot portion of the second knitted component portion.

26. The article of footwear according to claim 24, wherein the second midsole knit line trace extends substantially along a centerline of at least one of an interior heel portion, an interior midfoot portion, and an interior forward toe portion of the second knitted component portion.

27. The article of footwear of claim 24, further comprising:

at least one knit indicating portion indicating a separation line configured as the first knit component portion of the seamless bootie.

28. The article of footwear recited in claim 24, wherein the second portion of the first knit layer and the second portion of the second knit layer form a second knitted component portion.

29. The article of footwear recited in claim 24, wherein the first portion of the first knit layer and the first portion of the second knit layer include a closed structure for the first knitted component portion.

30. The article of footwear recited in claim 29, wherein the closure structure for the first knitted component portion includes a first plurality of knit holes for receiving a first tensioning element.

31. The article of footwear recited in claim 30, wherein at least one of the first plurality of knit holes of the closure structure is configured to be aligned in registration with at least one of a second plurality of knit holes formed in the second knitted component portion, and the at least one of the first plurality of knit holes of the closure structure for the first knitted component portion and the at least one of the second plurality of knit holes formed in the second knitted component portion are configured to receive a common tensioning element.

32. The article of footwear recited in claim 24, wherein the second portion of the first knit layer and the second portion of the second knit layer form a gusseted tongue of the seamless bootie.

33. The article of footwear recited in claim 32, wherein the gusseted tongue includes a first plurality of knit holes formed in the second portion of the first knit layer and a second plurality of knit holes formed in the second portion of the second knit layer.

34. The article of footwear according to claim 33, wherein the first plurality of knit holes and the second plurality of knit holes are configured to be aligned in registration.