Patent ID: 7774956
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: A43B,A43C,D04B,D10B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising: a knitted element formed from at least one yarn mechanically manipulated during a knitting process, the knitted element having a lateral side and an opposite medial side, the knitted element defining at least one lateral channel formed between two spaced-apart knitted layers and located on the lateral side and at least one medial channel formed between two spaced-apart knitted layers and located on the medial side, each of the lateral channel and the medial channel being formed of unitary construction with the knitted element from the at least one mechanically manipulated yarn during the knitting process; and at least one lace element extending through the lateral channel and the medial channel, the lace element being less stretchable than the knitted element, and the lace element defining areas for receiving a lace.