Patent Publication Number: US-2022225723-A1

Title: Resilient knitted component with wave features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, having attorney docket number 384054/130062US03CON and entitled “RESILIENT KNITTED COMPONENT WITH WAVE FEATURES,” is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 16/448,635, filed Jun. 21, 2019, and entitled “RESILIENT KNITTED COMPONENT WITH WAVE FEATURES,” which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 14/252,948, filed Apr. 15, 2014, and entitled “RESILIENT KNITTED COMPONENT WITH WAVE FEATURES.” U.S. application Ser. No. 16/448,635 and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/252,948 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Various articles can be made from or include a knitted component. Knitted components can be durable, can provide desirable look and textures, and can otherwise improve the article. 
     For example, articles of footwear can include an upper that includes a knitted component. The knitted component can be lightweight and, yet, durable. The knitted component can additionally provide flexibility to the upper. The knitted component can also provide desirable aesthetics to the upper. Moreover, the knitted component can also increase manufacturing efficiency of the upper. Furthermore, the knitted component can decrease waste and/or or make the upper more recyclable. 
     SUMMARY 
     A knitted component that provides resiliency to an object is disclosed. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a ridge structure that includes a plurality of ridge courses. The knitted component also includes a channel structure that is adjacent the ridge structure. The channel structure includes a plurality of channel courses. The ridge structure is configured to move between a compacted position and an extended position, and the channel structure is configured to move between a compacted position and an extended position. The ridge structure is biased to curl about a first axis in a first direction toward the compacted position of the ridge structure. The channel structure is biased to curl about a second axis in a second direction toward the compacted position of the channel structure. The first direction is opposite the second direction. The ridge courses extend in the same direction as the first axis. The channel courses extend in the same direction as the second axis. The ridge structure is configured to uncurl toward the extended position in response to an applied force. The channel structure is configured to uncurl toward the extended position in response to an applied force. 
     Also, a method of manufacturing a resilient knitted component formed of unitary knit construction is disclosed. The method includes knitting a plurality of ridge courses to define a ridge structure of the knitted component. The ridge structure is biased to curl in a first direction about a first axis. Furthermore, the method includes knitting a plurality of channel courses to define a channel structure of the knitted component. The channel structure is biased to curl in a second direction about a second axis. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The ridge courses extend in the same direction as the first axis. The channel courses extend in the same direction as the second axis. 
     Moreover, an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a ridge structure that includes a plurality of ridge courses. The knitted component also includes a channel structure that is adjacent the ridge structure. The channel structure includes a plurality of channel courses. The ridge structure is configured to move between a compacted position and an extended position. The channel structure is configured to move between a compacted position and an extended position. The ridge structure is biased to curl about a first axis in a first direction toward the compacted position of the ridge structure. The channel structure is biased to curl about a second axis in a second direction toward the compacted position of the channel structure. The first direction is opposite the second direction. The ridge courses extend in the same direction as the first axis. The channel courses extend in the same direction as the second axis. The ridge structure is configured to uncurl toward the extended position of the ridge structure in response to a force applied to the ridge structure. The channel structure is configured to uncurl toward the extended position of the channel structure in response to a force applied to the channel structure. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure 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 principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a knitted component according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the knitted component is shown in a first position; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the knitted component of  FIG. 1  shown in a second, stretched position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the knitted component of  FIG. 1 , wherein the knitted component is shown in the first position with solid lines, and wherein the knitted component is partially shown in the second position with broken lines; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross section of the knitted component taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross section of the knitted component taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section of the knitted component of  FIG. 1  shown in a third position in which the knitted component has been further stretched compared to the second position of  FIGS. 2 and 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross section of the knitted component shown being deformed by a compression load; 
         FIG. 8  is a detail view of the knitted component of  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view of a knitting machine configured for manufacturing the knitted component of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic knitting diagram of the knitted component of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary method of manufacturing the knitted component of  FIG. 1 , wherein a ridge structure is shown being formed; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of the method of manufacturing, wherein additional courses are being added to the ridge structure of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of the method of manufacturing, wherein a channel structure is shown being formed onto the ridge structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of the method of manufacturing, wherein additional courses are being added to the channel structure of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of the method of manufacturing, wherein an additional ridge structure is being added; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic illustration of the method of manufacturing, wherein an additional channel structure is being added; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an article of footwear that includes a knitted component according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross section of the article of footwear taken along the line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an article of footwear that includes a knitted component according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of an upper of the article of footwear of  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of an article of apparel that includes a knitted component according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an article that includes a knitted component according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic knitting diagram of the knitted component of  FIG. 1  according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety of concepts relating to knitted components. For example,  FIG. 1  shows a knitted component  10  illustrated according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     At least a portion of knitted component  10  can be flexible, elastic, and resilient in some embodiments. More specifically, in some embodiments, knitted component  10  can resiliently stretch, deform, flex, or otherwise move between a first position and a second position. Additionally, knitted component  10  can be compressible and can recover from a compressed state to a neutral position. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first position of knitted component  10  according to some embodiments, and  FIG. 2  illustrates a second position of knitted component  10  according to some embodiments. For purposes of clarity,  FIG. 3  shows knitted component  10  in both positions, wherein the first position is represented in solid lines and the second position is represented in broken lines. In some embodiments, knitted component  10  can be biased to move toward the first position. Accordingly, a force can be applied to knitted component  10  to move knitted component  10  to the second position, and when released, knitted component  10  can resiliently recover and return to the first position.  FIG. 7  illustrates knitted component  10  in a compressed state according to some embodiments. Knitted component  10  can recover to the first position of  FIG. 1  once the compression load is reduced. The resiliency and elasticity of knitted component  10  can serve several functions. For example, knitted component  10  can deform resiliently under a load to cushion against the load. Then, once the load is reduced, knitted component  10  can recover and can continue to provide cushioning. 
     Knitted component  10  can also have two or more areas that are uneven or non-planar relative to each other. These non-planar areas can be arranged such that knitted component has a wavy, undulating, corrugated, or otherwise uneven appearance. In some embodiments, when knitted component  10  moves from the first position represented in  FIG. 1  toward the second position represented in  FIG. 2 , knitted component  10  can at least partially flatten out. When moving back to the first position, the waviness of knitted component  10  can increase. The waviness of knitted component  10  can increase the range of motion and stretchability of knitted component  10 . Accordingly, knitted component  10  can provide a high degree of dampening or cushioning. 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures also disclose articles that can incorporate knitted component  10 . For example, knitted component  10  can be incorporated in an article of footwear as represented in  FIGS. 17-20 . In these embodiments, knitted component  10  can readily stretch to fit and conform to the wearer&#39;s foot or lower leg. The resilience of knitted component  10  can also provide cushioning for the wearer&#39;s foot or lower leg. Other objects can include knitted component  10  as well. For example, knitted component  10  can be included in a strap or other part of an article of apparel as represented in  FIG. 21 . Knitted component  10  can be further included in a strap for a bag or other container as represented in  FIG. 22 . Other objects can also include knitted component  10 . 
     Configurations of Knitted Component 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-8 , knitted component  10  will be discussed in greater detail. Knitted component  10  can be of “unitary knit construction.” As used herein, the term “unitary knit construction” means that the respective component is formed as a one-piece element through a knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantially forms the various features and structures of unitary knit construction without the need for significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. A unitary knit construction may be used to form a knitted component  10  having structures or elements that include one or more courses or wales of yarn or other knit material that are joined such that the structures or elements include at least one course or wale in common, such that the structures or elements share a common yarn, and/or such that the courses or wales are substantially continuous between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knit construction is provided. In the exemplary embodiments, any suitable knitting process may be used to produce knitted component  10  formed of unitary knit construction, including, but not limited to a flat knitting process, such as warp knitting or weft knitting, as well as a circular knitting process, or any other knitting process suitable for providing a knitted component. Examples of various configurations of knitted components and methods for forming knitted component  10  with unitary knit construction are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,762 to Dua; U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,011 to Dua, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0110048 to Dua, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0154256 to Dua; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0233882 to Huffa, et al., the disclosure of each being incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     For reference purposes, knitted component  10  is illustrated with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system in  FIGS. 1-8 . Specifically, a longitudinal direction  15 , a lateral direction  17 , and a thickness direction  19  of knitted component  10  is shown. However, knitted component  10  can be illustrated relative to a radial or other coordinate system. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , knitted component  10  can include a front surface  14  and a back surface  16 . Moreover, knitted component  10  can include a peripheral edge  18 . Peripheral edge  18  can define the boundaries of knitted component  10 . Peripheral edge  18  can extend in the thickness direction  19  between front surface  14  and back surface  16 . Peripheral edge  18  can be sub-divided into any number of sides. For example, peripheral edge  18  can include four sides as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , peripheral edge  18  of knitted component  10  can be sub-divided into a first edge  20 , a second edge  22 , a third edge  24 , and a fourth edge  26 . First edge  20  and second edge  22  can be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction  15 . Third edge  24  and fourth edge  26  can be spaced apart in the lateral direction  17 . Third edge  24  can extend between first edge  20  and second edge  22 , and fourth edge  26  can also extend between first edge  20  and second edge  22 . In some embodiments, knitted component  10  can be generally rectangular. However, it will be appreciated that knitted component  10  can define any shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , knitted component  10  can have a sheet thickness  74  that is measured from front surface  14  to back surface  16 . In some embodiments, sheet thickness  74  can be substantially constant throughout knitted component  10 . In other embodiments, sheet thickness  74  can vary with certain portions being thicker than other portions. It will be appreciated that sheet thickness  74  can be selected and controlled according to the diameter of yarn(s) used. Sheet thickness  74  can also be controlled according to the denier of the yarn(s). Additionally, sheet thickness  74  can be controlled according to the stitch density within knitted component  10 . 
     Furthermore, knitted component  10  can have a plurality of wave features  12  in some embodiments. Stated differently, the knitted component  10  can be wavy in some embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the terms “wave,” “waviness,” “wave feature,” and other related terms as used within the present application, encompass a number of different shapes and configurations of uneven or non-planar features. For example, front surface  14  and/or back surface  16  can be rippled, wavy, undulated, corrugated or otherwise uneven and non-planar to define wave features  12 . It will also be appreciated that wave features  12  can include a series of non-planar features or constructions. For example, wave features  12  can include peaks and troughs, steps, raised ridges and recessed channels, or other uneven features. 
     Wave features  12  can extend across knitted component  10  in any direction. Wave features  12  can also cause knitted component  10  to undulate in the thickness direction  19 . 
     Knitted component  10  can include any suitable number of wave features  12 , and wave features  12  can have any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, wave features  12  can include a plurality of ridge structures  30  and a plurality of channel structures  32 . 
     Generally, ridge structures  30  can be raised areas of knitted component  10 , and channel structures  32  can be lowered or recessed areas of knitted component  10 . In some embodiments, two or more ridge structures  30  of knitted component  10  can have similar shape and dimensions to each other. Also, two or more channel structures  32  of knitted component  10  can have similar shape and dimensions to each other. Moreover, in some embodiments, at least one ridge structure  30  and at least one channel structure  32  can be similar in shape and dimension. In other embodiments, the shape and dimensions of ridge structures  30  and/or channel structures  32  can vary across knitted component  10 . Knitted component  10  can include any suitable number of ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32 . Ridge structures  30  are differentiated from channel structures  32  in  FIG. 4  using different cross hatching for purposes of clarity. However, it will be appreciated that ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be formed of unitary knit construction in some embodiments. 
     Because of ridge structures  30 , respective areas of front surface  14  can project and/or can be convex. Additionally, because of ridge structures  30 , respective areas of back surface  16  can be recessed and/or can be concave. In contrast, because of channel structures  32 , respective areas of front surface  14  can be recessed and/or can be concave. Furthermore, because of channel structures  32 , respective areas of back surface  16  can project and/or can be convex. 
     As mentioned, knitted component  10  can be resiliently flexible, compressible, and stretchable. Ridge structures  30  and/or channel structures  32  can flex, deform, or otherwise move as knitted component  10  stretches. In the first position of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can exhibit a large degree of curvature and can be relatively compact. In the second or stretched position of  FIGS. 2 and 5 , ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be more extended and flattened. In some embodiments, knitted component  10  can also stretch to a third position as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , knitted component  10  as well as ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can flatten and extend out to an even larger extent than the second position illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     The first position of knitted component  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4  can also be referred to as a neutral position or a compacted position in some embodiments. The second position represented in  FIGS. 2 and 5  can also be referred to as a deformed position, as a stretched position, or as an extended position. The third position represented in  FIG. 6  can be referred to as a further deformed position, as a further stretched position, or as a further extended position. 
     Once knitted component  10  is stretched to the second or third position, the resilience and elasticity of knitted component  10  can allow knitted component  10  to recover and move back toward the first position represented in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Stated differently, knitted component  10  can be biased toward the first position. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , movement of knitted component  10  from the first position to the second position can cause knitted component  10  to stretch and elongate in the lateral direction  17  in some embodiments. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3 , knitted component  10  can have a first length  39  in the first position, measured from third edge  24  to fourth edge  26  along lateral direction  17 . In contrast, knitted component  10  can have a second length  41 , which is longer than first length  39 , in the second position. It will be appreciated that knitted component  10  can have an even longer length when in the third position represented in  FIG. 6 . 
     Knitted component  10  can also have a width  45  that is measured between first edge  20  and second edge  22  along longitudinal direction  15 . In some embodiments, width  45  can remain substantially constant as knitted component  10  moves between the first position, second, and third positions. Also, in some embodiments, knitted component  10  can exhibit some stretchability in the longitudinal direction  15  such that width  45  is variable. However, knitted component  10  can exhibit a significantly higher degree of stretchability in the lateral direction  17  than in the longitudinal direction  15  in some embodiments. 
     Furthermore, knitted component  10  can have a body thickness that changes as knitted component  10  moves. Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 3 , knitted component  10  can have a first body thickness  47  in the first position, and knitted component  10  can have a second, reduced body thickness  49  in the second position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , knitted component  10  can additionally have a third body thickness  51  in the third position, and third body thickness  51  can be less than the first body thickness  47  and the second body thickness  49 . It will be appreciated that the body thickness changes because the curvature of ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  changes as knitted component  10  stretches. 
     Embodiments of wave features  12 , ridge structures  30 , and channel structures  32  will now be discussed in greater detail according to exemplary embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4 , ridge structures  30  can have corresponding shape to the channel structures  32 ; however, ridge structures  30  can be inverted relative to channel structures  32 . Also, as shown in  FIG. 4 , ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be disposed on opposite sides of an imaginary reference plane  72  in some embodiments. 
     The plurality of ridge structures  30  can include a first ridge structure  35 . In some embodiments, first ridge structure  35  can be representative of others of the plurality of ridge structures  30 . First ridge structure  35  can have an inverted U-shape in some embodiments. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , first ridge structure  35  can include an apex  40 , a first side wall  42 , and a second side wall  44 . Apex  40  can be rounded in some embodiments. In other embodiments, apex  40  can be flat or angular. First side wall  42  and second side wall  44  can extend away from each other in a downward direction from apex  40 . First side wall  42  and/or second side wall  44  can be rounded in some embodiments. In other embodiments, first side wall  42  and/or second side wall  44  can be substantially planar. First side wall  42  can define a first edge  46  of ridge structure  35 , and second side wall  44  can define a second edge  48  of ridge structure  35 . First ridge structure  35  can also be concave on back surface  16 , and first ridge structure  35  can define an opening  43  between first side wall  42 , second side wall  44 , and apex  40 . 
     Also, the plurality of channel structures  32  can include a first channel structure  37 . In some embodiments, first channel structure  37  can be representative of others of the plurality of channel structures  32 . First channel structure  37  can have a U-shape in some embodiments. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , first channel structure  37  can include a nadir  54 , a first side wall  56 , and a second side wall  58 . Nadir  54  can be rounded in some embodiments. In other embodiments, nadir  54  can be flat or angular. First side wall  56  and second side wall  56  can extend away from each other in an upward direction from nadir  54 . First side wall  56  and/or second side wall  58  can be rounded in some embodiments. In other embodiments, first side wall  56  and/or second side wall  58  can be substantially planar. First side wall  56  can define a first edge  60  of channel structure  37 , and second side wall  58  can define a second edge  62  of channel structure  37 . First channel structure  37  can also be concave on front surface  14 , and first channel structure  37  can define an opening  57  between first side wall  56 , second side wall  58 , and nadir  54 . 
     In some embodiments, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be elongate and substantially straight as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . More specifically, ridge structures  30  can extend longitudinally along a respective ridge axis  79 , one of which is indicated in  FIG. 1  as an example. Ridge structures  30  can have a first longitudinal end  50  and a second longitudinal end  52  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Similarly, channel structures  32  can extend longitudinally along a respective channel axis  81 , one of which is indicated in  FIG. 1  as an example. Channel structures  32  can include a first longitudinal end  64  and a second longitudinal end  66  as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, ridge axis  79  and channel axis  81  can be substantially straight and parallel to the longitudinal direction  15 . In other embodiments, ridge axis  79  and/or channel axis  81  can be curved. Also, in some embodiments, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be nonparallel relative to each other. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments shown in  FIG. 2 , first longitudinal ends  50  of ridge structures  30  can be disposed proximate first edge  20  of knitted component  10 , and second longitudinal ends  52  of ridge structures  30  can be disposed proximate second edge  22  of knitted component  10 . Likewise, first longitudinal ends  64  of channel structures  32  can be disposed proximate to first edge  20  of knitted component  10 , and second longitudinal ends  66  of channel structures  32  can be disposed proximate to second edge  22  of knitted component. Furthermore, in some embodiments, first longitudinal ends  50  of ridge structures  30  and first longitudinal ends  64  of channel structures  32  can cooperate to define first edge  20  of knitted component  10 . Similarly, second longitudinal ends  52  of ridge structures  30  and second longitudinal ends  66  of channel structures  32  can cooperate to define second edge  22  of knitted component  10  in some embodiments. 
     Ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be spaced apart relative to each other. For example, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be spaced apart in the lateral direction  17  in some embodiments. Also, in some embodiments, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be arranged in an alternating pattern across knitted component  10 . 
     More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the plurality of ridge structures  30  can include a first ridge structure  35  as well as a second ridge structure  36  that are adjacent each other. Likewise, the plurality of channel structures  32  can include a first channel structure  37  as well as a second channel structure  37  that are adjacent each other. First channel structure  37  can be disposed between and can separate first ridge structure  35  and second ridge structure  36 . Furthermore, first ridge structure  35  can be disposed between and can separate first channel structure  37  and second channel structure  38 . This alternating arrangement can be repeated, for example, across knitted component  10  in the lateral direction  17 . For example, in some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5 , knitted component  10  can further include a third ridge structure  61 , a third channel structure  63 , a fourth ridge structure  65 , a fourth channel structure  67 , and a fifth ridge structure  69 . As shown, third ridge structure  61  can define third edge  24  of knitted component  10 . Moving away from third edge  24  in lateral direction  17 , third channel structure  63  can be disposed adjacent to third ridge structure  61 . Also, fourth ridge structure  65  can be disposed adjacent third channel structure  63 , and second channel structure  38  can be disposed adjacent fourth ridge structure  65 . As stated, first ridge structure  35  can be disposed adjacent second channel structure  38 , first channel structure  37  can be disposed adjacent first ridge structure  35 , and second ridge structure  36  can be disposed adjacent first channel structure  37 . Additionally, fourth channel structure  67  can be disposed adjacent second ridge structure  36 , and fifth ridge structure  69  can be disposed adjacent fourth channel structure  67 . Fifth ridge structure  69  can define fourth edge  26 . 
     Ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be directly adjacent and attached to each other in some embodiments. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , first edge  46  of first ridge structure  35  can be attached to second channel structure  38  at a first transition  68 . Also, second edge  48  of first ridge structure  35  can be attached to first edge  60  of first channel structure  37  at a second transition  70 . This arrangement can be similar between the other adjacent pairs of ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  as well. 
     Movement of ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  as knitted component  10  moves between the first position and the second position will now be discussed. As shown in  FIG. 3 , ridge structures  30  can be in a compacted position when knitted component  10  is in the first position, and channel structures  32  can similarly be in a compacted position. In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 5 , ridge structures  30  can be in an extended position when knitted component  10  is in the second position, and channel structures  32  can similarly be in an extended position. First side wall  42  and second side wall  44  of the ridge structures  30  can be closer together in the compacted position as compared to the extended positions. Likewise, first side wall  56  and the second side wall  58  of the channel structures  32  can be closer together in the compacted position as compared to the extended positions. Still further, the first transitions  68  can be closer to the second transitions  70  in the compacted position as compared to the extended positions. Additionally, the apex  40  and the nadir  54  can have greater curvature in the compacted position as compared to the extended positions. First side wall  42  and second side wall  44  can rotate about the respective apex  40  when moving between the compacted and extended positions. Also, first side wall  56  and second side wall  58  can rotate about the respective nadir  54  when moving between the compacted and extended positions. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , adjacent ridge structures  30  can abut each other and/or adjacent channel structures  32  can abut each other when in the compacted position. For example, in some embodiments, first ridge structure  35  and second ridge structure  36  can abut along front surface  14  in the compacted position represented in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , and first channel structure  37  and second channel structure  38  can also abut along back surface  16  in the compacted position. Other adjacent pairs of ridge structures  30  can similarly abut in the compacted position represented in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Likewise, other adjacent pairs of channel structures  32  can abut in this position. 
     However, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , adjacent ridge structures  30  can move away from each other as knitted component  10  moves to the second, extended position so that adjacent ridge structures  30  no longer abut. Adjacent channel structures  32  can similarly move away from each other such that adjacent channel structures  32  no longer abut as knitted component  10  moves to the second, extended position represented in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, ridge structures  30  and/or channel structures  32  can be biased toward the compacted position represented in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be forced to move toward the extended position represented in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , and once the stretching force is reduced, ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can recover back to the compacted position represented in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, abutment between ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can limit movement of knitted component away from the extended position of  FIGS. 2 and 5  and toward the compacted position of  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     In some embodiments, ridge structures  30  can be biased to curl, roll, fold, or otherwise contract in a first direction toward the compacted position of  FIG. 4 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , ridge structures  30  can be biased to curl in the first direction about the respective ridge axis  79  as indicated by arrows  78 . In contrast, channel structures  32  can be biased to curl, roll, fold, or otherwise contract in a second, opposite direction toward the compacted position of  FIG. 4 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 5 , channel structures  32  can be biased to curl in a second direction about the respective channel axis  81  as indicated by arrows  80 . Thus, in some embodiments, ridge structures  30  can be biased to “curl under” in the first direction  78  such that first side wall  42  and second side wall  44  curl and move toward each other on back surface  16 . In contrast, channel structures  32  can be biased to “curl up” in the second, opposite direction  80  such that first side wall  56  and second side wall  58  curl and move toward each other on front surface  14 . 
     Thus, when knitted component  10  is at rest and/or unloaded, knitted component  10  can be disposed in the position shown in  FIG. 4  in some embodiments. Then, when pulled in the lateral direction  17 , ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can unroll, uncurl, unfold, or otherwise move toward the extended position shown in  FIG. 5 . Further pulling can cause further movement toward the extended position shown in  FIG. 6 . When the load is removed, the resilience of knitted component  10  and biasing provided by ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can cause recovery of knitted component  10  back to the position of  FIG. 4 . 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 7 , when knitted component  10  is compressed, one or more ridge structures  30  and/or channel structures  32  can move away from the respective compacted position toward the respective extended position. In the embodiments of  FIG. 7 , the compression load is indicated schematically by arrows  82 . Compression load can be applied between front surface  14  and back surface  16 . Under the influence of compression load, one or more ridge structures  30  and/or one or more channel structures  32  can move away from the respective compacted position toward the respective extended position. Upon removal or reduction of the compression load, the deformed ridge structure(s)  30  and/or channel structure(s)  32  can recover back to the respective compacted position. It will be appreciated that knitted component  10  can cushion, attenuate, or otherwise reduce the compression load due to this resilience. 
     Knit Construction and Manufacture of Knitted Component 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a portion of knitted component  10  is illustrated in detail according to exemplary embodiments. As shown, knitted component  10  can include one or more yarns, cables, fibers, strands, monofilaments, compound filaments, or other yarns  86  that are knitted to define knitted component  10 . Yarn  86  can be knitted and stitched to define a plurality of successive courses  88  and a plurality of successive wales  90 . In some embodiments, courses  88  can extend generally in the longitudinal direction  15 , and wales  90  can extend generally in the lateral direction  17 . 
     A representative ridge structure  30  and a representative channel structure  32  are also indicated in  FIG. 8 . As shown, the plurality of courses  88  of knitted component  10  can include a plurality of ridge courses  89  that define ridge structure  30 . Also, as shown, the plurality of courses  88  of knitted component  10  can include a plurality of channel courses  91  that define channel structure  32 . In some embodiments, ridge courses  89  can extend in the same direction as ridge axis  79 , and channel courses  91  can extend in the same direction as channel axis  81 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the knit stitch structure of the ridge structure  30  can be opposite the knit stitch structure of channel structure  32 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the ridge structure  30  can be knitted using a front jersey knit structure, and the channel structure  32  can be knitted using a reverse jersey knit structure. This pattern is also represented schematically in  FIG. 10 . In other embodiments, the ridge structure  30  can be knitted using a reverse jersey knit structure, and the channel structure  32  can be knitted using a front jersey knit structure. It will be appreciated that the inherent biasing provided by this type of knit stitch structure can at least partially cause the biased curling, rolling, folding, or compacting behavior of the ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32 . Also, it will be appreciated that because ridge structure  30  is stitched in an opposite configuration from channel structure  32 , ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32  can be biased to curl in opposite directions. 
     It will be appreciated that ridge structure  30  can include any number of ridge courses  89 , and channel structure  32  can include any number of channel courses  91 . In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , ridge structure  30  includes four ridge courses  89 , and channel structure  32  can include four channel courses  91 . However, the number of ridge courses  89  and channel courses  91  can be different from the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . In other embodiments, ridge structure  30  can include six to ten ridge courses  89 , and channel structure  32  can include six to ten channel courses  91 . Also, the curvature of ridge structure  30  can be affected by the number of ridge course  89  that are included, and the curvature of channel structure  32  can be affected by the number of channel courses  91  that are included. More specifically, by increasing the number of ridge courses  89 , the curvature of ridge structure  30  can be increased. Likewise, by increasing the number of channel courses  91 , the curvature of channel structure  32  can be increased. The number of ridge courses  89  within ridge structure  30  can be chosen to provide enough fabric to allow ridge structure  30  to sufficiently curl. The number of channel courses  91  within channel structure  32  can be chosen to provide enough fabric to allow channel structure  32  to sufficiently curl. Additionally, the number of ridge courses  89  and channel courses  91  can be chosen to allow adjacent ridge structures  30  and adjacent channel structures  32  to abut when in the position of  FIGS. 1 and 4 . 
     Moreover, in some embodiments, yarn  86  can be made from a material or otherwise constructed to enhance the resiliency of the ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32 . Yarns  86  can be made out of any suitable material, such as cotton, elastane, polymeric material, or combinations of two or more materials. Also, in some embodiments, yarn  86  can be stretchable and elastic. As such, yarn  86  can be stretched considerably in length and can be biased to recover to its original, neutral length. In some embodiments, yarn  86  can stretch elastically to increase in length at least 25% from its neutral length without breaking. Furthermore, in some embodiments, yarn  86  can elastically increase in length at least 50% from its neutral length. Moreover, in some embodiments, yarn  86  can elastically increase in length at least 75% from its neutral length. Still further, in some embodiments, yarn  86  can elastically increase in length at least 100% from its neutral length. Accordingly, the elasticity of yarn  86  can enhance the overall resilience of knitted component  10 . 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, knitted component  10  can be knitted using a plurality of different yarns. For example, in some embodiments represented in  FIG. 8 , at least one ridge structure  30  can be knitted using a first yarn  92 , and at least one channel structure  32  can be knitted using a second yarn  94 . In some embodiments, first yarn  92  and second yarn  94  can differ in at least one characteristic. For example, first yarn  92  and second yarn  94  can differ in appearance, diameter, denier, elasticity, texture, or other characteristic. In some embodiments, for example, first yarn  92  and second yarn  94  can differ in color. Thus, in some embodiments, when a viewer is looking at front surface  14  when knitted component  10  is in the first position of  FIGS. 1 and 4 , first yarn  92  can be visible and second yarn  94  can be hidden from view. Then, when knitted component  10  stretches to the position of  FIGS. 2 and 5, and 6 , second yarn  94  can be revealed. Thus, the appearance of knitted component  10  can vary, and yarns  92  and  94  can provide striking visual contrast that is aesthetically appealing. 
     In some embodiments, first yarn  92  can be knitted to form multiple ridge structures  30 . Second yarn  94  can be used to form multiple channel structures  32  in some embodiments. Also, as shown in  FIG. 2 , first yarn  92  can include one or more first bridge portions  96 , and second yarn  94  can include one or more second bridge portions  98 . First bridge portion  96  can be a portion of first yarn  92  that extends between adjacent ridge structures  30  and across a channel structure  32  disposed between those adjacent ridge structures  30 . In contrast, second bridge portion  98  can be a portion of second yarn  94  that extends between adjacent channel structures  32  and across a ridge structure  30  disposed between those adjacent channel structures  32 . For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , first yarn  92  can be knitted to define first ridge structure  35  and second ridge structure  36 , and first bridge portion  96  of yarn  92  can freely extend across first channel structure  37 . Additional first bridge portions  96  can extend across other channel structures  32  as well as shown in  FIG. 2 . Moreover, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , second yarn  94  can be knitted to define first channel structure  37  and second channel structure  38 , and second bridge portion  98  of yarn  94  can freely extend across first ridge structure  35 . Additional second bridge portions  98  can extend across other ridge structures  30  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, first bridge portions  96  and second bridge portions  98  can be spaced apart and can be disposed on opposite edges of knitted component  10 . For example, in some embodiments, first bridge portions  96  can be disposed proximate second edge  22  of knitted component  10 , and second bridge portions  98  can be disposed proximate first edge  20  of knitted component  10 . 
     Knitted component  10  can be manufactured using any suitable machine, implement, and technique. For example, in some embodiments, knitted component  10  can be automatically manufactured using a knitting machine, such as the knitting machine  250  shown in  FIG. 9 . Knitting machine  250  can be of any suitable type, such as a flat knitting machine. However, it will be appreciated that knitting machine  250  could be of another type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , knitting machine  250  can include a front needle bed  252  with a plurality of front needles  254  and a rear needle bed  253  with a plurality of rear needles  256 . Front needles  254  can be arranged in a common plane, and rear needles  256  can be arranged in a different common plane that intersects the plane of front needles  254 . Knitting machine  250  can further include one or more feeders that are configured to move over front needle bed  252  and rear needle bed  253 . In  FIG. 9 , a first feeder  258  and a second feeder  259  are indicated. As first feeder  258  moves, first feeder  258  can deliver first yarn  92  to needles  254  and/or needles  256  for knitting knitted component  10 . As second feeder  259  moves, second feeder  259  can deliver second yarn  94  to needles  254  and/or needles  256 . 
     In some embodiments, ridge structure  30  can be formed using the front needles  254  of front needle bed  252  whereas channel structure  32  can be formed using the rear needles  256  of rear needle bed  253 . In other embodiments, ridge structure  30  can be formed using the rear needles  256  of rear needle bed  253  whereas channel structure  32  can be formed using the front needles  254  of front needle bed  252 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates this process in greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. A downward knitting direction is indicated in  FIG. 10  for reference purposes. As shown, ridge structure  30  represented at the top of  FIG. 10  can be formed using front needles  254  of front needle bed  252  using a front jersey knit structure. 
     Then, after formation of second edge  48  of ridge structure  30 , second edge  48  can be transferred to rear needles  256  of rear needle bed  253 . Next, first edge  60  of channel structure  32  can be formed and stitched to second edge  48  of ridge structure  30  using rear needles  256  in a reverse jersey knit structure. Successive channel courses  91  can then be similarly added to define channel structure  32 . Subsequently, an additional ridge structure  30  can be added using front needles  254  of front needle bed  252 , and so on until knitted component  10  is formed. It will be appreciated that, in this embodiment, rear needles  256  of rear needle bed  253  can remain unused during the formation of ridge structure  30 , and front needles  254  of front needle bed  252  can remain unused during formation of channel structure  32 . 
       FIGS. 11-16  further illustrate the process of knitting knitted component  10 .  FIGS. 11-16  can correspond to the diagram shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , the knitting process can begin with feeder  258  moving and feeding yarn  92  to front needles  254 . Only three of the front needles  254  are shown for purposes of clarity. Front needles  254  can receive yarn  92  and form loops that define ridge course  89 . In  FIG. 11 , two ridge courses  89  are shown. The process can continue as shown in  FIG. 12 , where a third and fourth ridge course  89  have been added. As shown, ridge structure  30  can exhibit biased curling in the first direction  78  as described above due to this construction. A schematic view of the ridge structure  30  is also inset within  FIG. 12  to further illustrate the curling of the ridge structure  30 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 13 , second feeder  259  can move and feed yarn  94  to rear needles  256 . Only three of the rear needles  256  are shown for purposes of clarity. Rear needles  256  can receive yarn  94  and form loops of a channel course  91  onto the channel structure  30 . Subsequently, as shown in  FIG. 14 , additional channel courses  91  can be added to form channel structure  32 . As shown, channel structure  32  can exhibit biased curling in the second direction  78  as described above due to this construction. A schematic view of channel structure  32  is also inset within  FIG. 14  to further illustrate this curling of channel structure  32 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 15 , successive ridge courses  89  can be added to form an additional ridge structure  30 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 16 , successive channel courses  91  can be added to form an additional channel structure  32 . This process can be continued and the desired amount of ridge structures  30  and channel structures  32  can be formed until knitted component  10  is complete. 
     It will be appreciated that ridge structure  30  can include any suitable number of ridge courses  89  and channel structure  32  can include any suitable number of channel courses  91 . The number of courses can be selected to affect the size, curling, and/or other characteristics of ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32 . In some embodiments, ridge structure  30  can include at least four ridge courses  89 , and/or channel structure  32  can include at least four channel courses  91 . In additional embodiments, ridge structure  30  can include five to ten ridge courses  89 , and/or channel structure  32  can include five to ten channel courses  91 . Moreover, in some embodiments, ridge structure  30  can include six to eight ridge courses  89 , and/or channel structure  32  can include six to eight channel courses  91 . Additionally, in some embodiments, ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32  can include equal numbers of courses such that ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32  are approximately the same size. In other embodiments, ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32  can include different number of courses such that ridge structure  30  and channel structure  32  have different sizes. Furthermore, in some embodiments, different ridge structures  30  of knitted component  10  can include the same number of ridge courses  89 . Moreover, in some embodiments, different channel structures  32  of knitted component  10  can include the same number of channel courses  91 . In other embodiments, different ridge structures  30  can include different numbers of ridge courses  89 , and/or different channel structures  32  can include different numbers of channel courses  91 . 
     Accordingly, manufacture of knitted component  10  can be efficient. Also, knitted component  10  can be formed substantially without having to form a significant amount of waste material. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates the method of manufacturing knitted component  10  according to additional exemplary embodiments. The knitting direction is indicated for reference purposes. Also, needle positions  1 ,  2 ,  3 , and  4  are indicated at the top of the page for reference purposes. 
     Beginning at the top of  FIG. 23 , a first ridge course  83  can be formed. In some embodiments, first ridge course  83  can be formed with a plurality of stitches forming a plurality of first loops  87  and a plurality of floats  97 . First floats  97  can be formed between respective pairs of the plurality of first loops  87 . For example, first loops  87  can be formed by knitting a stitch at every other needle position and first floats  97  can be formed between the first loops  87 . Thus, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, first loops  87  can be formed at needle positions  1  and  3 , and first floats  97  can be formed needle positions  2  and  4 . 
     Then, a second ridge course  85  can be formed in the next successive course. Second ridge course  85  can include a plurality of second loops  99  and a plurality of second floats  103 . Second loops  99  can be formed by knitting stitches at the needle positions where first floats  97  were previously formed, and second floats  103  can be formed at the needle positions where first loops  87  were previously formed. Thus, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 23 , second floats  103  can be formed at needle positions  1  and  3 , and second loops  99  can be formed at needle positions  2  and  4 . 
     This pattern can be repeated during formation of the ridge structure  30 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 23 , once a course corresponding to edge  48  is formed, the course defining edge  48  can be transferred to rear needles  256  of rear needle bed  253  for formation of channel structure  32 . 
     During formation of channel structure  32 , loops can be formed by knitting stitches at the needle positions where floats were previously formed, and floats can be formed at the needle positions where loops were previously formed. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the course defining edge  60  can include loops at needle positions  1  and  3  and floats at needle positions  2  and  4 . In the next successive channel course  91 , floats can be formed at needle positions  1  and  3  and loops can be formed at needle positions  2  and  4 . This pattern can be repeated until channel structure  32  is formed. 
     Then, the previously formed course of channel structure  32  can be transferred to the front bed for formation of another ridge structure  30 . Once the additional ridge structure  30  is formed, the previously formed course can be transferred to the rear bed for formation of another channel structure  32 , and so on until knitted component  10  is completed. 
     Articles Incorporating Knitted Component 
     Knitted component  10  can define and/or can be included in any suitable article. These knitted components can provide resilience to the article. As such, the article can be at least partially stretchable and elastic in some embodiments. Also, the article can provide cushioning due to the knitted component  10 . 
     For example, an article of footwear  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . Article of footwear  100  can include a knitted component  101 , which can incorporate one or more features of knitted component  10  of  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     Generally, footwear  100  can include a sole structure  110  and an upper  120 . Upper  120  can receive the wearer&#39;s foot and secure footwear  100  to the wearer&#39;s foot whereas sole structure  110  can extend underneath upper  120  and support wearer. 
     For reference purposes, footwear  100  may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region  111 , a midfoot region  112 , and a heel region  114 . Forefoot region  111  can generally include portions of footwear  100  corresponding with forward portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region  112  can generally include portions of footwear  100  corresponding with middle portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including an arch area. Heel region  114  can generally include portions of footwear  100  corresponding with rear portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including the heel and calcaneus bone. Footwear  100  can also include a lateral side  115  and a medial side  117 . Lateral side  115  and medial side  117  can extend through forefoot region  111 , midfoot region  112 , and heel region  114  in some embodiments. Lateral side  115  and medial side  117  can correspond with opposite sides of footwear  100 . More particularly, lateral side  115  can correspond with an outside area of the wearer&#39;s foot—the surface that faces away from the other foot. Medial side  117  can correspond with an inside area of the wearer&#39;s foot—the surface that faces toward the other foot. Forefoot region  111 , midfoot region  112 , heel region  114 , lateral side  115 , and medial side  117  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear  100 . Rather, forefoot region  111 , midfoot region  112 , heel region  114 , lateral side  115 , and medial side  117  are intended to represent general areas of footwear  100  to aid in the following discussion. 
     Sole structure  110  can be secured to upper  120  and can extend between the wearer&#39;s foot and the ground when footwear  100  is worn. Sole structure  110  can be a uniform, one-piece member in some embodiments. Alternatively, sole structure  110  can include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, in some embodiments. 
     Also, sole structure  110  can include a ground-engaging surface  104 . Ground-engaging surface  104  can also be referred to as a ground-contacting surface. Furthermore, sole structure  110  can include an upper surface  108  that faces the upper  120 . Stated differently, upper surface  108  can face in an opposite direction from the ground-engaging surface  104 . Upper surface  108  can be attached to upper  120 . Also, sole structure  110  can include a side peripheral surface  109  that extends between ground engaging surface  104  and upper surface  108 . Side peripheral surface  109  can also extend substantially continuously about footwear  100  between forefoot region  111 , lateral side  115 , heel region  114 , and medial side  117 . 
     Upper  120  can define a void  122  that receives a foot of the wearer. Stated differently, upper  120  can define an interior surface  121  that defines void  122 . Upper  120  can also define an exterior surface  123  that faces in a direction opposite interior surface  121 . When the wearer&#39;s foot is received within void  122 , upper  120  can at least partially enclose and encapsulate the wearer&#39;s foot. Thus, upper  120  can extend about forefoot region  111 , lateral side  115 , heel region  114 , and medial side  117  in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, upper  120  can be at least partially formed from a first knitted component  180 . Examples of knitted component  180  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,762 to Dua; U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,011 to Dua, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0110048 to Dua, et al.; U.S. Patent Application Publication 2010/0154256 to Dua; and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0233882 to Huffa, et al., the entire disclosure of each being incorporated herein by reference. 
     Upper  120  can also include a collar  124 . Collar  124  can include a collar opening  126  that is configured to allow passage of the wearer&#39;s foot during insertion or removal of the foot from void  122 . 
     Upper  120  can also include a throat  128 . Throat  128  can include a throat opening  129  between lateral side  115  and medial side  117 . Throat opening  129  can extend from collar opening  126  toward forefoot region  111 . Throat opening  129  dimensions can be varied to change the width of footwear  100  between lateral side  115  and medial side  117  in some embodiments. 
     In some embodiments, upper  120  can also include a tongue  127  that is disposed within throat opening  129 . Tongue  127  can include a knitted component  101  and/or can be at least partially defined by knitted component  101 . Knitted component  101  can include one or more features of knitted component  10  discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 . 
     In some embodiments, tongue  127  can be an independent body with respect to adjacent areas of upper  120 . Tongue  127  can also be removably attached to adjacent areas of upper  120 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , knitted component  101  can be attached to an edge of throat opening  129  at forefoot area  111  of upper  120  in some embodiments. More specifically, in some embodiments, tongue  127  can be attached at its forward end to forefoot region  111 , and tongue  127  can be detached from lateral side  115  and medial side  117 . In some embodiments, tongue  127  can substantially fill throat opening  129 . 
     Tongue  127  can be attached to forefoot region  111  using any suitable device or method. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , tongue  127  can be attached to forefoot region  111  via stitching  133  to define a seam  135 . More specifically, stitching  133  can extend through the thickness of both forefoot region  111  and tongue  127  for attachment. However, it will be appreciated that tongue  127  could be attached via adhesives, fasteners, or other attachment devices. 
     In the embodiments of  FIG. 17 , knitted component  101  of tongue  127  can include a plurality of wave features  192 , which can be similar to the wave features  12  described above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 . In some embodiments, wave features  192  can oriented such that wave features  192  extend longitudinally between midfoot region  112  and forefoot region  111 . Also, ridge structures of wave features  192  can project away from void  122  while channel structures can be recessed inward toward void  122 . 
     In some embodiments, footwear  100  can additionally include a securement device  130 . Securement device  130  can be used by the wearer to adjust the dimensions of the footwear  100 . For example, securement device  130  can be used by the wearer to selectively vary the girth, or width of footwear  100 . Securement device  130  can be of any suitable type, such as a shoelace, a strap, a buckle, or any other device. In the embodiment of  FIG. 17 , for example, securement device  130  can include a shoelace that is secured to both lateral side  115  and medial side  117 . By tensioning securement device  130 , lateral side  115  and medial side  117  can be pulled toward each other to tighten footwear  100  onto the wearer&#39;s foot. As such, footwear  100  can be tightly secured to the wearer&#39;s foot. By reducing tension in securement device  130 , footwear  100  can be loosened, and footwear  100  can be easier to put on or remove from the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , tongue  127  can be disposed generally between securement device  130  and the wearer&#39;s foot  190 , which is shown with broken lines. In some embodiments, securement device  130  and/or other portions of upper  120  can compress one or more wave features  192  in tongue  127  against the wearer&#39;s foot  190 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 18 , wave features  192  at edge  140  can deform due to compressive loads applied by securement device  130  and medial side  117 . Likewise, wave features  192  at edge  141  can deform due to compressive loads applied by securement device  130  and lateral side  115 . As discussed above, this deformation can cushion the foot  190  and/or distribute these compressive loads across the foot  190  for greater comfort. 
     Moreover, it is noted that in the embodiment of  FIG. 18 , wave features  192  at end  140  and at end  141  are ridge structures  195 . These ridge structures  195  can be similar to the ridge structures  30  discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 1-7 . Ridge structures  195  can define an opening  196  that faces the foot  190 . Accordingly, when ridge structures  195  deform, opening  196  can grow larger to better conform end  141  to the curvature of foot  190 . Thus, tongue  127  can further increase comfort for the wearer. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 19 , an article of footwear  300  is illustrated according to additional embodiments. Article of footwear  300  can include one or more similar features to article of footwear  100  discussed above in relation to  FIGS. 17 and 18 . Thus, footwear  300  can include a forefoot region  311 , a midfoot region  312 , and heel region  314 . Footwear  300  can also include a lateral side  315  and a medial side  317 . Moreover, footwear  300  can include a sole structure  310  and an upper  320 . Also, footwear  300  can include a securement device  330 , such as a shoelace. 
     Footwear  300  can also include a tongue  327  with a plurality of wave features  392  similar to the embodiments discussed above. However, wave features  392  can be oriented differently from the embodiments of  FIGS. 17 and 18 . For example, wave features  392  can extend longitudinally between lateral side  315  and medial side  317 . Accordingly, tongue  327  can be stretched and increased in length in a direction away from forefoot region  311  to ensure that tongue  327  covers over the wearer&#39;s foot. It will be appreciated also that wave features  392  can deform under compression to provide cushioning as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 7 and 18 . 
     Also, tongue  327  can be integrally connected to adjacent areas of upper  320 . For example, upper  320  can include a knitted component  380  formed of unitary knit construction. Knitted component  380  can define medial side  317 , lateral side  315 , and/or forefoot region  311 , and knitted component  380  can also define tongue  327  in some embodiments. Stated differently, tongue  327  can be formed of unitary knit construction with adjacent portions of knitted component  380  of upper  320 . For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , tongue  327  can be formed of unitary knit construction with forefoot region  311  of knitted component  380  of upper  320 . 
     An exemplary embodiment of knitted component  380  is shown in plan view in  FIG. 20 . Examples of various configurations of knitted component  380  and methods for forming knitted component  380  with unitary knit construction are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,448,474 to Tatler et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20 , knitted component  380  can include a knit element  381 . Knit element  381  can define a majority of knitted component  380  in some embodiments. Knitted component  380  can also include one or more tensile strands  382 . Tensile strands  382  as well as the method of manufacturing a knitted component incorporating a tensile strand and knit structures, for use in the embodiments described herein is disclosed in one or more of commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/338,726 to Dua et al., entitled “Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component”, filed on Dec. 18, 2008 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2010/0154256 on Jun. 24, 2010, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,514 to Huffa et al., entitled “Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component”, filed on Mar. 15, 2011 and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0233882 on Sep. 20, 2012, the disclosure of each being incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As mentioned above, knitted component  380  can at least partially define tongue  327 , including wave features  392  on tongue  327 . Thus, tongue  327  can be referred to as a first wavy portion  301  of knitted component  380 . As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , knitted component  380  can additionally include a second wavy portion  302 . Second wavy portion  302  can include a plurality of wave features  393 , which can include features to the wave features discussed in detail above. 
     Second wavy portion  302  can be spaced apart from first wavy portion  301  of tongue  327  in some embodiments. For example, a comparatively flat portion  303  can be defined between first wavy portion  301  and second wavy portion  302 . 
     Second wavy portion  302  can be disposed in any suitable location on knitted component  380 . For example, in some embodiments, second wavy portion  302  can be included in forefoot region  311  of knitted component  380 . 
     Wave features  393  can also have any suitable orientation on knitted component  380 . For example, wave features  393  extend longitudinally between lateral side  315  and medial side  317 . 
     Accordingly, wave features  393  can stretch to conform to the wearer&#39;s foot, such as the toes of the foot. Also, wave features  393  can stretch to allow the wearer&#39;s foot to move within upper  320 . Moreover, in some embodiments, the wave features  393  can deform upon impact, for example, with a soccer ball, a hackey-sack, or other object. This can reduce impact energy and allow the wearer to better control the impacting object. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 21 , additional embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed. As shown, one or more knitted components of the type discussed above can be incorporated into an article of apparel  400 . 
     It will be appreciated that article of apparel  400  can be of any suitable type. For example, as shown in  FIG. 21 , article of apparel  400  is a sports bra. Apparel  400  can include at least one strap  401 . Strap  401  can be used to support and secure cups  421  on the wearer&#39;s body. 
     Moreover, strap  401  can include a knitted component  402  having a plurality of wave features  403  of the type discussed above. Accordingly, wave features  403  can deform resiliently and provide added comfort without compromising support. For example, wave features  403  can deform to allow strap  401  to stretch and elongate due to weight loads from cups  421 . Also, the resilience of wave features  403  can allow strap  401  to recover to its unloaded length. Accordingly, the stretching and recovery of straps  401  can attenuate cyclical loading in some embodiments. Additionally, wave features  403  can deform under compression to conform to the wearer&#39;s body and/or to provide cushioning. 
     Still further,  FIG. 22  illustrates additional embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a container article  500  is illustrated. In some embodiments, container article  500  can include one or more features that are similar to a duffel bag. In other embodiments, container article  500  can include features similar to a backpack or other container. 
     Container article  500  can include a container body  501  and a strap  502 . Strap  502  can include a plurality of wave features  503  similar to the wave features discussed above. Strap  502  can support container body  501  and can extend over the user&#39;s shoulder in some embodiments. Thus, wave features  503  can resiliently deform to allow strap  502  to lengthen under a load from container body  501 . Wave features  503  can attenuate cyclical loading in some embodiments. Also, wave features  503  can deform under compression, for example, to allow strap  502  to conform to the user&#39;s body and/or to provide cushioning. 
     It will further be appreciated that knitted components of the types discussed herein can be incorporated into other articles as well. For example, these knitted components can be included in a hat or helmet in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the knitted component can be a liner for the hat or helmet. Thus, the resiliency of the knitted component can allow the hat/helmet to conform to the wearer&#39;s head. The knitted component can also provide cushioning for the wearer&#39;s head. 
     In additional embodiments, the knitted component can be included in an article of footwear and can be configured to be disposed underneath the wearer&#39;s foot. For example, the knitted component can be an insole for an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the insole can be a removable insert that can be disposed within the footwear, underneath the wearer&#39;s foot. Also, in some embodiments, the knitted component can define a strobel member for the upper of an article of footwear. Thus, knitted component can extend between and can connect to the medial and lateral side of the upper, and the knitted component can provide cushioning for sole of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In summary, the knitted component of the present disclosure can be resilient and can deform under various types of loads. This resilience can provide cushioning, for example, to make the article more comfortable to wear. This resilience can also allow the article to stretch and recover back to an original length. Accordingly, in some embodiments, knitted component can allow the article to conform to the wearer&#39;s body and/or to attenuate loads. Furthermore, the knitted component can be efficiently manufactured. 
     While various embodiments of the present disclosure 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 present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is 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 attached claims.