Patent Description:
Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is generally secured to the sole structure and may form a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is generally secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. In some articles of athletic footwear, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. The outsole may be secured to a lower surface of the midsole and may form a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure that is formed from a durable and wear-resistant material.

The upper of the article of footwear generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot and in some instances under the foot. Access to the void in the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in and/or adjacent to a heel region of the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby facilitating entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate other structures such as, for example, a heel counter to provide support and limit movement of the heel.

<CIT> discloses a footwear article which may include a cord structure including interconnected bights in a vamp cord and a rand cord forming a loop line extending along at least a portion of the footwear article. The article further includes an anchor cord extending along the portion of the footwear article and parallel to the loop line. The rand cord may couple to the anchor cord. The article also includes a textile portion forming a throat area, a base portion extending from a biteline towards the throat area.

The objective technical problem to be solved can be considered to consist in overcoming or at least reducing the disadvantages according to the prior art.

The technical problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate. The examples of <FIG> and <FIG> partially show individual features of the claimed invention.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to uppers configured for use in an article of footwear and/or other articles, such as articles of apparel. When referring to articles of footwear, the disclosure may describe basketball shoes, running shoes, biking shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes and boots, ski and snowboarding boots, soccer shoes, tennis shoes, and/or walking shoes, as well as footwear styles generally considered non-athletic, including but not limited to dress shoes, loafers, and sandals.

According to the claimed invention, an upper is provided according to the subject matter of claim <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are illustrations showing a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of an article of footwear <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, and as described in more detail below, the article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> with a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> (also referred to as a "base portion") connected via a fastening device, such as a tie structure <NUM>. As shown, the base portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be secured to a sole structure <NUM>. The area where the sole structure <NUM> joins the upper <NUM> may be referred to as a biteline <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> may be joined to the sole structure <NUM> in a fixed manner using any suitable technique, such as through the use of an adhesive, by sewing, etc. The upper <NUM> may extend partially or completely around a foot of a wearer (e.g., under the foot) and/or may be integral with the sole structure <NUM>, and a sockliner may or may not be used. In some examples, the sole structure <NUM> may include a midsole and an outsole.

The upper <NUM> may include a lateral side <NUM>, a medial side <NUM>, a toe area <NUM>, and a heel area <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may additionally include a throat area <NUM> extending from an ankle opening <NUM> leading to a void <NUM>, and a collar <NUM> may at least partially surround the ankle opening <NUM>. The void <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive and accommodate a foot of a person. The throat area <NUM> may be generally disposed in a midfoot area <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, which may be located between the heel area <NUM> and a toe area <NUM>. In some examples, a tongue may be disposed at least partially in the throat area <NUM>. If the tongue is included, the tongue may be any type of tongue, such as a gusseted tongue or a burrito tongue. If a tongue is not included, the lateral and medial sides of the throat area <NUM> may be joined together.

The first portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (and/or the other portion(s)) may be formed at least partially with a knitted component <NUM>, but a knitted component is optional, and the first portion <NUM> could alternatively or additionally include a textile component formed by a process other than knitting (e.g., weaving) and/or other materials, such as leather, plastic, rubber, etc. However, in non-limiting exemplary examples, forming the upper <NUM> with the knitted component <NUM> may provide the upper <NUM> with advantageous characteristics including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity (for example, as expressed in terms of Young's modulus), breathability, bendability, strength, moisture absorption, weight, abrasion resistance, and/or a combination thereof. These characteristics may be accomplished by selecting a particular single layer or multi-layer knit structure (e.g., a ribbed knit structure, a single jersey knit structure, or a double jersey knit structure), by varying the size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more yarns formed of a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as spandex), by selecting yarns of a particular size (e.g., denier), and/or a combination thereof. The knitted component <NUM> may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by incorporating yarns having different colors, textures or other visual properties arranged in a particular pattern.

Further, the yarns themselves and/or the knit structure of the knitted component <NUM> may be varied at different locations such that the knitted component <NUM> has two or more portions with different properties (e.g., a portion forming the throat area <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be relatively elastic while another portion may be relatively inelastic). Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the knitted component <NUM> may incorporate one or more materials with properties that change in response to a stimulus (e.g., temperature, moisture, electrical current, magnetic field, or light). For example, the knitted component <NUM> may include yarns formed of one or more thermoplastic polymer materials (including material composites) that transition from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to certain temperatures at or above the melting point and then transitions back to a solid state when cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material(s) may provide the ability to heat and then cool a portion of the knitted component <NUM> to thereby form an area of bonded or continuous material (herein referred to as a "fused area") that exhibits certain advantageous properties including a relatively high degree of rigidity, strength, and water resistance, for example. Non-limiting examples of thermoplastic polymer materials are polyurethanes, polyamides, polyolefins, and/or certain nylons.

As shown, the knitted component <NUM> may form the majority (or all) of the toe area <NUM> and the throat area <NUM>, and the knitted component may extend to and around the heel area <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Advantageously, this orientation of the knitted component <NUM> may provide advantageous characteristics associated with knit to those areas, thus providing those areas with desirable weight, stretchability, breathability, etc. For example, by forming the throat area <NUM> with the knitted component <NUM>, the throat area <NUM> may have a desirable elasticity/stretchability such that it stretches around the top (dorsal) surface of a foot of a user, thereby providing a snug, comfortable fit (which can be adjusted by tightening a fastening element over the foot's dorsal surface, for example). In some examples, certain areas of the knitted component <NUM> may have different knit structures, be formed of different yarn types, and/or may be processed differently during manufacturing such that different zones of the knitted component <NUM> have different properties. In some examples, for example, the throat area <NUM> may have a stretchability that is greater than a stretchability of the toe area <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, which may be formed of a different material with different characteristics than the material of the knitted component <NUM>, extends to the biteline <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and may secure to the sole structure <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the base portion <NUM> may be formed of a leather, plastic, rubber, various textiles (e.g., fibers, filaments, or yarns that are, for example, either (a) produced directly from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing, or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts or (b) formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn to produce a woven fabric), polymer sheets, combination(s) thereof, and/or any other suitable material. Optionally, the base portion <NUM> may be formed as second knitted component. When the base portion <NUM> is formed of a knitted component, the knit structure and/or the material used to form the base portion <NUM> may be selected such that the base portion is more rigid than the knitted component <NUM>, thereby providing the article of footwear <NUM> with enhanced medial-to-lateral support when worn. Whether the base portion <NUM> is formed of a knitted component or another material, the rigidity of the base portion <NUM> may be greater than the rigidity of the knitted component <NUM> by at least <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or even <NUM>% (or more). The rigidity of the respective portions may be determined by applying an equal tension force (e.g., on a tensometer) and then measuring the relative and comparing the relative amounts of stretch/displacement. When one component stretches twice as much as the other upon subjection to the same force (e.g., such as <NUM> pounds of force, for example), it is said to have half the rigidity.

The base portion <NUM> may extend from the toe area <NUM> on a lateral side <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, around the heel area <NUM>, and to the toe area <NUM> on the medial side. As shown, the base portion <NUM> may extend along the biteline <NUM>, but in other examples, the base portion <NUM> may diverge from the biteline <NUM> in at least one location (e.g., if another portion and/or an opening is located between the sole structure <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>).

<FIG> is an illustration showing an exploded view of the article of footwear <NUM>. As shown, at least one of the knitted component <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> include an opening (here shown as the respective openings <NUM> and <NUM>) for receiving the tie structure <NUM> or other fastening element. The opening <NUM> is large enough such that it is larger than the cross section of the tie structure <NUM>, the preventing the need to use excess force when deploying the tie structure <NUM> through the opening <NUM>. In some examples, the knitted component <NUM> may have a first set of openings <NUM> that remain offset with respect to the openings <NUM> and a second set of openings <NUM> that align with the openings <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is fully assembled. During manufacturing of the article of footwear <NUM>, the tie structure <NUM> is deployed through the openings <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> and then tightened (e.g., by hand or by machine) to secure the knitted component <NUM> to the base portion <NUM>. The tie structure <NUM> may be deployed before or after the base portion <NUM> is secured to the sole structure <NUM>. For example, it may be advantageous for the base portion <NUM> to be secured to the sole structure <NUM> first (e.g., through use of an adhesive, by sewing, by stapling, etc.), and then later secured to the knitted component <NUM> via the tie structure <NUM>. This order may be advantageous due to the ability of placing a foot-shaped last within the void <NUM> prior to installing the knitted component <NUM>, which may help position the knitted component <NUM> correctly. In other examples, the tie structure <NUM> may be installed before or simultaneous to when the sole structure <NUM> is attached to the upper <NUM>. Optionally, a third portion <NUM> may be installed before, during, or after installation of the tie structure <NUM>. The third portion <NUM> is described in more detail below with reference to <FIG>.

While the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> may be fully assembled during manufacturing, it is also contemplated that the knitted component <NUM> may be secured to the base portion <NUM> through deployment of the tie structure <NUM> by a consumer/user. Thus, the user could choose the components separately and then assemble them himself or herself. Additionally or alternatively, the user may be able to obtain multiple knitted components <NUM> and switch them by removing the tie structure <NUM> and then re-deploying it with a different knitted component <NUM>.

Advantageously, this may provide multiple footwear styles and/or multiple types of footwear at a relatively low cost.

The knitted component <NUM> may have an optional edge portion <NUM> that overlaps the base portion <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is fully assembled. As a result, the edge portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> may be coextensive with the base portion <NUM> at least at a location adjacent to where the base portion <NUM> and the knitted component <NUM> meet. Advantageously, the edge portion <NUM> may cover at least part of the base portion <NUM> from a perspective located inside the void <NUM>, which may be advantageous when the knitted component <NUM> is better suited for contact with a user's foot (e.g., due to softness and other comfort-related characteristics of the knitted component <NUM>, for example). In some examples, the edge portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> may extend all the way to the biteline <NUM> (see <FIG>) where the upper <NUM> joins the sole structure <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the edge portion <NUM> may extend even beyond the biteline to form at least a portion of an underfoot surface.

The openings <NUM> in the knitted component <NUM> may be formed through any suitable process. In some examples, a piece of the knitted component may be cut away, punched away, or otherwise removed to form the opening <NUM>. In other examples, the opening <NUM> may be formed by a particular structure of the knitted component <NUM>. For example, during a knitting process on a flat knitting machine with at least one needle bed, one or more of needles of the needle bed(s) may be skipped while forming certain courses of the knitted component <NUM> such that a void is formed, and that void may eventually define the opening <NUM>. Other suitable knit structures may additionally or alternatively be used to form the openings <NUM>. When the openings <NUM> are formed by particular knit structures rather than by removing a portion of the knitted component <NUM> through cutting, punching, or another method, the openings <NUM> are said to be "knit-formed" in this disclosure.

The openings <NUM> shown in <FIG> may extend through the knitted component <NUM> from an outer surface <NUM> to an opposite-facing inner surface <NUM>. When this is the case, a portion (not shown) of the tie structure <NUM> may be inside the void <NUM> once the article of footwear <NUM> is fully assembled. Optionally, padding or another protective element may be placed over that portion of the tie structure <NUM> if it irritates the foot of a user. In other examples, exposure of the foot to the portion of the tie structure <NUM> that is inside the void <NUM> may be allowed, particularly when the tie structure <NUM> is formed of a material and/or located at a particular spot that is not prone to irritating the foot.

<FIG> is an illustration showing a portion of the upper <NUM> having the tie structure <NUM> extending through openings <NUM> that are formed by surface loops <NUM>. That is, instead of extending all the way through the knitted component <NUM> (as described above with reference to <FIG>), the openings <NUM> may be formed through the surface loops <NUM> that extend from the outer surface <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM>, as shown. In some examples, the surface loops <NUM> may be formed separately from the knitted component <NUM> (e.g., of a plastic or other suitable material) and then later attached, but in certain non-limiting exemplary examples, the surface loops <NUM> may be formed integrally with the remainder of the knitted component <NUM> through a knitting process. For example, the surface loops <NUM> may be at least partially formed by a yarn that also forms intermeshed loops defining the outer surface <NUM> (and/or the opposite inner surface). A similar structure and some of its advantages are described in detail in <CIT>.

As shown in <FIG>, the tie structure <NUM> may extend such that it alternates between the openings <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> and the openings <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> in a zig-zag style pattern. Optionally, a straight section <NUM> may extend beneath at least some of a plurality of segments <NUM>, which may help retain tightness of the tie structure <NUM> and/or enhance the aesthetics of the tie structure <NUM>. Other tie patters may additionally or alternatively be used (see, for example, the different tie structure of <FIG> that lack the straight section <NUM> of <FIG>). In some examples, the tie structure <NUM> may skip certain openings and then backtrack, thus forming a criss-cross pattern. In other examples, the tie structure <NUM> may have a football-style lacing pattern such that the segments <NUM> are straight (e.g., rather than zig-zagging as shown in <FIG>). Further, in some examples, different portions of the tie structure <NUM> may have different tie patterns.

In the depicted examples, the tie structure <NUM> is formed as a continuous lace or other elongated strand of material. The tie structure <NUM> may be formed through braiding a plurality of yarns to form an elongated braided textile (e.g., in a manner similar to the formation of a certain shoelaces). The tie structure <NUM> may be additionally or alternatively be formed of other suitable materials and structures, such an elongated leather strip, an elongated strip formed of plastic or other composite material, a ribbon of silk, a metal wire, etc. Collectively, these elongated structures and similar structures are referred to herein as "laces. " In exemplary examples, the tensile strength of the tie structure <NUM>, or the maximum force that can be applied to the tie structure <NUM> before it breaks, may be at least <NUM>,<NUM> N (<NUM> pounds), though in some examplesthe tensile strength may be much larger than that. For example, the tie structure <NUM> may be formed of a structure and material such that it can withstand a tensile force of at least <NUM>,<NUM> N, <NUM>,<NUM> N, <NUM>,<NUM> N, <NUM>,<NUM> N, or even <NUM>,<NUM> N (<NUM> pounds, <NUM> pounds, <NUM> pounds, <NUM> pounds, or even <NUM> pounds) or more.

As shown in <FIG>, the tie structure <NUM> may be formed of a single elongated lace, but other tie structures are also contemplated. For example, each of segments extending between the openings <NUM> and <NUM> may be a separate lace (instead of a single continuous elongated lace). In other words, a plurality of separate segments or laces of the tie structure <NUM> may be physically separable before installation and may be deployed and tied (or otherwise secured) separately. The tie structure <NUM> is also not limited to laces. For instance, the tie structure <NUM> could instead (or additionally) be a series of clamps, staples, or other suitable connection devices.

<FIG> is an illustration showing a perspective view of the article of footwear <NUM> having a tie structure <NUM> with the pattern described with reference to <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, the tie structure <NUM> may define one or more loops <NUM>, which may be the same loops that extend through the openings of the knitted component <NUM>, or not. The loops <NUM> may be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) for receiving a fastening element <NUM> (and it is noted that a similar feature is depicted with a different lacing patter in <FIG>). The fastening element <NUM> may include a common shoelace, for example. In some examples, the fastening element <NUM> may have a material and/or structure that is similar or identical to the tie structure <NUM>, though this is not required in all examples. While not shown, it is contemplated that the same continuous strand of lace may form the tie structure <NUM> and the fastening element <NUM> (e.g., where the lace forming the tie structure <NUM> has at least one portion extending over the throat area <NUM>, for example). In other examples, the fastening element <NUM> include something other than a lace, such as a cable-tensioning system, a Velcro strap, and/or any other suitable device. The loops <NUM> may be configured to secure to and communicate with the fastening element <NUM> such that the fastening element <NUM> can facilitate adjustment of the upper <NUM> around a foot.

The loops <NUM> may be a particular size, and/or the materials of the tie structure <NUM> and fastening element <NUM> many have a suitable friction, such that the fastening element <NUM> can slide/move with respect to the loops <NUM> when a user pulls on an end <NUM> of the fastening element <NUM>. In some examples, for example, at least one of the tie structure <NUM> and the fastening element <NUM> may have a relatively smooth outer surface (e.g., formed of a plastic or wax) for providing a relatively-low friction.

The loops <NUM> may be located at any suitable location for compatibility with the fastening element <NUM>, and it is contemplated that the tie structure <NUM> may provide a user with the capability of choosing which loops <NUM> to use. For example, when a certain situation calls for it, the fastening element <NUM> may be deployed such that each consecutive loop <NUM> of a series of loops <NUM> engages the fastening element <NUM> (similar to as shown in <FIG>). In other situations, including the depicted situation in <FIG>, at least one loop <NUM>, such as every other loop <NUM>, is skipped by the fastening element <NUM>. In other words, every other loop <NUM> may engage the fastening element <NUM>, and the skipped loops <NUM> may remain spaced from (and out of contact with) the fastening element <NUM>. Other orientations are also possible (e.g., skipping two, three, four, five, or more of the loops <NUM> at a certain location). Advantageously, a manufacturer and/or a user can deploy the fastening element <NUM> for personal taste and/or a particular activity without substantially changing the structure of the upper <NUM>. Advantageously, certain common manufacturing processes may be utilized to form articles of footwear designed for different purposes or different personal tastes, thus increasing manufacturing efficiency and reducing the end costs of products going to the consumer.

As shown in <FIG>, the knitted component <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> may be additionally (or alternatively) secured together at a sewn seam <NUM> (or other type of seam) that extends along a terminal edge <NUM> of the base portion <NUM>.

Advantageously, the seam <NUM> may keep the edge <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> in close engagement with the knitted component <NUM> to prevent snagging and collection of dirt or other particles between the knitted component <NUM> and base portion <NUM> during normal use. The seam <NUM> may additionally enhance the strength of the attachment between the knitted component <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. While any suitable structure may be used, the seam <NUM> may be formed with a sewing thread <NUM>, which many be any suitable thread type (e.g., a strand of nylon, polyester, and/or another fiber, a metal wire, a monofilament yarn, etc.). In non-limiting exemplary examples, a diameter of the thread <NUM> is substantially smaller (e.g., at least three times smaller) than a diameter or other cross-section of the tie structure <NUM>, which may be advantageous since the relatively-small thread <NUM> does not inhibit the tie pattern of the tie structure <NUM>. Optionally, the thread <NUM> of the seam <NUM> may also extend through the tie structure <NUM> such that the tie structure <NUM> is sewn to at least one of the knitted component <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. This may secure the tie structure <NUM> in place once it is deployed to prevent the tie structure <NUM> from snagging, collecting debris beneath the tie structure <NUM>, etc. Additionally or alternatively, a different fastening device may be used in conjunction with the tie structure <NUM>, such as an adhesive between the tie structure <NUM> and the knitted component <NUM> and/or base portion <NUM>, for example. In another example, at least one of the knitted component <NUM>, base portion <NUM>, and tie structure <NUM> may include a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., included in a yarn), where after being subjected to a heating process and then cooled, the tie structure <NUM> is at least partially fused to the base portion <NUM> and/or the knitted component <NUM>. In other examples, the tie pattern of the tie structure <NUM> may be sufficient on its own and no secondary securement device is necessary.

As shown in <FIG>, in certain examples, the base portion <NUM> may optionally be formed integrally with the sole structure <NUM>. In other words, the material of the sole structure <NUM> itself may extend upward beyond the typical location of a biteline to form the base portion <NUM>. Advantageously, the integral base portion <NUM> and sole structure <NUM> may enhance the medial-to-lateral support provided to a user and also the durability of the article of footwear <NUM> with respect to certain other examples.

<FIG> are illustrations showing a side view of the article of footwear <NUM> having grommets <NUM>. At least one grommet <NUM> is coupled to at least one of the loops <NUM> formed by the tie structure <NUM>. The grommet <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., a metal, a plastic, or even a textile). The grommet <NUM> has a first opening <NUM> for receiving the tie structure <NUM> and a second opening <NUM> for receiving the fastening element <NUM>. The grommets <NUM> may be posited in engagement with any or all of the loops <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a series of grommets <NUM> may be in engagement with each consecutive loop <NUM> of a certain series, as shown. In other embodiments, such as that of <FIG>, certain loops <NUM> of the series may be skipped and lack a grommet <NUM>. Advantageously, the grommets <NUM> may be positioned for suitable interaction with the fastening element <NUM> (and different organizations may be suitable for different fastening elements). In some embodiments the positioning of the grommets <NUM> may be customized for a particular user and/or activity.

The grommets <NUM> are advantageous when the tie structure <NUM> is tied tight enough where it is difficult to lace the fastening element <NUM> through the loops <NUM>, and/or when the friction coefficient between the loops <NUM> and the fastening element <NUM> is less desirable than the friction coefficient between the fastening element <NUM> and the grommets <NUM>. Some loops <NUM> may communicate with the fastening element <NUM> directly (e.g., without a grommet <NUM>), and other loops <NUM> communicate with the fastening element <NUM> through a grommet <NUM>. In this disclosure, loops <NUM> are said to be "coupled" with the fastening element <NUM> whether that coupling is accomplished directly or through a grommet <NUM>.

Optionally, the grommets <NUM> may be removable by a user. For example, the first opening <NUM> of the grommets <NUM> may be hook-shaped or include an openable clip such that, when desired, the user can disengage the grommets <NUM> from the loops <NUM> (e.g., to remove them, move them to different loop, etc.). In other embodiments, the grommets <NUM> may be configured such that they are difficult or impossible to remove during normal use of the article of footwear <NUM>, which may be advantageous when losing the grommets <NUM> is a concern. However, even when the grommets <NUM> are not designed to be removed and/or moved by a user, they may still be selectively placed on certain loops <NUM> during footwear manufacturing (either in a standard or customized fashion), thus potentially providing multiple footwear types using similar elements and manufacturing techniques.

<FIG> is an illustration showing a back view of the article of footwear <NUM>. As shown, the third portion <NUM> may be secured to the knitted component <NUM>. The third portion <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material, such as a textile (e.g., a knitted component), leather, plastic, rubber, and/or any other suitable material. In some examples, including the depicted example, at least part of the third portion <NUM> may be coextensive with the knitted component <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is fully assembled, thus providing an additional layer of support and protection at a particular location. While not shown, it is also contemplated that at least part of the third portion <NUM> may extend beyond a boundary of the knitted component <NUM> such that it includes a free section (i.e., a section that is not coextensive with the knitted component <NUM>).

The third portion <NUM> may form at least a portion of the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, as shown, and it is also contemplated that the third portion <NUM> may additionally or alternatively form a surface within the void of the article of footwear <NUM>. While the third portion <NUM> may be positioned in any suitable location, it may be particularly advantageous to locate the third portion <NUM> in the heel area <NUM> (e.g., behind the heel), as shown, to provide additional heel support to the article of footwear <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the heel area <NUM> may cover a seam <NUM> connecting the lateral heel portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> with the medial heel portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM>, thus increasing the durability of the heel area <NUM>. In other examples, the third portion <NUM> (and/or other additional portions) may be located at any other suitable location, such as on the medial and/or lateral sides of the upper <NUM> in the midfoot area, in the toe area and/or throat area of the upper <NUM>, etc..

The third portion <NUM> may be secured to the rest of the upper <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, as shown, the third portion <NUM> may be secured to the knitted component <NUM>, and/or the base portion <NUM>, via the tie structure <NUM>. To communicate with the tie structure <NUM>, the third portion <NUM> may include at least one opening <NUM> for receiving the tie structure <NUM>. When the third portion <NUM> is a knitted component, the openings <NUM> of the base portion <NUM> may be knit-formed openings of suitable size, but any other suitable structure and method for forming the openings is also contemplated. The openings <NUM> of the third portion <NUM> may align with openings of the knitted component <NUM> and/or the base portion <NUM>, which may simplify the deployment/installation of the tie structure <NUM> with respect to other examples.

A sewn seam <NUM> (or other connection) may extend along at least a portion of an edge <NUM> of the third portion <NUM> to secure the third portion <NUM> to the knitted component <NUM>. The sewn seam <NUM> may additionally extend in a location other than adjacent to the edge <NUM>, such as through a central area <NUM> of the third portion <NUM>, to enhance the securement of the third portion <NUM> and to keep the inner surface of the third portion <NUM> flush with the outer surface of the knitted component <NUM>. While not shown, the sewn seam <NUM> may additionally extend through a component located between the third portion <NUM> and the knitted component <NUM>, such as a cushioning element, to fix it in its desired location with respect to the rest of the upper <NUM>.

All of the structures and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, use of the term "a" is intended to include "at least one" or "one or more. " For example, "a yarn" is intended to include "at least one yarn" or "one or more yarns.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
a textile portion (<NUM>), the textile portion forming a throat area (<NUM>) of the upper;
a base portion (<NUM>), the base portion extending from a biteline (<NUM>) area of the upper towards the throat area of the upper; and
a tie structure (<NUM>), the tie structure extending through a first opening (<NUM>) of the textile portion and a second opening (<NUM>) of the base portion to secure the textile portion to the base portion at a location between the throat area of the upper and the biteline area of the upper,
characterised in that the upper (<NUM>) further comprises a grommet (<NUM>) coupled to a loop (<NUM>) formed by the tie structure (<NUM>), and wherein the grommet forms an aperture for receiving a fastening element (<NUM>).