Patent Description:
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 bonded composite knitted structural textiles formed of knitted polymeric fibers. The textile is formed from at least two polymeric components. The first component is a high tenacity, high modulus, low elongation mono- or multifilament yarn. The second component is a fusible polymer in yarn or other form which will encapsulate and bond adjacent load bearing yarns.

<CIT> discloses an article of footwear including an upper incorporating a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a curved lacing element formed by incorporating shortened knit courses relative to lace apertures along the lacing structure.

<CIT> discloses a shoe including a knit upper and a sole secured to the upper. The knit upper has a wingtip pattern knit into the knit upper.

<CIT> discloses a system to knit a one-piece garment section using a flat-bed knitting machine. A stitch transfer attachment is used to modify the stitches to give a basic knitted and shaped fabric. The system gives an integrated multi-component garment section in a single-stage process.

The objective technical problem to be solved may be considered to consist in overcoming or at least reducing the disadvantages according to the prior art. The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. One general aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper for an article of footwear according to claim <NUM>. The upper includes a knitted component, where the knitted component has a first edge extending from a first side of a throat area of the upper, through a heel area of the upper, and to a second side of the throat area. At least a portion of the first edge includes a lattice structure, the lattice structuring having a first lattice band and a second lattice band, the first lattice band and the second lattice band having loops that are intermeshed in at least one location, where a plurality of first openings are located between the first lattice band and the second lattice band. At least one of the lattice bands includes a yarn having a tenacity of at least <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/d).

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper for an article of footwear, the upper including a knitted component, where the knitted component has an edge extending from a first side of a throat area of the upper, through a heel area of the upper, and to a second side of the throat area. At least a portion of the edge of the knitted component may include a lattice structure, the lattice structure having a first lattice band and a second lattice band, the first lattice band and the second lattice band having a common knit structure, where a plurality of first openings are located between the first lattice band and the second lattice band. The first lattice band may be formed with a first yarn, where the second lattice band is formed with a second yarn, and where the first yarn is separate from the second yarn.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a knitted component with a lattice structure. The lattice structure may include a first lattice band, a second lattice band, and a third lattice band, where a set of first openings is located between the first lattice band and the second lattice band, where a set of second openings is located between the second lattice band and the third lattice band, where the first lattice band and the second lattice band include at least one common knit structure, where the second lattice band and the third lattice band include at least one common knit structure, where at least one yarn forming the first lattice band is excluded from the second lattice band, and where at least one yarn forming the second lattice band is excluded from the third lattice band.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a method. The method may include the steps of knitting a first portion of a lattice structure, where knitting the first portion of the lattice structure includes knitting a first lattice band, a second lattice band, and a third lattice band, where the first and second lattice bands have intermeshed loops in the first portion, and where a first opening is located between the second and third lattice bands in the first portion; and knitting a second portion of the lattice structure, where knitting the second portion of the lattice structure includes knitting the first lattice band, the second lattice band, and the third lattice band, where a second opening is located between the first and second lattice bands in the second portion, and where the second and third lattice bands have intermeshed loops in the second portion.

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.

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.

<FIG> are illustrations showing different perspective views of an article of footwear <NUM>. As shown, the article of footwear <NUM> may include an upper <NUM> that is partially or fully formed with at least one knitted component, such as a first knitted component <NUM> and a second knitted component <NUM>. The first knitted component <NUM> and the second knitted component <NUM> may be secured together at a seam <NUM>. The seam <NUM> may be formed by sewing the knitted components together, using an adhesive, using a mechanical clamp or another mechanical device (e.g., a staple) or through any other suitable device or method. The seam <NUM> may have two parts: a first portion <NUM> located on a lateral side <NUM> (shown in <FIG> ) and a second portion <NUM> located on a medial side <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

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 embodiments, 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 embodiments, a tongue (not shown) 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 upper <NUM> may be joined together. In the depicted embodiment, an exterior surface of the throat area <NUM> is formed by a liner <NUM>, which is described in more detail below.

However, in non-limiting exemplary embodiments, forming the upper <NUM> with knitted materials 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. Forming the upper <NUM> with knitted material may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by incorporating yarns having different colors, textures or other visual properties arranged in a particular pattern.

The first knitted component <NUM> (including the lattice structure <NUM>), and/or the second knitted component <NUM>, may be formed as an integral one-piece element during a single knitting process, such as a weft knitting process (e g. , with a flat knitting machine or circular knitting machine), a warp knitting process, or any other suitable knitting process. That is, the knitting process on the knitting machine may substantially form the knit structure of the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second knitted component <NUM> without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, two or more portions of the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second knitted component <NUM> may be formed separately as distinct integral one-piece elements and then the respective elements attached. In some embodiments (not shown), it is contemplated that a single knitted component may be included (e.g., where the first knitted component <NUM> and the second knitted component <NUM> are combined as an integral one-piece element), and that single knitted component may form the majority of or the entirety of the upper <NUM>. Further, while the depicted embodiment includes two knitted components, at least one of the first knitted component <NUM> and the second knitted component <NUM> may alternatively be formed of another textile material or a non-textile material.

In some embodiments, the types of yarns used to form the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second knitted component <NUM> may be varied at different locations such that the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second knitted component <NUM> has areas 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 embodiments, the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second 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, at least one of the first knitted component <NUM> and the second 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 material 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.

The first knitted component <NUM> has a first edge <NUM> (or top edge) that extends along the throat area <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, around the ankle area and through the heel area <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and then along the throat area <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (or vice versa). A lattice structure <NUM> extends along the first edge <NUM>, and therefore the lattice structure <NUM> may also extend from the throat area <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>, around the heel area <NUM>, and to the throat area <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> (or vice versa). A second edge <NUM> of the first knitted component <NUM> may extend along the biteline <NUM>. An edge <NUM> may define the forward edge, or front, of the throat area <NUM>.

A magnified view of the lattice structure <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As depicted, the lattice structure <NUM> includes two or more lattice bands (such as a first lattice band <NUM>, and second lattice band <NUM>, and a third lattice band <NUM>). As described in more detail below, the three lattice bands may be formed together on a knitting machine such that the first lattice band <NUM> has at least one common knit structure with the second lattice band <NUM> (e.g., they may have at least one common yarn, knitted loops that intermesh, etc.), and similarly such that the second lattice band <NUM> has a common knit structure with the third lattice band <NUM>. The third lattice band <NUM> may have a common knit structure with a base knit structure <NUM>. In other words, they may be formed together on a knitting machine as an integral one-piece component such that they are secured together when leaving the knitting machine, and without the need for post-knitting securement. While the lattice bands may have any suitable width (e.g., a cross-sectional dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice bands), in certain embodiments, the first lattice band <NUM>, the second lattice band <NUM>, and/or the third lattice band <NUM> have a width of between about two knit loops/stitches to about ten knit loops/stitches, such as about three knit loops/stitches. This may correspond with a width of between about <NUM> ( <NUM>/<NUM>") to about <NUM> ( <NUM>"), such as about <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>") (which may vary depending on the loop and yarn size(s)). Further, one of more of the lattice bands may vary in width along its respective length, and/or one of the lattice bands may be wider than another.

More or less than three, but at minimum two lattice bands may be included, as desired. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the majority of the first knitted component <NUM>, or even all of the first knitted component <NUM>, may be formed with similar lattice bands. Further, in the depicted embodiment, each of the first lattice band <NUM>, the second lattice band <NUM>, and the third lattice band <NUM> extends along the entirety of the first edge <NUM> (and thus all the way around the back of the upper <NUM> as shown in <FIG>), but it is also contemplated that at least one of the lattice bands may terminate at some point along the first edge <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lattice bands may include different yarns, thus giving one or more of the lattice bands different physical and/or aesthetic properties. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> (e.g., by a different surface texture for illustration purposes only), the first lattice band <NUM> may have a different yarn color than the second lattice band <NUM>. That is, the first lattice band <NUM> may be formed by yarns having a first color, the second lattice band <NUM> may be formed by yarns having a second color, and the first color and the second color may be different. It is also contemplated that the physical characteristics of the yarn(s) forming the first lattice band <NUM> may be different than the physical characteristics of the yarn(s) forming the second lattice band <NUM>. For example, the yarns of the first lattice band <NUM> may be more elastic than the yarns of the second lattice band <NUM> such that, after formation, the first lattice band <NUM> is more elastic than the second lattice band <NUM>. The ability to form the lattice bands with different yarns (e.g., where a yarn of one lattice band is substantially excluded from another) is provided by the methods described below, including the knitting sequences illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated by <FIG>, the first knitted component <NUM> may alternatively be formed such that the different elements of the lattice structure <NUM> have similar or identical yarn(s) and knit structures throughout such that, per unit area, the aesthetic and physical characteristics of the first lattice band <NUM>, the second lattice band <NUM>, the third lattice band <NUM>, and the base knit structure <NUM> are about the same. This may be advantageous where a particular yarn type is optimal for forming all of the lattice structure <NUM>, where common visual characteristics are desired, etc..

Referring to <FIG>, a plurality of openings <NUM> may be formed by the lattice structure <NUM>. In particular, a set of first openings 150a may be located between the first lattice band <NUM> and the second lattice band <NUM>, a set of second openings 150b may be located between the second lattice band <NUM> and the third lattice band <NUM>, and a set of third openings 150c may be located between the third lattice band <NUM> and the base knit structure <NUM>. The openings <NUM> may all be about the same size or may have varying sizes. In certain embodiments, the length of the openings <NUM> (measured in the direction extending along the first edge <NUM>) may be between about three knit courses of a lattice band to about twenty-five knit courses of a lattice band, such as about ten knit courses in certain exemplary embodiments (for example). This may correspond to a length of about <NUM>/<NUM>" to about <NUM>", such as about <NUM>/<NUM>". Larger or smaller lengths are also contemplated, as desired.

The base knit structure <NUM> may have any suitable knit structure. In some embodiments, the base knit structure <NUM> may have any suitable double or single jersey knit structure, for example, and the specific knit structure(s) may be selected for providing desirable physical or aesthetic characteristics. In some embodiments, the base knit structure <NUM> may include a plurality of apertures <NUM> for purposes of breathability, stretchability (of the base knit structure <NUM>), decreased weight of the first knitted component <NUM>, etc. It is contemplated that the apertures <NUM> may be formed by a particular knit structure (e.g., rather than being formed after knitting), and in some embodiments, the apertures <NUM> may be formed with a knitting sequence that is similar or identical to the way the openings <NUM> of the lattice structure <NUM> are formed.

Referring back to <FIG>, the openings <NUM> provided by the lattice structure <NUM> may have a variety of functions. For example, the openings <NUM> may provide apertures that communicate with a fastening element, such as a shoelace or another suitable device (e g. , a Velcro strap, a ratchet mechanism, etc.). Herein, a shoelace <NUM> is the only element shown and described as the fastening system, but the following features also apply to fastening systems of other types. In some embodiments, at least some of the openings <NUM> may have selected sizes for adequate communication with the shoelace <NUM>, while others may not. For example, when the article of footwear <NUM> is designed to be fastened in a particular way (e.g., from certain locations along the edge <NUM> for optimal performance), certain openings <NUM> may be positioned and sized (e.g., sized larger than other openings <NUM>) such that it is apparent to a user which openings <NUM> are intended to communicate with the shoelace <NUM>.

In some embodiments, many or all of the openings <NUM> (including at least two adjacent openings) may be about the same size, or at least adequately sized for communication with the shoelace <NUM>, such that a user can select which openings <NUM> are used. For example, the shoelace <NUM> of <FIG> extends through at least one opening from each of the first openings 150a, the second openings 150b, and the third openings 150c. The ability to select and utilize any of the openings <NUM> for communication with the shoelace <NUM> may provide customized and/or enhanced aesthetics (e.g., which may be selected by the user per personal preference). This embodiment may also be advantageous where certain shoelace configurations are desirable for certain sports/functions (e.g., one configuration may be optimal for providing high performance while running and another configuration may be more comfortable while walking), etc. Further, different users may prefer different shoelace configurations based on foot sizing and/or personal taste.

<FIG> shows the first knitted component <NUM> and the second knitted component <NUM> as they may appear when in a flat configuration after formation on a knitting machine, and prior to being secured together and manipulated into a wearable shape. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the first knitted component <NUM> may be knitted in the direction shown with arrow <NUM> (that is, as the first knitted component <NUM> is knitted, the courses may extend from a lateral edge <NUM> to a medial edge <NUM> and thus the first knitted component <NUM> may grow along the first edge <NUM>). One example of a particular knitting process for forming the first knitted component <NUM> is described in more detail below (with reference to <FIG>).

The second knitted component <NUM> be formed to have features desirable in a toe area of an article of footwear. For example, the second knitted component <NUM> may have a relatively robust knit structure (e.g., a full double-jersey structure) to provide protection of the toes, durability in the toe area, and the like. Optionally, the second knitted component <NUM> may include the depicted apertures <NUM>. It is contemplated that the apertures <NUM> may be formed by a particular knit structure (e.g., rather than being formed after knitting), and in some embodiments, the apertures <NUM> may be formed with a knitting sequence that is similar or identical to the way the openings <NUM> of the lattice structure <NUM> are formed. For example, a first portion <NUM> of the second knitted component <NUM> may be a lattice band (similar to the lattice bands <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a second portion <NUM> of the second knitted component <NUM> may be a second lattice band, and a set of the apertures <NUM> may be located therebetween (in a manner similar to how the openings <NUM> are oriented within the lattice structure <NUM>).

As shown in <FIG>, the first knitted component <NUM> and the second knitted component <NUM> may be assembled into the upper <NUM> by engaging the lateral edge <NUM> of the first knitted component <NUM> with an edge <NUM> of the second knitted component <NUM> (e.g., at the first portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM> shown in <FIG> ). Similarly, the medial edge <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first knitted component <NUM> may be secured to the edge <NUM> of the second knitted component <NUM> (e.g., at the second portion <NUM> of the seam <NUM> shown in <FIG>). Once engaged, the seam <NUM> may be formed by sewing, applying an adhesive, stapling, or with any other suitable device and by any other suitable method. The upper <NUM> may then (or simultaneously) be lasted and secured to a sole structure <NUM> (e.g., with or without the use of a strobel, which is not shown). <FIG> may not include all elements of the article of footwear <NUM> for ease of illustration (e.g., it may be missing a strobel, a midsole, etc.). The liner <NUM>, when included, may be inserted in the void of the upper <NUM> after the upper <NUM> is formed, or it may be integrated into the article of footwear <NUM> prior to full formation of the upper <NUM>.

The liner <NUM> may advantageously enhance cushioning, fit, warmth, or other desirable characteristics. If the liner <NUM> is not secured with respect to another component, the liner <NUM> may be insertable and removable by a user, which may be advantageous where the user may want to clean the liner <NUM>, change liners based on wear, aesthetic appeal, comfort preferences, proper sizing, etc. In other embodiments, the liner <NUM> may be secured to at least one of the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM> such that it is not readily removable, which may be advantageous to enhance the durability of the article of footwear <NUM>, to prevent the liner <NUM> from sliding with respect to other components of the article of footwear <NUM>, etc. In some embodiments, the liner <NUM> may be a knitted component, but it may alternatively be at least partially formed by materials other than knitted materials in other embodiments. While not required, the liner <NUM> extends completely around the foot of a wearer, and thus it may include an underfoot portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) that may be associated with a plantar aspect of the foot (also known as the sole or bottom of a foot). The portion of the liner <NUM> associated with the remainder of the foot, including the dorsal surface (i.e. , the top of the foot), may be considered an overfoot portion <NUM>. While not shown (and not required), the first knitted component <NUM> and/or the second knitted component <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include an underfoot portion.

In some embodiments, including the embodiment of <FIG>, the liner <NUM> may have an exposed surface <NUM> that forms a portion of an outer surface of the article of footwear (e.g., where the liner <NUM> is not covered by the first knitted component <NUM> or the second knitted component <NUM> from an external perspective). For example, referring to <FIG>, the liner <NUM> may have an exposed surface in the throat area. This may be advantageous to provide coverage of the dorsal (top) surface of the foot without requiring a tongue. Further, coverage in the throat area <NUM> by the liner <NUM> may prevent the shoelace <NUM> or other fastening element from contacting and irritating the skin of the foot.

<FIG> are illustrations showing sequences for knitting portions of the lattice structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The sequence of <FIG> may alternate with the sequence of <FIG> a number of times, and each repetition of the sequence of <FIG> and of <FIG> may be the same or have only minor alterations. However, it is noted that the sequences may be varied to incorporate different features by changing certain knit structures, by varying yarn types, by increasing or decreasing the number of courses at each step, or by any other suitable adjustment to the knitting process or materials used. Further, other sequences may be used before, after, or between the sequences of <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a sequence for forming an area (i.e., area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) where an opening is formed between the first lattice band <NUM> and the second lattice band <NUM>, where the second lattice band <NUM> and the third lattice band <NUM> are connected (e.g., via interlooped yarns such that they have a common knit structure), and where an opening is formed between the third lattice band <NUM> and the base knit structure <NUM>. In <FIG> (and also <FIG>), yarns A correspond to the first lattice band <NUM>, yarns B correspond to the second lattice band <NUM>, yarns C correspond to the third lattice band <NUM>, and yarns D correspond to the base knit structure <NUM>. While the yarn(s) are depicted as being different yarn types (e.g., due to different texture coding in <FIG>), they may be yarns of the same type.

In particular, loops forming the second lattice band <NUM> overlap loops forming the third lattice band <NUM> in the knit diagram, meaning those overlapping loops are formed on the same needles of a knitting machine (and it is noted that consecutive loops on the same needle will become intermeshed). However, in <FIG>, the first lattice band <NUM> does not have loops that overlap loops of the second lattice band <NUM>, and therefore the first lattice band <NUM> will be separable with respect to the second lattice band <NUM>. An opening is therefore formed therebetween. It is noted that, while not shown, the first lattice band <NUM> may be spaced from the second lattice band <NUM> on the needle bed of the knitting machine to increase the size (e.g., width) of the opening. Similarly, the third lattice band <NUM> does not have loops that will intermesh with the loops of the base knit structure <NUM>, and therefore an opening will be formed between those elements.

<FIG> is an illustration showing another portion of a knitting sequence for knitting the lattice structure <NUM> of <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> depicts forming an area (i.e., area <NUM> shown in <FIG>) where the first lattice band <NUM> and the second lattice band <NUM> are connected (e.g., via intermeshed loops such that they have a common knit structure), where an opening is formed between the second lattice band <NUM> and the third lattice band <NUM>, and where the third lattice band <NUM> is connected to the base knit structure (e.g., via intermeshed loops such that they have a common knit structure).

In particular, loops forming the first lattice band <NUM> overlap loops forming the second lattice band <NUM> in the knit diagram, meaning those overlapping loops are formed on the same needles of a knitting machine (such that they will become intermeshed). Similarly, loops forming the third lattice band <NUM> overlap loops forming the base knit structure <NUM>, meaning those overlapping loops are formed on the same needles of a knitting machine (such that they will become intermeshed). However, in <FIG>, the second lattice band <NUM> does not have loops that overlap loops of the third lattice band <NUM>, and therefore the second lattice band <NUM> will be separable with respect to the third lattice band <NUM> such that an opening is formed therebetween (and it is noted that, while not shown, the second lattice band <NUM> may be spaced from the third lattice band <NUM> on the needle bed to increase the size (e.g., width) of the opening.

In one or more of the lattice bands, more than one yarn type may be used (and it is noted that each of yarns A, B, C, D in the knit diagrams may represent multiple ends of one or more yarn types). For example, at least one of the yarns in a lattice band and/or the base knit structure may be considered to be a "high-tenacity yarn," which may be particularly advantageous when the lattice structure must be rigid enough and strong enough to communicate with a fastening system to tighten the upper around the foot. As used herein, "tenacity" is understood to refer to the amount of force (expressed in units of weight, for example: pounds, grams, centinewtons or other units) needed to rupture a yarn (i.e., the breaking force or breaking point of the yarn), divided by the linear mass density of the yarn expressed, for example, in (unstrained) denier, decitex, or some other measure of weight per unit length. The amount of force needed to break a yarn (the "breaking force" of the yarn) is determined by subjecting a sample of the yarn to a known amount of force by stretching the sample until it breaks, for example, by inserting each end of a sample of the yarn into the grips on the measuring arms of an extensometer, subjecting the sample to a stretching force, and measuring the force required to break the sample using a strain gauge load cell. Suitable testing systems can be obtained from Instron (Norwood, MA, USA). Yarn tenacity and yarn breaking force are distinct from burst strength or bursting strength of a textile, which is a measure of the maximum force that can be applied to the surface of a textile before the surface bursts.

Generally, in order for a yarn to withstand the forces applied in an industrial knitting machine, the minimum tenacity required is approximately <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM> grams per denier (g/D)). Most synthetic polymer continuous filament yarns formed from commodity polymeric materials generally have tenacities in the range of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D) to about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D). For example, polyester filament yarns that may be used in the manufacture of knit uppers for article of footwear have tenacities in the range of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex to about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D to about <NUM>/D). Filament yarns formed from commodity synthetic polymeric materials which are considered to have high tenacities (e.g., a "high tenacity yarn") generally have tenacities in the range of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex to about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D to about <NUM>/D). For example, commercially available package dyed polyethylene terephthalate filament yarn from National Spinning (Washington, NC, USA) has a tenacity of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D), and commercially available solution dyed polyethylene terephthalate filament yarn from Far Eastern New Century (Taipei, Taiwan) has a tenacity of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D). Filament yarns formed from high performance synthetic polymer materials generally have tenacities of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D) or greater. For example, filament yarns formed of aramid typically have tenacities of about <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D), and filament yarns formed of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) having tenacities greater than <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D) are available from Dyneema (Stanley, NC, USA) and Spectra (Honeywell-Spectra, Colonial Heights, VA, USA).

Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the yarns in a lattice band and/or the base knit structure may incorporate what is referred to as a "fusible yarn. " A fusible yarn may include a material, such as a thermoplastic polymer material, that has a melting point such that it can be at least partially melted during the manufacturing process. Herein, a yarn may be considered a "fusible yarn" if it has a melting point of less than about <NUM>. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of thermoplastic polymer materials include certain polyurethanes, polyamides, polyolefins, nylons, copolyamides and copolyesters. Thermoplastic polymer materials may melt when heated and return to a solid state when cooled. More particularly, thermoplastic polymer material transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to temperatures at or above its melting point, and then the thermoplastic polymer transitions from the softened or liquid state to a solid state when sufficiently cooled below its melting point. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the fusible yarn may be formed of a copolymid or copolyester with a melting point of less than about <NUM> (such as about <NUM> in certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments), which may be a suitable melting temperature such that the fusible yarn can be at least partially melted during a steaming process (e.g., during lasting) without melting, scorching, or otherwise changing the characteristics of other yarns with higher melting points (e.g., polyester yarns). One specific example is a KE-<NUM>167dtex Fusible Yarn obtained from EMS (Domat/Ems, Switzerland). Once cooled, the material from the fusible yarn may solidify and enhance (e.g., stiffen, secure, or otherwise reinforce) the structure of the knitted component.

In some embodiments, a fusible yarn may be included, where the fusible yarn has a thermoplastic polymer sheath (e.g., formed of thermoplastic polyurethane) and a core formed of another material with a substantially higher melting point, such as polyester. For example, the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer material may have a melting temperature of approximately <NUM> less than the melting temperature of the core in some embodiments, though any other suitable difference in melting temperatures is contemplated. In one non limiting example, the melting temperature of the core may be about <NUM> (and when the core is formed of a thermoset material, the decomposition temperature may be about <NUM> or greater), while the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer material may be between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (such as from about <NUM> to about <NUM>) based on atmospheric pressure at sea level.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, the yarn types above, one or more of the yarns in a lattice band and/or the base knit structure may include a yarn formed <NUM>% polyester, or having a content of polyester along with another material (e.g., Lycra) to enhance elasticity/stretchability or other characteristics. Using a yarn incorporating polyester may be particularly advantageous due to the comfortable surface characteristics associated with polyester, the ease of dying yarns formed of polyester (e.g., to provide yarns having selected colors and/or visual patters), and the ease of manufacturing on a knitting machine with polyester yarns.

All of the structures and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While this claimed invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific aspects of the claimed invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the claimed invention and is not intended to limit the claimed invention to the particular aspects illustrated. 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>), the upper (<NUM>) comprising:
a knitted component (<NUM>) having a first edge (<NUM>) extending from a first side of a throat area (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), through a heel area (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), and to a second side of the throat area (<NUM>), wherein at least a portion of the first edge (<NUM>) comprises a lattice structure (<NUM>),
the lattice structure (<NUM>) comprising a first lattice band (<NUM>) and a second lattice band (<NUM>),
the first lattice band (<NUM>) and the second lattice band (<NUM>) having loops that are intermeshed in at least one location,
the first lattice band (<NUM>) and the second lattice band (<NUM>) each extending continuously between the first side of the throat area (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>) and the second side of the throat area (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>) and around the heel area (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), characterised in that
at least one of the first lattice band (<NUM>) and the second lattice band (<NUM>) includes a yarn with a tenacity of at least <NUM>,<NUM> cN/dtex (<NUM>/D).