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. An ankle opening in a heel area generally provides access to the void in the interior of the upper. 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. The upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter to limit movement of the heel.

<CIT> discloses a footwear which is knitted seamlessly with a flat knitting machine having at least a pair of a front and a back needle bed. The footwear includes a base knit fabric portion having a mixed section knitted using a non-heat-fusible first knitting yarn and a fusible second knitting yarn interwoven along the first knitting yarn.

<CIT> discloses shoe upper for a shoe having a first portion and a second portion which are jointly manufactured as a knitted fabric, wherein in only one of the first portion and the second portion the knitted fabric is reinforced by a coating from a polymer material applied to the shoe upper.

<CIT> discloses an article of footwear which may include an upper having a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a collar portion and a throat portion. The collar portion has a cylindrical configuration and the throat portion extends outward from the collar portion.

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 claims. One general aspect of the present disclosure includes an upper according to the subject matter of claim <NUM>. The knitted connection structure may extend at least partially along at least one of a tongue and a collar of the upper, and the second knitted portion may include at least one double jersey knit structure that is coextensive with the first knitted portion.

An article of footwear is provided according to the subject matter of claim <NUM>.

Background knowledge useful for understanding the invention relates to an upper for an article of footwear, the upper having a first knitted portion forming an outer surface of the upper, a second knitted portion forming an inner surface of the upper, and a connection structure securing the first knitted portion with the second knitted portion. The connection structure may include at least one loop incorporated into a course of the first knitted portion and at least one loop incorporated into a course of the second knitted portion, where the second knitted portion may include at least one double jersey knit structure that is coextensive with the first knitted portion.

Background knowledge useful for understanding the invention relates to a method of forming an upper, the method including the steps of knitting a first knitted portion configured to form an outer surface of the upper, knitting a second knitted portion configured to form an inner surface facing a void formed by the upper, and knitting a connection structure connecting the first knitted portion to the second knitted portion. The connection structure may extend at least partially along at least one of a tongue and a collar of the upper, and the second knitted portion may include at least one double jersey knit structure that is coextensive with the first knitted portion.

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to articles at least partially formed from textile materials. An example of an article is an article of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, footwear, jackets and other outerwear, briefs and other undergarments, hats and other headwear, or the like). One particular article is an upper configured for use in an article of footwear. The upper may be used in connection with any type of footwear. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of articles of footwear include a basketball shoe, a biking shoe, a cross-training shoe, a global football (soccer) shoe, an American football shoe, a bowling shoe, a golf shoe, a hiking shoe, a ski or snowboarding boot, a tennis shoe, a running shoe, or a walking shoe. The upper may also be incorporated into a non-athletic shoe, such as a dress shoe, a loafer, or a sandal.

<FIG> is an illustration showing an article of footwear <NUM> formed with an upper <NUM>, where the upper <NUM> is substantially formed as a textile component, such as a knitted component <NUM>. As shown, the upper <NUM> may be secured to a sole structure <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may include a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <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 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 (not shown) and an outsole.

The upper <NUM> may additionally include a throhimat area <NUM> extending from and 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>. The midfoot area <NUM> of the upper <NUM> may be located between a heel area <NUM> and a toe area <NUM>. In some embodiments, an optional tongue, such as the depicted tongue <NUM> may be disposed in the throat area <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> may be any type of tongue, such as a gusseted tongue or a burrito tongue. If a tongue is not included (or in combination with a tongue), the lateral and medial sides of the throat area <NUM> may be joined together.

The article of footwear <NUM> may include a fastening element (not shown). Any suitable type of fastening element may be used, such as a shoelace, a cable-tensioning system, and/or any other suitable device. The upper <NUM> may be configured to secure to and communicate with the fastening element such that the fastening element may adjust and/or tighten the upper <NUM> around a foot of a wearer. For example, the upper <NUM> may include a set of apertures <NUM> for receiving the fastening element, but other suitable element(s) may alternatively be used.

At least a portion of the upper <NUM>, and potentially substantially the entirety of the upper <NUM>, may be formed of the knitted component <NUM> (or another suitable textile component). The knitted component <NUM> may be formed as an integral one-piece element during a 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 knitted component <NUM> without the need for significant post-knitting processes or steps. Alternatively, two or more portions of the knitted component <NUM> may be formed separately as distinct integral one-piece elements and then the respective elements attached.

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, etc.), 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. The yarns themselves and/or the knit structure formed by one or more of the yarns 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). In some embodiments, 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 a thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., a polyurethane, polyamide, polyolefin, and/or nylon) that transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to certain temperatures at or above its melting point and then transitions back to the solid state when cooled. The thermoplastic polymer material 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.

<FIG> shows the knitted component <NUM> of the upper <NUM> as it may appear after the knitting process (e.g., after leaving a flat-bed knitting machine) but before being manipulated into its wearable shape. The knitted component <NUM> includes the first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>, where the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is at least partially formed by the first portion <NUM>, and where the inner surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM> is at least partially formed by the second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be formed during a single knitting process (e.g., such that the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are attached when the knitted component <NUM> comes off a knitting machine). Thus, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> share a common yarn, a common course, a common knit stitch or other knit structure, etc. Further, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are secured via at least one knit structure (e.g., a knitted loop) of the knitted component <NUM>. As described in more detail below (with reference to <FIG>), the unique shape of the upper <NUM> may advantageously allow the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> to each utilize more than one needle bed (e.g., two needle beds of a flat knitting machine) during the formation of the knitted component <NUM>. Thus, once the knitted component <NUM> is in its wearable shape, the second portion <NUM> may have a double jersey knit structure. Herein, a "double jersey knit structure" is defined generally as any knit structure formed on two needle beds and utilizing at least one needle from each bed, including (but not limited to) a full rib knit structure, a 1x1 , 2x1 , and 3x1 rib structure, an interlock knit structure, a half and full cardigan knit structure, a half and full milano structure, etc. Since the second portion <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> can each alone utilize both needle beds of the knitting machine, a double jersey structure of the second portion <NUM> and a double jersey structure of the first portion <NUM> may be coextensive in the upper <NUM>. Advantageously, since both portions can have double jersey structures (which may be coextensive), the upper <NUM> has an enhanced ability to provide the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> with knit-in visual and/or functional features.

The connection structure <NUM>, which includes at least one loop or other knit structure of one or more courses formed by one or more passes of a feeder of a knitting machine, connects and secures the first portion <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>. The connection structure <NUM> may extend along the tongue <NUM> and substantially around the collar <NUM> as shown (see also <FIG>), but in other embodiments the connection structure <NUM> may be limited to the tongue <NUM> (or a portion of the tongue <NUM>), the collar <NUM> (or a portion of the collar <NUM>), or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the connection structure <NUM> may be included at a location other than the tongue <NUM> and the collar <NUM> (e.g., in the toe area <NUM> shown by <FIG>). The first portion <NUM> may extend from the connection structure <NUM>, to a first midfoot area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>, and to a first toe area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may terminate at an end <NUM> of the first toe area <NUM> in some embodiments. Similarly, the second portion <NUM> may extend in the opposite direction from the connection structure <NUM>, to a second midfoot area <NUM>, and to a second toe area <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may terminate at an end <NUM> of the second toe area <NUM> in some embodiments.

After the knitting process, the first portion <NUM> and/or the second portion <NUM> are folded or otherwise manipulated such that the first portion <NUM> forms the outer surface <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> forms the inner surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, respectively (or vice versa) (which is shown in <FIG>). Still referring to <FIG>, when folding or otherwise manipulating the upper <NUM> into its wearable shape, the second toe area <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> is manipulated such that it is adjacent to and/or coextensive with the first toe area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Thus, the first toe area <NUM> and the second toe area <NUM> may both be located in the toe area <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) when the upper <NUM> is in its wearable shape. Further, when folding or otherwise manipulating the upper <NUM> into its wearable shape, one of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> is substantially inverted with respect to the other such that a first interstitial surface <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> (which may face opposite the outer surface <NUM>) and a second interstitial surface <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> (which may face opposite the inner surface <NUM>) face each other and become adjacent to each other.

Optionally, an adhesive or other attachment device may be applied to at least one of the first interstitial surface <NUM> and the second interstitial surface <NUM> before or during the folding step such that the first interstitial surface <NUM> and the second interstitial surface <NUM> become substantially secured (e.g., fixed) together along at least a portion of their coextensive areas, but an adhesive is not required. In some embodiments, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may remain locally unsecured (e.g., not attached along their coextensive portions in a particular area) with respect to one another at least at some locations. Thus, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may remain movable (e.g., slidable) with respect to one another, and an interstitial space is located between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>. In addition to (or as an alternative to) being secured via the knitted connection structure <NUM>, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be secured (e.g., sewn or otherwise secured) along the biteline <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> may be indirectly secured via a sole structure (e.g., each independently secured to the sole structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>).

Optionally (and as described in more detail below), an insert or other object may be positioned between the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> for providing the upper <NUM> with certain functional or visual characteristics. Advantageously, the insert may be substantially permanently located between portions of the upper <NUM> such the insert is substantially inaccessible to a user during typical use. Thus, the interstitial space may be advantageous for holding certain components that are not intended for user access (e.g., electronic sensors or other electronic components, moisture-sensitive components (particularly when at least one of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> is waterproof), foams or materials that may be harmful to humans or pets, etc.).

<FIG> is a diagram ("the knit diagram") illustrating an embodiment of a knitting process (e.g., a sequence of knitting on a flat knitting machine) for forming the knitted component <NUM> of <FIG>. The labeled locations of <FIG> correspond with the labeled elements of <FIG>. Each horizontal line <NUM> may represent a course, a certain number of courses, and/or other types of structures formed on a knitting machine during a pass of a feeder (e.g., an inlay). The knitting sequence may be performed in the direction depicted by the arrow <NUM> such that the knitted component moves with respect to a needle bed in a direction opposite the direction depicted by the arrow <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> may be knitted first, followed by the second portion <NUM> as shown (or vice versa).

The first toe area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> may include the first course formed on the knitting machine (e.g., a course at the terminal end <NUM> of the first toe area <NUM>). Moving along the direction of the large bolded arrow <NUM> in <FIG>, the knitting machine may continue from the first toe area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> to the first midfoot area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> and then approach the connection structure <NUM>. As shown, courses <NUM> forming the knitted component <NUM> may extend in the medial-to-lateral and lateral-to-medial directions. At least a portion of the courses <NUM> may utilize two needle beds of the knitting machine (e.g., for forming a double-jersey knit structure or another suitable structure utilizing two beds), but the knitted component may have certain areas with courses formed on only one bed. The particular knitting direction of <FIG> is not necessarily required, and it is contemplated that courses <NUM> may extend in another direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the depicted direction, a direction diagonal with respect to the depicted direction, etc.). However, the knitting direction of <FIG> may provide the ability to form the connection structure <NUM> along a shaped, non-linear contour (e.g., along the collar <NUM> and/or the tongue <NUM>).

For example, the connection structure <NUM> may be formed using a technique where, as the pattern narrows, the knitting machine holds outer loops on needles of a needle bed for a certain number of courses until the pattern again widens. In the specific example of <FIG>, when the knitting machine reaches a heel area <NUM> of the collar <NUM> (on at least one of the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>), the needles used for forming loops of the collar <NUM> may continue to hold those loops (e.g., without knitting other yarns) during knitting of a first tongue area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>. Similarly, as the first tongue area <NUM> narrows, outer loops of the first tongue area <NUM> may be held as the knitting machine continues along the first tongue area <NUM> in the knitting direction. When the knitting machine reaches the second portion <NUM>, the held loops may be re-incorporated into a new course <NUM> as the second tongue area <NUM> widens. Similarly, the held loops of the collar <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> may be re-incorporated into new courses when the collar <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> is formed. The holding-and-re-incorporating technique may form the connection structure <NUM>, which is represented in <FIG> by the small arrows indicating held and re-incorporated loops.

The knitting machine may then continue to knit the second portion <NUM> by knitting the second midfoot area <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> and then the second toe area <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>. The terminal end <NUM> of the second toe area <NUM> may be the final course formed on the knitting machine. While the knitting process is generally described with reference to <FIG> as starting with the first portion <NUM> and ending with the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration showing the knitted component <NUM> forming the upper <NUM> when folded or otherwise manipulated into a folded state. The second portion <NUM> (<FIG>) may be coextensive with the first portion <NUM> and blocked from view by the first portion <NUM> from the perspective of <FIG>, as depicted. Advantageously, the second portion <NUM> may include one or more knit or non-knit functional features (as described in more detail below) that provide the upper <NUM> with functional advantages without sacrificing aesthetic appeal, particularly when the first portion <NUM> is configured to provide desirable aesthetics. However, it is contemplated that the second portion <NUM> may have portions that extend beyond the coverage of the first portion <NUM> in other embodiments (for example, when the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> have different shapes and/or when the upper <NUM> has certain portions formed by only one of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>). Once folded, the upper includes heel area <NUM> with a lateral heel area <NUM> and a medial heel area <NUM> configured to secure together, and a collar <NUM> may be configured to wrap around the ankle opening <NUM>.

As described above, the first portion <NUM> may form the outer surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Thus, it may be desirable to provide the outer surface <NUM> with a particular knit structure and/or particular materials (e.g., yarn types) for suitable anti-abrasiveness to enhance the durability of the upper <NUM>. Optionally, the first portion <NUM> may have a relatively low elasticity when compared with the second portion <NUM> to provide the upper <NUM> with a shell-like structure to provide the upper <NUM> with suitable strength, rigidity, and durability, and/or to provide protection to a wearer's foot.

Further, the outer surface <NUM> may be visible when the upper <NUM> is in use in an article of footwear. Thus, it may be desirable for the outer surface <NUM> to include one or more ornamental elements <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ornamental elements <NUM> may be formed during the knitting process by incorporating yarns of different colors or other visual effects in a particular pattern. The first portion <NUM> may advantageously be formed with courses utilizing two needle beds (e.g., two needle beds of a flat knitting machine), which may enhance the ability to include certain knit features, including desirable visual effects. Further, certain area of the first portion <NUM>, such as the first throat area <NUM>, may include at least two separable layers with a pocket therebetween formed by a tubular knit structure, for example, or another suitable technique (which may be more easily accomplished when using two needle beds). Advantageously, an insert may be placed into the pocket. Additionally or alternatively, certain areas of the first portion <NUM> may have different mechanical characteristics than other areas, which also may be more easily and/or better accomplished when two needle beds are available when forming the first portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, for example, the throat area <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> may be more elastic than other areas of the first portion <NUM> (e.g., the medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, the heel area <NUM>, and/or the toe area <NUM>), which may facilitate receipt of a foot in the void of the upper <NUM>, a snug and comfortable fit of the upper <NUM>, and/or suitable communication with a fastening system, while still providing desirable rigidity, durability, and support areas in desirable areas.

Optionally, the first portion <NUM> may include a window <NUM> such that a viewer from the perspective of <FIG> can view the second portion <NUM> through the window <NUM>. The window <NUM> may be desirable visually by allowing a viewer to see a color contrast or other visual contrast between the first portion <NUM> and the window-exposed area of the second portion <NUM>. It is contemplated that the window <NUM> may provide a dynamic visual effect if the first portion <NUM> moves relative to the second portion <NUM> when the article of footwear is in use (e.g., when a wearer is walking or otherwise performing an activity that displaces the first portion <NUM> with respect to the second portion <NUM> at the window <NUM>). The window <NUM> may have any suitable structure, and in some particular embodiments the window <NUM> may incorporate monofilament strands as described in <CIT>, and published as <CIT>.

The first portion <NUM> may additionally or alternatively incorporate functional elements for providing mechanical and/or other physical properties to the first portion (including any of the functional elements described with respect to the second portion <NUM> with reference to <FIG>). For example, the first portion <NUM> may incorporate a cushioning element in the first throat area <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, and/or the tongue <NUM>, as shown. In some embodiments, the cushioning element may be provided by bulking yarns, which may be inlaid and/or floated within the first portion <NUM>, particularly when two needle beds are used when forming the first portion <NUM> (which may facilitate the inlaying process). Bulking yarns are described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Bulking yarns may additionally or alternatively be included in the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration showing a bottom view of the knitted component of <FIG> when folded or otherwise manipulated into a folded state. The first portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) is coextensive with the second portion <NUM> and blocked from view by the second portion <NUM> from the bottom view of <FIG>, as depicted. However, it is contemplated that the first portion <NUM> may have areas that extend beyond the coverage of the second portion <NUM> in other embodiments (for example, when the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> have different shapes and/or when the upper <NUM> has certain portions formed by only one of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM>). As described above, once folded, the upper includes the heel area <NUM> with a lateral heel area <NUM> and a medial heel area <NUM> configured to secure together, and a collar <NUM> may be configured to wrap around the ankle opening <NUM> to form a collar <NUM> (as described with reference to <FIG>).

The second portion <NUM> may form the inner surface <NUM>, which may face and/or define the void when the upper <NUM> is incorporated into an article of footwear. Thus, while the second portion <NUM> may include any or all of the features described above with respect to the first portion <NUM>, it may be particularly desirable for the second portion <NUM> to include materials and/or knit structures suitable for contacting the foot (or sock) of a wearer. For example, the second portion <NUM> may be substantially formed of polyester yarns, which may give it comfort-related characteristics particularly well-suited for contact with a foot. Further, the second portion <NUM> may be formed with particular materials and/or knit structures such that it is more elastic than the first portion, thereby providing a desirable retention and a snug-feeling fit to the wearer. Like the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM> may include different areas with different mechanical properties (e.g., different elasticities).

The second portion <NUM> may additionally or alternatively incorporate other functional elements, such as the tensile strand <NUM>. The tensile strand <NUM> may be inlaid within the knit structure of the knitted component <NUM> and may be configured (e.g., with a suitable rigidity and tensile strength) to provide additional support and stability in the medial-to-lateral direction, particularly when in communication with a fastening system (e.g., a shoelace). The tensile strand <NUM> may form loops <NUM> in the throat area (which may surround and/or form lace apertures) configured to receive the fastening system, as shown. Some embodiments of tensile strands <NUM> that may be used are describe in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Further, the second portion <NUM> may optionally include at least one pocket <NUM> for receiving an insert <NUM>. The pockets <NUM> may be formed by utilizing a tubular knit structure or another suitable knit structure for providing two separable layers when forming the second portion <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may then be permanently or temporarily placed within the pocket <NUM> to provide cushioning, rigidity, protection, durability, etc. The first portion <NUM> described above may also (or alternatively) include a pocket and insert.

Advantageously, since the second portion <NUM> may be hidden from typical view by the first portion <NUM> when the upper <NUM> is in use, the second portion <NUM> may incorporate one or more functional characteristics or features without regard their effect on the visual appeal of the upper <NUM>. For example, if a particular insert/pocket combination or other element is generally received negatively from an aesthetic perspective, the element can be at least partially hidden from view by the first portion <NUM> of the knitted component.

<FIG> is an illustration showing the knitted component <NUM> of the upper <NUM> being folded or otherwise manipulated into a wearable shape, and <FIG> shows the manipulated upper <NUM> being secured to a sole structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM> formed by the first portion <NUM> may face outwards, and the inner surface <NUM> formed by the second portion <NUM> may face inwards. The connection structure <NUM> connecting the first portion <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> may extend at least partially around the collar <NUM> and/or along the tongue <NUM>. The lateral heel area <NUM> and the medial heel area <NUM> are coupled at this step to form a seam <NUM> in the heel area <NUM>. Connecting the lateral heel area <NUM> to the medial heel area <NUM> at the seam <NUM> may include sewing, adhesive bonding, heat bonding, welding, using a mechanical clamp, or any other suitable device or method, and it is contemplated that another device may be placed between the medial heel area <NUM> and the lateral heel area <NUM>. The folding/manipulating step, and/or the step of forming the seam <NUM>, may be at least partially performed when the upper <NUM> is located on a last. An example of a last and an associated lasting process is described in <CIT>, and issued as <CIT>. <FIG> depicted the upper <NUM> being secured to the sole structure <NUM> to complete (or substantially complete) the manufacturing process of the article of footwear <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration showing the upper <NUM> of <FIG> when incorporated into the article of footwear <NUM> with hidden elements shown in dashed lines. As depicted, the upper <NUM> may include certain functional elements, such as the tensile strand <NUM>, pockets <NUM> with inserts <NUM>, fused areas of thermoplastic polymer material, and/or any other suitable functional element. However, as shown in <FIG>, the functional elements may be hidden from view when desired. The article of footwear may include the ornamental elements <NUM> for enhancing the visual appearance of the article of footwear. The present embodiments are particularly advantageous since at least one of, and potentially both of, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the knitted component <NUM> may be formed with the full capabilities of two needle beds of a knitting machine for providing such functional and ornamental characteristics, which may be accomplished due to the unique shape of the knitted component as described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, it is contemplated that the tensile strands <NUM>, if included, may extend from the outer surface <NUM> such that they are visible when the article of footwear <NUM> is in use. Advantageously, the loops <NUM> may be accessible by a user and/or in communication with a fastening system located adjacent to the outer surface <NUM>. Slots <NUM> in the first portion <NUM> may be included for receiving the loops <NUM> of the tensile strands <NUM>, as shown. The loops <NUM> may communicate with (e.g., surround) the optional apertures <NUM>.

In the present disclosure, the ranges given either in absolute terms or in approximate terms are intended to encompass both, and any definitions used herein are intended to be clarifying and not limiting. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges (including all fractional and whole values) subsumed therein.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>) comprising a knitted component (<NUM>) extending through a heel area (<NUM>), the upper (<NUM>) comprising:
a first knitted portion (<NUM>) that forms part of an outer surface (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), the first knitted portion (<NUM>) comprising a double jersey knit structure,
a second knitted portion (<NUM>) that forms part of an inner surface (<NUM>) of the upper (<NUM>), the second knitted portion (<NUM>) at least partially coextensive with the first knitted portion (<NUM>);
an interstitial space located between the first knitted portion (<NUM>) and the second knitted portion (<NUM>);
a knitted connection structure (<NUM>) connecting the first knitted portion (<NUM>) and the second knitted portion (<NUM>),
wherein the upper (<NUM>) includes a lateral heel area (<NUM>) and a medial heel area (<NUM>) that meet at a heel seam (<NUM>), and
wherein the upper (<NUM>) is characterized in that the knitted connection structure (<NUM>) is configured such that one of the first knitted portion (<NUM>) and the second knitted portion (<NUM>) is inverted around the knitted connection structure (<NUM>) and with respect to the other one of the first knitted portion (<NUM>) and the second knitted portion (<NUM>) such that a first interstitial surface (<NUM>) of the first knitted portion (<NUM>) and a second interstitial surface (<NUM>) of the second knitted portion (<NUM>) become adjacent to each other and such that the upper (<NUM>) is in its folded state.