Patent Description:
Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, thereby being positioned between the upper and the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistant material, such as rubber. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the void and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.

The upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the footwear.

A variety of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally used in manufacturing the upper. In athletic footwear, for example, the upper may have multiple layers that each include a variety of joined material elements. As examples, the material elements may be selected to impart stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different areas of the upper. In order to impart the different properties to different areas of the upper, material elements are often cut to desired shapes and then joined together, usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover, the material elements are often joined in a layered configuration to impart multiple properties to the same areas. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the material elements may also increase. Waste material from cutting and stitching processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, uppers with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. By decreasing the number of material elements used in the upper, therefore, waste may be decreased while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.

<CIT> discloses an article of footwear and a method of manufacturing an article of footwear. The article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising: a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction, the knitted component including at least one tubular structure comprising a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer that are at least partially coextensive with each other and are joined along edges of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer to form a tube; and wherein the tube formed by the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer has a unitary knit construction so as to be a one-piece element with the remaining portion of the knitted component.

<CIT> discloses a one-piece, knitted garment of the kind having a pant portion which is adapted to accommodate the lower part of the trunk of, and to extend beneath the crotch of, the wearer and is provided with an elastic waist band and leg openings or integral legs.

<CIT> discloses a fabric produced from textile threads, more particularly a knitted fabric, for use within the flexion area of articulated bandages. The knitted fabric is incorporated into the articulated bandage in the form of an insert. In order to eliminate the formation of creases within the flexion area of the articular bandage, a transverse wave structure is formed on at least one side, which, by the use of an elastic thread arrangement which is incorporated or located underneath a top structure, is elastically pre-tensioned and stabilized and is connected to the top structure at predetermined intervals or according to a specific rule.

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.

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

The present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety of concepts relating to knitted components and the manufacture of knitted components. Although the knitted components may be used in a variety of products, an article of footwear that incorporates one of the knitted components is disclosed below as an example. In addition to footwear, the knitted component may be used in other types of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments), athletic equipment (e.g., golf bags, baseball and football gloves, soccer ball restriction structures), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats). The knitted component may also be used in bed coverings (e.g., sheets, blankets), table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. The knitted component may be used as technical textiles for industrial purposes, including structures for automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles (e.g. bandages, swabs, implants), geotextiles for reinforcing embankments, agrotextiles for crop protection, and industrial apparel that protects or insulates against heat and radiation. Accordingly, the knitted component and other concepts disclosed herein may be incorporated into a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

<FIG> shows a knitted component <NUM> illustrated according to the present disclosure. Knitted component <NUM> is provided with different structural portions that affect the properties and/or physical characteristics of knitted component <NUM>. At least a portion of knitted component <NUM> includes rib structures that provide strength and/or support to knitted component. In some cases, rib structures can be hollow tubes formed in knitted component <NUM> by co-extensive and overlapping knit layers that are closed to form the tube. In other cases, rib structures may include additional components that are disposed within the tubes, as will be described in more detail below.

At least a portion of knitted component <NUM> extending between the rib structures is flexible, elastic, and resilient. More specifically, knitted component <NUM> can resiliently stretch, deform, compress, flex, or otherwise move between a first position and a second position. Additionally, knitted component <NUM> can be compressible and can recover from a compressed state to a neutral position in some embodiments.

<FIG> illustrates a first position of knitted component <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a second position of knitted component <NUM>. For purposes of clarity, <FIG> shows knitted component <NUM> in both positions, wherein the first position is represented in solid lines and the second position is represented in broken lines. Knitted component <NUM> can be biased to move toward the first position. Accordingly, a force can be applied to knitted component <NUM> to move knitted component <NUM> to the second position. When released, in some embodiments, knitted component <NUM> resiliently recovers and returns to the first position. In some embodiments, knitted component <NUM> can be subjected to a load, and as a result may compress or stretch. In other configurations, knitted component <NUM> can recover to the first position of <FIG> once the compression load is reduced.

The resiliency and elasticity of knitted component <NUM> can provide benefits. For example, knitted component <NUM> can deform resiliently under a load, supplying a cushion against the load. Then, once the load is reduced, knitted component <NUM> can recover to its original position, and can continue to provide cushioning, structural reinforcement, and support. Additionally, the elasticity of knitted component <NUM> in the portions between adjacent rib structures allow the arrangement of rib structures on knitted component <NUM> in various directions by adjusting the degree or amount of stretch, as will be further described below.

Knitted component <NUM> includes a plurality of rib structures arranged on various portions of knitted component <NUM>. These rib structures are configured as non-planar areas that are arranged such that knitted component <NUM> has a wavy, undulating, corrugated, or otherwise uneven appearance. When knitted component <NUM> moves from the first position represented in <FIG> toward the second position represented in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> becomes relatively flatter in the second position. When moving back to the first position, the waviness of knitted component <NUM> increases. In some configurations, the waviness of knitted component <NUM> can increase the range of motion and stretchability of knitted component <NUM>. Accordingly, knitted component <NUM> can provide a high degree of dampening or cushioning.

Referring now to <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> is depicted as separate from an article of footwear. A knitted component (for example, knitted component <NUM>) according to the present disclosure is incorporating into an upper of an article of footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, a knitted component may form a substantial majority of the upper of the article of footwear.

In various configurations, knitted component <NUM> is formed of unitary knit construction. As used herein and in the claims, a knitted component (e.g., knitted component <NUM>, or other knitted components described herein) is defined as being formed of "unitary knit construction" when formed as a one-piece element through a knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantially forms the various features and structures of knitted component <NUM> without the need for significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. A unitary knit construction may be used to form a knitted component having structures or elements that include one or more courses of yarn or other knit material that are joined such that the structures or elements include at least one course in common (i.e., sharing a common yarn) and/or include courses that are substantially continuous between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knit construction is provided.

Although portions of knitted component <NUM> may be joined to each other (e.g., edges of knitted component <NUM> being joined together) following the knitting process, knitted component <NUM> remains formed of unitary knit construction because it is formed as a one-piece knit element. Moreover, knitted component <NUM> remains formed of unitary knit construction when other elements (e.g., a lace, logos, trademarks, placards with care instructions and material information, structural elements) are added following the knitting process.

In different versions, any suitable knitting process may be used to produce knitted component <NUM> formed of unitary knit construction, including, but not limited to a warp knitting or a weft knitting process, including a flat knitting process or a circular knitting process, or any other knitting process suitable for providing a knitted component. Examples of various configurations of knitted components and methods for forming knitted component <NUM> with unitary knit construction are disclosed in <CIT>; and <CIT> In an exemplary embodiment, a flat knitting process may be used to form knitted component <NUM>, as will be described in more detail.

For reference purposes, knitted component <NUM> is illustrated with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system in <FIG>. Specifically, a longitudinal direction <NUM>, a lateral direction <NUM>, and a thickness direction <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> are shown. However, knitted component <NUM> can be illustrated relative to a radial coordinate system or other coordinate system.

As shown in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> includes a front surface <NUM> and a back surface <NUM>. Moreover, knitted component <NUM> can include a peripheral edge <NUM> in different embodiments. Peripheral edge <NUM> can define the boundaries of knitted component <NUM>. In one embodiment, knitted component <NUM> may have a thickness visible along peripheral edge <NUM> that extends in thickness direction <NUM> between front surface <NUM> and back surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, peripheral edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> may extend around a periphery of knitted component <NUM> and may be further sub-divided into any number of sides, depending on the configuration of the knitted component. For example, in one embodiment of knitted component <NUM>, peripheral edge <NUM> can include four sides defining an approximately rectangular shape of knitted component <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, peripheral edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can be sub-divided into a first edge <NUM>, a second edge <NUM>, a third edge <NUM>, and a fourth edge <NUM>. First edge <NUM> and second edge <NUM> can be spaced apart in longitudinal direction <NUM>. Third edge <NUM> and fourth edge <NUM> can be spaced apart in lateral direction <NUM>. Third edge <NUM> can extend between first edge <NUM> and second edge <NUM>, and fourth edge <NUM> can also extend between first edge <NUM> and second edge <NUM>. In some embodiments, knitted component <NUM> can be generally rectangular. However, it will be appreciated that knitted component <NUM> can define any shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, including regular and irregular (non-geometrical) shapes.

Front surface <NUM> and/or back surface <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> are rippled, wavy, bumpy, undulated, corrugated or otherwise uneven and non-planar. Any waviness may be intermittent or continuous. Knitted component <NUM> includes a series of non-planar features or constructions. Knitted component <NUM> includes ribs, tunnels, peaks and troughs, corrugations, steps, raised ridges and recessed channels, or other uneven features formed by the knit structure of knitted component <NUM>. Such features where they occur can extend across knitted component <NUM> in any direction. Knitted component <NUM> includes a plurality of tubular rib structures <NUM> and a plurality of webbed areas <NUM>. For purposes of this description, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> will be referred to collectively as "ribbed features".

Generally, tubular rib structures <NUM> can be areas of knitted component <NUM> constructed with two or more co-extensive and overlapping knit layers. Knit layers may be portions of knitted component <NUM> that are formed by knitted material, for example, threads, yarns, or strands. Two or more knit layers may be formed of unitary knit construction in such a manner so as to form tubes or tunnels, identified as tubular rib structures <NUM>, in knitted component <NUM>. Although the sides or edges of the knit layers forming tubular rib structures <NUM> may be secured to the other layer, a central area is generally unsecured to form a hollow between the two layers of knitted material forming each knit layer. In some configurations, the central area of tubular rib structures <NUM> may be configured such that another element (e.g., a tensile element) may be located between and pass through the hollow between the two knit layers forming tubular rib structures <NUM>.

Knitted component <NUM> can include any suitable number of tubular rib structures <NUM>. In some embodiments, two or more tubular rib structures <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can have similar shape and dimensions to each other. In other embodiments, the shape and dimensions of tubular rib structures <NUM> can vary across knitted component <NUM>. In some configurations, tubular rib structures <NUM> can generally be shaped as a cylinder. Tubular rib structures <NUM> may have an elongated cylindrical shape with a wider top portion associated with front surface <NUM> and a narrower lower portion associated with back surface <NUM>. In other configurations, tubular rib structures <NUM> can be shaped as a generally circular or elliptical cylinder. Knitted component can include differently shaped tubular rib structures <NUM>.

Webbed areas <NUM> are connecting portions between various elements and/or components of knitted component <NUM>. Webbed areas <NUM> are formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of knitted component <NUM> and may serve to connect various portions together as a one-piece knit element. Knitted component <NUM> can include any suitable number of webbed areas <NUM>. In different configurations, webbed areas <NUM> can be an area of knitted component <NUM> comprising one knit layer. Webbed areas <NUM> may extend between one portion of knitted component and another portion of knitted component <NUM>. Webbed areas <NUM> extend between one tubular rib structure and another tubular rib structure. In a different configuration, webbed areas <NUM> may extend between one tubular rib structure and another portion of knitted component <NUM>. In another configuration, webbed area <NUM> may extend between one tubular rib structure and an edge of knitted component <NUM>.

In some configurations, webbed areas <NUM> may be disposed in an alternating manner between two or more tubular rib structures <NUM>. Webbed areas <NUM> can extend between and connect two or more adjacent tubular rib structures <NUM>. With this configuration, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> are formed together with knitted component <NUM> of unitary knit construction.

Moreover, as shown in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> can have a knit layer thickness <NUM> that is measured from front surface <NUM> to back surface <NUM> of some areas. In some configurations, knit layer thickness <NUM> can be substantially constant throughout knitted component <NUM>. In other configurations, knit layer thickness <NUM> can vary with certain portions being thicker than other portions. It will be appreciated that in some knitted components, knit layer thickness <NUM> can be selected and controlled according to the diameter of yarn(s) used. Knit layer thickness <NUM> can also be controlled according to the denier of the yarn(s). Additionally, knit layer thickness <NUM> can be controlled according to the stitch density within knitted component <NUM>.

As mentioned, knitted component <NUM> is resiliently flexible, compressible, and stretchable. Webbed areas <NUM> and/or tubular rib structures <NUM> can flex, deform, or otherwise move as knitted component <NUM> stretches. In the first position of <FIG> and <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> remain relatively compressed and compact. In the second position of <FIG> and <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> are relatively more extended and stretched. Furthermore, stretching of webbed areas <NUM> results in a stretching and flattening of knitted component <NUM>. In addition, tubular rib structures <NUM> can compress or extend.

The first position of knitted component <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is also be referred to as an unstretched position or a neutral position in some embodiments. The second position represented in the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG> is also be referred to as a stretched position or an extended position.

If knitted component <NUM> is stretched to the second position, the resilience and elasticity of knitted component <NUM> allows knitted component <NUM> to recover and move back toward the first position represented in <FIG> and <FIG> once the stretching force is removed. Stated differently, knitted component <NUM> is biased toward the first position.

As shown in <FIG>, movement of knitted component <NUM> from the first position to the second position causes knitted component <NUM> to stretch and elongate in lateral direction <NUM> in some embodiments. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> has a first width <NUM> in the first position, measured from third edge <NUM> to fourth edge <NUM> along lateral direction <NUM>. In contrast, knitted component <NUM> has a second width <NUM> which is longer than first width <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. It will be appreciated that knitted component <NUM> has varying widths as it is stretched. In some cases first width <NUM> and/or second width <NUM> may each vary, depending in part on the materials comprising knitted component <NUM> and the amount of force applied.

As seen in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> can also have an overall length <NUM> that is measured between first edge <NUM> and second edge <NUM> along longitudinal direction <NUM>. Length <NUM> can remain substantially constant. In other configurations, knitted component <NUM> can exhibit some stretchability in longitudinal direction <NUM> such that length <NUM> is variable. In one version, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> may stretch in longitudinal direction <NUM>. In some configurations, knitted component <NUM> can stretch in response to a force along longitudinal direction <NUM> such that length <NUM> increases. Knitted component <NUM> can exhibit a significantly higher degree of stretchability in lateral direction <NUM> than in longitudinal direction <NUM>.

Furthermore, knitted component <NUM> can have a body thickness that changes as knitted component <NUM> moves. Body thickness refers to the height of tubular rib structures <NUM> in knitted component <NUM> in thickness direction <NUM>. For example, body thickness can vary as the curvature of tubular rib structures <NUM> change as knitted component <NUM> stretches and compresses. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> has a first body thickness <NUM> in the first position, depicted in solid lines, and knitted component <NUM> has a second body thickness <NUM> in the second position, depicted in broken lines. In <FIG>, first body thickness <NUM> is greater than second body thickness <NUM>.

In addition, different areas of knitted component <NUM> can have different body thicknesses. In different embodiments, one portion of knitted component <NUM> may have a greater body thickness than another portion of knitted component <NUM>. In another configuration, some tubular rib structures of knitted component <NUM> may experience greater stretching and have a body thickness that is less than the body thickness of other tubular rib structures in knitted component <NUM>.

Webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> will now be discussed in greater detail. In some embodiments, webbed areas <NUM> can be elongated and substantially straight, as shown in <FIG>. More specifically, webbed areas <NUM> can extend longitudinally along a respective web axis <NUM>, one of which is indicated in <FIG> as an example. Webbed areas <NUM> can include a first longitudinal ends <NUM> and a second longitudinal ends <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, tubular rib structures <NUM> can extend longitudinally along a respective tubular axis <NUM>, one of which is indicated in <FIG> as an example. Tubular rib structures <NUM> can include a first longitudinal ends <NUM> and a second longitudinal ends <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some configurations, web axis <NUM> and tubular axis <NUM> can be substantially straight and parallel to longitudinal direction <NUM>. In other configurations, web axis <NUM> and/or tubular axis <NUM> can be curved relative to longitudinal direction <NUM>. Also, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> can be nonparallel relative to each other. In one version, tubular rib structures <NUM> may exhibit greater curvature than webbed areas <NUM>. In another version, webbed areas <NUM> may exhibit greater curvature than tubular rib structures <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, first longitudinal ends <NUM> of webbed areas <NUM> can be disposed proximate first edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>, and second longitudinal ends <NUM> of webbed areas <NUM> can be disposed proximate second edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Likewise, first longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM> can be disposed proximate to first edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>, and second longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM> can be disposed proximate to second edge <NUM> of knitted component.

Furthermore, first longitudinal ends <NUM> of webbed areas <NUM> and first longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM> can cooperate to define first edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Similarly, second longitudinal ends <NUM> of webbed areas <NUM> and second longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM> can cooperate to define second edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> in some embodiments.

Webbed areas <NUM> can include a first webbed area <NUM>. In some embodiments, first webbed area <NUM> can be representative of other webbed areas <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, first webbed area <NUM> may be curved or may lie relatively flat along the lateral direction <NUM>. In one configuration, first webbed area <NUM> can be generally flat. In other configurations, first webbed area <NUM> can be curved or angled. In some configurations, first webbed area <NUM> can be concave on front surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, first webbed area <NUM> can be convex on front surface <NUM>.

It should be understood that webbed areas <NUM> can be stretched to a greater extent relative to other embodiments, resulting in a substantially flattened shape of knitted component <NUM>. In these versions, webbed areas <NUM> may comprise a relatively more planar than rounded shape.

Webbed areas <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can have a similar shape and dimensions to other webbed areas <NUM>. In other versions, the shape and dimensions of webbed areas <NUM> can vary across knitted component <NUM>.

Tubular rib structures <NUM> include a first tubular structure <NUM>. In some configurations, first tubular structure <NUM> is representative of other tubular rib structures <NUM>. First tubular structure <NUM> has a tube shape. When viewed in cross-section, as shown in <FIG>, tubular rib structures <NUM> includes a first curved portion <NUM> and a second curved portion <NUM>. First curved portion <NUM> is disposed opposite of second curved portion <NUM> on the respective top and bottom of tubular rib structures <NUM>. First curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> may be knitted together to define the tube forming tubular rib structure <NUM>. In the configuration of <FIG>, first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> meet along a first transition <NUM> edge and also along a second transition <NUM> edge, forming a tunnel or tube shape.

First curved portion <NUM> comprises a portion of front surface <NUM> of knitted component. In some configurations, second curved portion <NUM> can comprise a portion of back surface <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Together, first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> may comprise two sides of first tubular structure <NUM>. In different configurations, first curved portion <NUM> may be comprised of one knit layer and second curved portion <NUM> may be comprised of another knit layer.

Various areas of first tubular structure <NUM> can comprise different shapes. In different embodiments, first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> can move and change shape. First curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> can be relatively level or flattened. In other versions, first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> can be rounded or curve by varying amounts.

First curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> can comprise curved areas of tubular rib structures <NUM>. First curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> can be curved or bent to a greater degree in some configurations, and to a lesser degree in other configurations. For example, the amount of courses of knit material forming first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> may be varied to change the associated degree or amount of curvature of the respective first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM>. Additionally, the direction of the curvature of each of first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> may vary. In one version, first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> may be provided such that first tubular structure <NUM> can be convex on front surface <NUM> and convex on back surface <NUM>.

Tubular rib structures <NUM> define one or more hollow tubes. A hollow tube <NUM> is a generally unsecured area disposed between first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> of tubular rib structure that has the configuration of a tunnel or channel. First tubular structure <NUM> may comprise a generally cylindrical or elliptical shape, with hollow tube <NUM> extending throughout the length of first tubular structure <NUM> in a longitudinal direction <NUM>. Hollow tube <NUM> may form a tunnel within tubular rib structures <NUM>, and may extend partway along the length of tubular rib structures <NUM>. In other configurations, hollow tube <NUM> may extend throughout the full length of tubular rib structures <NUM>. The diameter of one hollow tube and the diameter of other hollow tubes may differ, as discussed further below.

Webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> may be arranged in various configurations. As shown in <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> can be spaced apart relative to each other. For example, in some configurations, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> can be spaced apart in lateral direction <NUM>. Also, in some configurations, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> can be arranged in an alternating pattern across knitted component <NUM>. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> can include first webbed area <NUM> and a second webbed area <NUM>. Likewise, tubular rib structures <NUM> can include first tubular structure <NUM> as well as a second tubular structure <NUM>. First tubular structure <NUM> can be disposed between and can separate first webbed area <NUM> and second webbed area <NUM>. Furthermore, first webbed area <NUM> can be disposed between and can separate first tubular structure <NUM> and second tubular structure <NUM>. This alternating arrangement can be repeated across knitted component <NUM> in lateral direction <NUM>.

In some configurations, such as those shown in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> can further include a third tubular structure <NUM>, a third webbed area <NUM>, a fourth tubular structure <NUM>, a fourth webbed area <NUM>, a fifth tubular structure <NUM>, a fifth webbed area <NUM>, and a sixth tubular structure <NUM>. Third tubular structure <NUM> can define third edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Moving away from third edge <NUM> in lateral direction <NUM>, third webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent to third tubular structure <NUM>. Also, fourth tubular structure <NUM> is disposed adjacent third webbed area <NUM>, and second webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent fourth tubular structure <NUM>. As stated, first webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent second tubular structure <NUM>, first tubular structure <NUM> is disposed adjacent first webbed area <NUM>, and second webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent first tubular structure <NUM>. Additionally, second tubular structure <NUM> is disposed adjacent to fourth webbed area <NUM>, fourth webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent to fifth tubular structure <NUM>. Fifth tubular structure <NUM> is disposed adjacent to fifth webbed area <NUM>, and fifth webbed area <NUM> is disposed adjacent to sixth tubular structure <NUM>. Sixth tubular structure <NUM> can define fourth edge <NUM>.

Webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> are directly adjacent and attached to each other. More specifically, as shown in the embodiment of <FIG>, first webbed area <NUM> is attached to first tubular structure <NUM> at first transition <NUM>. First webbed area <NUM> is also attached to second tubular structure <NUM> at second transition <NUM>. This arrangement can be repeated among other adjacent pairs of webbed areas and tubular rib structures as well.

The arrangement of the webbed areas and tubular rib structures may differ. Two or more webbed areas may be disposed adjacent to one another within knitted component <NUM>. In another configuration, two or more tubular rib structures may be disposed adjacent one another within knitted component <NUM>. In some configurations, the webbed areas and/or tubular rib structures may be disposed adjacent to other portions of knitted component <NUM>.

The position of webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> vary as knitted component <NUM> moves between the first position of <FIG> and <FIG> and the second position of <FIG> and <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> are in a compacted or unstretched position when knitted component <NUM> is in the first position. Tubular rib structures <NUM> similarly are in a compacted or unstretched position when knitted component <NUM> is in the first position. In contrast, as shown in <FIG>, webbed areas <NUM> are in an extended or stretched position when knitted component <NUM> is in the second position, and tubular rib structures <NUM> similarly arein an extended or stretched position when knitted component <NUM> is in the second position. The lateral width of webbed areas <NUM> can be smaller in the neutral position as compared to the extended position. In addition, as seen in <FIG>, the midpoints of first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM> can be closer together in the stretched position as compared to the unstretched position, as body thickness changes from first body thickness <NUM> to second body thickness <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, first transition <NUM> can be closer to second transition <NUM> in the relaxed or neutral position than in the extended or stretched position. This is due in part to the change in curvature of first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> about the respective tubular axis <NUM> when moving between the compacted and extended positions associated with the neutral or unstretched first position of knitted component <NUM> and the extended or stretched second position of knitted component <NUM>. This can be seen as first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> move closer to imaginary reference plane <NUM> from <FIG>.

The arrangement of adjacent tubular rib structures <NUM> may be provided such that webbed areas <NUM> disposed between each pair of adjacent tubular rib structures <NUM> is at least partially obscured from visual observation in the neutral or unstretched position when viewed from top surface <NUM>. That is, first curved portion <NUM> of each adjacent tubular rib structure <NUM> may be touching or close to each other such that webbed area <NUM> below is not visible in the unstretched position of knitted component <NUM>. When some force is applied to knitted component <NUM> to move knitted component <NUM> from the unstretched position to the stretched position, the relative positions of webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> are moved apart from neutral positions to extended positions, and the underlying webbed areas <NUM> may then be revealed for visual observation from top surface <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, webbed areas <NUM> may be knitted using a contrasting type or color of yarn than tubular rib structures <NUM>, such that when moving knitted component <NUM> from the unstretched position to the stretched position, the contrast of webbed area <NUM> is revealed to visual observation from top surface <NUM>.

In different configurations, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> can have different degrees of stretch as knitted component moves from the unstretched or neutral position to the stretched or extended position. For example, in <FIG>, fifth webbed area <NUM> has a width W1, and first tubular structure <NUM> has a width W2. In <FIG>, fifth webbed area <NUM> has a width W2 and first tubular structure <NUM> has a width W4. As knitted component <NUM> moves from the first position of <FIG> to the second position of <FIG>, width W1 increases to width W2, and width W3 increases to width W4. In some embodiments, the lateral stretch that occurs along webbed areas <NUM> can be greater than the stretch that occurs along tubular rib structures <NUM>. For example, the percentage of increase from width W1 to width W2 may be greater than the percentage of increase from width W3 to width W4. In some configurations, this difference may result from the particular construction of tubular rib structures <NUM>, where two knit layers (for example, first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM>) are joined together, which can constrain the amount of stretch. In other embodiments, this difference can be due to the strand selected in the knitting of tubular rib structures <NUM>, and/or the inclusion of other material within openings <NUM> of tubular rib structures <NUM>, such as tensile elements, as discussed further below.

Additionally, webbed areas <NUM> and/or tubular rib structures <NUM> are biased toward the neutral position represented in <FIG> and <FIG>. Webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> respond to a force by moving toward the extended or stretched position represented in <FIG> and <FIG>. Once the stretching force is reduced, webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> recover back to the neutral position represented in <FIG> and <FIG>. When the load is removed, the resilience of knitted component <NUM> and biasing provided by webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> provide recovery of knitted component <NUM> back to the position of <FIG>.

Knitted component <NUM> can be modified to limit the recovery from a stretched position to a more compact position. In some configurations, this process is favored when knitted component <NUM> can be comprised at least partially of a fusible material. In one embodiment, the material may include a thermoplastic polymer material. In general, a thermoplastic polymer material softens or melts when heated and returns to a solid state when cooled. Although a wide range of thermoplastic polymer materials may be utilized in knitted component <NUM>, examples of possible thermoplastic polymer materials include thermoplastic polyurethane, polyamide, polyester, polypropylene, and polyolefin.

In some configurations, knitted component <NUM> may be entirely, substantially, or partially formed from one or more thermoplastic polymer materials. Advantages of forming knitted component <NUM> from a thermoplastic polymer material are uniform properties, the ability to form thermal bonds, efficient manufacture, elastomeric stretch, and relatively high stability or tensile strength. Although a single thermoplastic polymer material may be utilized, individual strands in knitted component <NUM> may be formed from multiple thermoplastic polymer materials. Additionally, while each strand may be formed from a common thermoplastic polymer material, different strands may also be formed from different materials. As an example, some strands in knitted component <NUM> may be formed from a first type of thermoplastic polymer material, whereas other strands of knitted component <NUM> may be formed from a second type of thermoplastic polymer material, and further strands in knitted component <NUM> may be formed of a different material.

The thermoplastic polymer material may be selected to have various stretch and fusible properties, and the material may be considered elastomeric. As a related matter, the thermoplastic polymer material utilized may be selected to have various recovery properties. That is, knitted component <NUM> may be formed to return to an original, neutral shape after being stretched. However, in different embodiments, knitted component <NUM> may be formed and/or treated so that different portions include different capacities for stretch and recovery.

Knitted component <NUM> may be maintained in various neutral configurations as a result of different treatments to material forming knitted component <NUM>. Knitted component <NUM> may be treated in some manner to inhibit recovery to original position. Treatments may include chemical treatment, application of heat, alterations in manufacturing or material, or other treatments. The materials used in formation of knitted component <NUM> may influence the selection of treatment. In one embodiment, fusible materials may be selected to permit the use of heat to maintain a stretched position. Thus, in some embodiments, one or more portions of a knitted component <NUM> can remain in a stretched position, where the elastic recovery properties of the material are decreased.

Thus, in some configurations, stretch in one or more areas may be maintained. In other words, areas of knitted component <NUM> may remain stretched relative to other areas even without a compression load. In some versions, the degree of stretch in one area and the degree of stretch in another area can differ. As a result, the width of one area of knitted component <NUM> can also differ from the widths of other areas of knitted component <NUM> that include the same number of ribbed features. Depending on the extent of stretch present, one section of knitted component <NUM> comprising a series of ribbed features may have an average width that is greater than the average width of another section of knitted component <NUM> comprising the same set of ribbed features. Thus, knitted component <NUM> may include varying levels of stretch throughout the component which can be maintained even in the absence of compression loads.

In addition, it should be noted that the orientation of ribbed features may also change as knitted component <NUM> is stretched in various ways. This aspect will be discussed in greater detail below, with respect to articles incorporating a knitted component.

In different configurations, as shown in <FIG>, one or more tensile elements <NUM> can be incorporated in knitted component <NUM>. Tensile elements <NUM> can provide support to knitted component <NUM>. Stated differently, tensile elements <NUM> can allow knitted component <NUM> to resist deformation, stretching, or otherwise provide support for the wearer's foot during running, jumping, or other movements. Tensile elements may be arranged in such a manner as to improve performance characteristics. Tensile elements can enhance strength, support, and provide structural reinforcement.

Tensile elements <NUM> can be incorporated, inlaid, or extended into one or more tubular rib structures during the unitary knit construction of the knitted component <NUM>. Stated another way, tensile elements <NUM> can be incorporated during the knitting process of knitted component <NUM>. In one configuration, tensile elements <NUM> can be extended across the tubular structure. In some configurations, tensile elements <NUM> may lie within the tunnels formed by first curved portion <NUM> and second curved portion <NUM> of tubular rib structures.

In <FIG>, a cross section of a portion of knitted component <NUM> is shown. A first tubular structure <NUM> and a second tubular structure <NUM> are depicted, with a webbed area <NUM> disposed between the two tubular rib structures. Tensile elements <NUM> can be inlaid during the unitary knit construction of knitted component <NUM> such that a first cable <NUM> is disposed in the tunnel of first tubular structure <NUM> and a second cable <NUM> is disposed in the tunnel of second tubular structure <NUM>. First cable <NUM> and second cable <NUM> are shown independent of one another. However, in some embodiments, first cable <NUM> and second cable <NUM> may be comprised of a single, continuous length of cable.

Tensile elements <NUM> may extend along one or more tubular rib structures, as shown in <FIG>. Tensile elements <NUM> may be arranged in various configurations through knitted component <NUM>. Tensile elements <NUM> may be present in some or all tubular rib structures. Tensile elements <NUM> may be arranged in various patterns or at varying intervals along knitted component <NUM>. In <FIG>, a knitted component <NUM> is shown with tensile elements <NUM> disposed along the tunnels of half of the depicted tubular rib structures, or in this case, three of the six tubular rib structures. In the version of <FIG>, a first cable <NUM>, a second cable <NUM>, and a third cable <NUM> are shown. First cable <NUM> extends along the tunnel <NUM> of first tubular structure <NUM>, second cable <NUM> extends along the tunnel <NUM> of fourth tubular structure <NUM>, and third cable <NUM> extends along the tunnel <NUM> of third tubular structure <NUM>. It is important to note that while first cable <NUM>, second cable <NUM>, and third cable <NUM> are depicted as independent of one another, in some configurations, first cable <NUM>, second cable <NUM>, and third cable <NUM> may be comprised of a single, continuous length of cable. In other words, a single cable may emerge from tunnel <NUM> of first tubular structure <NUM> and return to knitted component <NUM> by entering, for example, tunnel <NUM> in adjacent fourth tubular structure <NUM>, and continue in such a manner through any number of additional tubular rib structures.

Knitted component <NUM> may include tensile elements <NUM> in fewer tunnels or more tunnels. In one configuration, tensile elements <NUM> may be disposed in tubular rib structures <NUM> that neighbor one another. In another configuration, tensile elements <NUM> may be present in a majority of tubular rib structures <NUM>, or in all tubular rib structures <NUM>, of knitted component <NUM>. In one version, tensile elements <NUM> may be disposed in tubular rib structures <NUM> that are more distant from one another. In another version, tensile elements <NUM> may occur in every other tubular structure <NUM>, to form a staggered, or alternating, arrangement. Thus, tubular rib structures <NUM> that contain tensile elements <NUM> may be adjacent to tubular rib structures <NUM> that do not contain tensile elements <NUM>. In other configurations, the presence of tensile elements <NUM> may not be as regular. For example, there may be two or more tubular rib structures <NUM> that contain tensile elements <NUM>, and these can be adjacent to one or more tubular rib structures <NUM> that do not contain tensile elements <NUM>. Additionally, there may be one or more tubular rib structures <NUM> that contain tensile elements <NUM>, and these may be adjacent to two or more tubular rib structures <NUM> that do not contain tensile elements <NUM>. In other configurations, knitted component <NUM> may include tensile elements <NUM> in one region of knitted component <NUM> and include no tensile elements <NUM> in another region of knitted component <NUM>. In still other configurations, knitted component <NUM> may include no tensile elements <NUM>.

Tensile elements <NUM> may be formed from a variety of materials. Tensile elements <NUM> may comprise various materials, including rope, thread, webbing, cable, yarn, strand, filament, or chain, for example. Tensile elements <NUM> may be formed from material that may be utilized in a knitting machine or other device that forms knitted component <NUM>. Tensile elements <NUM> may be a generally elongated fiber or strand exhibiting a length that is substantially greater than a width and a thickness. Accordingly, suitable materials for tensile elements <NUM> include various filaments, fibers, and yarns, that are formed from rayon, nylon, polyester, polyacrylic, silk, cotton, carbon, glass, aramids (e.g., para-aramid fibers and meta-aramid fibers), ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. In comparison with the yarns forming the knitted component, the thickness of the tensile elements may be greater. In some configurations, the tensile element may have a significantly greater thickness than the yarns of the knitted component. Although the cross-sectional shape of a tensile element may be round, triangular, square, rectangular, elliptical, or irregular shapes may also be used. Moreover, the materials forming a tensile element may include any of the materials for the yarn within a knitted component, including, but not limited to: cotton, elastane, polyester, rayon, wool, nylon, and other suitable materials. Although tensile elements <NUM> may have a cross-section where width in lateral direction <NUM> and thickness direction <NUM> are substantially equal (e.g., a round or square cross-section), some tensile elements may have a width that is somewhat greater than their thickness (e.g., a rectangular, oval, or otherwise elongated cross-section).

In different versions, size and length of tensile elements <NUM> may vary. Tensile elements <NUM> may extend across the length of one or more tubular rib structures. In other configurations, tensile elements <NUM> may extend only partway across the length of one or more tubular rib structures. In another configuration, tensile elements <NUM> may extend beyond the length of one or more tubular rib structures. First cable <NUM> may comprise a first length in some tubular rib structures and second cable <NUM> may comprise a second length in other tubular rib structures. For example, first cable <NUM> may extend partway across the length of one or more tubular rib structures, second cable <NUM> may extend across the full length of another tubular structure, while third cable <NUM> may extend beyond the length of a tubular structure.

End portions of tensile elements <NUM> can enter and/or exit first longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures and/or second longitudinal ends <NUM> of tubular rib structures. Tensile elements <NUM> may be adjusted in tautness, length, friction, or other aspects. In some embodiments, a tensile element may be anchored at any point along its length to stabilize or inhibit the movement of the tensile element. For example, in some cases, tensile elements <NUM> may be anchored at one or more longitudinal ends, to prevent their ends from being pulled through one of the tubular rib structures beyond a designated point. In other cases, a single tensile element may be looped through two or more tubular rib structures, which may prevent tensile elements from being pulled into tubular rib structures beyond a certain point.

In different configurations, resistance between tensile elements <NUM> and the inner surface of tubular rib structures <NUM> may be adjusted. Friction may be altered through various configurations of tubular rib structures <NUM> and/or tensile elements <NUM>. This may permit tensile elements <NUM> to move through the tunnels with varying levels of tension or compression. Depending on the preferred level of stiffness, the amount of contact between tensile elements <NUM> and the inner surface of tubular rib structures <NUM> may be adjusted.

It should be understood that one or more alterations may be made to webbed areas <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM>, or tensile elements <NUM> in order to adjust the resistance between tensile elements <NUM> and knitted component <NUM>, including those described above. Some cases may allow other configurations. For example, the diameter of a cable may be increased, while the lateral length of one or more knit layers of the tubular rib structures corresponding with the tensile element may be decreased. In another case, the thickness of one or more knit layers may be decreased, and/or the diameter of the tensile element associated with those knit layers may be increased.

Referring now to <FIG>, a portion of knitted component <NUM> is illustrated in detail in a flatten configuration. As shown, knitted component <NUM> can include one or more yarns, strands, monofilaments, compound filaments, or other strands that are knitted to define knitted component <NUM>. A yarn <NUM> can be knitted and stitched to define a plurality of successive courses <NUM> and a plurality of successive wales <NUM>. In some embodiments, courses <NUM> can extend generally in longitudinal direction <NUM>, and wales <NUM> can extend generally in lateral direction <NUM>.

A representative portion of webbed area <NUM> and a representative portion of a knit layer of tubular rib structure <NUM> are also indicated in <FIG>. In this flattened configuration, tubular rib structure <NUM> is shown in a two dimensional state for purposes of illustration, the three dimensional configuration of tubular rib structure <NUM> is shown in phantom. As shown, the plurality of courses <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can include a plurality of web courses <NUM> that define webbed area <NUM>. Also, as shown, the plurality of courses <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can include a plurality of tubular courses <NUM> that help to define tubular rib structure <NUM>. In some configurations, web courses <NUM> can extend in the same direction as web axis <NUM>, and tubular courses <NUM> can extend in the same direction as tubular axis <NUM>, also referred to in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The knitting pattern of webbed area <NUM> can be opposite the knitting pattern of tubular rib structure <NUM>. For example, one or more portions of tubular rib structure <NUM> can be knitted using a front jersey knit pattern, and one or more portions of webbed area <NUM> can be knitted using a reverse jersey knit pattern. In other embodiments, tubular rib structure <NUM> can be knitted using a reverse jersey stitching pattern, and webbed area <NUM> can be knitted using a front jersey stitching pattern. It will be appreciated that the inherent biasing provided by this type of knitting pattern can at least partially cause the biased curling, rolling, folding, or compacting behavior of webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM>. Also, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, webbed area <NUM> may be stitched in an opposite pattern from one knit layer of tubular rib structure <NUM>.

In an exemplary knitting process, at least one tubular course <NUM> may be joined by knitting to at least one web course <NUM> so as to form a loop and close tubular rib structure <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a first portion <NUM> of one tubular course <NUM> forming tubular rib structure <NUM> may be joined by knitting to an attachment portion <NUM> of one web course <NUM>. First portion <NUM> and attachment portion <NUM> may be joined by knitting with yarn across both of the front bed and back bed of the knitting machine to interloop portions of each of tubular course <NUM> and web course <NUM>. With this arrangement, tubular rib structure <NUM> may move from a substantially flattened, two-dimensional configuration to a raised, three-dimensional configuration, as shown in <FIG>.

Webbed areas <NUM> can include any number of web courses <NUM>, and tubular rib structures <NUM> can include any number of tubular courses <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, webbed area <NUM> includes four web courses <NUM>, and the depicted knit layer of tubular structure <NUM> includes four tubular courses <NUM>. However, the number of web courses <NUM> and tubular courses <NUM> can be different from the embodiment of <FIG>. For example, in other embodiments, webbed area <NUM> can include five to ten web courses <NUM>, and a single knit layer of tubular structure <NUM> can include five to ten tubular courses <NUM>. Also, the curvature of webbed area <NUM> can be affected by the number of web courses <NUM> that are included, and the curvature of tubular rib structure <NUM> can be affected by the number of tubular courses <NUM> that are included. More specifically, by increasing the number of web courses <NUM>, the width, curvature and/or stretchability of webbed areas <NUM> can be increased. Likewise, by increasing the number of tubular courses <NUM>, the width and/or curvature of some or all of tubular rib structures <NUM> can be increased. The number of web courses <NUM> within webbed area <NUM> can be chosen to provide enough fabric to allow webbed area <NUM> sufficient elasticity. The number of tubular courses <NUM> within tubular structure <NUM> can be chosen to provide enough fabric to allow some or all of tubular structure <NUM> to sufficiently curl to form a hollow tube.

In some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can be made from a material or otherwise constructed to enhance the resiliency of the webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM>. Yarn <NUM> can be made out of any suitable material, such as cotton, elastane, polymeric material, or combinations of two or more materials. Also, in some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can be stretchable and elastic. As such, yarn <NUM> can be stretched considerably in length and can be biased to recover to its original, neutral length. In some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can stretch elastically to increase in length at least <NUM>% from its neutral length without breaking. Furthermore, in some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can elastically increase in length at least <NUM>% from its neutral length. Moreover, in some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can elastically increase in length at least <NUM>% from its neutral length. Still further, in some embodiments, yarn <NUM> can elastically increase in length at least <NUM>% from its neutral length. Accordingly, the elasticity of yarn <NUM> can enhance the overall resilience of knitted component <NUM>.

Additionally, knitted component <NUM> is knitted using a plurality of different yarns. For example, in <FIG>, at least one portion of webbed area <NUM> is knitted using a first yarn <NUM>, and at least one portion of tubular structure <NUM> is knitted using a second yarn <NUM>. First yarn <NUM> and second yarn <NUM> differ in at least one characteristic. For example, first yarn <NUM> and second yarn <NUM> can differ in appearance, diameter, denier, elasticity, texture, or other characteristic. In some embodiments, first yarn <NUM> and second yarn <NUM> can differ in color. Thus, in some embodiments, when a viewer is looking at front surface <NUM> when knitted component <NUM> is in the first position of <FIG> and <FIG>, first yarn <NUM> can be visible and second yarn <NUM> can be hidden from view. Then, when knitted component <NUM> stretches to the position of <FIG> and <FIG>, second yarn <NUM> can be revealed. Thus, the appearance of knitted component <NUM> can vary, and first yarn <NUM> and second yarn <NUM> can provide striking visual contrast that is aesthetically appealing.

In accordance with the claimed invention, the elasticity of first yarn <NUM> is greater than the elasticity of second yarn <NUM>. This can result in one or more portions of knitted component <NUM> comprising webbed areas <NUM> that can have a greater capacity for stretch than tubular rib structures <NUM>.

Knitted component <NUM> can be manufactured using any suitable machine, implement, and technique. For example, in some embodiments, knitted component <NUM> can be automatically manufactured using a knitting machine, such as the knitting machine <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Knitting machine <NUM> can be of any suitable type, such as a flat knitting machine. However, it will be appreciated that knitting machine <NUM> could be of another type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, knitting machine <NUM> can include a front needle bed <NUM> with a plurality of front needles <NUM> and a rear needle bed <NUM> with a plurality of rear needles <NUM>. Front needles <NUM> can be arranged in a common plane, and rear needles <NUM> can be arranged in a different common plane that intersects the plane of front needles <NUM>. Front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> may be angled with respect to each other. In some embodiments, front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> may be angled so they form a V-bed. Knitting machine <NUM> can further include one or more feeders that are configured to move over front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM>. In <FIG>, a first feeder <NUM> and a second feeder <NUM> are indicated. As first feeder <NUM> moves, first feeder <NUM> can deliver first yarn <NUM> to front needles <NUM> and/or rear needles <NUM> for knitting knitted component <NUM>. As second feeder <NUM> moves, second feeder <NUM> can deliver second yarn <NUM> to front needles <NUM> and/or rear needles <NUM>.

A pair of rails, including a forward rail <NUM> and a rear rail <NUM>, may extend above and parallel to the intersection of front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM>. Rails may provide attachment points for feeders. Forward rail <NUM> and rear rail <NUM> may each have two sides, each of which accommodates one or more feeders. As depicted, forward rail <NUM> includes first feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> on opposite sides, and rear rail <NUM> includes third feeder <NUM>. Although two rails are depicted, further configurations of knitting machine <NUM> may incorporate additional rails to provide attachment points for more feeders.

Feeders can move along forward rail <NUM> and rear rail <NUM>, thereby supplying yarns to needles. As shown in <FIG>, yarns are provided to a feeder by a first spool <NUM> and/or a second spool <NUM>. More particularly, first yarn <NUM> extends from first spool <NUM> to first feeder <NUM>, and second yarn <NUM> extends from second spool <NUM> to second feeder <NUM>. Although not depicted, additional spools may be used to provide yarns to feeders in a substantially similar manner as first spool <NUM> and second spool <NUM>.

Webbed areas <NUM> can be formed using either front needles <NUM> of front needle bed <NUM> or rear needles <NUM> of rear needle bed <NUM>. Tubular rib structures can be formed using the needles of both front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM>.

In an exemplary process, knitting a tubular rib structure between successive webbed areas <NUM> may be performed using knitting machine <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate representative knitting diagrams or looping diagrams of an exemplary knitting process for forming a tubular rib structure, for example, tubular rib structure <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Optionally, represented in <FIG>, webbed area <NUM> can be formed from first yarn <NUM> using rear needle bed <NUM>, followed by tubular rib structure <NUM> being formed from second yarn <NUM> using rear needle bed <NUM> and front needle bed <NUM>, and another webbed area <NUM> being formed from first yarn <NUM> using rear needle bed <NUM>. The following discussion describes the knitting process schematically illustrated in <FIG>, and it will be understood that the front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> referred to in this discussion are shown schematically in <FIG>.

Referring again to <FIG>, after formation of webbed area <NUM>, a course may be formed extending between rear needle bed <NUM> and front needle bed <NUM>. Next, one or more courses may be knit on the front needle bed <NUM>. For example, courses forming the first curved portion of tubular rib structure <NUM> can be formed using second yarn <NUM> on front needle bed <NUM>. Next, after a final course <NUM> on front needle bed <NUM>, second yarn <NUM> forming tubular rib structure <NUM> may be used to knit a course <NUM> with rear needle bed <NUM>. For example, course <NUM> may form the second curved portion of tubular rib structure <NUM> that closes tubular rib structure <NUM> and forms a hollow tunnel. After course <NUM> completes the formation of tubular rib structure <NUM>, another course <NUM> may be formed extending between rear needle bed <NUM> and front needle bed <NUM> that is interlooped to the previous final course <NUM> on the front needle bed <NUM> and course <NUM> on rear needle bed <NUM>. By using a stitch at course <NUM> that extends between rear needle bed <NUM> and front needle bed <NUM>, second yarn <NUM> forming tubular rib structure <NUM> can be prepared to be associated with additional courses forming another webbed area <NUM> with first yarn <NUM> using rear needle bed <NUM>.

Optionally, tubular rib structure <NUM> may be formed using one course knit on rear needle bed <NUM> and five courses knit on front needle bed <NUM>. With this configuration, the elongated cylindrical shape of tubular rib structure <NUM> may be provided.

Optionally, different numbers of courses may be knit on one or both of front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> so as to change the shape and/or size of the tubular rib structure <NUM>. In some cases, by increasing or decreasing the number of courses knit on the rear needle bed <NUM> and/or front needle bed <NUM> the size of the tubular rib structure <NUM> may be correspondingly enlarged or reduced. In other cases, by increasing the number of courses knit on one of the rear needle bed <NUM> or front needle bed <NUM> relative to the other, the shape of the tubular rib structure <NUM> may be altered. For example, by increasing the number of courses knit on the rear needle bed <NUM>, the shape of tubular rib structure <NUM> may be changed so as to round out the curvature on the back surface <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> to be similar to the curvature on the front surface <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>.

After the completion of tubular rib structure <NUM>, the process may then repeat to form another webbed area <NUM>. Subsequently, an additional webbed area <NUM> can be added to knitted component <NUM> using rear needle bed <NUM>, and so on until a completed knitted component <NUM> is formed having the desired number of webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM>.

Optionally, the formation of knitted component <NUM> may be similar but entail a switch in the needle beds used. For example, the process shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be performed using opposite needle beds, such that webbed area <NUM> can be formed using front needle bed <NUM> and then the portion of knitted component <NUM> can be transferred from front needle bed <NUM> to rear needle bed <NUM>. The remaining steps shown in <FIG> and <FIG> can be performed in identical order using the opposite needle bed than illustrated. Other methods of using the various needle beds of knitting machine <NUM> to form webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on the above description.

In the exemplary process described in reference to <FIG>, a hollow tubular rib structure <NUM> is formed. In other embodiments, a tensile element may be inlaid within the unsecured central area of one or more tubular rib structures <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary process for forming tubular rib structure <NUM> including an inlaid tensile element. As shown in <FIG>, the process is substantially similar as the process for forming hollow tubular rib structure <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. However, in the process of <FIG>, after forming course <NUM> on rear needle bed <NUM>, tensile element <NUM> is inlaid within a portion of tubular rib structure <NUM>. Tensile element <NUM> may be inlaid using a combination feeder and associated method of inlaying described in <CIT>.

After tensile element <NUM> is inlaid within the portion of tubular rib structure <NUM>, an additional course <NUM> may be knit using second yarn <NUM> to complete the formation of tubular rib structure <NUM>. With this configuration, tensile element <NUM> is contained within tubular rib structure <NUM> and is disposed through the unsecured central area running along the length of tubular rib structure <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrate the process of knitting a knitted component <NUM> having a plurality of webbed areas and a plurality of tubular rib structures. <FIG> are merely exemplary representative illustrations of the process used to knit the various portions of knitted component <NUM>. Additional steps or processes not shown here may be used to form a completed knitted component that is to be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear. In addition, only a relatively small section of a knitted component <NUM> may be shown in the Figures in order to better illustrate the knit structure of the various portions of knitted component <NUM>. Moreover, the scale or proportions of the various elements of knitting machine <NUM> and knitted component <NUM> may be enhanced to better illustrate the knitting process.

It should be understood that although knitted component <NUM> is formed between front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM>, for purposes of illustration, in <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> is shown adjacent to front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> to (a) be more visible during discussion of the knitting process and (b) show the position of portions of the knitted component relative to each other and needle beds. The front needles and rear needles are not depicted in <FIG> for purposes of clarity. Also, although one rail, and limited numbers of feeders are depicted, additional rails, feeders, and spools may be used. Accordingly, the general structure of knitting machine <NUM> is simplified for purposes of explaining the knitting process.

Referring to <FIG>, a portion of knitting machine <NUM> is shown. Knitting machine <NUM> may include a first feeder <NUM> and a second feeder <NUM>. Additional feeders may be used and may be located on the front or rear side of forward rail <NUM> and/or rear rail <NUM>.

In <FIG>, first yarn <NUM> from a spool (not shown) passes through first feeder <NUM> and an end of first yarn <NUM> extends outward from a dispensing tip at the end of first feeder <NUM>. Any type of yarn (e.g., filament, thread, rope, webbing, cable, chain, or strand) may pass through first feeder <NUM>. Second yarn <NUM> similarly passes through second feeder <NUM> and extends outward from a dispensing tip. In some embodiments, first yarn <NUM> and second yarn <NUM> may be used to form portions of knitted component <NUM>.

In different cases, the knitting process may begin with formation of either a webbed area or a tubular rib structure. Each webbed area or tubular rib structure may be referred to as a section of knitted component <NUM>. Completion of one webbed area or tubular rib structure may be followed by formation of a second webbed area or tubular rib structure. Multiple sections of knitted component <NUM> may be formed in an alternating manner between webbed areas and tubular rib structures. This knitting process may continue until knitted component <NUM> is fully formed.

In <FIG>, three sections of knitted component <NUM> have been formed by knitting machine <NUM>, including a first tubular structure <NUM>, a first webbed area <NUM>, and a second tubular structure <NUM>. Additionally, formation of a second webbed area <NUM> is proceeding on knitting machine <NUM>. As described earlier, webbed areas may be knit by either the front needle bed <NUM> or the rear needle bed <NUM> of knitting machine <NUM>. First feeder <NUM> is positioned along an unfinished fourth edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. First feeder <NUM> may feed first yarn <NUM> to either front needle bed <NUM> or rear needle bed <NUM>. Front needle bed <NUM> or rear needle bed <NUM> can receive first yarn <NUM> and form loops that define the courses of second webbed area <NUM>. Below the machine in the illustration, knitted component <NUM>, as it is being formed, is depicted in an isometric view.

In the subsequent illustration of <FIG>, four sections of knitted component <NUM> have been formed by knitting machine <NUM>, including first tubular rib structure <NUM>, first webbed area <NUM>, second tubular rib structure <NUM>, and second webbed area <NUM>. Formation of a third tubular rib structure <NUM> is proceeding on knitting machine <NUM>. As described earlier, tubular rib structures may be knit by both the front needle bed <NUM> and the rear needle bed <NUM> of knitting machine <NUM>. First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> are positioned near unfinished fourth edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. First feeder <NUM> may feed first yarn <NUM> to either front needle bed <NUM> or rear needle bed <NUM>. Optionally, front needle bed <NUM> can receive first yarn <NUM> and form loops that define the courses forming first curved portion <NUM> of third tubular rib structure <NUM>. In other cases, rear needle bed <NUM> can receive first yarn <NUM> and form loops that define courses of first curved portion <NUM> of third tubular rib structure <NUM>. Below the machine in the illustration, knitted component <NUM> is depicted in an isometric view as it is being formed.

Optionally, the various areas of tubular rib structures may be formed by different elements of knitting machine <NUM>. First curved portion <NUM> may be formed by front needle bed <NUM>, and second curved portion <NUM> may be formed by rear needle bed <NUM>, so that first feeder <NUM> feeds first yarn <NUM> to front needle bed <NUM>, and second feeder <NUM> feeds second yarn <NUM> to rear needle bed <NUM>. Optionally, first curved portion <NUM> may be formed by rear needle bed <NUM>, and second curved portion <NUM> may be formed by front needle bed <NUM>, so that first feeder <NUM> feeds first yarn <NUM> to rear needle bed <NUM>, and second feeder <NUM> feeds second yarn <NUM> to front needle bed <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts the formation of a knitted component <NUM> with eleven sections, including six tubular rib structures and five webbed areas. In an exemplary embodiment, each webbed area is disposed between two adjacent tubular rib structures on either side of the webbed area. The knitting process can be continued and the desired amount of webbed areas and tubular rib structures can be formed until knitted component <NUM> is complete with the desired dimensions. Additionally, other known knitting processes and methods may be used to form various other portions of knitted component <NUM>.

Optionally, a knitting process may include the incorporation of one or more tensile elements within portions of knitted component <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment of a knitted component <NUM> including tensile elements is depicted. In <FIG>, knitted component <NUM> has been formed with eleven sections, including five completed tubular rib structures, five webbed areas, and a partially formed sixth tubular rib structure. Each completed tubular rib structure in this illustration can be seen including a tensile element extending through the hollow central unsecured area of the tubular rib structure. As described earlier, it should be understood that there may be various tensile element arrangements included in knitted component <NUM>. For example, in some cases, tensile elements may be disposed through a selected number of the total number of tubular rib structures associated with a knitted component. With this arrangement, additional support and resistance to stretch may be selectively provided by the desired placement of tensile elements within the tubular rib structures.

Referring again to <FIG>, formation of a sixth tubular rib structure <NUM> is underway. As described earlier, tubular rib structures may be knit by both the front needle bed <NUM> and the rear needle bed <NUM> of knitting machine <NUM>. First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> are positioned along unfinished fourth edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Second feeder <NUM> may feed second yarn <NUM> to either front needle bed <NUM> or rear needle bed <NUM>. In some cases, front needle bed <NUM> can receive second yarn <NUM> and form loops that define first curved portion <NUM> of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. In other cases, rear needle bed <NUM> can receive second yarn <NUM> and form loops that define first curved portion <NUM> of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>.

Specifically, optionally, first curved portion <NUM> may be formed by front needle bed <NUM>, and second curved portion <NUM> may be formed by rear needle bed <NUM> so that second feeder <NUM> supplies second yarn <NUM> to front needle bed <NUM>, and second feeder <NUM> also supplies second yarn <NUM> to rear needle bed <NUM>. It should be understood that the choice of needle bed, feeder, and/or yarn used to form each portion of knitted component <NUM> may be varied. For example, the portions of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM> may be formed using opposite needle beds, as described above, so that first curved portion <NUM> may be formed by rear needle bed <NUM>, and second curved portion <NUM> may be formed by front needle bed <NUM>. Additionally, in other examples, the same yarn that is used to form webbed areas may similarly be used to form tubular rib structures, so that first feeder <NUM> supplies first yarn <NUM> to front needle bed <NUM> and rear needle bed <NUM> to use in forming sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. Below knitting machine <NUM>, knitted component <NUM> as it is being formed is depicted in an isometric view.

First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> can be returned to a start position along fourth edge <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> to begin the next course forming a portion of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. Following this step, third feeder <NUM> supplies a tensile element <NUM> to be inlaid within knitted component <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In some cases, third feeder <NUM> may move along forward rail <NUM> or rear rail <NUM> as it supplies and inlays tensile element <NUM> along the length of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. In different versions, first curved portion <NUM> and/or second curved portion <NUM> of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM> may continue to be formed as tensile element <NUM> is inlaid along inner surface of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. In <FIG>, tensile element <NUM> has been inlaid along the length of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>.

First feeder <NUM> and second feeder <NUM> may begin another course forming a portion of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. In <FIG>, sixth tubular rib structure <NUM> is being completed by further courses to fully form sixth tubular rib structure <NUM> and thereby enclose tensile element <NUM> within the interior of the hollow unsecured central area of sixth tubular rib structure <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the formation of knitted component <NUM> comprising six tubular rib structures including tensile elements separated by five webbed areas between each successive tubular rib structure. Additionally, it should be understood that tubular rib structures that do not include tensile elements may also be included. This process can be continued and the desired amount of webbed areas and tubular rib structures with or without tensile elements can be formed until knitted component <NUM> is complete.

Using this exemplary process for forming knitted components, manufacture of knitted component <NUM> can be efficient. Also, knitted component <NUM> can be substantially formed without having to form a significant amount of waste material.

As discussed earlier, one or more webbed areas and/or tubular rib structures can move away from a compacted or neutral position toward a more extended or stretched position. <FIG> depict how a compression load or force may deform one area of an embodiment of a knitted component <NUM>. As described previously, under the influence of a compression load, ribbed features, i.e., a series of alternating webbed areas and tubular rib structures, move away from a compacted position, seen in <FIG>, toward a more extended position, seen in <FIG>. Upon removal or reduction of the compression load, the ribbed features can recover and return to the compacted position. It will be appreciated that knitted component <NUM> can cushion, attenuate, or otherwise reduce the compression load as a result of this resilience.

In <FIG>, a portion of knitted component <NUM> is shown in a neutral position, similar to <FIG>. Several tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are shown. Knitted component <NUM> is at a first width <NUM>. In <FIG>, the same webbed areas <NUM> and tubular rib structures <NUM> are shown as they respond to a compressive load, and knitted component is stretched to a second width <NUM>, similar to <FIG>. First width <NUM> is less than second width <NUM>. In some embodiments, webbed areas <NUM> may exhibit greater stretching than tubular rib structures <NUM>. In one embodiment, depending on the amount of force applied, and the location of the force application, some areas of knitted component <NUM> may stretch further than other areas. In <FIG>, there is greater stretch in lateral direction <NUM> than longitudinal direction <NUM>.

Moreover, in some embodiments, ribbed features can differ in size, structure, shape, and other characteristic along different areas of knitted component <NUM>. For example, in the configurationof <FIG>, different widths of webbed areas are depicted in knitted component <NUM>, including a first width <NUM> and a second width <NUM>. First width <NUM> is larger than second width <NUM>. The width of each webbed area may be determined during the knitting process by changing the number of courses that are knit for each webbed area. For example, in configurationswhere first width <NUM> is larger than second width <NUM>, the larger width of the webbed area may be due to a larger number of courses forming the webbed area having first width <NUM>. Similarly, a smaller width of the webbed area may be due to a smaller number of courses forming the webbed area having second width <NUM>. In other cases, the width of webbed areas <NUM> and/or tubular rib structures <NUM> can vary across knitted component <NUM>. As the size of ribbed features increase or decrease, the stretch and resilience available in knitted component <NUM> can be altered. For example, areas with webbed areas <NUM> comprising greater width (for example, first width <NUM>) may be more elastic and permit further stretch relative to webbed areas <NUM> of smaller width (for example, second width <NUM>).

A knitted component can define and/or can be included in any suitable article. Knitted components provide resilience to an article. As such, an article is at least partially stretchable and elastic in accordance with the claimed invention. In addition, an article provides cushioning for the user due to the inclusion of one or more knitted component pieces.

In different embodiments, a knitted component can be used to form various components or elements for an article of footwear. An embodiment of an upper <NUM> for an article of footwear is illustrated in <FIG>. Upper <NUM> comprises a knitted component <NUM>, which can include one or more features of the knitted component of <FIG>. Upper <NUM> comprises an irregular shape that is designed to allow upper <NUM> to be assembled through a wrapping process, further described below. Generally, upper <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>, representing two opposing sides along longitudinal direction <NUM>, as well as a top edge <NUM> and a bottom edge <NUM>. Upper <NUM> additionally includes a collar portion <NUM>, a throat portion <NUM>, and a lower region <NUM>. Collar portion <NUM> may include a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> representing generally opposing ends of collar portion <NUM>. Throat portion <NUM> may end on one side at a throat opening <NUM>. Lower region <NUM> includes the portion of knitted component <NUM> nearer to bottom edge <NUM>, while throat portion <NUM> includes the portion nearer to top edge <NUM>. Lower region <NUM> generally extends from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM>, while throat portion <NUM> generally extends from first end <NUM> to throat opening <NUM>. Thus in the embodiment of <FIG>, ribbed features, i.e., webbed areas and tubular rib structures, disposed in lower region <NUM> are of longer length in longitudinal direction <NUM> than ribbed features disposed in throat portion <NUM>. In other words, ribbed features disposed in lower region <NUM> run continuously from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM>, and ribbed features in throat portion <NUM> run continuously from first end <NUM> to the area along throat opening <NUM>.

Knitted component <NUM> further comprises a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, a third portion <NUM>, and a fourth portion <NUM>. First portion <NUM> runs from first end <NUM> to a first boundary <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> runs from first boundary <NUM> to a second boundary <NUM>. Third portion <NUM> runs from second boundary <NUM> to a third boundary <NUM>. Fourth portion <NUM> runs from third boundary <NUM> to second end <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. In some embodiments, throat portion <NUM> of knitted component <NUM> can include a different number of tubular rib structures and/or webbed areas than the remaining region of knitted component <NUM>. In some embodiments, one or more tensile elements <NUM> may be included in upper <NUM>.

It will be understood that first boundary <NUM>, second boundary <NUM>, and third boundary <NUM> are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of the components.

<FIG> illustrate an exemplary process of assembling upper <NUM> incorporating knitted component <NUM> for use in an article of footwear. For reference purposes, various components associated with the article of footwear may also be associated with different regions of the foot. Components associated with an article of footwear may include an upper, a sole, a tongue, laces, toe and/or heel counters, an article forming member, or other individual elements associated with footwear. Article forming members may include, but are not limited to, a last, a mold, a foundational element, a cast, or other such devices and/or pieces.

In <FIG>, upper <NUM> is shown being associated with article forming member <NUM>. Article forming member <NUM>, as well as other components associated with footwear, may be divided into various regions that are representative of the various regions of a finished article of footwear. In <FIG>, article forming member <NUM> is divided into six general regions: a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, a vamp region <NUM>, a heel region <NUM>, a sole area <NUM>, and an ankle region <NUM>. Forefoot region <NUM> generally includes portions of footwear corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region <NUM> generally includes portions of footwear or component corresponding with an arch area of a foot. Vamp region <NUM> generally includes portions covering the front and top of a foot, extending from the toes to the area where the foot joins the ankle. Heel region <NUM> generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Sole area <NUM> generally includes the area corresponding with the sole of a foot. Sole area <NUM> is typically associated with the ground-engaging surface of an article of footwear. Ankle region <NUM> generally includes portions of footwear or component corresponding with an ankle and the area where the ankle joins the foot. Throat opening <NUM> may be associated with ankle region <NUM>.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term forward direction ("forward") refers to a direction toward forefoot region <NUM>, or toward the toes when an article of footwear is worn on the foot. The term rearward direction ("rearward") refers to a direction extending toward heel region <NUM>, or toward the back of a foot when an article of footwear is worn on the foot. There may also be an upward direction and a downward direction, corresponding with opposite directions. The term upward direction ("upward") is the vertical direction, moving from sole area <NUM> toward the upper when viewing an article of footwear. The term downward direction ("downward") refers to a direction moving from the upper toward the sole area <NUM> when viewing an article of footwear.

Components associated with footwear, such as article forming member <NUM>, may also include a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>, which extend through each of forefoot region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, and heel region <NUM>, and correspond with opposite sides of an article associated with the foot. More particularly, lateral side <NUM> corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from the other foot), and medial side <NUM> corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Additionally, components associated with footwear may include a forward portion <NUM>. Forward portion <NUM> comprises the region forward of heel region <NUM>.

It should be noted that the terms forefoot region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, vamp region <NUM>, heel region <NUM>, sole area <NUM>, ankle region <NUM>, lateral side <NUM>, medial side <NUM>, and forward portion <NUM> can be applied to various individual components associated with footwear, such as an upper, a sole structure, an article of footwear, an article forming member, and/or an upper. It will be understood that forefoot region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, vamp region <NUM>, heel region <NUM>, sole area <NUM>, ankle region <NUM>, and forward portion <NUM> are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of the components. Likewise, medial side <NUM> and lateral side <NUM> are intended to represent generally two sides of a component, rather than precisely demarcating the component into two halves.

Optionally, an article forming member <NUM> can be used to facilitate assembly of an article. In other embodiments, different foundational elements or solid forms may be used in the process of assembly, most commonly including a last. In <FIG>, first end <NUM> is removably attached to the underside of article forming member <NUM> along forefoot region <NUM> and partway along lateral side <NUM> of midfoot region <NUM>. First portion <NUM> of upper <NUM> is extended across article forming member <NUM> so that it fully covers vamp region <NUM>.

In <FIG>, upper <NUM> is shown as it is further extended over article forming member <NUM>. Second portion <NUM> is placed on the area corresponding to medial side <NUM> of article forming member <NUM>. A portion of bottom edge <NUM> of upper <NUM> is removably attached to the underside of article forming member <NUM> along medial side <NUM>.

Following this step, upper <NUM> is wrapped around heel region <NUM>, illustrated in <FIG>. Third portion <NUM> has been placed along the area corresponding to heel region <NUM> of article forming member <NUM>. A portion of bottom edge <NUM> of upper <NUM> is removably attached to the underside of article forming member <NUM> along heel region <NUM>.

In a next step, illustrated in <FIG>, upper <NUM> is further wrapped so that fourth portion <NUM> is brought around article forming member <NUM>, and placed along lateral side <NUM>. Throat opening <NUM> may be formed when fourth portion <NUM> meets first portion <NUM>, hidden behind collar portion <NUM> in <FIG>. A portion of second side <NUM> of collar portion <NUM> may meet, join, or otherwise become associated with a portion of first side <NUM> of collar portion <NUM>, covering throat opening <NUM>. Similarly, a portion of second end <NUM> may meet, join, or otherwise become associated with a portion of first end <NUM> of upper <NUM>. A portion of bottom edge <NUM> of upper <NUM> is removably attached to the underside of article forming member <NUM> along lateral side <NUM> of heel region <NUM> and part of midfoot region <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate an article of footwear ("footwear") <NUM> that includes an assembled upper <NUM> comprising knitted component <NUM> of <FIG>. In forming article of footwear <NUM>, a sole structure ("sole") <NUM> can be secured to assembled upper <NUM> along sole area <NUM> and can extend between the wearer's foot and the ground when footwear <NUM> is worn. Sole <NUM> may differ from the embodiments of <FIG>. Sole <NUM> can be a uniform, one-piece member in some embodiments. Alternatively, sole <NUM> can include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole, in some embodiments. Also, sole <NUM> can include a ground-engaging surface.

Assembled upper <NUM> can define a void that receives a foot of the wearer. Stated differently, assembled upper <NUM> can define an interior surface that defines a void. When a wearer's foot is received within the void, assembled upper <NUM> can at least partially enclose and encapsulate the wearer's foot. Assembled upper <NUM> can also include a collar <NUM> that may surround ankle region <NUM>. Collar <NUM> can include an opening that is configured to allow passage of the wearer's foot during insertion or removal of the foot from the void.

An assembled upper <NUM> that incorporates a knitted component may include various configurations of ribbed features, including differences in orientation, spacing, strands, size, and arrangement of webbed areas and/or tubular rib structures. In some embodiments, ribbed features can form a pattern of stripes or lines across portions of knitted component that follow a prevailing orientation. In other embodiments, the orientation of ribbed features may be in one direction across one portion of assembled upper <NUM> and in another direction across a different portion of assembled upper <NUM>. The orientation of ribbed features along different areas of upper <NUM> may be arranged in directions that help provide footwear <NUM> with improved structural reinforcement and resilience in each region.

<FIG> depict possible orientations of ribbed features along assembled upper <NUM> in footwear <NUM>. It should be noted that in other embodiments, ribbed features can be oriented differently from the embodiments of <FIG>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, five zones of assembled upper <NUM> have been magnified to illustrate variations in the orientation and spacing of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM>.

In a first zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are oriented at an angle as they run from heel region <NUM> and move downward and generally diagonally toward midfoot region <NUM> along lateral side <NUM> of footwear <NUM>. The widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular and generally of the same size.

In a second zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are oriented at an angle as they run from heel region <NUM> and move downward and generally diagonally toward second end <NUM> along lateral side <NUM>. In this case, while the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular, webbed areas <NUM> are substantially more narrow than webbed areas of first zone <NUM>.

In a third zone <NUM>, if viewer is looking at footwear <NUM> from above, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> run forward and toward lateral side <NUM> in a generally diagonal manner as they extend along vamp region <NUM> toward forefoot region <NUM>. In this case, webbed areas <NUM> include two different widths. Webbed areas <NUM> of first width <NUM> are substantially more narrow than webbed areas <NUM> of second width <NUM>. In addition, tubular rib structures <NUM> broaden in the areas adjacent to webbed areas <NUM> of first width <NUM>. In other embodiments, tubular rib structures <NUM> may remain of a substantially constant width while webbed areas <NUM> include areas of varying widths. In some embodiments, tubular rib structures <NUM> may change in width in some areas of assembled upper <NUM> while webbed areas <NUM> remain a substantially constant width in the same area.

In a fourth zone <NUM>, if viewer is looking at footwear <NUM> from above, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> run forward and toward lateral side <NUM> in a generally diagonal manner as they extend along vamp region <NUM>, toward forefoot region <NUM>. In this case, while the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular, webbed areas <NUM> are substantially more narrow than tubular rib structures <NUM>. In addition, the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> in fourth zone <NUM> can be seen to be less than widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> in first zone <NUM>.

In a fifth zone <NUM>, if viewer is looking at footwear <NUM> from above, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> run forward and toward lateral side <NUM> in a generally diagonal manner as they extend along vamp region <NUM>, toward forefoot region <NUM>. In this case, while the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular, webbed areas <NUM> are narrow to the extent that they may not be visible to viewer. In this case, webbed areas <NUM> may comprise only one or two web courses. Thus, in some cases, tubular rib structures <NUM> may appear to be directly adjacent to one another.

Optionally, the arrangements of ribbed features associated with first zone <NUM>, second zone <NUM>, third zone <NUM>, fourth zone <NUM>, and fifth zone <NUM> may comprise specific orientations that can support and lend resilience to footwear <NUM>. For example, first zone <NUM> and second zone <NUM> together depict an embodiment of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> that correspond to fourth portion <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Therefore, when knitted component <NUM> is incorporated into assembled upper <NUM>, the ribbed features included in fourth portion <NUM> can be referred to as following along a direction associated with a "fourth orientation". The term fourth orientation, as used throughout this specification and the claims, refers to an arrangement of ribbed features where the tubular rib structures disposed along third boundary <NUM> are located rearward and upward relative to the position of the tubular rib structures disposed along second end <NUM> in assembled upper <NUM>.

Furthermore, third zone <NUM>, fourth zone <NUM>, and fifth zone <NUM> together illustrate an embodiment of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> that correspond to first portion <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Therefore, when knitted component <NUM> is incorporated into assembled upper <NUM>, the ribbed features included in first portion <NUM> can be referred to as following along a direction associated with a "first orientation". The term first orientation, as used throughout this specification and the claims, refers to an arrangement of ribbed features where the tubular rib structures disposed along first end <NUM> (hidden behind fourth portion <NUM> and collar <NUM> in <FIG>) are located forward and more toward lateral side <NUM> relative to the position of the tubular rib structures disposed along first boundary <NUM> in assembled upper <NUM>. Moreover, it can be seen that the first orientation of ribbed features in first portion <NUM> is different from the fourth orientation of ribbed features in fourth portion <NUM>. Of course, other portions may be associated with still other orientations that may be similar or different from the first orientation and/or the fourth orientation.

In <FIG>, four zones of assembled upper <NUM> have been magnified to illustrate variations in the orientation and spacing of tubular rib structures and webbed areas, as well as possible differences in material. In a sixth zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> extend from forefoot region <NUM> toward midfoot region <NUM>, oriented so that they run relatively parallel to the curve of the periphery of sole <NUM> along medial side <NUM> in this area. The widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular and of substantially the same size.

In a seventh zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> extend from midfoot region <NUM> toward heel region <NUM>, oriented so that they run relatively parallel to the curve of the periphery of sole <NUM> along medial side <NUM> in this area. In this case, while the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular, webbed areas <NUM> are substantially more narrow than webbed areas <NUM> of sixth zone <NUM>.

In an eighth zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> extend in the rearward direction along medial side <NUM> of heel region <NUM>, and are oriented relatively parallel to the curve of the periphery of sole <NUM> along medial side <NUM> in this area. In this case, webbed areas <NUM> include two different widths. Webbed areas <NUM> with first width <NUM> are substantially wider than webbed areas <NUM> with second width <NUM>. In addition, tubular rib structures <NUM> are broader in the areas adjacent to webbed areas <NUM> with second width <NUM>. In other embodiments, tubular rib structures <NUM> may remain at a substantially constant width while webbed areas <NUM> include areas of varying widths. In some embodiments, tubular rib structures <NUM> may change in width in some areas of assembled upper <NUM> while webbed areas <NUM> remain a substantially constant width in the same area. In other embodiments, both tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> may vary in width in the same area.

Optionally, the arrangements of ribbed features associated with sixth zone <NUM>, seventh zone <NUM>, eighth zone <NUM>, and ninth zone <NUM> may comprise specific orientations that can support and lend resilience to footwear <NUM>. For example, sixth zone <NUM>, seventh zone <NUM>, and eighth zone <NUM> depict an embodiment of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> that correspond to second portion <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Therefore, when knitted component <NUM> is incorporated into assembled upper <NUM>, the ribbed features included in second portion <NUM> can be referred to as following along a direction associated with a "second orientation". The term second orientation, as used throughout this specification and the claims, refers to an arrangement of ribbed features where the tubular rib structures disposed along first boundary <NUM> are located forward relative to the position of the tubular rib structures disposed along second boundary <NUM> in assembled upper <NUM>.

In a ninth zone <NUM>, one area of collar portion <NUM> is magnified to depict one possible embodiment of the knit structure in this area. Collar portion <NUM> may include ribbed features in some embodiments. In other embodiment, collar portion <NUM> may comprise knitted material that does not include ribbed features. In one embodiment, illustrated in <FIG>, collar portion <NUM> includes a mesh region. In some embodiments, collar portion <NUM> may facilitate the securing of footwear <NUM> to wearer's ankle.

In <FIG>, two zones of assembled upper <NUM> have been magnified to illustrate variations in the orientation and spacing of tubular rib structures and webbed areas, as well as possible differences in material. In a tenth zone <NUM>, tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> extend from medial side <NUM> toward lateral side <NUM>, and are oriented relatively parallel to the curve of periphery of sole <NUM> along heel region <NUM> in this area. In this case, the widths of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> are generally regular, while webbed areas <NUM> are more narrow than tubular rib structures <NUM>.

In an eleventh zone <NUM>, one area of collar portion <NUM> is magnified to depict one possible embodiment of the knit structure in this area. In some embodiments, collar portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of intermeshed loops that define a variety of courses and wales. That is, knit element may have the structure of a knit textile with varying texture and construction. For example, in eleventh zone <NUM>, a knitted mesh portion <NUM> is present in collar portion <NUM>, as well as a knitted solid portion <NUM>.

Optionally, the arrangement of ribbed features associated with tenth zone <NUM> may comprise specific orientations that can support and lend resilience to footwear <NUM>. For example, tenth zone <NUM> depicts an embodiment of tubular rib structures <NUM> and webbed areas <NUM> that correspond to third portion <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>. Therefore, when knitted component <NUM> is incorporated into assembled upper <NUM>, the ribbed features included in third portion <NUM> can be referred to as following along a direction associated with a "third orientation". The term third orientation, as used throughout this specification and the claims, refers to an arrangement of ribbed features where the tubular rib structures disposed along second boundary <NUM> are located more toward medial side <NUM> relative to the position of the tubular rib structures disposed along third boundary <NUM> in assembled upper <NUM>, and where the tubular rib structures are substantially parallel to periphery of sole <NUM> along heel region <NUM>.

The varying orientation of ribbed features in different regions of article of footwear <NUM> can provide a wearer with increased support, stability, control, and durability. The arrangements of tubular rib structures and webbed areas can promote better performance, agility, and flexibility. Specifically, as a portion of the ribbed features flow over vamp region <NUM>, from the periphery of sole <NUM> on lateral side <NUM> and extending toward medial side <NUM>, wearer may have additional support, structural reinforcement, and cushioning as the foot moves from side to side. Lateral support is increased as the ribbed features resist deformation along lateral side <NUM>, allowing a wearer to perform better as he/she engages in various plays, such as a lateral cutting movement. The particular orientation of ribbed features may also provide better pronation control of the foot. This is due in part to the fact that knitted component <NUM> included in assembled upper <NUM> has a capacity for greater stretch along lateral direction <NUM> than along longitudinal direction <NUM>, as discussed earlier.

In addition, where the knitted component includes one or more tensile elements disposed through the tubular rib structures, for example, tensile elements <NUM> of knitted component <NUM>, the tensile elements further provide support and resistance to stretching following along the direction of the tensile element as it is disposed through the orientation of the tubular rib structure. With this arrangement, portions of knitted component <NUM> that include tensile elements <NUM> may be configured to provide additional lateral support along lateral side <NUM>, allowing a wearer to perform better as he/she engages in various plays, such as a lateral cutting movement. Additionally, in some embodiments, the selective inclusion or absence of tensile elements <NUM> in specific tubular rib structures of knitted component <NUM> may allow for some degree of stretch or deformation in desired portions of the finished article of footwear.

Heel region <NUM> is supported in a similar fashion, where the ribbed features are oriented parallel to the periphery of sole <NUM>. As a result there is greater stability and control for a wearer during movements of the heel, because the capacity for stretch in longitudinal direction <NUM> in that region is limited relative to stretch in lateral direction <NUM>. Wearer may also be provided with a higher degree of agility. For example, the ribbed features disposed in area of assembled upper <NUM> associated with the bending of the foot in the arch and ball areas are oriented in such a way as to provide greater flexibility, so that wearer can experience better responsiveness and comfort during bending movements. Overall the structural strengthening available with assembled upper <NUM> may help provide both increased support and control, as well as greater stability during flexing.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>, <NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) that include a plurality of courses (<NUM>) formed from a first yarn (<NUM>), the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a front surface (<NUM>), the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to move between a neutral position and an extended position, the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) being biased to move toward the neutral position; and
a plurality of tubular rib structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that are adjacent to the webbed areas, the tubular rib structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a plurality of courses (<NUM>);
wherein at least one of the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) or tubular rib structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is configured to stretch to move the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the extended position in response to a force applied to the upper (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein in the extended position the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) and tubular rib structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) are moved apart from neutral positions,
characterized in that
at least one portion of the webbed areas (<NUM>, <NUM>) is knitted using a first yarn (<NUM>), wherein at least one portion of the plurality of tubular rib structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is knitted using a second yarn (<NUM>), and wherein an elasticity of the first yarn (<NUM>) is greater than the elasticity of the second yarn (<NUM>).