U.S. patent application number 15/499000 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for shoe body-forming piece and manufacturing method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to AKNIT INTERNATIONAL LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is AKNIT INTERNATIONAL LTD.. Invention is credited to MING-SHENG KUO, YU-LIN LI, CHIEN-HUI YANG.
Application Number | 20170311681 15/499000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58640721 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170311681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KUO; MING-SHENG ; et
al. |
November 2, 2017 |
SHOE BODY-FORMING PIECE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A shoe body-forming piece includes an upper portion including an
instep portion and a pair of heel portions separately disposed on
one side of the instep portion to make the upper portion have a
substantially U-shaped configuration outlined by a perimeter edge
and an inner edge; and a shoe-sleeve portion having a connection
side at least partially connected to the inner edge, wherein the
upper portion and the shoe-sleeve portion are knitted from at least
one yarn to form a unitary knit construction with a plurality of
courses and wales, so that the shoe body-forming piece does not
have any sewing portion as the knitting process is completed; when
the shoe body-forming piece is processed to form a shoe body, the
upper portion corresponds to a fore portion, a lateral portion, and
a heel portion of a foot, and the shoe-sleeve portion corresponds
to an ankle portion of the foot.
Inventors: |
KUO; MING-SHENG; (Taichung
City, TW) ; YANG; CHIEN-HUI; (Apia, WS) ; LI;
YU-LIN; (Apia, WS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AKNIT INTERNATIONAL LTD. |
Apia |
|
WS |
|
|
Assignee: |
AKNIT INTERNATIONAL LTD.
Apia
WS
|
Family ID: |
58640721 |
Appl. No.: |
15/499000 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/027 20130101;
D10B 2501/043 20130101; A43B 23/0215 20130101; A43B 23/042
20130101; D10B 2403/032 20130101; A43B 23/0245 20130101; D04B 1/24
20130101; A43B 23/04 20130101; D04B 1/106 20130101; A43B 1/04
20130101; A43B 23/026 20130101; A43B 23/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/04 20060101
A43B023/04; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; A43B 23/02 20060101 A43B023/02; A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; D04B 1/24 20060101 D04B001/24; A43B 1/04 20060101
A43B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 29, 2016 |
TW |
105113599 |
Claims
1. A method for forming a shoe body-forming piece, comprising:
providing at least one yarn to knit a shoe-sleeve portion according
to a predetermined number of stitches and retaining a plurality of
to-be-weaved loops after the shoe-sleeve portion is formed;
providing at least two yarns to knit a pair of symmetric heel
portions respectively outside two sides of the shoe-sleeve portion;
when the knitting of the pair of heel portions arrives the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops, the plurality of to-be-weaved
loops is simultaneously knitted to connect the pair of heel
portions and the shoe-sleeve portion; and continuously knitting one
of the at least two yarns of the pair of heel portions to form an
instep portion, so the instep portion and the pair of heel portions
are combined to form an upper portion; when the knitting of the
instep portion arrives the plurality of to-be-weaved loops, the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops is simultaneously knitted to
connect the instep portion and the shoe-sleeve portion.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of
to-be-weaved loops is less than the predetermined number of
stitches, so the shoe-sleeve portion is merely partially connected
to the upper portion.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of
to-be-weaved loops is equal to the predetermined number of
stitches, so one side of the shoe-sleeve portion is substantially
completely connected to the upper portion along an inner edge
defined by the instep portion and the pair of heel portions.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the shoe-sleeve portion is
knitted by a tubular double knitting manner, so the shoe-sleeve
portion has a first knit surface and a second knit surface, and the
tubular double knitting manner includes: alternatively casting on
the at least one yarn according to the predetermined number of
stitches to form a first starting side of the first knit surface;
alternatively backwards casting on the at least one yarn according
to the predetermined number of stitches to form a second starting
side of the second knit surface; knitting the at least one yarn to
connect the first starting side to form the first knit surface,
backwards knitting the at least one yarn to connect the second
starting side to form the second knit surface, and repeatedly
knitting the first knit surface and the second surface; and after
the shoe-sleeve portion is formed, retaining a portion of a
plurality of stitches of one of the first knit surface and the
second knit surface as the plurality of to-be-weaved loops.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the steps of forming the first
starting side and the second starting side comprise: casting on the
at least one yarn to form the first starting side in a manner of
every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles; before
forming the second starting side, changing the first starting side
from the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two
empty needles to a manner of every two non-alternative stitches
spaced by one empty needle; backwards casting on the at least one
yarn to form the second starting side in the manner of every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles; changing the
second starting side from the manner of every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles to the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle; and changing
the first starting side from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the repeatedly knitting of the
first knit surface and the second knit surface includes: before
backwards knitting the second knit surface, changing the first knit
surface from the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by
two empty needles to the manner of every two non-alternative
stitches spaced by one empty needle; changing the second starting
side from the manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced
by one empty needle back to the manner of every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles, and backwards knitting the
second knit surface; before repeatedly knitting the first knit
surface, changing the first knit surface from the manner of every
two non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to form the first knit surface; and before repeatedly
knitting the second knit surface, changing the second knit surface
from the manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one
empty needle back to the manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles to form the second knit surface.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising extending an inlaid
strand through two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve portion when
the at least one yarn is knitted to form the shoe-sleeve
portion.
8. The method of claim 7, further comprising pulling the inlaid
strand tightly, so the two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve portion
is secured together by the inlaid strand, and the shoe-sleeve
portion has a sleeve structure.
9. A shoe body-forming piece formed by the method of claim 1,
characterized in that: the pair of heel portions are separately
disposed on one side of the instep portion to make the upper
portion have a substantially U-shaped configuration outlined by a
perimeter edge and an inner edge; and the shoe-sleeve portion has a
connection side at least partially connected to the inner edge, and
a connection line is formed between the shoe-sleeve portion and the
upper portion.
10. The shoe forming piece of claim 9, wherein the connection line
extends along only a portion of the inner edge.
11. The shoe forming piece of claim 9, wherein the connection line
extends substantially completely along the inner edge.
12. The shoe forming piece of claim 9, wherein an inlaid strand
extends through two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve portion
perpendicular to the connection side; when the inlaid strand is
pulled tightly, the two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve portion is
secured together by the inlaid strand, so the shoe-sleeve portion
has a sleeve structure.
13. A shoe body-forming piece formed by the method of claim 4,
characterized in that: the pair of heel portions are separately
disposed on one side of the instep portion to make the upper
portion have a substantially U-shaped configuration outlined by a
perimeter edge and an inner edge; and the shoe-sleeve portion has a
seamless integral sleeve structure, and the shoe-sleeve portion is
partially connected to the inner edge.
14. A shoe body-forming piece, comprising: an upper portion
comprising an instep portion and a pair of heel portions separately
disposed on one side of the instep portion to make the upper
portion have a substantially U-shaped configuration outlined by a
perimeter edge and an inner edge; and a shoe-sleeve portion having
a connection side at least partially connected to the inner edge,
wherein the upper portion and the shoe-sleeve portion are knitted
from at least one yarn to form a unitary knit construction with a
plurality of courses and wales, so that the shoe body-forming piece
does not have any sewing portion as the knitting process is
completed; when the shoe body-forming piece is processed to form a
shoe body, the upper portion corresponds to a fore portion, a
lateral portion, and a heel portion of a foot, and the shoe-sleeve
portion corresponds to an ankle portion of the foot.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention generally relates to a shoe body-forming piece
and a manufacturing method thereof. Particularly, the invention
relates to a shoe body-forming piece with a shoe-sleeve portion and
a manufacturing method thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
[0002] Conventional shoes are often of poor ventilation due to the
material used and may sometimes cause an uncomfortable feeling. A
user's feet are often enclosed in the shoes for a substantial
amount of time, so disease may be easily caused on the feet if the
shoes are of poor ventilation. Further, in the conventional
manufacturing method of shoes, a large amount of material is wasted
during the cutting, jointing, and trimming processes. This causes
an environmental issue and also increases the manufacture cost of
shoes.
[0003] In addition, conventional shoes usually cover the portion of
foot below the ankle. In the outdoor activities such as
mountain-climbing, running, and ball-playing that require large
amount of foot movements, the protection to the ankle is obviously
insufficient, and it is likely to cause foot injury.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In view of the prior arts, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a shoe body-forming piece and a manufacturing
method thereof, wherein the shoe body-forming piece has a unitary
knit construction of an upper portion and a shoe-sleeve portion,
not only providing air permeability and hygroscopicity, but also
providing enhanced protection to the ankle portion, making the shoe
body-forming piece is applicable to a variety of shoes.
[0005] It is another object of the invention to provide a method
for forming a shoe body-forming piece. The method includes
providing at least one yarn to knit a shoe-sleeve portion according
to a predetermined number of stitches and retaining a plurality of
to-be-weaved loops after the shoe-sleeve portion is formed;
providing at least two yarns to knit a pair of symmetric heel
portions respectively outside two sides of the shoe-sleeve portion;
when the knitting of the pair of heel portions arrives the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops, the plurality of to-be-weaved
loops is simultaneously knitted to connect the pair of heel
portions and the shoe-sleeve portion; and continuously knitting one
of the at least two yarns of the pair of heel portions to form an
instep portion, so the instep portion and the pair of heel portions
are combined to form an upper portion; when the knitting of the
instep portion arrives the plurality of to-be-weaved loops, the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops is simultaneously knitted to
connect the instep portion and the shoe-sleeve portion.
[0006] In an embodiment, the number of the plurality of
to-be-weaved loops is less than the predetermined number of
stitches, so the shoe-sleeve portion is merely partially connected
to the upper portion. In another embodiment, the number of the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops is equal to the predetermined
number of stitches, so one side of the shoe-sleeve portion is
substantially completely connected to the upper portion along an
inner edge defined by the instep portion and the pair of heel
portions.
[0007] In an embodiment, the shoe-sleeve portion is knitted by a
tubular double knitting manner, so the shoe-sleeve portion has a
first knit surface and a second knit surface, and the tubular
double knitting manner includes: alternatively casting on the at
least one yarn according to the predetermined number of stitches to
form a first starting side of the first knit surface; alternatively
backwards casting on the at least one yarn according to the
predetermined number of stitches to form a second starting side of
the second knit surface; knitting the at least one yarn to connect
the first starting side to form the first knit surface, backwards
knitting the at least one yarn to connect the second starting side
to form the second knit surface, and repeatedly knitting the first
knit surface and the second surface; and after the shoe-sleeve
portion is formed, retaining a portion of a plurality of stitches
of one of the first knit surface and the second knit surface as the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops.
[0008] In an embodiment, the step of forming the first starting
side and the second starting side includes: casting on the at least
one yarn to form the first starting side in a manner of every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles; before forming
the second starting side, changing the first starting side from the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to a manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by
one empty needle; backwards casting on the at least one yarn to
form the second starting side in the manner of every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles; changing the
second starting side from the manner of every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles to the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle; and changing
the first starting side from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles.
[0009] In an embodiment, the step of repeatedly knitting the first
knit surface and the second knit surface includes: before backwards
knitting the second knit surface, changing the first knit surface
from the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two
empty needles to the manner of every two non-alternative stitches
spaced by one empty needle; changing the second starting side from
the manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one
empty needle back to the manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles, and backwards knitting the second knit
surface; before repeatedly knitting the first knit surface,
changing the first knit surface from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to form the first knit surface; and before repeatedly
knitting the second knit surface, changing the second knit surface
from the manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one
empty needle back to the manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles to form the second knit surface.
[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes extending an
inlaid strand through two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve portion
when the at least one yarn is knitted to form the shoe-sleeve
portion.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method further includes pulling the
inlaid strand tightly, so the two opposite ends of the shoe-sleeve
portion is secured together by the inlaid strand, and the
shoe-sleeve portion has a sleeve structure.
[0012] In another embodiment, the invention provides a shoe
body-forming piece formed by the method described above, wherein
the shoe body-forming piece is characterized in that: the pair of
heel portions are separately disposed on one side of the instep
portion to make the upper portion have a substantially U-shaped
configuration outlined by a perimeter edge and an inner edge; and
the shoe-sleeve portion has a connection side at least partially
connected to the inner edge, and a connection line is formed
between the shoe-sleeve portion and the upper portion.
[0013] In an embodiment, the connection line extends along only a
portion of the inner edge. In another embodiment, the connection
line extends substantially completely along the inner edge.
[0014] In an embodiment, the shoe-sleeve portion has a seamless
integral sleeve structure, and the shoe-sleeve portion is partially
connected to the inner edge, so a connection line formed between
the shoe-sleeve portion and the upper portion extends along only a
portion of the inner edge.
[0015] In an embodiment, the invention provides a shoe body-forming
piece including an upper portion having an instep portion and a
pair of heel portions separately disposed on one side of the instep
portion to make the upper portion have a substantially U-shaped
configuration outlined by a perimeter edge and an inner edge; and a
shoe-sleeve portion having a connection side at least partially
connected to the inner edge, wherein the upper portion and the
shoe-sleeve portion are knitted from at least one yarn to form a
unitary knit construction with a plurality of courses and wales, so
that the shoe body-forming piece does not have any sewing portion
as the knitting process is completed; when the shoe body-forming
piece is processed to form a shoe body, the upper portion
corresponds to a fore portion, a lateral portion, and a heel
portion of a foot, and the shoe-sleeve portion corresponds to an
ankle portion of the foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an embodiment of the shoe
body-forming piece of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an embodiment of the shoe
body formed from the shoe body-forming piece of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 1C is a schematic view of an embodiment of the method
for forming a shoe body-forming piece.
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively an exploded view and an
assembly view of an embodiment of the shoe formed from the shoe
body of FIG. 1B.
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views of another embodiment of
the shoe body-forming piece of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the
shoe body-forming piece of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an embodiment of initially
forming the shoe-sleeve portion of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 4C is a schematic view of forming the shoe-sleeve
portion of FIG. 4A.
[0024] FIG. 4D is a schematic view of an embodiment of the shoe
body formed from the shoe body-forming piece of FIG. 4A.
[0025] FIG. 4E is a schematic view of another embodiment of the
method for forming the shoe body-forming piece of FIG. 4A.
[0026] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the
method for forming the shoe body-forming piece.
[0027] FIG. 5B is a schematic view of a knitting process of the
shoe body-forming piece of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] The invention provides a shoe body-forming piece and a
manufacturing method thereof. Particularly, the invention provides
a knitted shoe body-forming piece with a shoe-sleeve portion to be
applied to various shoes and to provide flexibility,
comfortability, and permeability as well as protection to the
ankle. For a throughout understanding of the invention, details of
steps and structures of the invention will be described. Any
manufacturing process and specific steps for manufacturing the
structure of shoe that are well known in the art will not be
described in order not to impose undue limitations to the
invention.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1A, in an embodiment, the shoe body-forming
piece 100 of the invention includes an upper portion 110 and a
shoe-sleeve portion 120. The upper portion 110 and the shoe-sleeve
portion 120 are knitted from at least one yarn to form a unitary
knit construction with a plurality of courses and wales, so the
shoe body-forming piece 100 does not have any sewing portion as the
knitting process is completed. The course is a horizontal row of
needle loops, and the wale is a vertical column of intermeshed
needle loops. That is, a meandering path along which the yarn is
knitted is defined as the course, and the extending direction of
the wale crosses the extending direction of the course.
Accordingly, the upper portion 110 and the shoe-sleeve portion 120
can be knitted in a predetermined sequence from the yarn(s) to
include multiple courses and wales which constitute the unitary
knitted shoe body-forming piece 100 including the upper portion 110
and the shoe-sleeve portion 120 without any sewing portion. It is
noted that the number, color, or material of yarns for knitting the
shoe body-forming piece 100 can be determined according to the
stretchable requirements for different sections, the color or
pattern design of the shoe body, etc. The shoe body-forming piece
100, specifically the upper portion 110, may have a single-layered
or multiple-layered structure and have different pattern designs
for applications of various shoes.
[0030] The upper portion 110 includes an instep portion 112 and a
pair of heel portions 114 separately disposed on one side of the
instep portion 112 to make the upper portion 110 have a
substantially U-shaped configuration outlined by a perimeter edge
110a and an inner edge 110b. Specifically, the upper portion 110
has a flat U-shaped profile as the pair of heel portions 114
connected to the instep portion 112. The perimeter edge 110a is
defined by the outer edge of the instep portion 112 and the outer
edges of the pair of heel portions 114. The inner edge 110b is
defined by the adjacent inner edges of the pair of heel portions
114 and the upper edge of the instep portion 112. That is, the
adjacent sides of the pair of heel portions 114 and the upper side
of the instep portion 112 define an opening 130 of the U-shaped
profile, i.e. the inner edge 110b defines the opening 130 of the
U-shaped profile. In this embodiment, the shoe-sleeve portion 120
has a substantial rectangular shape, and the shoe-sleeve portion
120 has a connection side 120a (e.g. the bottom side) at least
partially connected to the inner edge 110b. In this embodiment, the
connection side 120a side is partially connected to the inner edge
110b. Specifically, the middle part of the connection side 120a is
connected to the inner edge 110b at the bottom of the opening
130.
[0031] The method of forming the shoe body-forming piece 100
includes knitting at least one yarn to form an upper portion 110
and a shoe-sleeve portion 120 consisting of a plurality of courses
and wales. Preferably, the at least one yarn is knitted firstly to
form the shoe-sleeve potion 120 and the knitting continues at the
connection side 120a to form the upper portion 110, so the
connection side 120a is merely partially connected to the inner
edge 110b of the upper potion 110. Specifically, the at least one
yarn is knitted back and forth along the X direction to form the
shoe-sleeve portion 120 in a substantial rectangular shape.
Preferably, the course direction of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is
substantially parallel to the X direction, and the wale direction
of shoe-sleeve portion 120 is substantially parallel to the Y
direction, so the lowest course in the Y direction is the
connection side 120a of the shoe-sleeve portion 120, and the wale
direction of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is perpendicular to the
connection side 120a. At least one yarn is knitted from the
opposite sides of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 to form the pair of
heel portions 114 and the instep portion 112, and the connection
side 120a of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is connected only to the
middle part of the upper portion 110. Once the knitting process is
completed, the upper portion 110 and the shoe-sleeve portion 120
are connected without any sewing portion, so the manufacturing
process can be simplified by eliminating the cutting, sewing
processes and the material cost and the labor cost are also
reduced.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1C, in an embodiment, the method of forming
the shoe body-forming piece 100 may include a step (a), providing
at least one yarn to knit a shoe-sleeve portion 120 according to a
predetermined number of stitches and retaining a plurality of
to-be-weaved loops (such as indicated by a.about.c) after the
shoe-sleeve portion 20 is formed; a step (b), providing at least
two yarns to knit a pair of symmetric heel portions (such as a left
heel potion 114' and a right heel potion 114'') respectively
outside two sides of the shoe-sleeve portion 120; when the knitting
of the pair of heel portions 114', 114'' arrives the plurality of
to-be-weaved loops a.about.c, the plurality of to-be-weaved loops
a.about.c is simultaneously knitted to connect the pair of heel
portions 114', 114'' and the shoe-sleeve portion 120; and a step
(c), continuously knitting one of the at least two yarns of the
pair of heel portions 114', 114'' to form an instep portion 112, so
the instep portion 112 and the pair of heel portions 114', 114''
are combined to form an upper portion 110; when the knitting of the
instep portion 112 arrives the plurality of to-be-weaved loops
a.about.c, the plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.c is
simultaneously knitted to connect the instep portion 112 and the
shoe-sleeve portion 120.
[0033] Specifically, in an embodiment, the knitting process of the
shoe body-forming piece 100 is preferably performed by a flat
knitting machine with double needle beds. For example, in the step
(a), the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is preferably knitted by a double
knitting manner, so the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is a flat
rectangular knit fabric with two technique surfaces on opposite
sides, and when the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is formed, a plurality
of loops (such as to-be-weaved loops a.about.c) of the connection
side 120a is retained. For example, only the to-be-weaved loops
a.about.c in the middle part of the connection side 120a are
retained on the needle bed and will be weaved to connect the upper
portion 110. That is, after the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is formed,
the number of the plurality of to-be-weaved loops that is retained
on the needle bed is less than the predetermined number of
stitches, so the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is only partially
connected to the upper portion 110.
[0034] In the step (b), outside one side of the shoe-sleeve portion
120 (such as the left side 120b on the drawing), at least one yarn
is provided and knitted from left to right, preferably in a double
knitting manner, to form the left heel portion 114' with a
predetermined number of stitches. Next, outside the other side of
the shoe-sleeve portion 120 (such as the right side 120c on the
drawing), at least another one yarn is provided and knitted from
left to right, preferably also in the double knitting manner, to
form the right heel portion 114'' with the same predetermined
number of stitches. Then, from right to left, the right heel
portion 114'' and the left heel portion 114' are sequentially
backwards knitted. The knitting of the left heel portion 114' and
the right heel portion 114'' is repeated back and forth till
reaching the plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.c. When the
knitting of the left heel portion 114' and the right heel portion
114'' arrives the plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.c, the
to-be-weaved loops a.about.c are respectively simultaneously
knitted to connect the pair of heel portions 114', 114'' and the
shoe-sleeve portion 120. For example, when the stitch a' of the
left heel portion 114' corresponds to the to-be-weaved loop a of
the shoe-sleeve portion 120, the to-be-weaved loop a can be
simultaneously knitted with the stitch a' by moving the needle bed.
Then, on the symmetric right heel portion 114'', the corresponding
stitch b' of the right heel portion 114'' is simultaneously knitted
with the to-be-weaved loop b of the shoe-sleeve portion 120. The
connection of the pair of heel portions 114', 114'' and the
shoe-sleeve portion 120 is continued by knitting back and forth
until the to-be-weaved loops a.about.c are connected to the
stitches a'.about.c' of the pair of heel portions 114', 114'',
respectively.
[0035] In the step (c), one of the at least two yarns of the pair
of heel portions 114', 114'' is continuously knitted to form the
instep portion 112, so the instep portion 112 and the pair of heel
portions 114', 114'' are combined to form the upper portion 110.
When the knitting of the instep portion 112 arrives the plurality
of to-be-weaved loops a.about.c, the plurality of to-be-weaved
loops a.about.c is simultaneously knitted to connect the instep
portion 112 and the shoe-sleeve portion 120. For example, when the
right heel portion 114'' is backwards knitted and the stitch c' of
the right heel portion 114'' corresponds to and is knitted with the
to-be-weaved loop c of the shoe-sleeve portion 120, the yarn of the
right heel portion 114'' is continuously knitted to connect the
left heel portion 114' to form the instep portion 112, and the
knitting is repeated back and forth to form the instep portion 112.
The shoe body-forming piece 100 made by the above method is shown
in FIG. 1A and characterized in that the pair of heel portions 114
are separately disposed on one side of the instep portion 112 to
make the upper portion 110 have a substantially U-shaped
configuration outlined by the perimeter edge 110a and the inner
edge 110b, and the shoe-sleeve portion 120 has the connection side
120a partially connected to the inner edge 110b, and a connection
line 150 formed between the shoe-sleeve portion 120 and the upper
portion 110 extends along a portion of the inner edge 110b.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1B, when the shoe body-forming piece 100 is
processed to form a shoe body 10, the upper portion corresponds to
a fore portion, a lateral portion, and a heel portion of a foot,
and the shoe-sleeve portion 120 corresponds to an ankle portion of
the foot. In an embodiment, the method of manufacturing the shoe
body 10 includes: forming the shoe body-forming piece 100 as
described above; sewing the pair of heel portions 114 together, so
the inner edge 110b defines a shoe opening 130' of the shoe body
10, and the upper portion 110 defines an inner space 12 for
receiving the foot; and sewing two opposite ends 120b, 120c along
the connection side 120a of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 together to
define a shoe-sleeve opening 122. Specifically, the shoe
body-forming piece 100 can be formed by the method described above,
and the end portions 114a, 114b (shown in FIG. 1A) of the pair of
heel portions 114 are sewed together, so the inner edge 110b which
defines the opening 130 of the U-shaped profile becomes a closed
ring to define the shoe opening 130'. Therefore, after the sewing
process, the upper portion 110 becomes a three-dimensional
structure defining the inner space 12 for receiving the foot, and
the inner space 12 has an opening 14 on the bottom side. That is,
the perimeter edge 110a defines the opening 14.
[0037] Moreover, the two opposite ends 120b, 120c (shown in FIG.
1A) of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 are sewed together along the Y
direction, so the starting side that is opposite to the connection
side 120a of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 becomes a closed ring to
define the sleeve opening 122. In other words, the bottom side
(i.e. connection side 120a) of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is
partially connected to the edge of the shoe opening 130', so the
shoe-sleeve portion 120 and the upper portion 110 are partially
separated to allow a larger range of relative movement. As such,
the foot is much easier received in the inner space 12 by inserting
through the sleeve opening 122 into the shoe opening 130'. During
movement, the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is capable of protecting the
ankle while the partial connection between the shoe-sleeve portion
120 and the upper portion 110 provides sufficient flexibility of
movement.
[0038] In addition, when the upper portion 110 and/or the
shoe-sleeve portion 120 are formed, at least one thermal plastic
yarn can be knitted simultaneously. When the shoe body-forming
piece 100 is processed to form the shoe body 10, since the thermal
plastic yarn is thermal-curable, by thermal molding, the thermal
plastic yarn can be melted to be uniformly distributed over the
shoe body 10 (e.g. the instep portion 112 and the heel portions
114) and then harden to support the shape of the shoe body 10 and
to enhance the structural strength of the shoe body 10, preventing
the shoe body 10 from being un-shapeable. The material of the
thermal plastic yarn includes any suitable thermal curable material
including, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc. It
is noted that the shoe body 10 can be shaped by other methods, not
limited to the use of thermal plastic yarn during the knitting
process.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shoe body 10 made from the
shoe body-forming piece 100 can be combined with the sole structure
20 by adhering, sewing to form the shoe 1.
[0040] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the at
least one yarn is knitted to form the shoe-sleeve portion 120, an
inlaid strand 140 can be simultaneously extended through two
opposite ends 120b, 120c of the shoe-sleeve portion 120. Therefore,
as shown in FIG. 3B, when the inlaid strand 140 is pulled tightly,
the two opposite ends 120b, 120c of the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is
secured together by the inlaid strand 140, and the shoe-sleeve
portion 120 has a sleeve structure without further sewing process.
Specifically, when the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is knitted back and
forth along the X direction, the inlaid strand 140 is
simultaneously extended from the one end 120b to the other end 120c
of the shoe-sleeve portion 120, so the two opposite ends 120b, 120c
can be connected by the inlaid strand 140. When the knitting
process of the shoe body-forming piece 100 is completed, by pulling
the inlaid strand 140 along the Y direction, the opposite ends
120b, 120c of the shoe-sleeve portion can be connected together, so
the starting side that is opposite to the connection side 120a of
the shoe-sleeve portion 120 becomes a closed ring and defines the
sleeve opening 122.
[0041] In the above embodiment, the shoe-sleeve portion 120 is
shown to be partially connected to the upper portion 110, but the
shoe-sleeve portion 120 and the upper portion 110 can be connected
by a different way. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the
connection side 220a of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 of the shoe
body-forming piece 100' is connected to the upper portion 110 along
the inner edge 110b. In other words, the connection side 220a of
the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is connected to the inner edge 110b
from one side (e.g. right side) to the other side (e.g. left side).
In an embodiment, the at least one yarn is preferably knitted
firstly to form the shoe-sleeve potion 220 and the knitting
continues from the connection side 220a to form the upper portion
110, so the connection side 220a is substantially completely
connected to the inner edge 110b of the upper potion 110, and no
separated portion exists between the connection side 220a of the
shoe-sleeve portion 220 and the upper portion 110. As shown in FIG.
4B, the at least one yarn is knitted back and forth along the X
direction to form the shoe-sleeve portion 220 in a substantial
rectangular shape similar to the shoe-sleeve portion 120 shown in
FIG. 1A. The shoe-sleeve portion 220 has a connection side 220a
corresponding to the inner edge 110b of the upper portion 110.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, When the shoe-sleeve
portion 220 is knitted to the last few rows (such as row
200.about.202), the loop A of the row 203 is simultaneously knitted
with the loop B of the row 202 by the connection yarn 240 to form
the first connection stitch 241 shown in FIG. 4C. Then, the loop C
of the row 204 is simultaneously knitted with the loop D of the row
202 by the connection yarn 240 to form a second connection stitch.
Similarly, the loop E of the row 205 is simultaneously knitted with
the loop F of the row 202 by the connection yarn 240 to form a
third connection stitch, and the loop G of the row 206 is
simultaneously knitted with the loop H of the row 202 by the
connection yarn 240 to form a fourth connection stitch. In such a
manner, the shoe-sleeve portion 220 can be connected to the inner
edge 110b of the upper portion 110 as shown in FIG. 4D. In this
embodiment, the wales of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 are preferably
arranged along the connection side 220a (or the inner edge 110b).
Then, at least one yarn is knitted along the X direction to connect
one end of the connection side 220a, and at least another one yarn
is knitted along the X direction to connect the other end of the
connection side 220a to form the pair of heel portions and the
instep portion 112, which are connected to the connection side 220a
of the shoe-sleeve portion 220. As such, the connection side 220a
of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is substantially completely
connected to the inner edge 110b of the upper portion 110 without
any sewing portion after the knitting process is completed, so the
manufacturing process can be simplified by eliminating the cutting,
sewing processes, and the material cost and the labor cost are also
reduced.
[0042] In an embodiment, the shoe body-forming piece 100' can be
formed by a method similar to the method shown in FIG. 1C. For
example, as shown in FIG. 4E, the method of forming the shoe
body-forming piece 100' may include the step (a) to the step (c),
but the difference is that in the step (a), the number of the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops (such as indicated by a.about.g)
retained on the needle bed after the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is
formed is substantially equal to the predetermined number of
stitches, and the to-be-weaved loops a.about.g will be weaved to
connect the upper portion 110.
[0043] In the step (b), outside one side of the shoe-sleeve portion
220 (such as the left side 220b on the drawing), at least one yarn
is provided and knitted from left to right, preferably in a double
knitting manner, to form the left heel portion 114' with a
predetermined number of stitches, and the leftmost to-be-weaved
loop a on the left side 220b of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is
simultaneously knitted. Next, outside the other side of the
shoe-sleeve portion 220 (such as the right side 220c on the
drawing), at least another one yarn is provided and simultaneously
knitted with the rightmost to-be-weaved loop b on the right side
220b of the shoe-sleeve portion 220, and then knitted from left to
right, preferably also in the double knitting manner, to form the
right heel portion 114'' with the same predetermined number of
stitches. Then, from right to left, the right heel portion 114'' is
backwards knitted until reaching the to-be-weaved loop con the
right side 220c of the shoe-sleeve portion 220, and the
to-be-weaved loop c is simultaneously knitted. When backwards
knitting the left heel portion 114', the to-be-weaved loop d on the
left side 220b of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is simultaneously
knitted, and then the left heel portion 114' is knitted from right
to left to form. The knitting process is continued and repeated in
a similar way to form the left heel portion 114' and the right heel
portion 114'', and the rest of the to-be-weaved loops e.about.i are
sequentially knitted until the to-be-weaved loops a.about.i are
respectively connected to the corresponding stitches a'.about.i' of
the pair of heel portions 114', 114''.
[0044] When the to-be-weaved loops a.about.i are respectively
connected to the corresponding stitches a'.about.i' of the pair of
heel portions 114', 114'', the step (c) similar to FIG. 1C is
performed, i.e. one of the at least two yarns of the pair of heel
portions 114', 114'' is continuously knitted to form the instep
portion 112, so the instep portion 112 and the pair of heel
portions 114', 114'' are combined to form the upper portion 110.
For example, when the stitch i' of the left heel portion 114' is
simultaneously knitted with the corresponding to-be-weaved loop i
of the shoe-sleeve portion 220, the yarn of the left heel portion
114' can be continuously knitted to connect the right heel portion
114'' to form the instep portion 112, and the knitting is repeated
back and forth to form the instep portion 112. The shoe
body-forming piece 100' made by the above method is shown in FIG.
4A and characterized in that the pair of heel portions 114 are
separately disposed on one side of the instep portion 112 to make
the upper portion 110 have a substantially U-shaped configuration
outlined by the perimeter edge 110a and the inner edge 110b, and
the shoe-sleeve portion 220 has the connection side 220a
substantially completely connected to the inner edge 110b, and a
connection line 150' formed between the shoe-sleeve portion 220 and
the upper portion 110 extends along the inner edge 110b.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 4D, when the shoe body-forming piece 100'
is processed to form a shoe body 10', the upper portion 110
corresponds to a fore portion, a lateral portion, and a heel
portion of a foot, and the shoe-sleeve portion 220 corresponds to
an ankle portion of the foot. In an embodiment, the method of
manufacturing the shoe body 10' includes: forming the shoe
body-forming piece 100' as described above; sewing the pair of heel
portions 114 together, so the inner edge 110b defines a shoe
opening, and the upper portion 110 defines an inner space 12 for
receiving the foot; and sewing two opposite ends 220b, 220c of the
connection side 220a of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 together to
define a shoe-sleeve opening 122. Specifically, the shoe
body-forming piece 100' can be formed by the method of FIG. 4E, and
the end portions 114a, 114b (shown in FIG. 4A) of the pair of heel
portions 114 are sewed together, so the inner edge 110b of the
U-shaped profile becomes a closed ring to define the shoe opening.
Therefore, after the sewing process, the shoe body-forming piece
110 becomes a three-dimensional structure defining the inner space
12 for receiving the foot, and the inner space 12 has an opening 14
on the bottom side. That is, the perimeter edge 110a defines the
opening 14.
[0046] Moreover, the two opposite ends 220b, 220c (shown in FIG.
4A) of the shoe-sleeve portion 220, which are connected to the end
portions 114a, 114b of the pair of heel portions 114, are sewed
together, so the starting side that is opposite to the connection
side 220a of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 becomes a closed ring
defining the sleeve opening 122. In other words, the bottom side
(i.e. connection side 220a) of the shoe-sleeve portion 220 is
completely connected to the inner edge of the upper portion 110, so
the shoe-sleeve portion 220 and the upper portion 110 are tightly
connected. As such, when the foot is received in the inner space 12
by inserting through the sleeve opening 122, the protection to the
ankle can be enhanced. Furthermore, the shoe body 10' can be
combined with a sole structure to form a shoe in a way similar to
FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0047] In the above embodiments, the shoe-sleeve portion 120 or 220
is flat and has a substantial rectangular shape with two opposite
technique surfaces formed by the double knitting manner, but not
limited thereto. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5A, a
shoe-sleeve portion 320 can be formed by a tubular double knitting
manner to have a seamless integral sleeve structure when the
shoe-sleeve portion 320 is knitted. The shoe-sleeve portion 320 has
a first knit surface 321 and a second knit surface 322. For
example, the tubular double knitting manner includes: a step (a1),
alternatively casting on the at least one yarn according to the
predetermined number of stitches to form a first starting side 321a
of the first knit surface 321; a step (a2), alternatively backwards
casting on the at least one yarn according to the predetermined
number of stitches to form a second starting side 322a of the
second knit surface 322; a step (a3), knitting the at least one
yarn to connect the first starting side 321a to form the first knit
surface 321, backwards knitting the at least one yarn to connect
the second starting side 322a to form the second knit surface 322,
and repeatedly knitting the first knit surface 321 and the second
surface 322; and a step (a4), after the shoe-sleeve portion 320 is
formed, retaining a portion of a plurality of stitches of one of
the first knit surface 321 and the second knit surface 322 as the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops (such as indicated by
a.about.e).
[0048] As shown in FIG. 5B, by using a double-bed flat knitting
machine with changeable rail paths and cams, which drive the
actions of needles, the knitting of the shoe-sleeve portion 320 and
the upper portion 110 can be performed. In the step S10, forming
the first starting side 321a and the second starting side 322a
includes: casting on the at least one yarn to form the first
starting side 321a in a manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles; before forming the second starting
side 322a, changing the first starting side 321a from the manner of
every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles to a
manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty
needle. For example, during the first knitting period P1 in the
step S10, from left to right, by using the cam at the first
position 401, the at least one yarn is cast on the front needle bed
and the back needle bed to form the first starting side 321a in the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles. That is, the first starting side 321a is arranged in an
alternative manner, which refers to one stitch on the front needle
bed, one stitch on the back needle bed, and two empty needles, then
another one stitch on the front needle bed, one stitch on the back
needle bed, and two empty needles, and so on. Next, by using the
cam at the second position 402, the stitches on the back needle bed
are moved to corresponding needles of the front needle bed, so the
alternative manner (i.e. every two alternative stitches spaced by
two empty needles) of the first starting side 321a is changed to
the non-alternative manner (i.e. two non-alternative stitches
spaced by one empty needle). That is, the non-alternative manner
refers to two stitches on the front needle bed and one empty
needle, then another two stitches on the front needle bed and one
empty needle, and so on.
[0049] The step S10 further includes: backwards casting on the at
least one yarn to form the second starting side 322a in the manner
of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles;
changing the second starting side 322a from the manner of every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles to the manner of
every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle; and
changing the first starting side 321a from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles. For example, during the second knitting period P2 of the
step S10, by using the cam at the first position 401, backwards
knitting from right to left, the at least one yarn is cast on the
front needle bed and the back needle bed to form the second
starting side 322a in the manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles. That is, the at least one yarn is
backwards cast on the empty needles of the front and back needle
beds, which are not occupied by the stitches of the first starting
side 321a in the previous step, to form the second starting side
322a from right to left in the alternative manner, i.e. one stitch
on the front needle bed, one stitch on the back needle bed, and two
empty needles, then another one stitch on the front needle bed, one
stitch on the back needle bed, and two empty needles, and so on.
Then, by using the cam at the second position 402, the stitches on
the front needle bed are moved to corresponding needles of the back
needle bed, so the alternative manner (i.e. every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles) of the second starting side
322a is changed to the non-alternative manner (i.e. two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle). That is, the
non-alternative manner refers to two stitches on the back needle
bed and one empty needle, then another two stitches on the back
needle bed and one empty needle, and so on. Next, by using the cam
at the third position 403, the non-alternative manner (i.e. every
two stitches spaced by one empty needle) of the first starting side
321a is changed back to the alternative manner (i.e. every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles). In other words,
the stitches of the first starting side 321a, which are moved to
the front needle bed in the previous step, are moved back to the
back needle bed where they are originally cast on. Therefore, the
steps (a1) and (a2) of forming the first starting side 321a and the
second starting side 322a are completed. It is noted that during
the backwards knitting, due to the reverse change of knitting path,
the arrangement order of the cams is also reversed. That is, during
the backwards knitting, the cam at the first position 401 used in
the second knitting period P2 of the step S10 is the cam at the
third position 403 which is not used in the first knitting period
P1 of the step S10. The cam at the third position 403 used in the
second knitting period P2 of the step S10 is the cam at the first
position 401 used in the first knitting period P1 of the step S10.
The cam at the second position 402 is remained in the same order of
position.
[0050] In the step S11, the repeatedly knitting of the first knit
surface 321 and the second knit surface 322 includes: before
backwards knitting the second knit surface 322, changing the first
knit surface 321 from the manner of every two alternative stitches
spaced by two empty needles to the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle; changing the
second starting side 322a from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles, and backwards knitting the second knit surface 322; before
repeatedly knitting the first knit surface 321, changing the first
knit surface 321 from the manner of every two non-alternative
stitches spaced by one empty needle back to the manner of every two
alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles to form the first
knit surface 321; and before repeatedly knitting the second knit
surface 322, changing the second knit surface 322 from the manner
of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle
back to the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two
empty needles to form the second knit surface 322.
[0051] For example, during the first knitting period P1 of the step
S11, from left to right, by using the cam at the first position 401
(i.e. the cam at the third position 403 used in the second knitting
period P2 of step S10), the at least one yarn is knitted in the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to connect the first starting side 321a to form the first
knit surface 321. Then, by using the cam at the second position 402
(i.e. the cam at the second position 402 used in the second
knitting period P2 of step S10), the first knit surface 321 is
changed from the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by
two empty needles to the manner of every two non-alternative
stitches spaced by one empty needle, i.e. the stitches of the first
knit surface 321 on the back needle bed are moved the front needle
bed. Next, by using the cam at the third position 403 (i.e. the cam
at the first position 401 used in the second knitting period P2 of
step S10), the second starting side 322a is changed from the manner
of every two non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle to
the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles, i.e. the stitches of the second starting side 322a, which
are moved to the back needle bed in the previous step, are moved
back to the front needle bed where they are originally cast on.
During the second knitting period P2 of the step S11, backwards
knitting from right to left, by using the cam at the first position
401 (i.e. the cam at the third position 403 used in the first
knitting period P1 of step S11), the at least one yarn is knitted
in the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to connect the second starting side 322a to form the second
knit surface 322. Then, by using the cam at the second position 402
(i.e. the cam at the second position 402 used in the first knitting
period P1 of step S11), the second knit surface 322 is changed from
the manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to the manner of every two non-alternative stitches spaced
by one empty needle, i.e. the stitches of the second knit surface
322 on the front needle bed are moved the back needle bed. Next, by
using the cam at the third position 403 (i.e. the cam at the first
position 401 used in the first knitting period P1 of step S11), the
first knit surface 321 is changed from the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle to the manner
of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty needles, i.e.
the stitches of the first knit surface 321, which are moved to the
front needle bed in the previous step, are moved back to the back
needle bed. During the third knitting period P3 of the step S11,
from left to right, by using the cam at the first position 401
(i.e. the cam at the third position 403 used in the second knitting
period P2 of step S11), the at least one yarn is knitted in the
manner of every two alternative stitches spaced by two empty
needles to form the first knit surface 321. Then, by using the cam
at the second position 402 (i.e. the cam at the second position 402
used in the second knitting period P2 of step S11), the first knit
surface 321 is changed from the manner of every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles to the manner of every two
non-alternative stitches spaced by one empty needle, i.e. the
stitches of the first knit surface 321 on the back needle bed are
moved the front needle bed. Next, by using the cam at the third
position 403 (i.e. the cam at the first position 401 used in the
second knitting period P2 of step S11), the second knit surface 322
is changed from the manner of every two non-alternative stitches
spaced by one empty needle to the manner of every two alternative
stitches spaced by two empty needles, i.e. the stitches of the
second knit surface 322, which are moved to the back needle bed in
the previous step, are moved back to the front needle bed. The
knitting processes performed in the second knitting period P2 and
the third knitting period P3 of the step S11 are repeated to form
the first knit surface 321 and the second knit surface 322, so the
shoe-sleeve portion 320 having a three-dimensional seamless sleeve
structure can be formed. It is noted that after the shoe-sleeve
portion 320 is formed, at least a portion of the stitches of one of
the first knit surface 321 and the second knit surface 322 is
retained as the plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.e. For
example, a plurality of stitches of the first knit surface 321 is
retained as the to-be-weaved loops a.about.e. Therefore, the step
(a4) is performed.
[0052] After the shoe-sleeve portion 320 of FIG. 5A is formed, the
step (b) similar to FIG. 1C is performed, i.e. at least two yarns
are provided on the left side of the shoe-sleeve portion 320 to
form the left heel portion 114' and on the right side of the
shoe-sleeve portion 320 to form the right heel portion 114'',
respectively. When the knitting of the pair of heel portions 114',
114'' arrives the plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.e, the
plurality of to-be-weaved loops a.about.e is simultaneously knitted
with the corresponding stitches a'.about.e' of the left heel
portion 114' and the right heel portion 114'' to connect the pair
of heel portions 114', 114'' and the shoe-sleeve portion 320. When
the to-be-weaved loops a.about.e are respectively connected to the
corresponding stitches a'.about.e' of the pair of heel portions
114', 114'', the step (c) similar to FIG. 1C is performed, i.e. one
of the at least two yarns of the pair of heel portions 114', 114''
is continuously knitted to form the instep portion 112, so the
instep portion 112 and the pair of heel portions 114' , 114'' are
combined to form the upper portion 110. For example, when the
stitch e' of the left heel portion 114' is simultaneously knitted
with the corresponding to-be-weaved loop e of the shoe-sleeve
portion 320, the yarn of the left heel portion 114' can be
continuously knitted to connect the right heel portion 114'' to
form the instep portion 112, and the knitting is repeated back and
forth to form the instep portion 112. The shoe body-forming piece
made by the above method is characterized in that the pair of heel
portions 114', 114'' are separately disposed on one side of the
instep portion 112 to make the upper portion have a substantially
U-shaped configuration outlined by the perimeter edge 110a and the
inner edge 110b, and the shoe-sleeve portion 320 is a seamless
integral three-dimensional sleeve structure and has a connection
side 320a partially connected to the inner edge 110b. A connection
line can be formed between the shoe-sleeve portion 320 and the
upper portion 110 and extends at least partially along the inner
edge 110b of the upper portion 110.
[0053] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein, the above description is merely
illustrative. The preferred embodiments disclosed will not limit
the scope of the present invention. Further modification of the
invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the
respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within
the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *