U.S. patent application number 16/168819 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-30 for article of footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II. The applicant listed for this patent is Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II. Invention is credited to Anthony Dean, Chih Hsiang Hsu, David Raysse, Peny Soewito, Johnson Tja.
Application Number | 20190159550 16/168819 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66634621 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-30 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190159550 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dean; Anthony ; et
al. |
May 30, 2019 |
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An article of footwear having an upper constructed at least in
part from a sock-like structure having at least two or more layers
in a portion of, or in all of, its regions. The sock-like structure
may be knitted and may be a unitary construction such that one
portion folds over another portion. Separately formed attachments
may include parts of the sole, liners, decorative elements,
cording, and structural supports which may be located between the
layers of the sock-like structure. The attachments may be molded
and conformed into shape directly on to the sock-like
structure.
Inventors: |
Dean; Anthony; (Hermosa,
CA) ; Raysse; David; (Los Angeles, CA) ;
Soewito; Peny; (Chino Hills, CA) ; Tja; Johnson;
(Medan, ID) ; Hsu; Chih Hsiang; (Taoyuan City,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II |
Manhattan Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
Manhattan Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
66634621 |
Appl. No.: |
16/168819 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62549392 |
Aug 23, 2017 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D04B 1/26 20130101; D10B
2403/023 20130101; D10B 2501/043 20130101; D04B 1/02 20130101; D04B
1/24 20130101; A43B 13/14 20130101; A43B 23/027 20130101; D10B
2401/041 20130101; A43B 23/028 20130101; A43B 23/042 20130101; D10B
2331/02 20130101; A43B 13/04 20130101; A43B 1/14 20130101; A43B
23/0215 20130101; A43B 23/025 20130101; D04B 21/207 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; A43B 1/14 20060101 A43B001/14; D04B 1/24 20060101
D04B001/24; D04B 21/20 20060101 D04B021/20; A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04 |
Claims
1. An upper of a shoe comprising: a unitary knitted tubular textile
having a first portion, a second portion, and a junction portion,
the first portion having a first exterior surface, and a first
interior surface; the second portion having a second exterior
surface and a second interior surface: the first portion being
connected to the second portion at the junction portion; the second
portion being folded over the first portion such that the first
portion is within the second portion and the junction portion
forming part of the periphery of the upper, the first exterior
surface forming a surface being the closest portion to a void
capable of receiving a foot, the first interior surface being the
closest portion to the second interior surface; the second exterior
surface arming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the
upper; and at least one molded attachment formed by molding the
attachment directly on to an area of the unitary knitted tubular
textile.
2. The at least one molded attachment of claim 1 being a portion of
the sole of the shoe.
3. The at least one molded attachment of claim 2 being molded on to
a part of the first interior surface.
4. The molded attachment of claim 1 being molded on to the second
portion.
5. The at least one molded attachment of claim 1 comprising a
cushion.
6. The at least one molded attachment of claim 1 comprising a rigid
support.
7. The upper of claim 1 having at least one elastic region in the
knit textile.
8. The upper of claim 1 further at least one aperture.
9. The upper of claim 9 wherein a part of the molded attachment
extends through the at least one aperture.
10. The part of the molded attachment of claim 9 comprising at
least a part of a sole.
11. The upper of claim 1 further comprising of a component fixed to
an area of the upper between the first portion and the second
portion.
12. The upper of claim 1 further comprising of a component fixed to
the area of the upper on the exterior surface.
13. The component of claim 12 being a separately formed textile
that forms at least a portion of a collar of the upper.
14. The unitary knitted textile of claim 1 further comprising of
thermoplastic fusible fibers.
15. The unitary knitted textile of claim 1 further comprising one
or more extensions that form flaps, pockets, slits or eyelets.
16. The unitary knitted textile of claim 1 further comprising a
channel in the toe box of the upper wherein the channel is formed
by the second portion and secured by stitching two regions of the
second portion.
17. An upper of a shoe comprising: a unitary knitted tubular
textile having a first portion, a second portion, and a junction
portion, the first portion having a first exterior surface, and a
first interior surface; the second portion having a second exterior
surface and a second interior surface; the first portion being
connected, to the second portion at the junction portion; the
second portion being folded over the first portion such that the
first portion is within the second portion and the function portion
forming part of the periphery of the upper, the first exterior
surface forming a surface being the closest portion to a void
capable of receiving a foot, the first interior surface being the
closest portion to the second interior surface; the second exterior
surface forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the
upper; and a cushion layer formed by molding the cushion layer
directly on to an area of the unitary knitted tubular textile, the
cushion layer being located in an area that is underneath the void
capable of receiving a foot.
18. A method of forming an upper of a shoe comprising: knitting a
tubular textile having a first portion, and a second portion, the
first portion having a first exterior surface, and a first interior
surface, the second portion having a second exterior surface and a
second interior surface, the first portion connected to the second
portion; molding an attachment directly on to at least an area of
the first interior surface, folding the first portion inwardly into
the second portion wherein the first exterior surface forming a
surface being the closest portion to a void capable of receiving a
foot, and the first interior surface being the closest portion to
the second interior surface, and the second exterior surface
forming at least a portion of an exterior surface of the upper; and
the area of the attachment being at least located between the first
interior surface and the second interior surface.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein at least a part of the
attachment is located underneath the void capable of receiving a
foot.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein the attachment comprises part of
the sole.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention pertains to an article of footwear,
and more particularly to an article of footwear having an upper
comprised at least in part of a multi-layer sock-like
structure.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an article of footwear having an
upper constructed at least in part from a sock-like structure. The
sock-like structure has at least two or more layers in a portion
of, or in all of, its regions. The sock-like structure may be
knitted and may be of a unitary construction such that one portion
folds over another portion. Material may include synthetic textiles
and/or natural fiber materials. The materials may also contain hot
melt material which may be melted or remain un-melted. External
components with a variety of characteristics or structures may be
added to the sock-like structure to enhance the function, comfort,
and/or ornamentation of the article of footwear. External
components may include parts of the sole, liners, and structural
supports. A portion of such components may be located between the
layers of the sock-like structure. The process of manufacture may
include the use of lasts for molding and heating purposes, as well
as the use of a 3-dimensional printing process that may further
involve the use of a robotic conforming process.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] These and other features of this invention will be best
understood by reference to the following detail description of a
preferred embodiment of the invention, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0004] FIG. 1A is a photograph of an unfolded configuration of an
exemplary embodiment of the knitted textile element used in an
upper.
[0005] FIG. 1B is a photograph of a folded configuration of the
knitted textile element of FIG. 1B.
[0006] FIG. 2A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0007] FIG. 2B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 2A
[0008] FIG. 2C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 2B with a closed toe end.
[0009] FIG. 3A is an unfolded configuration of the knitted textile
element in an upper.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a folded configuration of an exemplary embodiment
of the knitted textile element of FIG. 3A
[0011] FIG. 3C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 3B with a closed toe end.
[0012] FIG. 4A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0013] FIG. 4B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 4A
[0014] FIG. 4C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element FIG. 4B with a closed toe end.
[0015] FIG. 5A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0016] FIG. 5B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 5A
[0017] FIG. 5C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 4B with an inserted insole/midsole.
[0018] FIG. 5D is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG, 4C and a closed aperture.
[0019] FIG. 6A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 6A.
[0021] FIG. 6C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 6B with a closed toe end.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a Cross section view of the exemplary embodiment
of the knitted textile.
[0023] FIG. 8A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0024] FIG. 8B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 8A
[0025] FIG. 8C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 8B with a closed toe end.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a photograph of an exemplary embodiment of an
upper.
[0027] FIG. 10A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0028] FIG. 10B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 10A
[0029] FIG. 10C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 10B with a closed toe end.
[0030] FIG. 11A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0031] FIG. 11B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 11A,
[0032] FIG. 11C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 11B with a closed toe end.
[0033] FIG. 12A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0034] FIG. 12B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 12A
[0035] FIG. 12C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 12B with a closed toe end.
[0036] FIG. 13A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0037] FIG. 13B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 13A
[0038] FIG. 13C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 13B with a closed toe end.
[0039] FIG. 14A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0040] FIG. 14B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 14A
[0041] FIG. 14C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 14B with a closed toe end.
[0042] FIG. 15A is an unfolded configuration of an exemplary
embodiment of the knitted textile element in an upper.
[0043] FIG. 15B is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 15A
[0044] FIG. 15C is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element of FIG. 15B and a separately constructed collar.
[0045] FIG. 15D is a folded configuration of the knitted textile
element and the separately constructed collar of FIG. 15C attached
to each other.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of an exemplary embodiment
of a knitted textile element of an upper.
[0047] FIG. 17A is a photograph of a top view of a shoe.
[0048] FIG. 17B is a side view of cross-sectional diagram of an
exemplary embodiment of a knitted textile element of an upper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] By way of example only, selected embodiments and aspects of
the present invention are described below. Each description refers
to a figure ("FIG.") which shows the described matter, Some figures
shown in drawings that accompany this specification may depict
footwear for either the left or right foot. It should be understood
that these figures are merely exemplary and that the invention
extends to footwear for both the right and left foot. Each figure
includes one or more identifiers for one or more part(s) or
elements(s) of the invention.
[0050] The invention will now be described regarding an embodiment
shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, which shows a preferred embodiment of
the invention's sock-like structure 4 in the unfolded and folded
configuration respectively. The sock-like structure 4 in the folded
configuration may then be used as at least a portion of an upper 2
for a shoe. The upper may be attached directly or indirectly to a
sole.
[0051] The sock-like structure may be a unitary knitted tubular
textile or knitted in components and attached thereafter. The
unfolded configuration shows the sock-like structure to have a
first portion 6 and a second portion 8 that are not overlapping.
Each portion has a toe region 10 and 12, a midfoot region 14 and
16, a heel region 18 and 20, and a junction portion 22. The two
portions may be connected at a junction which may form the collar
region or some other region such as the toe region. The sock-like
structure may initially have open ends 26 prior to placing the
structure in the folded configuration or have a closed end 24 on
one of the ends such as the first portion.
[0052] In the folded configuration, the first portion may be
inverted and folded into the second portion to form a double
layered structure. In a preferred embodiment, the fold may be at
the location of the junction or collar that creates the opening for
receiving a foot. The first portion may also be directly aligned
with the second portion such that the respective corresponding
collar, heel, midfoot, and toe regions are aligned. The first
and/or second toe regions may be knitted with open ends. The open
ends of the portions may be closed by stitching, melting, or an
other methods known to those with ordinary skill in art. In an
alternate embodiment, the collar portion may also be formed by the
open ends of the structure and the fold may form the toe portion.
In such an embodiment, the fold of the toe portion may then be
closed to form the toe end of the upper, and the two layers of the
collar portion may be closed to enclose the two layers and anchor
the collar portion ends.
[0053] The two portions may each have an interior surface 28 and 32
and an exterior surface 30 and 34. The interior surface of the two
portions may be located adjacent to each other or separated from
each other. The interior surfaces may be fully or partially
separated by the insertion of materials between the two portions.
The interior surfaces may also be directly attached to each other
after the sock-like structure is in its folded configuration. The
interior surfaces may be fully or partially attached to each other.
Portions of the interior surfaces may freely move with respect to
each other at some areas while other areas may be anchored or fixed
to each other.
[0054] With regard to FIGS. 2a-c, the exterior surface 34 of the
second portion is located on the outer layer of the footwear FIG.
2a shows the unfolded configuration of the upper. FIGS. 2b and 2c
shows the folded configuration of the upper where the first portion
6 is inside the second portion 8, and the open end 26 of the second
portion is later closed to form the toe region 12 of the upper. The
exterior surface 30 of the first portion is located on the inner
layer of the footwear and may line the void 36 within the structure
for receiving a foot. While any material may be used to form the
two portions of the structure, the exterior surface of the first
portion may be formed of materials that may have a lower
coefficient of friction or may be less abrasive to the foot. The
exterior surface of the second portion may include more durable
and/or dense materials.
[0055] The sock-like structure may be constructed of a knitted
textile. In a preferred embodiment, the knitted textile may be
circular knitted. The textile may, also be flat knitted. The knit
may be of a weft or warp configuration. Warp knitting categories
include tricot, raschel, and double needle-bar raschel. The knitted
textile may also include different knits such as jersey, ribbed,
and terry knits. The knitted fibers may include any composition of
fibers such as natural fibers, monofilament fibers, wool, cotton,
polymers, elastane (Spandex or Lycra), gore, and rayon. The fibers
may vary in denier, fineness, spinning count, and linear density.
The fibers may be multifilament or monofilaments. The knitted
textile may also contain the us of thermoplastic yarn such as
fibers made from low temperature nylon hot melt material.
[0056] The amount and location of hot melt yarn may be controlled
through the design of the knit. The hot melt yarns may be heated
and fused or left unfused. A fused area may reduce the movement,
stretchability or flexibility to that area. If the concentration of
fused yarns is higher, the yarn may be further melted to the extent
that the fused can be molded into an entirely different shape. In
on embodiment, the knitted hot melt yarns may then be almost
completely melted, and then molded into a hardened shell void of
substantially all of its knitted construction.
[0057] In art exemplary embodiment, the knit containing hot melt
yarn is completed the sock-like structure may be closed and placed
on a last. Heat and steam may then be applied to activate the hot
to melt yarn to fix the shape to the last. Various degrees of heat
or steam may be applied to the hot melt yarn in controlling the
level of rigidity.
[0058] Stretchability of the textile may also be controlled through
hot melt yarn content or the amount of elastic yarns integrated
into the knit structure. Stretchability may also be designed
through the type of knitting or knit design. Stretchability may be
a two-way or four-way stretch. Stretchable regions of the upper may
include, but are not limited to the toe box, the vamp, the collar,
and the ankle region.
[0059] Different areas of the invention may contain various types
of knits and fibers. In one embodiment, the second portion (i.e.
outer layer) may have larger gauge yarn than the first portion
(i.e. inner layer). Certain areas may also have varying degrees of
elasticity such as the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a-c
which shows the unfolded and fold configurations of the upper. In
this preferred embodiment, areas corresponding to the midfoot arch
of the foot max have an elastic region 38 which comprises material
exhibiting elastic properties or less stretch resistance. Other
areas having elastic material may include the collar, ankle, or
vamp region. Other areas may be composed of more rigid materials to
provide additional structural support.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the sock-like structure may be
knitted by a circular knitting machine such as a Santoni Knitting
Machine, made in Italy, The sock-like structure may be knitted as a
unitary piece or combined from separately knitted textiles. The
sock-like structure may be knitted with a tubular configuration and
open ends on both the first and second portions. The open ends may
be stitched to form the closed toe region of the second portion. In
an alternate embodiment, the open ends may form the collar portion
and the folded end is closed to form the toe. Yet another alternate
embodiment may have partial overlapping portions that fold over to
form double layers in certain areas, but single layers in other
areas.
[0061] The upper, comprised at least in part of the sock-like
structure, may be attached to a sole. The methods of attachment may
include the use of stitches or bonding. In an alternate embodiment,
the sole or a portion of the sole or another component of a shoe
may also be directly molded onto the sock-like structure. The sole
may be constructed as a unitary piece or may be configured to at
least have a midsole and an outsole. FIG. 4a-c provides an
embodiment of an insole 40 or in the alternate, a midsole, that is
molded directly on to the interior surface 28 of the first portion
of the sock-like structure. An exemplary material may be
polyurethane gel 42, Once the gel is molded on to the sock-like
structure, the second portion 8 of the sock-like structure may be
folded over the gel and the first portion 6 into the folded
configuration as shown in FIGS. 4b-c.
[0062] Molded attachments may be any additional component of the
upper shoe. It may be added to the interior region between the
first portion and second portion. The attachments may be molded
directly to the exterior of the upper. Such components may be
structural supports or graphics or ornamental features.
[0063] FIGS. 5 & 6 show other methods of inserting a component
44 of the sole between the two portions of the sock-like structure.
In one embodiment an aperture 46 may be located near the collar
region at the axis of the fold of the two portions. The component
44 may be inserted through the aperture 46 which is closed
thereafter. In a an alternate embodiment, the component may be
inserted through the open toe end or another aperture formed near
the bottom of sock-like structure. Once the component of the sole
is properly located between the two portions, the sock-like
structure and component of the sole may be further secured and
conformed by such processes as heating.
[0064] Other materials such as terry knit, additional fabrics,
gels, and/or pelleted foam may be used to enhance cushioning of the
article of footwear. Fluid bladders may also be inserted where the
bladders may be filled with air, liquid, and/or gels. More rigid
materials may also be included to provide increase stability or
spring action. Such rigid materials may be in the form of a shank
inserted within the sole in such areas as the midfoot arch region.
In the alternate, the rigid material may be configured to provide a
cantilever like spring resilience and may extend the full-length of
the foot.
[0065] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment in which a midsole 48
is located between the two portions. The midsole may have
protruding lugs that extend through apertures 44 created in the
second portion. The protruding lugs 50 may be inserted into an
outsole or form at least a portion of the outsole bottom.
Additional outsole attachments may be affixed over the midsole
piece. In an alternative embodiment, a complete outsole may be
molded on to the first portion and the second portion may have an
aperture large enough to allow the outsole to be exposed. Portions
of the second portion may be then secured to a portion of the
outsole.
[0066] Other structural or ornamental components such as an eyelet,
heel counter, toe cap, foxing, mudguard, quarter support,
additional vamp cover, overlay, logo, or decorative piece may be
attached to the sock-like structure. Structural pieces may be
rigid. Such pieces may be formed by carbon fiber or any other
materials known in the art. Such pieces may be bonded using hot
melt thermoplastic material or adhesives. Alternatively, such
pieces may be stitched on to the sock-like structure. An advantage
of having components inserted between the two portions of the
sock-like structure would be to provide a seamless interior of the
upper which provides better comfort and less irritation to the
foot. However, such pieces may be located on any of the surfaces of
the sock-like structure. FIG. 8 shows one exemplary embodiment of
structural supports that are located between the two portions 6 and
8 such as the heel cup 52, midfoot region 54, and toe cap 56.
[0067] Robotic three-dimensional conformal printing and dispensing
methods of materials may also be applied to any portion of the
sock-like structure. Such methods include providing structural
support, cushioning, and ornamentation to both the interior and
exterior surfaces of the sock-like structure. One such method
dispenses a two-component thermoset polyurethane (PU) foam directly
on to the interior of the sock-like structure that is placed on the
last. The PU foam may be "drawn" on to the sock-like structure by
controlling the position and orientation of the last relative to
the PU foam dispensing system, A robotic arm may be used to control
the positioning of the last. In one preferred embodiment, the
robotic arm has six axes of rotation.
[0068] Hosiery may be applied to the sock-like structure as well.
Hosiery 58 may be constructed by a circular hosiery machine using
TPU yarn as shown in FIG. 9. Such hosiery may be applied to both
the outer and inner portions of the sock-like structure. Hosiery
containing TPU may be partially melted in order to be affixed to
the sock-like structure and molded to its proper configuration.
External attachments may be incorporated into the layers of the
hosiery. The external attachments may be molded directly to one or
more of the layers. The external attachments may include portions
of the sole, support structures, logos, and/or ornamentation,
etc.
[0069] The upper may also incorporate a tongue or additional
material in the vamp region. The tongue may be integrally knit as
part of the sock-like structure or separately formed and then
attached to the sock-like structure. The tongue may be separated
from the upper on the lateral and medial side of the throat area
and attached or integrally knit with the upper at the tongue's
forward portion.
[0070] The upper may also have eyelets 60 for laces or aesthetics
either cut into the sock-like structure or integrally embroidered
on to the sock-like structure. FIGS. 10a-c shows one exemplary
embodiment. The eyelets may extend through both portions or a
single portion of the sock-like structure such as only the second
portion. FIGS. 11a-c shows an upper with an integrally knit single
wall 62 that extends away from the exterior surface of the second
portion of the sock. The single wall may not be entirely secured to
the external surface of the second portion. The unsecured part of
the wall may be considered as a knitted flap extending from the
external surface. The wall may also have eyelets that are either
cut out or are integrally knitted to form holes.
[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the interior surface of the two
portions may have knits or fibers that provide additional
cushioning. Such knits may include terry knits or floating yarns.
Such cushioning knits 64 may be located at an area that is proximal
to the bottom of the foot as shown in FIGS. 12a-c. In this
embodiment, both interior surfaces 28 and 32 have these integrally
knit cushioning areas, Other embodiments may have integrally knit
cushioning on any of the surfaces and on any one or more locations
on the upper.
[0072] The upper may also have knit pockets or sleeves. The pockets
may be located on the outer exterior surface of the sock-dike
structure. Such pockets 66 may be used to hold structural
reinforcements 68 or keys 70 or other items as shown in FIGS. 3a-c
and FIGS. 14a-c. The pockets in the form of sleeves may be located
on the bottom of the sock-like structure or any other area, and may
be used to secure sockliners insoles or even midsoles.
[0073] Regarding FIGS. 15a-d, the exemplary embodiment provides a
sock-like structure with two portions not forming a complete collar
and heel counter of the upper 2. Rather a collar 72 and a heel
counter piece 74 may be attached to the upper 2. In the alternate,
the second portion of the sock-like structure may not have the same
dimensions as the first portion. In this alternate embodiment, the
second portion partially covers the first portion such that the
collar portion of the sock-like structure is entirely composed of
either the first or second portion.
[0074] The collar portion may be folded and stitched to form loops
in, the knitted textile. The loops may be separately constructed
and attached directly to the sock-like structure. Such loops may be
hollowed or filled with filler, cords, or terry knit structures. In
one exemplary embodiment, two collar loops 76 may be formed where
the loops are integrally knitted to the first portion 6 and second
portion 8 and are anchored by stitches as shown in the
cross-section diagram of FIG. 16.
[0075] Other types of loops may be formed and used to create
structural supports or ornamental features. FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B
show a loop 78 formed at the toe box 80 which creates a channel 82
in the shape of "U" around the toe box. A cord 84 may be inserted
into the channel giving rise to an elevated U-shaped rim. The loop
78 may be secured by stitching, fasteners, adhesives, or hot melt
yarn or material.
[0076] Although the present invention has been described above by
referring to particular embodiments, it should be understood that
modifications and variations may be made to these embodiments
without departing from the intended scope of invention.
* * * * *