U.S. patent application number 16/208168 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-04 for shoe with knit upper.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cole Haan LLC. Invention is credited to Pablo Chao, Mattias Verfl.
Application Number | 20200170330 16/208168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70848998 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200170330 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Verfl; Mattias ; et
al. |
June 4, 2020 |
Shoe with Knit Upper
Abstract
A shoe including a knit upper and a sole secured to the upper.
The knit upper has a knitted element formed of a unitary one-piece
construction during a knitting process on a knitting machine. The
knitted element includes a circular vamp oxford pattern. The upper
toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions, and the
upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions of the knit upper
collectively are knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern
during the knitting process. The circular vamp oxford pattern is
knit with a first knit structure, a second knit structure, and a
third knit structure. The first knit structure has a smaller gauge
than the second and third knit structures, and the third knit
structure has a larger gauge than the second knit structure. The
first and third knit structures are separated by the second knit
structure.
Inventors: |
Verfl; Mattias; (Greenland,
NH) ; Chao; Pablo; (Greenland, NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cole Haan LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70848998 |
Appl. No.: |
16/208168 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/0295 20130101;
A43B 1/04 20130101; A43B 23/025 20130101; A43B 13/28 20130101; A43B
23/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 1/04 20060101
A43B001/04; A43B 13/28 20060101 A43B013/28; A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; A43B 23/26 20060101 A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. A shoe comprising: a knit upper; a sole secured to the upper;
the knit upper having a knitted element, the knitted element being
formed of a unitary one-piece construction during a knitting
process on a knitting machine, the knitted element comprising a
knitted tongue region, a knitted upper heel region, a knitted upper
lateral midfoot region, a knitted upper medial midfoot region, a
knitted upper metatarsal region, a knitted upper lateral ball
region, a knitted upper medial ball region, and a knitted upper toe
region, the upper metatarsal region including a knitted upper
lateral metatarsal region and a knitted upper medial metatarsal
region, the upper having a knitted upper lateral side region and a
knitted upper medial side region, the upper lateral side region
including the upper lateral midfoot region, the upper lateral
metatarsal region and the upper lateral ball region, the upper
medial side region including the upper medial midfoot region, the
upper medial metatarsal region, and the upper medial ball region,
the upper toe region being seamlessly knitted with the upper medial
and lateral ball regions during the knitting process, the upper
medial and lateral ball regions being seamlessly knitted with the
upper metatarsal region during the knitting process, the upper
metatarsal region being seamlessly knitted with the upper lateral
and medial midfoot regions during the knitting process, the knitted
element including a circular vamp oxford pattern, the circular vamp
oxford pattern being portions of at least the upper toe region, the
upper lateral and medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial
metatarsal regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions; the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball
regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions
collectively being knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern
during the knitting process; the circular vamp oxford pattern being
knit with a first knit structure, a second knit structure, and a
third knit structure, the first knit structure having a smaller
gauge than the second and third knit structures, the third knit
structure having a larger gauge than the second knit structure, the
first knit structure being seamlessly knit with the second knit
structure, the second knit structure being seamlessly knit with the
third knit structure; the first knit structure being present in the
upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions, the
upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the upper lateral
and medial midfoot regions, the third knit structure being present
in the upper heel region, the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, the
first and third knit structures being separated by the second knit
structure.
2. A shoe as set forth in claim 1, wherein the circular vamp oxford
pattern comprises a medial band of stitching and a lateral band of
stitching, the upper metatarsal region, and the upper lateral and
medial midfoot regions collectively being knitted with the medial
and lateral band of stitching, the medial band of stitching
comprising a curved line having two inflection points and extending
rearward and downward from the knitted tongue region, the lateral
band of stitching comprising a curved line having two inflection
points and extending rearward and downward from the knitted tongue
region.
3. A shoe as set forth in claim 2, wherein both the medial and
lateral band of stitching are knitted to comprise broguing.
4. A shoe as set forth in claim 2, wherein the medial and lateral
band of stitching meet at a forward most portion adjacent the
knitted tongue region.
5. A shoe as set forth in claim 2, wherein the medial and lateral
band of stitching comprise the second knit structure.
6. A shoe as set forth in claim 5, wherein the second knit
structure comprises a jersey stitch.
7. A shoe as set forth in claim 6, wherein the first and third knit
structures comprise pointelle stitches.
8. A shoe as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a heel
counter, a chassis member, and an outsole, the chassis member being
coupled to the outsole and being coextensive with the outsole, the
chassis member including a heel portion extending over a portion of
the heel counter, the heel counter extending over a portion of the
knitted upper heel region, wherein the heel portion of the chassis
member and the heel counter are adapted and configured to stiffen
the upper in the knitted upper heel region.
9. A method of manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear,
the method comprising: knitting with a knitting machine to form a
knitted element of the upper such that the knitted element is of
unitary one-piece construction comprising a knitted tongue region,
a knitted upper heel region, a knitted upper lateral midfoot
region, a knitted upper medial midfoot region, a knitted upper
metatarsal region, a knitted upper lateral ball region, a knitted
upper medial ball region, and a knitted upper toe region, the upper
metatarsal region including a knitted upper lateral metatarsal
region and a knitted upper medial metatarsal region, the upper
having a knitted upper lateral side region and a knitted upper
medial side region, the upper lateral side region including the
upper lateral midfoot region, the upper lateral metatarsal region
and the upper lateral ball region, the upper medial side region
including the upper medial midfoot region, the upper medial
metatarsal region and the upper medial ball region, the upper toe
region being seamlessly knitted with the upper medial and lateral
ball regions during the knitting process, the upper medial and
lateral ball regions being seamlessly knitted with the upper
metatarsal region during the knitting process, the upper metatarsal
region being seamlessly knitted with the upper lateral and medial
midfoot regions during the knitting process, the knitted element
including a circular vamp oxford pattern, the circular vamp oxford
pattern being portions of at least the upper toe region, the upper
lateral and medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial
metatarsal regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions; the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball
regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions
collectively being knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern
during the knitting process; the circular vamp oxford pattern being
knit during the knitting step with a first knit structure, a second
knit structure, and a third knit structure, the first knit
structure having a smaller gauge than the second and third knit
structures, the third knit structure having a larger gauge than the
second knit structure, the first knit structure being seamlessly
knit with the second knit structure, the second knit structure
being seamlessly knit with the third knit structure; the first knit
structure being present in the upper toe region, the upper lateral
and medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions, the
third knit structure being present in the upper heel region, the
upper lateral and medial midfoot regions, and the upper lateral and
medial metatarsal regions, the first and third knit structures
being separated by the second knit structure.
10. A method as set forth in claim 9, comprising knitting the upper
such that the circular vamp oxford pattern comprises a medial band
of stitching and a lateral band of stitching, the upper metatarsal
region, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions
collectively being knitted with the medial and lateral band of
stitching, the medial band of stitching comprising a curved line
having two inflection points and extending rearward and downward
from the knitted tongue region, the lateral band of stitching
comprising a curved line having two inflection points and extending
rearward and downward from the knitted tongue region.
11. A method as set forth in claim 10, comprising knitting the
upper such that both the medial and lateral band of stitching are
knitted to comprise broguing.
12. A method as set forth in claim 10, comprising knitting the
upper such that the medial and lateral band of stitching meet at a
forward most portion adjacent the knitted tongue region.
13. A method as set forth in claim 10, comprising knitting the
upper such that the medial and lateral band of stitching comprise
the second knit structure.
14. A method as set forth in claim 13, wherein the second knit
structure comprises a jersey stitch.
15. A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the first and third
knit structures comprise pointelle stitches.
16. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein the upper is knitted
during the knitting step with at least first and second yarns, the
first yarn being of a hot melt yarn, the second yarn being of a
yarn other than a hot melt yarn.
17. A method as set forth in claim 16 further comprising: placing
the upper around a last; applying heat to the upper while the upper
is around the last to cause the hot melt yarn to affix to the
second yarn.
18. A method as set forth in claim 17 further comprising: coupling
a heel counter to the upper such that the heel counter stiffens the
heel region of the upper; and coupling a chassis member to the
upper, the chassis member comprising a body portion and a heel
portion extending upwardly from the body portion, wherein coupling
the chassis member to the upper comprises coupling the chassis
member to the upper such that the body portion is coextensive with
the upper and the heel portion overlays the heel counter.
19. A shoe comprising: a knit upper having a toe end and a heel
end; a sole secured to the upper; the knit upper having a knitted
element, the knitted element being formed of a unitary one-piece
construction during a knitting process on a knitting machine, the
knitted element comprising a knitted tongue region, a knitted upper
heel region, a knitted upper lateral midfoot region, a knitted
upper medial midfoot region, a knitted upper metatarsal region, a
knitted upper lateral ball region, a knitted upper medial ball
region, and a knitted upper toe region, the upper metatarsal region
including a knitted upper lateral metatarsal region and a knitted
upper medial metatarsal region, the upper having a knitted upper
lateral side region and a knitted upper medial side region, the
upper lateral side region including the upper lateral midfoot
region, the upper lateral metatarsal region and the upper lateral
ball region, the upper medial side region including the upper
medial midfoot region, the upper medial metatarsal region, and the
upper medial ball region, the upper toe region being seamlessly
knitted with the upper medial and lateral ball regions during the
knitting process, the upper medial and lateral ball regions being
seamlessly knitted with the upper metatarsal region during the
knitting process, the upper metatarsal region being seamlessly
knitted with the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions during
the knitting process, the knitted element including a circular vamp
oxford pattern, the circular vamp oxford pattern being portions of
at least the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball
regions, the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the
upper lateral and medial midfoot regions; the upper toe region, the
upper lateral and medial ball regions, and the upper lateral and
medial metatarsal regions collectively being knitted with the
circular vamp oxford pattern during the knitting process, the
circular vamp oxford pattern comprising a medial band of stitching
and a lateral band of stitching, the upper metatarsal region, and
the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions collectively being
knitted with the medial and lateral band of stitching; the circular
vamp oxford pattern being knit with a first knit structure, a
second knit structure, and a third knit structure, the first knit
structure being seamlessly knit with the second knit structure, the
second knit structure being seamlessly knit with the third knit
structure, the first knit structure being adjacent to the second
knit structure, and the third knit structure being adjacent to the
second knit structure opposite the first knit structure, the first
knit structure differing from the second knit structure at a
boundary with the second knit structure and being closer to the toe
end than the second knit structure, the third knit structure
differing from the second knit structure at a boundary with the
second knit structure and being closer to the heel end than the
second knit structure; the first knit structure being present in
the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions,
the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the upper
lateral and medial midfoot regions, the third knit structure being
present in the upper heel region, the upper lateral and medial
midfoot regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions, the first and third knit structures being separated by the
second knit structure, the second knit structure being present in
the medial and lateral band of stitching.
20. A shoe as set forth in claim 19, wherein the first knit
structure varies from the second knit structure in one or more of
gauge, color, yarn diameter, or stitch type, and wherein the third
knit structure varies from the second knit structure in one or more
of gauge, color, yarn diameter, or stitch type.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0004] This disclosure pertains to a shoe upper.
SUMMARY
[0005] One aspect of the disclosure pertains to a shoe including a
knit upper and a sole secured to the upper. The knit upper has a
knitted element. The knitted element is formed of a unitary
one-piece construction during a knitting process on a knitting
machine. The knitted element includes a knitted tongue region, a
knitted upper heel region, a knitted upper lateral midfoot region,
a knitted upper medial midfoot region, a knitted upper metatarsal
region, a knitted upper lateral ball region, a knitted upper medial
ball region, and a knitted upper toe region. The upper metatarsal
region includes a knitted upper lateral metatarsal region and a
knitted upper medial metatarsal region. The upper has a knitted
upper lateral side region and a knitted upper medial side region.
The upper lateral side region includes the upper lateral midfoot
region, the upper lateral metatarsal region and the upper lateral
ball region. The upper medial side region includes the upper medial
midfoot region, the upper medial metatarsal region, and the upper
medial ball region. The upper toe region is seamlessly knitted with
the upper medial and lateral ball regions during the knitting
process, the upper medial and lateral ball regions are seamlessly
knitted with the upper metatarsal region during the knitting
process, and the upper metatarsal region are seamlessly knitted
with the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions during the
knitting process. The knitted element includes a circular vamp
oxford pattern. The circular vamp oxford pattern includes portions
of at least the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball
regions, the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the
upper lateral and medial midfoot regions. The upper toe region, the
upper lateral and medial ball regions, and the upper lateral and
medial metatarsal regions collectively are knitted with the
circular vamp oxford pattern during the knitting process. The
circular vamp oxford pattern is knit with a first knit structure, a
second knit structure, and a third knit structure. The first knit
structure has a smaller gauge than the second and third knit
structures, and the third knit structure has a larger gauge than
the second knit structure. The first knit structure is seamlessly
knit with the second knit structure, and the second knit structure
is seamlessly knit with the third knit structure. The first knit
structure is present in the upper toe region, the upper lateral and
medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions. The
third knit structure is present in the upper heel region, the upper
lateral and medial midfoot regions, and the upper lateral and
medial metatarsal regions. The first and third knit structures are
separated by the second knit structure.
[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure pertains to a method of
manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear. The method
includes knitting with a knitting machine to form a knitted element
of the upper such that the knitted element is of unitary one-piece
construction. The knitted element includes a knitted tongue region,
a knitted upper heel region, a knitted upper lateral midfoot
region, a knitted upper medial midfoot region, a knitted upper
metatarsal region, a knitted upper lateral ball region, a knitted
upper medial ball region, and a knitted upper toe region. The upper
metatarsal region includes a knitted upper lateral metatarsal
region and a knitted upper medial metatarsal region. The upper has
a knitted upper lateral side region and a knitted upper medial side
region. The upper lateral side region includes the upper lateral
midfoot region, the upper lateral metatarsal region and the upper
lateral ball region. The upper medial side region includes the
upper medial midfoot region, the upper medial metatarsal region,
and the upper medial ball region. The upper toe region is
seamlessly knitted with the upper medial and lateral ball regions
during the knitting process, the upper medial and lateral ball
regions are seamlessly knitted with the upper metatarsal region
during the knitting process, and the upper metatarsal region are
seamlessly knitted with the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions during the knitting process. The knitted element includes a
circular vamp oxford pattern. The circular vamp oxford pattern
includes portions of at least the upper toe region, the upper
lateral and medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial
metatarsal regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions. The upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball
regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions
collectively are knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern
during the knitting process. The circular vamp oxford pattern is
knit with a first knit structure, a second knit structure, and a
third knit structure. The first knit structure has a smaller gauge
than the second and third knit structures, and the third knit
structure has a larger gauge than the second knit structure. The
first knit structure is seamlessly knit with the second knit
structure, and the second knit structure is seamlessly knit with
the third knit structure. The first knit structure is present in
the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions,
the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the upper
lateral and medial midfoot regions. The third knit structure is
present in the upper heel region, the upper lateral and medial
midfoot regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions. The first and third knit structures are separated by the
second knit structure.
[0007] A further aspect of the disclosure pertains to a shoe
including a knit upper and a sole secured to the upper. The knit
upper has a knitted element. The knitted element is formed of a
unitary one-piece construction during a knitting process on a
knitting machine. The knitted element includes a knitted tongue
region, a knitted upper heel region, a knitted upper lateral
midfoot region, a knitted upper medial midfoot region, a knitted
upper metatarsal region, a knitted upper lateral ball region, a
knitted upper medial ball region, and a knitted upper toe region.
The upper metatarsal region includes a knitted upper lateral
metatarsal region and a knitted upper medial metatarsal region. The
upper has a knitted upper lateral side region and a knitted upper
medial side region. The upper lateral side region includes the
upper lateral midfoot region, the upper lateral metatarsal region
and the upper lateral ball region. The upper medial side region
includes the upper medial midfoot region, the upper medial
metatarsal region, and the upper medial ball region. The upper toe
region is seamlessly knitted with the upper medial and lateral ball
regions during the knitting process, the upper medial and lateral
ball regions are seamlessly knitted with the upper metatarsal
region during the knitting process, and the upper metatarsal region
are seamlessly knitted with the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions during the knitting process. The knitted element includes a
circular vamp oxford pattern. The circular vamp oxford pattern is
portions of at least the upper toe region, the upper lateral and
medial ball regions, the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions. The
upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions, and
the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions collectively re
knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern during the knitting
process. The circular vamp oxford pattern includes a medial band of
stitching and a lateral band of stitching. The upper metatarsal
region, and the upper lateral and medial midfoot regions
collectively are knitted with the medial and lateral band of
stitching. The circular vamp oxford pattern is knit with a first
knit structure, a second knit structure, and a third knit
structure. The first knit structure is seamlessly knit with the
second knit structure, and the second knit structure is seamlessly
knit with the third knit structure. The first knit structure is
adjacent to the second knit structure, and the third knit structure
is adjacent to the second knit structure opposite the first knit
structure. The first knit structure differs from the second knit
structure at a boundary with the second knit structure and is
closer to the toe end than the second knit structure. The third
knit structure differs from the second knit structure at a boundary
with the second knit structure and is closer to the heel end than
the second knit structure. The first knit structure is present in
the upper toe region, the upper lateral and medial ball regions,
the upper lateral and medial metatarsal regions, and the upper
lateral and medial midfoot regions. The third knit structure is
present in the upper heel region, the upper lateral and medial
midfoot regions, and the upper lateral and medial metatarsal
regions. The first and third knit structures are separated by the
second knit structure, and the second knit structure is present in
the medial and lateral band of stitching.
[0008] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure,
as well as the operation of the embodiments described herein, are
described in detail below with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a medial perspective view of an exemplary
embodiment of a shoe of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a medial side view of the shoe shown in FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of the outsole shoe shown in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of the shoe shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the
drawing figures indicate corresponding items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] An embodiment of a shoe in accordance with the present
disclosure is indicated by reference numeral 20 in FIGS. 1-4. The
shoe 20 includes a sole, generally indicated at 22, a knit upper,
generally indicated at 24, and a chassis member, generally
indicated at 26. The sole 22 and chassis member 26 are secured to
the upper 24. The shoe 20 extends forward from a heel end 28 to a
toe end 30. The knit upper 24 has a knitted element 32.
[0015] The knitted element 32 is formed of a unitary one-piece
construction during a knitting process on a knitting machine. The
knitted element 32 includes a knitted tongue region 34, a knitted
upper heel region 36, a knitted upper lateral midfoot region 38, a
knitted upper medial midfoot region 40, a knitted upper metatarsal
region 42, a knitted upper lateral ball region 44, a knitted upper
medial ball region 46, and a knitted upper toe region 48. The upper
metatarsal region 42 includes a knitted upper lateral metatarsal
region 50 and a knitted upper medial metatarsal region 52. The
upper has a knitted upper lateral side region 54 and a knitted
upper medial side region 56. The upper lateral side region 54
includes the upper lateral midfoot region 38, the upper lateral
metatarsal region 50, and the upper lateral ball region 44. The
upper medial side region 56 includes the upper medial midfoot
region 40, the upper medial metatarsal region 52, and the upper
medial ball region 46. The upper toe region 48 is seamlessly
knitted with the upper medial and lateral ball regions 46, 44
during the knitting process. The upper medial and lateral ball
regions 46, 44 are seamlessly knitted with the upper metatarsal
region 42 during the knitting process. The upper metatarsal region
42 is seamlessly knitted with the upper lateral and medial midfoot
regions 38, 40 during the knitting process. The seamless knitting
of the various regions provides a bootie like construction and
including an integrated tongue. The knitted element 32 includes a
circular vamp oxford pattern 58. The circular vamp oxford pattern
58 includes portions of at least the upper toe region 48, the upper
lateral 44 and medial ball regions 46, the upper lateral 50 and
medial metatarsal regions 52, and the upper lateral 38 and medial
midfoot regions 40.
[0016] In the construction of the shoe 20, the upper toe region 48,
the upper lateral 44 and medial ball regions 46, and the upper
lateral 50 and medial metatarsal regions 52 collectively are
knitted with the circular vamp oxford pattern 58 during the
knitting process.
[0017] The circular vamp oxford pattern 58 is knit with a first
knit structure 60, a second knit structure 62, and a third knit
structure 64. The first knit structure 60 has a smaller gauge than
the second 62 and third knit structures 64. The third knit
structure 64 has a larger gauge than the second knit structure 62.
The first knit structure 60 is seamlessly knit with the second knit
structure 62, and the second knit structure 62 being seamlessly
knit with the third knit structure 64. The first knit structure 60
is present in the upper toe region 48, the upper lateral 44 and
medial ball regions 46, the upper lateral 50 and medial metatarsal
regions 52, and the upper lateral 38 and medial midfoot regions 40.
The third knit structure 64 is present in the upper heel region 36,
the upper lateral 38 and medial midfoot regions 40, and the upper
lateral 50 and medial metatarsal regions 52. The first 60 and third
knit structures 64 are separated by the second knit structure 62.
For example and without limitation, the first knit structure 60 is
adjacent to and borders the second knit structure 62. Also, the
third knit structure 64 is adjacent to and borders the second knit
structure 62 on a side opposite the first knit structure 60.
[0018] The circular vamp oxford pattern 58 comprises a medial band
of stitching 66 and a lateral band of stitching 68. The upper
metatarsal region 42, and the upper lateral 38 and medial midfoot
regions 38 collectively are knitted with the medial 66 and lateral
band of stitching 68. The medial band of stitching 66 comprises a
curved line having two inflection points 70, 72 and extends
rearward and downward from the knitted tongue region 34. The medial
band of stitching 66 may further comprise a third inflection point
between the two inflection points. The lateral band of stitching 68
comprises a curved line having two inflection points 74, 76 and
extends rearward and downward from the knitted tongue region 34.
The lateral band of stitching 68 may further comprise a third
inflection point between the two inflection points.
[0019] In one embodiment, the medial 66 and lateral band of
stitching 68 comprise the second knit structure 62. The first knit
structure 60 is toeward of the medial and lateral band of
stitching. The third knit structure 64 is heelward of the medial
and lateral band of stitching. The second knit structure 62
comprises a jersey stitch and the first 60 and third knit
structures 64 comprise pointelle stitches. In alternative
embodiments, other types of stitches may be used in one or more of
the knit structures. The differing gauges, locations of the knit
structures, and/or stitch type of the knit structures provide
differing levels of support and give in different corresponding
regions. This increases the comfort of the wearer.
[0020] Both the medial 66 and lateral band of stitching 68 are
knitted with broguing 78. The broguing 78 may provide ventilation
and/or increased flexibility. The medial 66 and lateral band of
stitching 68 meet at a forward most portion 80 adjacent the knitted
tongue region 34. The forward most portion 80 is centered
transversely between the lateral and medial sides of the shoe 20.
In alternative embodiments, the forward most portion 80 is biased
to either the medial side or the lateral side.
[0021] In some embodiments, the shoe 20 includes the chassis member
26 and/or a heel counter 82. The chassis member 26 is coupled to
the outsole 22 and is coextensive with the outsole 22
longitudinally and transversely. The chassis member 26 includes a
heel portion 84 extending over a portion of the heel counter 82.
The heel counter 82 extends over a portion of the knitted upper
heel region 36. The heel portion 84 of the chassis member 26 and
the heel counter 82 are adapted and configured to stiffen the upper
in the knitted upper heel region 36. For example, and without
limitation, the heel counter 82 is constructed of leather and adds
stiffness in the heel region 36. The chassis member 26 may be made
of any suitable material such as leather, thermosplastic
polyurethane, or the like.
[0022] The knitted element 32 may be knitted with one or more
yarns, such as polyester yarns, nylon yarns, cotton yarns, and
spandex yarns. In one embodiment, the knitted element 32 is knitted
of polyester covered spandex yarn and hot melt yarn, such that of
the finished knitted element, the polyester covered spandex yarn
constitutes at least 50% by mass (and more preferably at least 60%
by mass), and the hot melt yarn constitutes at least 15% by mass
(and more preferably at least 20% by mass but not more than 30% by
mass). The hot melt yarn is knitted with the polyester covered
spandex yarn during the knitting process. Preferably, the polyester
covered spandex yarn has a linear density of between about 120
denier and about 180 denier, and the hot melt yarn has a linear
density of between about 80 denier and about 120 denier. In
addition to the polyester covered spandex yarn and the hot melt
yarn, the knitted element 20 may be knitted with stretch yarn, with
the stretch yarn preferably constituting at least 5% by mass of the
knitted upper. If stretch yarn is included, it is preferably
limited (but need not be limited) to the topline area of the
knitted element 32 to provide a stretch function primarily in the
ankle region of the upper 24 of the shoe 20. Preferably, the
polyester covered spandex yarn includes a double layer of
polyester. Also preferably, the stretch yarn is spandex yarn. In
another embodiment, the knitted element 32 is formed by knitting
hot melt yarn with polyester yarn during the knitting process such
that polyester yarn constitutes at least 50% by mass of the knitted
element and the hot melt yarn constitutes at least 15% by mass of
the knitted element.
[0023] A method of constructing the shoe 20 includes knitting the
upper 24 to include the knitted element 32 as described herein. For
example and without limitation, the upper 24 may be knitted using a
knitting machine such as a CNC knitting machine. The knitted upper
24 may then be placed around a last and heated such that the upper
takes the shape of the last. The heating causes the hot melt yarn
to affix to a second yarn or the type described herein. The heel
counter 82 is coupled to the upper 24 by stitching, adhesive, or
the line. The chassis member 26 is coupled to the upper 24 using
stitching, adhesive, or the like. The chassis member 26 overlies
the heel counter 82.
[0024] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the
shoe of the disclosure has several advantages over the prior
art.
[0025] As various modifications could be made in the constructions
and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from
the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.
For example, the wedge shoe may be any type of wedge shoe, such as
a wedge sandal, a wedge pump, an open-toe wedge, a platform wedge,
etc. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments,
but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
appended hereto and their equivalents
[0026] It should also be understood that when introducing elements
in the present disclosure in the claims or in the above description
of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the terms "comprising,"
"including," and "having" are intended to be open-ended and mean
that there may be additional elements other than the listed
elements. Additionally, the term "portion" should be construed as
meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies.
Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third
should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position
or time sequence between limitations.
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