Back to results
US 12,514,334 B2Granted
Lightweight knitted upper and methods of manufacture
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsShannon J. Basa, Torrey J. Bell, Christina G. Cato, Lauren E. Durrell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lightweight, breathable and high-strength upper formed from a half-gauge knit or lesser gauge knit, at least in part from alternating courses of a first monofilament and a second multifilament yarn, is described. The upper may include a skin layer. Methods of manufacture of an article of footwear including the lightweight upper are also described.
Claims25
An upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising:
- a knitted component extending through a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the upper, wherein at least the forefoot region of the knitted component comprises a single layer half-gauge knit or lesser gauge knit formed from repeatedly alternating consecutive courses of a first monofilament and a second multifilament yarn, the second multifilament yarn having a tenacity of at least about 5 g per denier or greater.
An article of footwear comprising an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising:
- a knitted component extending through a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear, wherein at least the forefoot region comprises a single layer half-gauge knit or lesser gauge knit formed from repeatedly alternating consecutive courses of a first monofilament and a second multifilament yarn, and wherein the knitted component comprises a basis weight of at least about 2 g to about 5 g per a 5 in.×5 in. swatch of the knitted component.
A method of forming an article of footwear, comprising:
- on a single needle bed of a knitting machine, knitting a knitted component configured to form at least a forefoot region of an upper of the article of footwear, wherein the knitted component comprises a half-gauge knit or lesser gauge knit formed from repeatedly alternating consecutive courses of a first monofilament and a second multifilament yarn, wherein the second multifilament yarn has a tenacity of at least about 5 g per denier or greater;
- securing the knitted component to a jig;
- exposing the knitted component to a heat stimulus;
- removing the knitted component from the jig;
- manipulating the knitted component to form a shape of the upper of the article of footwear;
- and
- applying a skin to at least a portion of the knitted component.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.