Knitted component with adjustable knitted portionBackground
Technical Field
The present invention relates to knitted components, and more particularly to knitted components having adjustable knitted portions.
Description of the related Art
This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.
Articles of apparel, footwear, and other articles may include one or more knitted components. The knitted component may add a desirable texture to the article. The component may also be durable and strong. Furthermore, the manufacture of the article may be facilitated because of the efficiency provided by the knitting process.
For example, an article of footwear may include one or more knitted components. The knitted component may at least partially define an upper of the footwear. The knitted component may be relatively lightweight, and may also be sufficiently durable to withstand the rigors of intense movement. These woven articles can provide a unique and attractive appearance to the footwear. In addition, the footwear can be efficiently manufactured.
SUMMARY
Articles are disclosed that include a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component has a first edge and a second edge. The knitted component has a length measured between a first edge and a second edge. The length is substantially fixed. The knitted component includes a base structure and an adjustment member integrally knitted to the base structure. The adjustment member includes a bunched region configured to slide along the chassis between a first position on the knitted component and a second position on the knitted component.
Further, an article is disclosed that includes a strap having a first edge and a second edge and a length measured between the first edge and the second edge. The length is substantially fixed. The strap includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a chassis including at least one strand. The knitted component also includes an adjustment member integrally knitted to the base structure. The adjustment member includes a bunched region configured to slide along the at least one cord between a first position on the knitted component and a second position on the knitted component. The bunched region is closer to the first edge in the first position and the bunched region is closer to the second edge in the second position.
Additionally, an article of footwear is disclosed. An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The article of footwear also includes a strap coupled to the upper. The strip has a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. The strip has a length measured between a first edge and a second edge, and the length is substantially constant. The strap includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a base structure including at least one strand. The at least one cord has a first end and a second end. The at least one cord further includes an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. The intermediate portion includes a plurality of turns. The knitted component also includes an adjustment member that is integrally knitted to the chassis. The adjustment member includes a plurality of knitting courses. The at least one strand extends in a serpentine manner within the conditioning member and is inlaid within a respective one of the plurality of courses. The first end is disposed adjacent the third edge and the second end is disposed adjacent the fourth edge. Each of the plurality of turns is disposed adjacent one of the first edge and the second edge. The adjustment member includes a bunched region configured to slide along the chassis between a first position on the knitted component and a second position on the knitted component.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.
Brief Description of Drawings
The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an article including a knitted component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the article of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the article of FIG. 1 with the bunched region in a first position;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the article of FIG. 1 with the bunched region in a second position;
FIG. 5 is a front view of the article of FIG. 1 with the bunched region in a third position;
fig. 6 is a front view of a further embodiment of an article according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
figures 7-13 are schematic perspective views of a portion of the knitting machine shown during manufacture of the article of figure 1;
FIG. 14 is a side view of an article of footwear including the article of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the article of FIG. 14 with the bunched region shown in a first position;
FIG. 16 is a side view of the article of FIG. 14, with the bunched region shown in a second position;
fig. 17 is a front view of a brassiere including the article of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 18 is a front view of a waistband including the article of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is a detailed view of a portion of the knitted component shown in a generally smooth configuration;
FIG. 20 is a detailed view of a portion of the knitted component of FIG. 19 with the bunched region in a first position;
FIG. 21 is a detailed view of the portion of the knitted component of FIGS. 19 and 20 with the bunched region in a second position;
FIG. 22 is a detailed view of a portion of the knitted component of FIGS. 19, 20, and 21, with gathered regions shown stretched in a vertical direction;
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the knitted component taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the knitted component taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 3; and
figure 25 is a detailed view of an exemplary corner of a knitted component shown with an adjustment member of the knitted component moving relative to a base structure of the knitted component.
Detailed description of the invention
The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various concepts related to a knitted component. As will be discussed, the knitted component may include an adjustable portion that may be adjusted by a user. For example, regions of the knitted component may be smooth, while other regions may be gathered. The number of bunched regions on the component may be varied by the user, and the loftiness of the bunched regions may also be varied by the user. Additionally, the location of the bunched region may be moved along the knitted component and the bunched region may be maintained in its selected position. This may allow a user to adjust and change the knitted component to a desired configuration.
As will be discussed, the knitted component may have a wide range of shapes, sizes, textures, appearances, or other characteristics. Further, the knitted component may define or may be included in a wide range of articles without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the knitted component may at least partially define a strip, cloth, fabric, or other article. Further, the knitted component may be included in an article of footwear, an article of apparel, or other object without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Construction of an exemplary article
Referring initially to fig. 1, an article 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The article 10 may have a variety of shapes, sizes, and characteristics without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As shown in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 1, the article 10 may be elongated. Or in other words, the article 10 may be relatively long, thin, and flat. Thus, the article 10 may be configured as a strap, belt, bandage, or other similar object.
In some embodiments, the article 10 may be used separately and may be wrapped around the body of a user. For example, the article 10 may be wrapped around a user's wrist, ankle, or other joint to apply compression to the joint. In particular, if a joint is sprained, the article 10 can apply compression to the joint to limit joint movement and promote healing.
The article 10 may also be included or attached to another object. For example, article 10 may be attached to an article of footwear and may be wrapped around a user's body to help secure the article of footwear to the user's body. The article 10 may also be attached to an article of apparel, such as a vest, a brassiere, a pair of pants, or other apparel, and the article 10 may help support the article on the wearer's body.
As mentioned above, the article 10 may have any suitable size and shape. Thus, the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 is merely an example of the size and shape of the article 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the article 10 may define a quadrilateral shape so as to include four sides and four corners, each of which will be described in more detail below. However, it should be understood that article 10 may include any number of edges or edges, and article 10 may include any number of corners at which the edges meet. The edges may be arranged at any angle relative to each other. Further, it should be understood that the article 10 may define a dome shape, such as a circle, ellipse, or other dome shape.
More specifically, as shown in the plan view of fig. 2, the article 10 may include a first edge 12, a second edge 14, a third edge 16, and a fourth edge 18. The edges 12, 14, 16, 18 may be arranged at any suitable angle relative to each other. Thus, the article 10 may define a rectangle, parallelogram, or other quadrilateral. Further, first edge 12 and third edge 16 may intersect at a first corner 24, first edge and fourth edge 18 may intersect at a second corner 26, second edge 14 and third edge 16 may intersect at a third corner 28, and second edge 14 and fourth edge 18 may intersect at a fourth corner 30.
Further, the article 10 may be substantially rectangular, as shown in FIG. 2. Thus, the first edge 12 and the second edge 14 may be disposed substantially parallel to each other on opposite sides of the article 10. Both the third edge 16 and the fourth edge 18 may extend between the first edge 12 and the second edge 14. The third edge 16 and the fourth edge 18 may also be substantially parallel to each other and may be substantially perpendicular to the first edge 12 and the second edge 14.
The third edge 16 and the fourth edge 18 may be substantially longer than the first edge 12 and the second edge 14. Thus, the third edge 16 and the fourth edge 18 may define a length 31 of the article 10, as shown in fig. 2. It should be understood that the length 31 of the article 10 may have any suitable value. The first edge 12 and the second edge 14 may also define opposite ends of the article 10.
As shown in fig. 1, the article 10 may also include a front side 20 and a back side 22. The article 10 may have any suitable thickness measured between the front and back sides 20, 22.
Additionally, the article 10 may be flexible. Likewise, the article 10 may be wrapped around another object, may be folded, or may otherwise flex.
It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the shape and size of the article 10 may be configured according to the intended use of the article 10. For example, the article 10 may be elongated, as shown in fig. 1 and 2. Thus, the article 10 may at least partially define the strap 11. The strap 11 may be used independently, for example, to wrap around a body part. Furthermore, the strap 11 may be included on any suitable object, such as an article of footwear or an article of apparel, as shown in fig. 14, 17, and 18. However, it should be understood that the article 10 may be shaped, sized, and configured as an object other than a strap.
Further, article 10 may include a knitted component 32, and may be formed at least in part from knitted component 32, the knitted component being formed from a plurality of yarns, cables, fibers, or other strands. For example, the article 10 may be formed by a flat knitting process or other knitting process. Thus, the article 10 may be efficiently manufactured. Further, the first edge 12, the second edge 14, the third edge 16, and the fourth edge may be finished edges that are not likely to inadvertently unravel or come loose.
As will be discussed in detail below, knitted component 32 may include a plurality of subcomponents. These sub-components may be formed and integrally woven together such that knitted component 32 has an integrally woven construction. Once knitted component 32 is formed, knitted component 32 may define at least a portion of article 10. In addition, as will be discussed, knitted component 32 may be configured with various adjustable features that allow a user to select and change the configuration of article 10.
As used herein, the term "unitary knit construction" means that the respective component is formed as a one-piece element by a knitting process. In other words, the knitting process generally forms the various features and structures of the unitary knit construction without requiring significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. Unitary knit constructions may be used to form a knitted component having structures or elements that include one or more courses of yarn or other knitted material that are joined such that the structures or elements include at least one common course (i.e., share a common yarn) and/or include substantially continuous courses between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knit construction is provided.
Knitted component 32 may generally include a chassis 34 and an adjustment member 36. Base structure 34 and adjustment member 36 may each include a respective string, yarn, cable, or other similar flexible fiber integrally braided together to define an integral braided construction, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
The adjustment member 36 may be adjustable as desired by the user to change the configuration of the article 10. The base structure 34 may support such adjustment of the article 10.
For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 2, knitted component 32 may be configured to be substantially smooth and uniform along its length 31. However, as shown in fig. 3, portions of the adjustment member 36 may be bunched or gathered together relative to the chassis 34 to define a bunched region 54 having increased contour lines and wrinkles. In contrast, a smooth region 56 is disposed on each side of the bunched region 54.
The bunched region 54 is shown in a first position in fig. 3. Specifically, the bunched region 54 is shown substantially centered on the article 10. As shown in fig. 4, bunched region 54 may be moved to a second position wherein bunched region 54 migrates to one side of article 10. In some embodiments, the bunched region 54 may move to any region of the article 10. In a further configuration represented in fig. 5, the adjustment members 36 may bunch and bunch to such a large extent that the knitted component 32 exhibits a large degree of bunching and twisting about its length.
As will be discussed, the adjustment member 36 may be self-supporting such that the position and loft of the bunched region 54 may be maintained even if the user releases the bunched region 54. Further, as will be discussed, the bunched region 54 may provide one or more advantageous features to the article 10. For example, the bunched region 54 may provide cushioning. In other words, if the article 10 is affected by an external load, the bunched region 54 may deflect and deform, thereby dampening the load and thereby providing cushioning. Further, if the article 10 is configured to be worn against the body of a user, the gathered region 10 may comfortably fit the user's body for increased comfort.
Embodiments of knitted Components
Embodiments of knitted component 32, chassis 34, and adjustment member 36 will now be discussed. As mentioned, chassis 34 and adjustment member 36 may be integrally woven together such that knitted component 32 has a unitary woven construction. An exemplary embodiment of the chassis 34 and the adjustment member 36 is shown in detail in fig. 2, and an overall woven configuration of the chassis 34 and the adjustment member 36 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in fig. 19-22.
As shown in fig. 19, the adjustment member 36 may include one or more yarns, cables, monofilaments, composite wires or other cords 48. The cords 48 may be made of any suitable material, such as cotton, elastane, polymeric materials, or a combination of two or more materials.
The cords 48 may be woven and stitched together to define a plurality of interlocking loops arranged in respective courses and wales. For purposes of discussion, the first ring 70, the second ring 72, and the third ring 74 are shown separately in FIG. 19. As shown, the first ring 70 and the second ring 72 are arranged in a common row 50 and are immediately adjacent to each other. Further, the rings 70 and 74 are arranged in a common column 52 and directly adjacent to each other. The ring distance between the first ring 70 and the second ring 72 is indicated by reference numeral 76. The ring height of the third ring 74 is indicated by reference numeral 78.
Further, the base structure 32 of the knitted component 32 may include at least one yarn, cable, monofilament, composite, or other strand 38, as shown in fig. 2 and 19. The cord 38 may be integrally woven and secured to the adjustment member 36 in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in fig. 19, the cord 38 may be embedded within one or more of the courses 50 of the adjustment member 36 and may extend through one or more of the courses 50 of the adjustment member 36. Specifically, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal segments 45 of the cords 38 may be inlaid within different courses 50 of the adjustment member 36. In other words, the cords 38 may be selectively disposed in front of and behind the stitches as the cords 38 extend along the respective courses 50, as shown in fig. 19. Thus, the cord 38 may be substantially surrounded and wrapped by the adjustment member 36. It should also be understood that the cords 38 may also be configured to extend along one or more wales 52 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The cords 38 and other portions of knitted component 32 may be contained in a commonly owned united states patent application entitled "article of footwear having an upper that includes a knitted component" entitled "united states patent application for footwear having an upper that includes a knitted component," dual et al, filed 12/18 2008 and published us patent application publication No. 2010/0154256 6/24 2010, united states patent application for "12/338,726, Huffa et al, filed 3/15/2011 and published us patent application publication No. 2012/0233882 at 9/20/2012, entitled" article of footwear having a knitted component, "united states patent application for serial number 13/048,514, filed 2/28/2013 and published us _______/_________, entitled" knitted component having a knitted vertical inlay element (incorporated) taught by a vertical inlay component of knitted component (united states patent application for footwear having a knitted component) entitled "method ktotn @ 13/781,336, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The cords 48 of the adjustment member 36 may be woven to define a majority of the article 10. In other words, the strand 48 of the adjustment member 36 may be woven to define the first edge 12, the second edge 14, the third edge 16, the fourth edge 18, the front surface 20, and the back surface 22 of the article 10.
In addition, a cord 38 may be routed through the adjustment member 36 to support the relative movement of the adjustment member 36. The cords 38 of the chassis 32 may be routed within the conditioning member 36 in any suitable manner and extend through any suitable area of the conditioning member 36. For example, as shown in the embodiment shown in fig. 2, chassis 38 may extend between first edge 12 and second edge 14 and between third edge 16 and fourth edge 18.
More specifically, as shown in fig. 2, the cord 38 may have a first end 40, a second end 42, and a middle portion 44. The first end 40 may be disposed adjacent the first corner 24 and the second end 42 may be disposed adjacent the second corner 26. The intermediate portion 44 may extend in a serpentine manner through the adjustment member 36 to define a plurality of longitudinal segments 45 and a plurality of turns 56, as shown in fig. 2. The longitudinal segments 45 may extend generally parallel to the third and fourth edges 16, 18, and the longitudinal segments 45 may be generally evenly spaced between the third and fourth edges 16, 18. Further, the turn 46 may be disposed adjacent to the first edge 12 or the second edge 14. In some embodiments, the turnaround 46 may be curved approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180 °). The radius of the turn 46 may have any suitable value. For example, the radius of the turn 46 may be between 0.05 inches and 0.25 inches.
Additionally, as shown in fig. 2, the adjustment member 36 and the chassis 34 may be woven together to define one or more support regions 102 and one or more free regions 101, 103. It should be understood that the chassis 34 extends through the conditioning member 36 in the support region 102, but the chassis 34 is generally spaced away from the free regions 101, 103.
It should be appreciated that supported areas 102 and unsupported areas 101, 103 may be disposed at any suitable location on knitted component 32. For example, in the embodiment of fig. 2, the support region 102 is generally centered between the third edge 16 and the fourth edge 18 and extends continuously between the first edge 12 and the second edge 14. Furthermore, the free region 101 extends along the third edge 16 and extends continuously between the first edge 12 and the second edge 14. Furthermore, the free area 103 extends along the fourth edge 18 and extends continuously between the first edge 12 and the second edge 14.
Additionally, the first and second ends 40, 42 of the cord 38 may be secured to the adjustment member 36. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 40 and the second end 42 may be braided to the adjustment member 36. In further embodiments, the ends 40, 42 may be secured to the adjustment member 36 with an adhesive, or additional securing devices may be used.
However, the adjustment member 36 may be movable relative to the intermediate portion 44 of the cord 38. Thus, a portion of the adjustment member 36 may slide over the intermediate portion 44 of the cord 38. For example, the adjustment members 36 may be slid along the longitudinal segments 45 of the cords 38 to allow the adjustment members 36 to gather together and form a gathered region 54 shown in fig. 3, 4, 5, 20, and 21.
Referring to fig. 19-21, the gathering of the adjustment member 36 into the gathered region 54 and the movement of the gathered region 54 along the article 10 relative to the strands 38 of the chassis 34 will be discussed in greater detail. As shown in fig. 19, the loop distance 76 and loop height 78 may be substantially constant throughout the adjustment member 36 as the adjustment member 36 is smoothed.
However, as shown in fig. 20, the adjustment members 36 may be gathered together and may be slid over the cords 38 of the chassis 34 to create a gathered region 54. More specifically, the first ring 70 and the second ring 72 may migrate toward each other to reduce a respective ring distance 77 between the first ring 70 and the second ring 72. Likewise, the loop distance 77 may be reduced between other loops, as shown in FIG. 20. In other words, as the user migrates the adjustment member 36 relative to the cord 38 of the chassis 34, the slack between the loops may be reduced. Thus, the adjustment members 36 may be gathered together to define a gathered region 54. However, the ring distance 76 between the fourth ring 67 and the fifth ring 68 within the smooth region 56 may remain approximately the same as the distance shown in fig. 19.
Further, as shown in fig. 21, the bunched region 54 may be displaced in place. In other words, the bunched region 54 may be defined on other portions of the adjustment member 36. As shown in fig. 21, the first ring 70 and the second ring 72 may be moved back away from each other to restore the ring distance 76 shown in fig. 19. However, the fourth and fifth rings 67, 68 may be slid toward each other over the cord 34 to decrease the respective ring distance 77.
Further, in some embodiments as represented in fig. 22, accumulating loops within bunched region 54 may increase the loop height from loop height 78 to loop height 79. This may in turn urge the respective portions of the longitudinal segments 45 of the cord 38 further apart, as shown. It should be appreciated that the loop height may vary between loop height 78 and loop height 79 as bunched region 54 is displaced in position within knitted component 32.
Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of knitted component 32 taken through smooth area 56. As shown, the free region 101, the support region 102, and the free region 103 may be generally arranged in a common plane. In contrast, fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of knitted component 32 taken through bunched region 54. As shown, the free regions 101 and 103 may be curved out of the plane defined by the support region 102. More specifically, the cords 38 of the support structure 34 may be sufficiently rigid to substantially maintain the support region 102 in a substantially planar configuration. However, because the cords 38 do not extend through the free areas 101 and 103, the free areas 101 and 103 may be curved to a much greater extent. Thus, as shown in fig. 3, the third and fourth edges 16, 18 may be curved, folded upon themselves, or otherwise contoured to a large extent in the area of gathering (contourr).
In some embodiments, the length 31 of the knitted component 32 may be substantially fixed. For example, the cords 38 of the chassis 34 may have a substantially fixed length and may be inextensible such that the cords 38 resist or inhibit stretching and elongation of the knitted component 32. More specifically, as shown in fig. 25, the bunched region 54 is shown in phantom sliding toward the second edge 14, as indicated by arrow 87. However, when the bunched region 54 reaches the second edge 14, the cord 38 resists stretching and the turn 46 exerts a reaction force 85 against the adjustment member 36, which is directed in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the adjustment member 36. Accordingly, length 31 of knitted component 32 may remain fixed. So that the sliding movement of the bunched region 54 may be limited by the turn 46. It should be appreciated that turn 46 disposed at first edge 12 may similarly limit the elongation of knitted component 32.
It should be understood that the cords 38 of the chassis 34 may be specifically selected to have characteristics that allow adjustment of the adjustment member 36 as discussed above. Accordingly, the strand 38 may have some flexibility, but when the bunched region 54 forms in the adjustment member 36 and migrates along the knitted component 32, the strand 38 may be sufficiently rigid to keep the longitudinal segments 45 relatively straight. Thus, the longitudinal segments 45 of the cords 38 may guide the bunched region 54 to move and bunch along the article 10. Further, the cord 38 may have a desirable coefficient of friction for allowing adjustment of the adjustment member 36. Specifically, the coefficient of friction may be low enough to facilitate sliding of the adjustment member 36 over the cord 38, and high enough to retain the adjustment member 36 in its selected position. In some embodiments, the cords 38 may be polymeric monofilament cords such that the cords 38 provide these and other desirable characteristics.
An additional embodiment of article 110 and knitted component 132 is shown in figure 6. Components corresponding to those discussed above are indicated by corresponding reference characters increased by 100.
As shown, article 110 may be substantially similar to the embodiments discussed above. However, knitted component 132 may include multiple zones that differ from one another in one or more characteristics. The zones may differ in appearance such that the zones differ in color, stitch pattern, or otherwise. In further embodiments, the zones may also differ in physical or mechanical properties. For example, in some embodiments, the zones may differ in elasticity.
For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment member 136 of the knitted component 132 may include a first zone 158 and a second zone 160. The first region 158 may have a stitch density that is greater than the stitch density of the second region 160. More specifically, the first zone 158 may have a full gauge knit, while the second zone 160 may have a 1 × 1 mesh stitch pattern. Further, as shown, first zones 158 and second zones 160 may be disposed along knitted component 132 between first edge 112 and second edge 114 in an alternating arrangement. Thus, second zone 160 may allow increased airflow through article 110, and article 110 may be comfortable to wear against the skin.
In further embodiments, first zone 158 may have a higher stitch density than second zone 160, such that first zone 158 is more resistant to sliding along chassis 34 than second zone 160. Additionally, first zones 158 and second zones 160 may be constructed from different types of yarns to differentiate characteristics between first zones 158 and second zones 160. For example, first zones 158 may be constructed of elastic yarns, while second zones 160 may be constructed of substantially inelastic yarns. The yarns of first zone 158 and second zone 160 may also differ in color. Further, the yarns may differ in texture, denier, volume, or other characteristics.
Embodiments of articles comprising knitted components
As mentioned above, articles 10 of the type shown in fig. 1 may be contained within the strap 11 or may define the strap 11. In some embodiments, such straps 11 may be used as a sports support strap or bandage. For example, the strap 11 may be wrapped around an ankle, wrist, or other joint to apply compression to the joint. This compression may limit movement of the joint, for example, if the joint is strained. Further, as discussed above, the location of the bunched region 54 on the strap 11 may be adjusted such that cushioning is applied at a desired location by the bunched region 54.
In further embodiments, the strap 11 may be included on other articles. For example, as shown in fig. 14, strap 11 may be included on article of footwear 13. Strap 11 may be included anywhere on footwear 13 and may be used for any suitable purpose.
For example, footwear 13 may generally include an upper 15 and a sole structure 17, and strap 11 may be included on upper 15. More specifically, in some embodiments, upper 15 may include an ankle opening 29 configured to receive a foot of a wearer, and strap 11 may be attached adjacent to ankle opening 29. In some embodiments, one end of the strap 11 may be secured to the upper by an adhesive, fastener, or other attachment means, and a free portion of the strap 11 may wrap around the ankle of the wearer, as shown in fig. 15 and 16. In some embodiments, the strap 11 may also include fastening means, such as a buckle, a loop strap (pileycropt), or other similar tool, for securing the free end in this wrapped position. Further, by comparing fig. 15 and 16, it will be apparent that the bunched region 54 may migrate along the length of the strip 11. Thus, the cushioning provided by the bunched region 54 may be migrated and adjusted.
Moreover, the strap 11 may be included on an article of apparel, such as underwear, pants, shorts, vest garments, waistbands, hats, or other articles of apparel. The straps 11 may help support the article of apparel on the wearer's body, and adjustment of the straps 11 may allow the wearer to configure the straps 11 in a variety of ways.
As shown in the embodiment shown in fig. 17, the strap 11 is included on an undergarment, such as a brassiere 19. The bra 19 may include a body 21 having a cup 23. The straps 11 may be configured to extend over the shoulders of the wearer, as shown, or the straps 11 may be configured to extend across the back of the wearer. In either case, the straps 11 may support the cups 23 on the wearer's body. The strap 11 may be configured to include a bunched region 54. As discussed above, the bunched region 54 may migrate. Thus, the bunched region 54 may be moved to a desired position to provide the desired cushioning against the wearer's skin.
Further, as shown in fig. 18, the strap 11 may be included on a waistband 25. The waist belt 25 may include fastening means 27 attached to both ends of the waist belt 25 for securing the waist belt 25 around the waist of the wearer. The fastening means 27 may be of any suitable type. For example, the fastening means 27 may comprise a buckle, as shown in fig. 18. The fastening means 27 may also comprise a velcro, hook, button or other similar means. Further, as shown in fig. 18, the gathered region 54 of the strap 11 may migrate along the waistband 25 as discussed in detail above.
In other embodiments, the strap 11 may be included on an article of equipment. For example, strap 11 may be included on a shoulder strap or other container of a bag.
As mentioned above, knitted component 32 may be shaped in a variety of ways, and knitted component 32 may be included in other items besides straps. It should be appreciated that the shape, size, and other characteristics of knitted component 32 may be altered and reconfigured in many ways depending on the use and function of knitted component 32. It should also be understood that the knitting process may be height adjustable and may accommodate these changes.
Embodiments of the knitting Process
Embodiments of a method of manufacturing knitted component 32 will now be discussed. Knitted component 32 may be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, as shown in the embodiments shown in fig. 7-13, knitted component 32 may be automatically knitted on knitting machine 200. For example, knitting machine 200 may be a flat knitting machine (flat knitting machine), as represented in fig. 7-13. It should be understood that knitting machine 200 is partially shown in fig. 7-13.
As shown, knitting machine 200 may include one or more first feeders 204 and one or more second feeders 220. First feeder 204 may be a conventional type of feeder known in the art. Further, second feeder 220 may be configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. patent application serial No. 13/048,527 entitled "combined feeder for knitting machine" issued to Huffa of U.S. patent application publication No. 2012-0234051 at 9-20/2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Feeders 204, 220 may be supported and suspended from rails 203. Feeders 204, 220 may also be supported for movement along track 203. Whereas second feeder 220 is fixed to the front side of rail 203, first feeder 204 is fixed to the rear side of rail 203.
Knitting machine 200 may also include a plurality of needles 202 of known type, arranged in respective rows or beds below track 203. As will become apparent, the first feeder 204 may feed the strand 48 to the needle 202 for forming the conditioning member 36. In contrast, second feeder 220 may feed strand 38 toward needle 202 for forming chassis 34.
The knitting process discussed herein involves the formation of knitted component 32, which may be any knitted component, including knitted components similar to knitted component 32 discussed above. For purposes of discussion, only a relatively small portion of knitted component 32 adjacent second edge 14 is shown in fig. 7-13. It should be understood that first edge 12 and other portions of knitted component 32 may be similarly configured. Further, in fig. 7-13, the proportions or ratios of the various elements of knitting machine 200 and knitted component 32 may be exaggerated to better illustrate the knitting process.
As shown in fig. 7, first feeder 204 may be moved along track 203 in the direction of arrow 251 and new courses 50 may be formed of strand 48 in knitted component 32. More specifically, the needle 202 may pull the segments of the cord 48 through the loops of the previous course, thereby forming the new course 50. Thus, by moving first feeder 204 along needle 202, courses may be added to knitting member 32, allowing needle 202 to manipulate strand 48 and form additional loops from strand 48.
Continuing with the knitting process, second feeder 220 now translates from the retracted position to the extended position, as depicted by arrow 250 in figure 8. In this extended position, the tip of feeder 220 may be disposed closer to needle 202. Second feeder 220 then moves along track 203 and cord 38 may be placed between the loops of knitted component 32, as shown in fig. 9. That is, the cords 32 are positioned in an alternating pattern in front of some loops and behind others. Also, the cord 38 may be placed in front of loops held by needles 202 from one needle bed, and the cord 38 may be placed behind loops held by needles 202 from the other needle bed. Note that second feeder 220 may remain in the extended position to place cords 38 in the area below the intersection of the needle beds. This effectively places cords 38 in the courses newly formed by first feeder 204 in fig. 7.
To complete the inlay of cord 38 into knitted component 32, first feeder 204 may be moved along track 203 to form a new course 50 from cord 48, as shown in fig. 10. By forming new courses 50, cords 48 are effectively woven within the overall weave configuration of knitted component 32 or otherwise integrated into the overall weave configuration of knitted component 32. At this stage, the second feeder 220 may also translate from the extended position to the retracted position, as depicted by arrow 250 in fig. 10.
Continuing with the knitting process, second feeder 220 may be translated from the retracted position to the extended position, as depicted by arrow 250 in figure 11. Second feeder 220 may then be moved along track 203 in the direction of arrow 251 in figure 12. Accordingly, a turn 46 may be formed and the cord 38 may be placed between loops of the knitted component 32, as depicted in fig. 12. This effectively places cords 38 within the courses 50 formed by first feeder 204 in fig. 10. Then, to complete the inlay of cord 38 into knitted component 32, first feeder 204 may be moved along track 203 to form a new course 50 from cord 48, as shown in fig. 13. By forming new courses 50, cords 38 may be integrated into the overall knit construction of knitted component 32. This knitting process may be repeated until knitted component 32 is fully formed.
Accordingly, it should be appreciated that knitted component 32 may be manufactured in an efficient manner. Once formed, knitted component 32 may be further processed to form a desired article.
In general, knitted component 32 may be height adjustable by a user. For example, knitted component 32 may be altered from a relatively smooth and uniform configuration to include at least one bunched region 54. The bunched region 54 may migrate along the knitted component. Accordingly, the knitted component 32 may be useful for articles intended to be placed adjacent the user's body, and the bunched region 54 may migrate to provide cushioning to a desired area on the user's body.
While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Further, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.