Knitted Components Exhibiting Color Shifting Effects

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/302,621, filed on Apr. 18, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/086,861, filed Nov. 2, 2020, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,674,244, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/588,253, filed May 5, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,822,728, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/734,422, filed Jun. 9, 2015, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,070,679, which is a continuation U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/535,448, filed Nov. 7, 2014, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,488, which claims the benefit of priority to: U.S. provisional patent app. No. 62/057,264, filed Sep. 30, 2014; and U.S. provisional patent app. No. 62/057,293, filed Sep. 30, 2014. The entire contents of each of the aforementioned applications is incorporated hereby by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates generally to articles of footwear, and, in particular, to articles of footwear incorporating knitted components.

Conventional articles of footwear generally include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower area of the upper, thereby being positioned between the upper and the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole often includes a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to lessen stresses upon the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. Additionally, the midsole may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and provides a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure formed from a durable and wear-resistant material, such as rubber. The sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the void and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.

The upper generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. In some articles of footwear, such as basketball footwear and boots, the upper may extend upward and around the ankle to provide support or protection for the ankle. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is generally provided by an ankle opening in a heel region of the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. The lacing system also permits the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying dimensions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter to limit movement of the heel.

A variety of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) are conventionally utilized in manufacturing the upper. In athletic footwear, for example, the upper may have multiple layers that each include a variety of joined material elements. As examples, the material elements may be selected to impart stretch-resistance, wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, compressibility, comfort, and moisture-wicking to different areas of the upper. In order to impart the different properties to different areas of the upper, material elements are often cut to desired shapes and then joined together, usually with stitching or adhesive bonding. Moreover, the material elements are often joined in a layered configuration to impart multiple properties to the same areas. As the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases, the time and expense associated with transporting, stocking, cutting, and joining the material elements may also increase. Waste material from cutting and stitching processes also accumulates to a greater degree as the number and type of material elements incorporated into the upper increases. Moreover, uppers with a greater number of material elements may be more difficult to recycle than uppers formed from fewer types and numbers of material elements. By decreasing the number of material elements utilized in the upper, therefore, waste may be decreased while increasing the manufacturing efficiency and recyclability of the upper.

The present embodiments provide a knitted component that may include a knitted base portion located between a first non-planar structure and a second non-planar structure. The knitted base portion may include a first area located adjacent to the first non-planar structure, and the first area may include at least one course of a first base yarn. The knitted base portion may include a second area located adjacent to the second non-planar structure, and the second area may include at least one course of a second base yarn. The first base yarn may have a first visual property and the second base yarn may have a second visual property that may be different from the first visual property. The first non-planar structure may at least partially obstruct from view the first area when viewed from a first viewing angle, and the second non-planar structure may at least partially obstruct from view the second area when viewed from a second viewing angle. The first non-planar structure may include a lenticular knit structure that may have a first lenticular yarn and a second lenticular yarn, and the first lenticular yarn may have substantially the same color as the first base yarn. At least one of the first base yarn and the second base yarn may include an elastic material that may bias the knitted component to a first position, and the knitted base portion may be substantially obstructed from view when the knitted component is in the first position. The knitted base portion may be revealed in a second position, and the knitted component may move from the first position to the second position in response to a stretching force. In the second position, the elastic material may be in a stretched condition. The first non-planar structure and the second non-planar structure may have at least one different visual property from both the first base yarn and the second base yarn.

In one embodiment, a knitted component may include a knitted base portion located between a first non-planar structure and a second non-planar structure, and the knitted base portion may extend along at least one wale of the knitted component and may include a first yarn and a second yarn. The first yarn may have a first visual property and the second yarn may have a second visual property different from the first visual property. The first non-planar structure may at least partially obstruct the second yarn from view when viewed from a first viewing angle, and the second non-planar structure may at least partially obstruct the first yarn from view when viewed from a second viewing angle. The knitted base portion may include at least one float stitch of the first yarn. The first non-planar structure may include a third yarn that may have different visual properties from the first yarn and the second yarn. At least one of the first yarn or second yarn may include an elastic material that may bias the knitted component to a first position, in which the knitted base portion may be substantially obstructed from view. In a second position, the knitted base portion may be revealed. In the second position, the elastic material may be stretched.

In one embodiment, a method of knitting a color-shifting knitted component may include knitting part of a first non-planar structure of a knitted component and at least part of a second non-planar structure from a first yarn according to a first knitting sequence, may include knitting part of a base portion located between the first non-planar structure and the second non-planar structure from a second yarn according to a second knitting sequence, and may include knitting another part of the base portion from a third yarn according to a third knitting sequence so that the knitted component may substantially present the second yarn or the third yarn in the base portion from a first viewing angle. The second knitting sequence may include knitting a tuck stitch on a front needle bed, knitting a knit stitch on a rear needle bed, and knitting a float stitch across at least one needle on the front and rear needle beds, and the third knitting sequence may include knitting a knit stitch on the rear needle bed, knitting a tuck stitch on the front needle bed, and knitting a knit stitch on the rear needle bed. The second knitting sequence may include knitting a tuck stitch on the front needle bed, knitting a knit stitch on the rear needle bed, and knitting another knit stitch on the rear needle bed, and the third knitting sequence may include knitting a knit stitch on the rear needle bed, knitting a tuck stitch on the front needle bed, and knitting a float stitch across at least one needle on the front and rear needle beds. The second yarn and the third yarn may have at least one different visual property. At least one of the second yarn and the third yarn may include an elastic material, which may bias the knitted component to a first state wherein the first non-planar structure and the second non-planar structure may at least partially obstruct the second yarn and the third yarn from view. From a second viewing angle, the knitted component may substantially present a different yarn than from the first viewing angle.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a variety of concepts relating to knitted components and the manufacture of knitted components. Although the knitted components may be used in a variety of products, an article of footwear that incorporates one or more of the knitted components is disclosed below as an example. In addition to footwear, the knitted component may be used in other types of apparel (e.g., shirts, pants, socks, jackets, undergarments), athletic equipment (e.g., golf bags, baseball and football gloves, soccer ball restriction structures), containers (e.g., backpacks, bags), and upholstery for furniture (e.g., chairs, couches, car seats). The knitted component may also be used in bed coverings (e.g., sheets, blankets), table coverings, towels, flags, tents, sails, and parachutes. The knitted component may be used as technical textiles for industrial purposes, including structures for automotive and aerospace applications, filter materials, medical textiles (e.g. bandages, swabs, implants), geotextiles for reinforcing embankments, agrotextiles for crop protection, and industrial apparel that protects or insulates against heat and radiation. Accordingly, the knitted component and other concepts disclosed herein may be incorporated into a variety of products for both personal and industrial purposes.

illustrate exemplary embodiments of an article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component including lenticular knit structures and the associated method of manufacturing. The upper incorporates a knitted component including one or more lenticular knit structures that provide color-shifting properties to the upper and the article of footwear. The individual features of any of the knitted components described herein may be used in combination or may be provided separately in different configurations for articles of footwear. In addition, any of the features may be optional and may not be included in any one particular embodiment of a knitted component.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length or major axis of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width or minor axis of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, including an upper, a knitted component and portions thereof, and/or a sole structure.

illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear, also referred to simply as article. In some embodiments, article of footwearmay include a sole structureand an upper. Although articleis illustrated as having a general configuration suitable for running, concepts associated with articlemay also be applied to a variety of other athletic footwear types, including soccer shoes, baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes, training shoes, walking shoes, and hiking boots, for example. The concepts may also be applied to footwear types that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, sandals, and work boots. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed with respect to articlemay be applied to a wide variety of footwear types.

For reference purposes, articlemay be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, as generally shown in. Forefoot regiongenerally includes portions of articlecorresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot regiongenerally includes portions of articlecorresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel regiongenerally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Articlealso includes a lateral sideand a medial side, which extend through each of forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel regionand correspond with opposite sides of article. More particularly, lateral sidecorresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from the other foot), and medial sidecorresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). Forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel regionand lateral side, medial sideare not intended to demarcate precise areas of article. Rather, forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel regionand lateral side, medial sideare intended to represent general areas of articleto aid in the following discussion. In addition to article, forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel regionand lateral side, medial sidemay also be applied to sole structure, upper, and individual elements thereof.

An exemplary coordinate system for describing the embodiment of articleshown inis illustrated in, where a longitudinal directionextends along articlebetween forefoot regionto heel regionof article, a lateral directionextends along articlebetween lateral sideand medial side, and a vertical directionextends along articlebetween sole structureand a top of article.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole structureis secured to upperand extends between the foot and the ground when articleis worn. In some embodiments, sole structuremay include one or more components, including a midsole, an outsole, and/or a sockliner or insole. In an exemplary embodiment, sole structuremay include an outsole that is secured to a lower surface of upperand/or a base portion configured for securing sole structureto upper. In one embodiment, outsole may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. Although this configuration for sole structureprovides an example of a sole structure that may be used in connection with upper, a variety of other conventional or nonconventional configurations for sole structuremay also be used. Accordingly, in other embodiments, the features of sole structureor any sole structure used with uppermay vary.

For example, in other embodiments, sole structuremay include a midsole and/or a sockliner. A midsole may be secured to a lower surface of an upper and in some cases may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In other cases, a midsole may incorporate plates, moderators, fluid-filled chambers, lasting elements, or motion control members that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. In still other cases, the midsole may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber that is located within an upper and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of an article.

In some embodiments, upperdefines a void within articlefor receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure. The void is shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along a lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. Upperincludes an exterior surfaceand an opposite interior surface. Whereas the exterior surface faces outward and away from article, the interior surface faces inward and defines a majority or a relatively large portion of the void within articlefor receiving the foot. Moreover, the interior surface may lay against the foot or a sock covering the foot. Uppermay also include a collarthat is located in at least heel regionand forms a throat opening. Access to the void is provided by throat opening. More particularly, the foot may be inserted into upperthrough throat openingformed by collar, and the foot may be withdrawn from upperthrough throat openingformed by collar. In some embodiments, an instep areaextends forward from collarand throat openingin heel regionover an area corresponding to an instep of the foot in midfoot regionto an area adjacent to forefoot region.

In some embodiments, uppermay include a throat portion disposed between lateral sideand medial sideof upperthrough instep area. In an exemplary embodiment, the throat portion may be integrally attached to and formed of unitary knit construction with portions of upperalong lateral and medial sides through instep area. Accordingly, as shown in the Figures, uppermay extend substantially continuously across instep areabetween lateral sideand medial side. In other embodiments, the throat portion may be disconnected along lateral and medial sides through instep areasuch that the throat portion is moveable within an opening between a lateral portion and a medial portion on opposite sides of instep area, thereby forming a tongue.

In some embodiments, a laceextends through a plurality of lace receiving membersin upperand permits the wearer to modify dimensions of upperto accommodate proportions of the foot. In some embodiments, lacemay extend through lace receiving membersthat are disposed along either side of instep area. More particularly, lacepermits the wearer to tighten upperaround the foot, and lacepermits the wearer to loosen upperto facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the void (i.e., through throat opening). In addition, the throat portion of upperin instep areaextends under laceto enhance the comfort of article. Laceis illustrated with articlein, while in the remaining Figures, lacehas been omitted for purposes of clarity. In further configurations, uppermay include additional elements, such as (a) a heel counter in heel regionthat enhances stability, (b) a toe guard in forefoot regionthat is formed of a wear-resistant material, and (c) logos, trademarks, and placards with care instructions and material information.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, synthetic leather) that are joined through stitching or bonding, for example. In contrast, in some embodiments, a majority of upperis formed from a knitted component, which will be discussed in more detail below. Knitted componentmay, for example, be manufactured through a flat knitting process and extends through each of forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel region, along both lateral sideand medial side, over forefoot region, and around heel region. In an exemplary embodiment, knitted componentforms substantially all of upper, including exterior surfaceand a majority or a relatively large portion of interior surface, thereby defining a portion of the void within upper. In some embodiments, knitted componentmay also extend under the foot. In other embodiments, however, a strobel sock or thin sole-shaped piece of material is secured to knitted componentto form an attachment portion of upperthat extends under the foot for attachment with sole structure.

In addition, in this embodiment, a seamextends substantially vertically along lateral sidefrom collarin a downwards direction towards sole structureto join edges of knitted component. In other embodiments, seammay be disposed in a substantially similar manner on medial side. In still other embodiments, seammay instead extend vertically through heel regionfrom collarin downwards direction towards sole structureat the rear of article.

Although seams may be present in knitted component, a majority of knitted componenthas a substantially seamless configuration. Moreover, knitted componentmay be formed of unitary knit construction. As utilized herein, a knitted component (e.g., knitted component) is defined as being formed of “unitary knit construction” when formed as a one-piece element through a knitting process. That is, the knitting process substantially forms the various features and structures of knitted componentwithout the need for significant additional manufacturing steps or processes. A unitary knit construction may be used to form a knitted component having structures or elements that include one or more courses of yarn, strands, or other knit material that are joined such that the structures or elements include at least one course in common (i.e., sharing a common yarn) and/or include courses that are substantially continuous between each of the structures or elements. With this arrangement, a one-piece element of unitary knit construction is provided.

Although portions of knitted componentmay be joined to each other (e.g., edges of knitted componentbeing joined together) following the knitting process, knitted componentremains formed of unitary knit construction because it is formed as a one-piece knit element. Moreover, knitted componentremains formed of unitary knit construction when other elements (e.g., a lace, logos, trademarks, placards with care instructions and material information, structural elements) are added following the knitting process.

In different embodiments, any suitable knitting process may be used to produce knitted componentformed of unitary knit construction, including, but not limited to a warp knitting or a weft knitting process, including a flat knitting process or a circular knitting process, or any other knitting process suitable for providing a knitted component. Examples of various configurations of knitted components and methods for forming knitted componentwith unitary knit construction are disclosed in one or more of U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,762 to Dua; U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,011 to Dua, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,299 to Dua et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,839,532 to Huffa et al., the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In an exemplary embodiment, a flat knitting process may be used to form knitted component, as will be described in more detail.

In various embodiments, an article of footwear may be provided with an upper incorporating a knitted component with color-shifting properties. In general, color-shifting properties refer to the characteristic of an element to appear different colors depending on the viewing angle of the element. In an exemplary embodiment, color-shifting properties may be provided to an article of footwear using a visual effect similar to or inspired by lenticular printing techniques. Lenticular printing includes the use of lenses to cause a shift in the visible image or pattern when viewed from different viewing angles. This technique of lenticular printing can be used to create simple animations and visual effects for advertising and other purposes.

In some embodiments, a knitted component may be provided with color-shifting properties through the use of a lenticular knit structure. A lenticular knit structure is configured to present at least two different colors to a viewer when the lenticular knit structure is viewed from different viewing angles. For example, when viewed from a first viewing angle, a lenticular knit structure may cause the knitted component to appear a first color, but when viewed from a second viewing angle that is different than the first viewing angle, the lenticular knit structure causes the knitted component to appear a second color that is different from the first color. With this configuration, the lenticular knit structure may alter the visual color appearance of the knitted component as the knitted component and/or the viewer moves relative to the article of footwear. The change in the viewing angle associated with such movement of the knitted component and/or the viewer causes the lenticular knit structure to present different colors to the viewer, thereby generating color-shifting properties to the knitted component and the article of footwear.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of knitted componentmay be provided with color-shifting properties through incorporation of one or more lenticular knit structures. In this embodiment, lenticular knit structuremay be in the form of a tubular rib structure. In some cases, tubular rib structures can be non-planar structures extending away from the surface of knitted componentand defining hollow tubes formed in knitted componentby co-extensive and overlapping knit layers that are closed to form the tube. In other cases, tubular rib structures may include additional components that are disposed within the tubes, as will be described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of knitted componentmay include areas extending between lenticular knit structuresor other non-planar structures extending away from the surface of knitted componentin either a course-wise or wale-wise direction, i.e., located between the adjacent tubular rib structures forming lenticular knit structures(or other non-planar structures), on exterior surfaceof knitted component. In an exemplary embodiment, a base portionof knitted componentis disposed between lenticular knit structures. In some cases, base portioncan be flexible, elastic, and resilient and assist with stretching of knitted component.

The properties that a particular type of yarn will impart to an area of knitted componentpartially depend upon the materials that form the various filaments and fibers within the yarn. Cotton, for example, provides a soft hand, natural aesthetics, and biodegradability. Elastane and stretch polyester each provide substantial stretch and recovery, with stretch polyester also providing recyclability. Rayon provides high luster and moisture absorption. Wool also provides high moisture absorption, in addition to insulating properties and biodegradability. Nylon is a durable and abrasion-resistant material with relatively high strength. Polyester is a hydrophobic material that also provides relatively high durability. In addition to materials, other aspects of the yarns selected for knitted componentmay affect the properties of upper. For example, a yarn forming knitted componentmay include separate filaments that are each formed of different materials. In addition, the yarn may include filaments that are each formed of two or more different materials, such as a bicomponent yarn with filaments having a sheath-core configuration or two halves formed of different materials. Different degrees of twist and crimping, as well as different deniers, may also affect the properties of upper. Accordingly, both the materials forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn may be selected to impart a variety of properties to separate areas of upper.

In some configurations of knitted component, materials forming yarns may be non-fusible or fusible. For example, a non-fusible yarn may be substantially formed from a thermoset polyester material and fusible yarn may be at least partially formed from a thermoplastic polyester material. When a fusible yarn is heated and fused to non-fusible yarns, this process may have the effect of stiffening or rigidifying the structure of knitted component. Moreover, joining portions of non-fusible yarn using fusible yarns may have the effect of securing or locking the relative positions of non-fusible yarns within knitted component, thereby imparting stretch-resistance and stiffness. That is, portions of non-fusible yarn may not slide relative to each other when fused with the fusible yarn, thereby preventing warping or permanent stretching of knitted componentdue to relative movement of the knit structure. Another feature of using fusible yarns in portions of knitted componentrelates to limiting unraveling if a portion of knitted componentbecomes damaged or one of the non-fusible yarns is severed. Accordingly, areas of knitted componentmay be configured with both fusible and non-fusible yarns within the knit structure.

In an exemplary embodiment, lenticular knit structuresmay provide color-shifting properties to knitted componentthrough incorporation of two or more types of yarn being used to knit the lenticular knit structure. For example, in embodiments where lenticular knit structureis in the form of a tubular rib structure, different portions of the lenticular knit structuremay include different types of yarn along each side of the tubular rib structure. In one embodiment, a first portionof lenticular knit structuredisposed on one side of the tubular rib structure may be knit using a first yarn and a second portionof lenticular knit structuredisposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure may be knit using a second yarn that is different from the first yarn. In some cases, the types of yarn may vary in color to provide the color-shifting properties to knitted component. In other cases, the types of yarn may vary in texture or denier to provide the color-shifting properties to knitted component.

Referring to, in this embodiment, knitted componentincludes a plurality of lenticular knit structuresin the form of tubular rib structures that extend approximately along the lateral direction between lateral sideand medial sidethrough forefoot region, midfoot region, and a portion of heel region. Each lenticular knit structureincludes first portiondisposed on one side of the tubular rib structure facing towards forefoot regionat the front of articleand second portiondisposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure facing towards heel regionat the back or rear of article. With this configuration, the color-shifting properties of knitted componentcaused by lenticular knit structuresmay vary as articleis viewed from different viewing angles.

In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of knitted componentmay include lenticular knit structuresthat have a different orientation. For example, in an area of knitted componentdisposed near heel regionon lateral sideand medial side, lenticular knit structurestransition from being oriented approximately along the lateral direction to being oriented approximately along the longitudinal direction. Medial sidemay be seen with particular reference to medial side view shown in shown inand lateral sidemay be seen with particular reference to lateral side view shown in. As a result of this varying orientation, lenticular knit structuresin these areas may include first portiondisposed on one side of the tubular rib structure facing vertically downwards towards sole structureat the bottom of articleand second portiondisposed on the opposite side of the tubular rib structure facing vertically upwards towards collarand throat openingat the top of article. With this configuration, the color-shifting properties of knitted componentcaused by lenticular knit structuresmay vary as articleis viewed from different viewing angles.

Additionally, because of the different orientation of lenticular knit structuresdisposed approximately along the longitudinal direction, the viewing angles from which the color-shifting properties are visible may be different than the viewing angles for the lenticular knit structuresdisposed approximately along the lateral direction. With this configuration, different areas of knitted componentand articlemay have color-shifting properties across various viewing angles, such that as articleand/or the viewer move relative to each other, the different areas of knitted componentappear to color-shift separately or at different times during movement.

illustrate two representational views of the color-shifting properties of knitted componentcaused by lenticular knit structureswhen articleis viewed from two different viewing angles. In this embodiment, knitted componentincludes lenticular knit structuresthat have first portionformed using a first yarn and second portionformed using a second yarn. As noted above, in various embodiments, the first yarn and the second yarn may be different types that provide different visual effects. For example, in this embodiment, the first yarn may be associated with a first color and the second yarn may be associated with a second color that is different from the first. In other embodiments, however, the first yarn and the second yarn may be of types having different characteristics that may cause a visual color-shifting effect.

Referring now to, in this embodiment, articleis being viewed by a viewer from a first viewing angle. First viewing angleis disposed approximately in front of articleand is oriented at least partially along the longitudinal direction of article. From first viewing angle, articlepresents knitted componentappearing to have a first color. In an exemplary embodiment, the first color is the same as the first yarn used to knit first portionof lenticular knit structures. That is, from first viewing angle, first portionof each lenticular knit structureis aligned so as to be facing towards the viewer. With this orientation, the first yarn used to form first portionof lenticular knit structureis visible from first viewing angle, while the second yarn used to form second portionof lenticular knit structureis disposed on the opposite side and shielded from being viewed from first viewing angle. In this case, the properties of the first yarn forming first portionof lenticular knit structure(i.e., the type, color, texture, denier, etc.) are primarily responsible for the visual effect to knitted componentto cause it to appear the first color from first viewing angle.

Referring now to, in this embodiment, articleis being viewed by a viewer from a second viewing angle. Second viewing angleis different than first viewing angleshown inand may be oriented at least partially along the longitudinal direction of articledisposed approximately behind article. From second viewing angle, articlepresents knitted componentappearing to have a second color that is different from the first color appearing to the viewer from first viewing angle. In an exemplary embodiment, the second color is the same as the second yarn used to knit second portionof lenticular knit structures. That is, from second viewing angle, second portionof each lenticular knit structureis aligned so as to be facing towards the viewer. With this orientation, the second yarn used to form second portionof lenticular knit structureis visible from second viewing angle, while the first yarn used to form first portionof lenticular knit structurethat was visible from first viewing angleis now disposed on the opposite side and shielded from being viewed from second viewing angle. In this case, the properties of the second yarn forming second portionof lenticular knit structure(i.e., the type, color, texture, denier, etc.) are primarily responsible for the visual effect to knitted componentto cause it to appear the second color from second viewing angle. With this configuration, color-shifting properties of knitted componentmay be provided by lenticular knit structure.

Additionally, in some embodiments, base portionof knitted componentmay be visible from each of first viewing angleand second viewing angle. Base portionmay be formed using a yarn type, including yarn color, that is substantially similar to either of the first yarn or the second yarn forming first portionor second portionof lenticular knit structure. With this configuration, the type of yarn used to form base portionmay further assist with providing the visual effect of the first color or the second color to knitted componentfrom first viewing angleor second viewing angle. In other embodiments, however, base portionmay be formed using a different yarn type, including a different yarn color, from either of the first yarn or the second yarn forming first portionor second portionof lenticular knit structure. With this configuration, base portionmay provide a contrasting visual effect from either of the first color or the second color.

In still other embodiments, lenticular knit structures or other non-planar structures may be closely spaced so that at least one base portion is not initially partially or wholly visible from either of first viewing angleor second viewing angle. Upon stretching of knitted component, however, the base portion may be revealed from between adjacent lenticular knit structures or other non-planar structures. Accordingly, in these embodiments, base portion(s) may be formed using one or more yarns, including yarns having different visual properties relative to adjacent non-planar structures, in order to create a visual effect upon stretching the knitted component. For example, yarn type or color that contrasts between the first yarn and the second yarn forming first portionor second portionof lenticular knit structuremay create a visual effect upon stretching the knitted component. For example, in one embodiment, base portionmay be formed using a yarn with reflective or retroreflective properties.

Knitted componentcan be manufactured with the configurations described above using any suitable machine, implement, and technique. For example, in some embodiments, knitted componentcan be automatically manufactured using a knitting machine, such as the knitting machineshown in. Knitting machinecan be of any suitable type, such as a flat knitting machine. However, it will be appreciated that knitting machinecould be of another type in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in the embodiment of, knitting machinecan include a front needle bedwith a plurality of front needlesand a rear needle bedwith a plurality of rear needles. Front needlescan be arranged in a common plane, and rear needlescan be arranged in a different common plane that intersects the plane of front needles. Front needle bedand rear needle bedmay be angled with respect to each other. In some embodiments, front needle bedand rear needle bedmay be angled so they form a V-bed. Knitting machinecan further include one or more feeders that are configured to move over front needle bedand rear needle bed. In, a first type of feederand a second type of feederare indicated. Knitting machinefurther includes a carriagethat moves across the needle beds and assists with moving the feeders relative to the needle beds. In this embodiment, knitting machineis illustrated with a plurality of first type of feederand at least one of second type of feeder. As first type of feedermoves, feedercan deliver yarn to front needlesand/or rear needlesfor one or more of knitting, tucking, or floating using the yarn to form a knitted component, including knitted component. As second type of feedermoves, second type of feedercan deliver a yarn to front needlesand/or rear needlesfor one or more of knitting, tucking, or floating. In some embodiments, second type of feedermay be a combination feeder that may additionally be configured to inlay a yarn. In an exemplary embodiment, second type of feedermay deliver a tensile elementto be inlaid within knitted component.

A pair of rails, including a forward railand a rear rail, may extend above and parallel to the intersection of front needle bedand rear needle bed. Rails may provide attachment points for feeders. Forward railand rear railmay each have two sides, including a front sideand a back side. Each of front sideand back sidecan accommodate one or more feeders. As depicted, rear railincludes two of feederson opposite sides, and forward railincludes feeder. Although two rails are depicted, further configurations of knitting machinemay incorporate additional rails to provide attachment points for more feeders.

Feeders can move along forward railand rear rail, thereby supplying yarns to needles. As shown in, yarns are provided to a feeder by one or spools that route yarns through yarn guidesto the feeders for knitting. Although not depicted, additional spools may be used to provide yarns to feeders in a substantially similar manner. A suitable knitting machine including conventional and combination feeders for knitting machine, as well as the associated method of knitting using the machine to form knitted components, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,577 to Huffa, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

illustrates an exemplary processof knitting a knitted component to include a lenticular knit structure, including knitted componenthaving lenticular knit structure. In one embodiment, processmay include one or more steps that may be repeated to form a completed knitted component. The order of the steps is exemplary, and in other embodiments, additional or different steps not shown inmay be included to knit a knitted component. At a first step, base portionof knitted componentmay be knit using a first yarn. Next, at step, first portionof the tubular rib structure forming lenticular knit structuremay be knit using a second yarn. At a step, second portionof the tubular rib structure forming lenticular knit structuremay be knit using a third yarn. As noted above, in exemplary embodiments, the second yarn used at stepand the third yarn used at stepmay be different types of yarn, including yarns having different characteristics, including, but not limited to: color, texture, denier, or other qualities, to provide the color-shifting properties to knitted componentcaused by lenticular knit structure.

In some embodiments, the first yarn used at stepto form base portionmay be different from one or both of the second yarn and the third yarn. In other embodiments, the first yarn used at stepmay be similar to either of the second yarn and the third yarn.

In some embodiments, tensile elementscan be incorporated, inlaid, or extended into one or more tubular rib structures during the unitary knit construction of the knitted component. Stated another way, tensile elementscan be incorporated during knitting processof knitted component. As shown in, processmay include an optional stepto inlay a tensile element within one or more of the tubular rib structures forming lenticular knit structure. In some embodiments, tensile elementsmay lie within unsecured areas forming tunnels within the tubular rib structures of lenticular knit structures. In different embodiments, one or more tensile elementscan be incorporated in knitted component. For example, in the embodiment shown in, tensile elementmay be used to form lace receiving memberthat forms a loop to receive lacethrough instep area. Tensile elementsmay also provide support to knitted componentby resisting deformation, stretching, or otherwise providing support for the wearer's foot during running, jumping, or other movements.

With this configuration, processmay be used to form a plurality of base portionsand a plurality of lenticular knit structures(or other non-planar structures) disposed throughout a portion or a substantial majority of knitted componentto be incorporated into upperfor article. Generally, base portionsof knitted componentmay be connecting portions between various elements and/or components of knitted component. Base portionsare formed of unitary knit construction with the remaining portions of knitted componentand may serve to connect various portions together as a one-piece knit element. Knitted componentcan include any suitable number of base portions. In different embodiments, base portionscan be an area of knitted componentincluding one knit layer. In some embodiments, base portionsmay extend between one portion of knitted component and another portion of knitted component. In one embodiment, base portionscan extend between one tubular rib structure and another tubular rib structure forming adjacent lenticular knit structures. In a different embodiment, base portionsmay extend between one tubular rib structure and another portion of knitted component. In another embodiment, base portionsmay extend between one tubular rib structure and an edge of knitted component. Suitable configurations of base portionsmay be in the form of a webbed area described in co-pending and commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/057,264, filed on Sep. 30, 2014, which was filed as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/535,413, on Nov. 7, 2014, and entitled “Article of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component with Inlaid Tensile Elements and Method of Assembly”, the disclosure of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As described above, in some embodiments, lenticular knit structuresmay be formed as tubular rib structures that are areas of knitted componentconstructed with two or more co-extensive and overlapping knit layers. Knit layers may be portions of knitted componentthat are formed by knitted material, for example, threads, yarns, or strands, and two or more knit layers may be formed of unitary knit construction in such a manner so as to form tubes or tunnels, identified as tubular rib structures, in knitted component. Although the sides or edges of the knit layers forming the tubular rib structures may be secured to the other layer, a central area is generally unsecured to form a hollow between the two layers of knitted material forming each knit layer. In some embodiments, the central area of the tubular rib structures may be configured such that another element (e.g., a tensile element) may be located between and pass through the hollow between the two knit layers forming the tubular rib structures. Suitable tubular rib structures, including with or without inlaid tensile elements, that may be used to form lenticular knit structuresare described in co-pending and commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/057,264, filed on Sep. 30, 2014 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/535,413, filed on Nov. 7, 2014, incorporated by reference above.

illustrate a sequence of representative views of knitting processusing knitting machineto form a portion of knitted component. Additional steps or processes not shown here may be used to form a completed knitted component that is to be incorporated into an upper for an article of footwear, including upperfor article. In addition, only a relatively small section of a knitted componentmay be shown in order to better illustrate the knit structure of the various portions of knitted component. Moreover, the scale or proportions of the various elements of knitting machineand knitted componentmay be enhanced to better illustrate the knitting process.

It should be understood that although knitted componentis formed between front needle bedand rear needle bed, for purposes of illustration, in, knitted componentis shown adjacent to front needle bedand rear needle bedto (a) be more visible during discussion of the knitting process and (b) show the position of portions of knitted componentrelative to each other and needle beds. The front needles and rear needles are not depicted infor purposes of clarity. Also, although one rail, and limited numbers of feeders are depicted, additional rails, feeders, and spools may be used. Accordingly, the general structure of knitting machineis simplified for purposes of explaining the knitting process.