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Article of footwear having an upper incorporating a knitted component

  • US 9,668,533 B2
  • Filed: 03/06/2014
  • Issued: 06/06/2017
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/18/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising:

  • a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction, the knitted component including at least one tubular structure disposed on the upper;

    the at least one tubular structure comprising a first knitted layer and a second knitted layer that are at least partially coextensive with each and are joined along edges of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer to form a tube defining an unsecured central area of the tubular structure;

    a strand having a configuration of a one-dimensional material, the strand extending through the unsecured central area of the tube between the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer;

    wherein the tube formed by the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer has a unitary knit construction so as to be a one-piece element with the upper; and

    the knitted component including at least one yarn formed from a thermoplastic polymer material and incorporated into one of the first knitted layer and the second knitted layer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer material is fused to at least a portion of the strand extending through the tube.

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