System and method for knitting shoe uppers
US11168416B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 7, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/62
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for manufacturing knitted shoe uppers. An article of fully finished three-dimensionally weft knitted footwear is manufactured through a knitting process which can be performed by an automated V-bed flat knitting machine. The knitting process includes manipulating one or more double-knit stitch types and joining the stitches exclusively in the knitting process to create a seamless upper to fit a foot. A resulting upper advantageously has no sewn seams and requires no manual post process to cut or sew the upper to create the dimensional shape. The process creates a seamless, full gauge, dimensionally stable footwear upper, as a unitary textile construction with an integrated anatomically appropriate heel. The entire upper, including the closure element of the upper, may be completed exclusively by the knitting machine, ready for the following shoe making process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.