阅读说明：本技术 具有多个层的鞋类物品 (Article of footwear with multiple layers ) 是由 约翰·斯图亚特·麦吉尔伯特 威廉·C·麦克法兰德 蒂莫西·K·莱尔斯 布赖恩特·R·克卢格 于 2017-01-12 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及具有多个层的鞋类物品。本实施方案总体上涉及具有多个层的鞋类物品(100)。鞋类物品(100)可以包括内层(310),该内层(310)具有尺寸被设定成接纳足部的至少一部分的空腔(214)。鞋类物品(100)还可以包括外层(210),其中外层(210)至少部分地包围内层(310)。鞋底夹层(510)可以被设置在内层(310)和外层(210)之间,其中鞋底夹层(510)固定到内层(310)和外层(210),从而在内层(310)和外层(210)之间形成间接联接。内层(310)在与间接联接分离的一个或更多个位置处相对于外层(210)可以是可移动的。(The present application relates to an article of footwear having multiple layers. This embodiment relates generally to an article of footwear (100) having multiple layers. An article of footwear (100) may include an inner layer (310), the inner layer (310) having a void (214) sized to receive at least a portion of a foot. The article of footwear (100) may also include an outer layer (210), wherein the outer layer (210) at least partially surrounds the inner layer (310). The midsole (510) may be disposed between the inner layer (310) and the outer layer (210), wherein the midsole (510) is secured to the inner layer (310) and the outer layer (210) forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer (310) and the outer layer (210). The inner layer (310) may be movable relative to the outer layer (210) at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling.)

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an inner knitted layer forming a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot; and

an outer knitted layer, wherein the outer knitted layer at least partially surrounds and covers the inner knitted layer,

wherein the outer knit layer includes a window for viewing the inner knit layer, the window being positioned at an upper foot portion of the article of footwear, the window exposing a portion of the inner knit layer, and

wherein the inner knitted layer is movable relative to the outer knitted layer at the window.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a midsole disposed between the inner and outer knit layers in a underfoot area of the article of footwear.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein at least one of the inner and outer knit layers is secured to the midsole.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein at least one of the inner and outer knit layers is movable relative to the midsole such that the inner and outer knit layers are not directly attached.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a visual appearance of the inner knit layer at the window is different than a visual appearance of the outer knit layer at the window.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the portion of the inner knit layer is multi-colored.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising:

at least one tensile element secured to the inner knit layer; and

at least one hole formed in the outer knitted layer,

wherein the at least one tensile element is disposed through the at least one aperture.

8. An article of footwear comprising:

an inner layer defining a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot;

an outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer; and

a midsole disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer in a underfoot area of the article of footwear,

wherein the outer layer includes a window for viewing the inner layer, the window being positioned at an upper foot portion of the article of footwear, wherein the inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at the window.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is secured to the midsole.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is movable relative to the midsole such that the inner layer and the outer layer are not directly attached.

11. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein a visual appearance of the inner layer at the window is different than a visual appearance of the outer layer at the window.

12. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein a portion of the inner layer is multi-colored.

13. The article of footwear of claim 8, further comprising:

at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer; and

at least one aperture formed in the outer layer,

wherein the at least one tensile element is disposed through the at least one aperture.

14. An article of footwear comprising:

an inner layer surrounding a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot; and

an outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer,

wherein the outer layer defines a void region for viewing the inner layer, the void region positioned at an ankle region of the article of footwear, the void region exposing a portion of the inner layer, and

wherein the inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at the cavity void.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, further comprising a midsole disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer in a underfoot area of the article of footwear.

16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is secured to the midsole.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer is movable relative to the midsole such that the inner layer and the outer layer are not directly attached.

18. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein a visual appearance of the inner layer at the cavity void is different than a visual appearance of the outer layer at the cavity void.

19. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the portion of the inner layer is multi-colored.

20. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the void region is configured to promote flexibility near a front (anterior) of an ankle joint of a user.

Background

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 within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some articles of athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stresses placed on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities. The outsole is secured to a lower surface of the midsole and forms a ground-engaging portion of the sole structure that is formed from a durable and wear-resistant material.

The upper of an article of footwear generally extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. Access to the void on the interior of the upper is typically provided by an ankle opening in the heel region of the footwear. A lacing system is often incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing the foot to enter and be removed from the void within the upper. 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.

Description of the invention

This embodiment relates generally to an article of footwear having multiple layers. The article of footwear may include an inner layer having a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot. The article of footwear may also include an outer layer, where the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer. The midsole may be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, with the midsole being secured to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer may be movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling.

The inner layer may not have a direct attachment to the outer layer.

The first shape of the inner layer may not be proportional to the second shape of the outer layer.

The first shape of the interior layer may include a first length along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width. The second shape of the outer layer may include a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width. The first ratio may be greater than the second ratio.

The article of footwear may have at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer and at least one aperture formed in the outer layer. The at least one tensile element may be disposed through the at least one aperture.

The outer layer may have at least one window for viewing the inner layer.

At least one of the inner layer and the outer layer may include a void space (void spot) in an ankle region of the article of footwear to facilitate bending of the ankle.

The present application provides the following:

1) an article of footwear comprising:

an inner layer comprising a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot;

an outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer; and

a midsole disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer,

wherein the midsole is secured to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer and the outer layer,

wherein the inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling.

2) The article of footwear of claim 1), wherein the inner layer has no direct attachment to the outer layer.

3) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 2), wherein the first shape of the inner layer is not proportional to the second shape of the outer layer.

4) The article of footwear of claim 3), wherein:

the first shape of the inner layer includes a first length along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width;

the second shape of the outer layer comprises a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width; and is

Wherein the first ratio is greater than the second ratio.

5) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 4), further comprising:

at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer; and

at least one aperture formed in the outer layer,

wherein the at least one tensile element is disposed through the at least one aperture.

6) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 5), wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for viewing the inner layer.

7) The article of footwear of any of claims 1) to 6), wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a void area in an ankle region of the article of footwear to facilitate bending of an ankle.

8) An article of footwear comprising:

an inner layer comprising a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot; and

an outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer,

wherein the first shape of the inner layer is not proportional to the second shape of the outer layer.

9) The article of footwear of claim 8), wherein:

the first shape of the inner layer includes a first length along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width;

the second shape of the outer layer comprises a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width; and is

Wherein the first ratio is greater than the second ratio.

10) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 9), further comprising:

at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer; and

at least one aperture formed in the outer layer,

wherein the at least one tensile element is disposed through the at least one aperture.

11) The article of footwear of claim 10), wherein the inner layer is coupled to the outer layer only by the at least one tensile element being disposed through the at least one aperture.

12) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 11), further comprising a midsole disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.

13) The article of footwear of claim 12), wherein the midsole is secured to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer and the outer layer.

14) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 13), wherein the inner layer is free of a direct coupling to the outer layer.

15) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 14), wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for viewing the inner layer.

16) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 15), wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a void area in an ankle region of the article of footwear to facilitate bending of an ankle.

17) The article of footwear of any of claims 8) to 16), wherein the inner layer is formed from a first material and the outer layer is formed from a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material comprises a greater resistance to stretch than the first material.

18) A method for manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:

positioning an outer layer to at least partially surround an inner layer, the inner layer including a void sized to receive at least a portion of a foot; and

at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer is directed through at least one aperture formed in the outer layer.

19) The method of 18), further comprising:

positioning a midsole between the inner layer and the outer layer; and

securing the midsole to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer and the outer layer,

wherein the inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling.

20) The method of any of 18) to 19), wherein the first shape of the inner layer is not proportional to the second shape of the outer layer.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of footwear having an outer layer and an inner layer.

Fig. 2 illustrates a lateral side view of an embodiment of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

Fig. 3 shows a lateral side view of an embodiment of an inner layer for an article of footwear.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral side view of an article of footwear including the outer layer illustrated in FIG. 2, partially surrounding the inner layer illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a lateral side view of the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 4, including dashed lines depicting some hidden features.

FIG. 6 illustrates a lateral side view of an additional embodiment of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

Figure 7A illustrates a top view of an inner layer for an article of footwear.

Fig. 7B illustrates a top view of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

Fig. 7C illustrates a top view of an article of footwear including the outer layer of fig. 7B, which partially surrounds the inner layer of fig. 7A.

Detailed Description

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

This embodiment relates generally to an article of footwear having multiple layers. Referring to fig. 1, article of footwear 100 may have an exterior layer 210 and an interior layer 310. As shown, outer layer 210 may at least partially surround inner layer 310 and may optionally be secured to outsole 114. A securing device, such as a lace 110 in a throat area 112 of article of footwear 100, may be provided to tighten outer layer 210 and/or inner layer 310 around a user's foot. As used herein, the term "user" refers to a person wearing an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the outer layer 210 can be formed entirely or at least partially from a textile or fabric component (depicted as knitted component 212). For example, knitted component 212 of outer layer 210 may be formed by a knitting process, such as a flat knitting process, a circular knitting process, and the like. Knitted component 212 may be treated (e.g., steamed or otherwise treated on a last in the shape of a foot) after the knitting process to obtain suitable characteristics (such as fit). In some embodiments, knitted component 212 is formed during a single knitting process and is free of any seams. In other words, no sewing or other attachment steps are required to form knitted component 212 after the knitting process. Advantageously, the absence of seams may result in a more secure and durable outer layer 210, as the areas having seams or other attachment points are generally the least secure and least durable areas of the components included in the article of footwear. Other suitable textile manufacturing processes may be used to form outer layer 210 (e.g., weaving). In some embodiments, the outer layer 210 may be at least partially formed from a material other than a textile material (e.g., leather, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable material). Outer layer 210 may be configured to substantially enclose a user's foot, including at least a portion of the lateral and medial sides of the foot, and at least a portion of the instep and plantar surfaces of the foot. The outer layer may extend over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The outer layer 210 may also surround at least a portion of the ankle and/or shin of the user.

Similarly, the inner layer 310 can be at least partially formed from a textile or fabric component (depicted as a knitted component 312). For example, knitted component 312 of inner layer 310 may be formed at least in part by a knitting process, such as a flat knitting process, a circular knitting process, or other suitable knitting process. The inner layer 310 may be knitted in a single knitting process and without any seams. Alternatively, inner layer 310 may be configured such that any seams are located in areas of inner layer 310 that are not typically subjected to high stresses during normal use (e.g., at seam 326 in the toe area of inner layer 310 as shown in fig. 3). Other suitable textile manufacturing processes (e.g., weaving) may be used. In some embodiments, the inner layer 310 may be formed at least in part from a material other than a textile material. Inner layer 310 may be configured to substantially enclose a user's foot, including at least a portion of the lateral and medial sides of the foot, and at least a portion of the instep and plantar surfaces of the foot. Inner layer 310 may extend over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the user's foot. The inner layer 310 may also surround at least a portion of the ankle and/or shin of the user.

The inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210 may be made of different materials. For example, the inner layer 310 may be formed from a first material and the outer layer 210 may be formed from a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material has a greater resistance to stretching than the first material. But while article of footwear 100 also optimally has a stable structure with sufficient stiffness, this may be advantageous where it is desirable to have a compliant inner layer 310 to provide comfort and reduce friction between the user's foot and article of footwear 100. It is contemplated that one of the layers may be substantially formed from a knitted component or other textile component while another of the layers is not.

Fig. 2 shows a lateral side view of an embodiment of outer layer 210 of article of footwear 100. Referring to fig. 2, outer layer 210 may include a void 214, where void 214 is configured to receive inner layer 310 (shown in fig. 1) and a user's foot. Outer layer 210 may include an ankle opening 213, and ankle opening 213 may be configured to allow a user's foot to pass during insertion or removal of the foot from void 214. The inner surface 215 may face the interior cavity 214. A plurality of apertures 216 may be formed in the outer layer 210 in the throat area 112, and in some embodiments, as shown, the plurality of apertures 216 may be specifically formed in the knitted component 212 of the outer layer 210. Apertures 216 may be configured to receive a lace (e.g., a shoelace) or another securing device configured to tighten article of footwear 100 around the foot, for example. Alternatively or additionally, apertures 216 may be configured to receive loops of tensile elements, as described in detail below. The holes 216 may be formed, for example, by cutting or punching holes through the outer layer 210. In some embodiments, apertures 216 may be integrally formed within knitted component 212 during the knitting process without requiring modification of knitted component 212 in a post knitting step. Grommets (not shown) may be included within the apertures 216 to prevent tearing, wear, and/or unraveling of the outer layer 210.

In some embodiments, outer layer 210 may be attached to outsole 114. Outsole 114 may be formed of plastic, rubber, or other suitable material and attached to outer layer 210 using adhesive, using stitching, or using any other suitable attachment mechanism. Outsole 114 may have a ground-engaging surface 116, with ground-engaging surface 116 being configured to contact the ground when article of footwear 100 is in use. It is contemplated that outsole 114 may include treads (Tread), cleats, or other features configured to appropriately grip the ground. Outsole 114 may also provide cushioning and/or absorb contact forces while the user is wearing article of footwear 100 while walking, running, or performing other activities.

In other embodiments, outsole 114 may be integral with outer layer 210. For example, it is contemplated that knitted component 212 of outer layer 210 may include yarns formed at least in part from materials that may be used as treads on ground-engaging surface 116 of outsole 114, such as yarns coated with rubber or plastic materials. In some embodiments, knitted component 212 comprises a fusible yarn, such as a yarn comprising a thermally active material that changes state in response to heat (e.g., a thermopolymer or thermoplastic polymer that transforms from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to a temperature, including polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, nylons, and the like). These fusible yarns may form a relatively continuous, relatively ridged, and relatively durable tread on outsole 114 after cooling and hardening from the heated, softened state.

Fig. 3 shows a lateral side view of one embodiment of inner layer 310 (for article of footwear 100). Inner layer 310 is depicted as having a void 314 sized to receive a user's foot, and an ankle opening 313 configured to allow the user's foot to pass during insertion or removal of the foot from void 314. The inner surface 315 may be configured to contact the skin of the user (e.g., near the ankle of the user). Accordingly, inner surface 315 may be configured to be smooth or soft to the touch (e.g., by knitting inner layer 312 such that relatively soft yarns are exposed on inner surface 315). In some embodiments, the characteristics of the interior surface 315 are optimized to contact the sock being worn by the user. The exterior surface, and in particular bottom surface 320, may be configured to attach to additional elements of article of footwear 100, thereby retaining inner layer 310 within first cavity 214 of outer layer 210 (as shown in fig. 4).

As depicted by fig. 3, ankle region 321 of inner layer 312 may have a high degree of elasticity or stretchability. This may be accomplished, for example, by a certain knit structure of knitted component 312 (e.g., a knit rib structure) and/or the type of yarn used (e.g., a relatively elastic nylon yarn). This feature may provide a relatively tight and comfortable fit around the ankle and/or shin of the user, while also allowing the user to relatively easily put on and take off the article of footwear 100.

Although not shown, the inner layer 310 may have a plurality of apertures that may be configured to receive a lace or other fastener. As described above with respect to the outer layer 210 (with reference to fig. 2), apertures in the inner layer 310 may be formed in the knitted component 312 proximate the throat area 112. As described above, the apertures may be formed, for example, by cutting or punching the apertures through the inner layer 310 during the knitting process or forming them integrally with the knitted component 312 of the inner layer 310.

As depicted in fig. 3, inner layer 310 may include a plurality of tensile elements 322. Tensile element 322 may be incorporated within knitted component 312. For example, tensile element 322 may be embedded within one or more courses or wales of knitted component 312 during the knitting process of knitted component 312. Tensile elements 322 may provide tensile resistance to corresponding areas of inner layer 310. Tensile elements 322 may be included in any suitable area of inner layer 310. In some embodiments, inner layer 310, Knitted Component 312, and/or tensile element 322 may incorporate teachings entitled "Article Of Footwear Having and Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component" filed on 12/18 Of 2008 and published on 24/6 Of 2010 as U.S. patent application publication No. 2010/0154256, and/or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/048,514 filed on 3/15 Of 2011 and published on 20/9 Of 2012 as U.S. patent application publication No. 2012/0233882, both Of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Tensile element 322 may be rotated at a location adjacent to throat area 112 to form a plurality of loops 324. Loops 324 may be located on both the medial and lateral sides of throat area 112 (or anywhere else on interior layer 310). In some embodiments, a single tensile element 322 extends substantially around the entire interior layer 310 to form loops 326 on both the medial and lateral sides of throat area 112. Although not shown, the outer layer 210 may additionally or alternatively include tensile elements (with or without loops).

Loop 324 may extend from outer surface 321 of inner layer 310 and may be configured to receive a lace or other securing device of article of footwear 100. As described in more detail below, the ring 324 may be aligned with the aperture 216 of the outer layer 210 and/or may be disposed through the aperture 216 of the outer layer 210 (as shown in fig. 4-5). In embodiments in which inner layer 310 has an aperture (not shown) in throat area 112, it is contemplated that tensile element 322 may surround the aperture (e.g., not extending from outer surface 321) when embedded in knitted component 312 and/or that loop 324 may be formed adjacent to the aperture such that both the aperture of inner layer 310 and loop 324 of inner layer 310 are configured to together receive a lace or other securing device.

Fig. 4 shows a lateral side view of article of footwear 100, with article of footwear 100 including outer layer 210 from fig. 2, with outer layer 210 partially surrounding inner layer 310 from fig. 3. As depicted, loops 324 of tensile element 322 are at least approximately aligned with apertures 216 of outer layer 210. Here, loops 324 of tensile element 322 are additionally disposed through apertures 216. Although not shown, a lace or other securing device may extend through loop 324 and may simply act on loop 324 to tighten outer layer 210 and inner layer 310 around the user's foot. In further embodiments, the loop 324 may be located below the outer layer 210, and/or the lace may extend through the loop 324 and the aperture 216 together (as generally shown in fig. 1).

As depicted in fig. 4, ankle region 321 of inner layer 310 may extend higher than ankle region 222 of outer layer 210. Advantageously, this embodiment may provide the user with coverage over his or her ankle and/or lower shin by the inner layer 310, thereby providing cushioning, support, and a comfortable fit for the ankle or lower shin. In this embodiment, the outer layer 210, which may be made of a more ridged material and/or may be treated for strength and/or stiffness, does not cover the user's ankle or lower shin and, therefore, does not impede movement in that area of the body. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, outer layer 210 and inner layer 310 may have substantially the same height and, thus, terminate at approximately the same area of the user's foot, ankle, and/or shin. Alternatively, the ankle region 222 of the outer layer 210 may extend to a higher level than the ankle region 321 of the inner layer 310. This embodiment may be advantageous, for example, when ankle cushioning and protection is desired, but is not desirable to provide footwear 100 with a snug fit around a user's ankle or shin.

Fig. 5 shows the article of footwear 100 of fig. 4 (without a separate outsole) with hidden features depicted in dashed lines. The midsole 510 is depicted in fig. 5 as being disposed between the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210. As shown, the bottom surface 320 of the inner layer 310 is adjacent to the top surface 512 of the midsole 510, and the top surface 223 of the outer layer 210 is adjacent to the bottom surface 514 of the midsole 510. In one non-limiting example, midsole 510 may be at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to relieve stresses on the foot and leg during walking, running, and the like. Midsole 510 may be made of any other suitable material (plastic, metal, rubber, etc.).

In some embodiments, midsole 510 is secured to inner layer 310 and outer layer 210, thereby forming an indirect coupling between inner layer 310 and outer layer 210. Inner layer 310 may be movable relative to outer layer 210 at one or more locations that are decoupled from the indirect coupling formed by midsole 510. In some embodiments, the inner layer 310 may not have a direct attachment to the outer layer 210.

The midsole 510 may be secured to the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210 in a variety of ways. For example, midsole 510 may be secured to inner layer 310 and/or outer layer 210 using an adhesive (e.g., a cement-based adhesive or another suitable type), using stitching, or using any other suitable securing mechanism. It is contemplated that midsole 510 may be secured to inner layer 310 in a different manner than to outer layer 210. Further, in some embodiments, midsole 510 may be free (e.g., unfixed) with respect to one or both of outer layer 210 and inner layer 310.

As shown in fig. 5 (and as described in greater detail above), loops 324 formed by tensile elements 322 of inner layer 310 are aligned with (or at least approximately aligned with) apertures 216 of outer layer 210 and are disposed through apertures 216 of outer layer 210. In some embodiments, inner layer 310 is coupled to outer layer 210 only by one or more tensile elements 322 that extend through apertures 216 (although this is not required in all embodiments). Advantageously, these embodiments allow both outer layer 210 and inner layer 310 to be tightened around a user's foot using only one lace or securing device in communication with tensile element 322. Further, in some instances, it may be desirable for the inner layer 310 to be relatively loosely coupled to the outer layer 210 such that at least a portion of the inner layer 310 is movable relative to the outer layer 210. When inner layer 310 and outer layer 210 are coupled only at apertures 216, a majority of inner layer 310 will be movable relative to outer layer 210. This may provide comfort, reduce friction between the user's foot and article of footwear 100, and provide the user with an enhanced ability to quickly change lateral directions.

Fig. 6 shows a lateral side view of the article of footwear 102 with an outer layer 610 and an inner layer 710. As shown, the outer layer 610 has a void area 628 in the ankle region 622. The void region 628 may provide flexibility near the front (anterior) of the user's ankle to facilitate flexion of the ankle. In embodiments not shown, the cavity void may alternatively or additionally be formed in the inner layer 710. The protrusions 632 in the ankle region 622 of the outer layer 610 may extend adjacent to the void region 628 and may be configured to cover the ankle of the user. The tab 632 may have one or more apertures 616, the one or more apertures 616 configured to communicate with a strap or other securing device to tighten the tab about the user's foot, ankle, or leg. It is contemplated that inner layer 710 and/or outer layer 610 may include tensile elements wrapped around the Ankle as taught by U.S. patent application serial No. 13/686,048 entitled "knit food company With An Inlaid Ankle Strand" filed 11/27 2012 by Podhajny et al and published 6/13 2013 as U.S. patent application publication No. 2013/0145652, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A fill region 634 may be disposed in ankle region 622 and at least partially on protrusion 632. It should be noted that the filled area may be placed at any suitable location on outer layer 610 or inner layer 710. The filler filling area 634 may be secured within a pocket formed in outer layer 610, such as within a pocket integrally formed within a knit element (such as knit element 212 described above).

Outer layer 620 may also include a window 630, which window 630 may provide for viewing of the area of inner layer 710 within the cavity of outer layer 610. To illustrate, in fig. 6, several regions 736 of the inner layer 710 are aligned with the windows 630 of the outer layer 610. In some embodiments, the visual appearance of the inner layer 710 is different from the visual appearance of the outer layer 610. Advantageously, viewing region 736 of inner layer 710 through window 630 may provide an aesthetically appealing visual contrast. Similarly, the region 734 of the inner layer 710 may be observable through the cavity space 628 of the outer layer 610. This visual effect may be particularly noticeable when inner layer 710 has a multi-colored, textured, marbled, striped finish, or any other non-continuous finish. As described above, because inner layer 710 may be at least partially movable relative to outer layer 610, providing a non-continuous visual characteristic on inner layer 710 may enable a dynamic (e.g., moving) visual effect as a user walks, runs, or performs other movements or activities. For example, when inner layer 710 is multi-colored, some of the color will appear and/or disappear from view through window 630 when article of footwear 102 bends and moves inner layer 710 relative to outer layer 610.

Referring to fig. 7A through 7C, the shape of the inner layer 810 may not be proportional to the shape of the outer layer 910. In fig. 7A, inner layer 810 (shown separately) may have a first shape with a first length L810 along a longitudinal axis of article of footwear 104. The first shape of the inner layer 810 may also include a first width W810 generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first ratio of the inner layer 810 may be defined as a ratio of the first length L810 to the first width W810 (i.e., L810: W810).

Similarly, referring to fig. 7B, outer layer 910 may have a second shape with a second length L910 along the longitudinal axis of article of footwear 104. The second shape of the outer layer 910 may also include a second width W910 that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The second ratio of the outer layer 910 may be defined as the ratio of the second length L910 to the second width W910 (i.e., L910: W910).

In some embodiments of article of footwear 104, the first ratio corresponding with inner layer 810 and the second ratio corresponding with outer layer 910 are different. For example, the first ratio corresponding to the inner layer 810 may be greater than the second ratio corresponding to the outer layer 910. In other words, the inner layer 810 may be narrower in its length than the outer layer 910. This is particularly illustrated in fig. 7C, which shows an article of footwear 104 having an inner layer 810 partially surrounded by an outer layer 910. This feature may be achieved, for example, by knitting inner layer 810 smaller than outer layer 910, and/or by treating inner layer 810 and outer layer 910 on different lasts during a post-knitting treatment step (e.g., a steaming step). As a result, a space or gap 812 may be present within the cavity of the outer layer 910. Advantageously, this may provide the user with an enhanced ability to quickly change lateral direction while participating in athletic activities, while also providing the necessary support, comfort, and snug fit in the toe and heel areas of the foot. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, inner layer 910 may be stretchable such that gaps 812 are reduced (or even substantially eliminated) when a user places his or her foot into article of footwear 104.

The present embodiments have been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiments pertain. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.