US20130312284A1 - Article of Footwear Having Welded Upper - Google Patents
Article of Footwear Having Welded Upper Download PDFInfo
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- US20130312284A1 US20130312284A1 US13/888,832 US201313888832A US2013312284A1 US 20130312284 A1 US20130312284 A1 US 20130312284A1 US 201313888832 A US201313888832 A US 201313888832A US 2013312284 A1 US2013312284 A1 US 2013312284A1
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- skin layer
- footwear
- article
- reinforcing material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/02—Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0009—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of alveolar or honeycomb material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0072—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0205—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the material
- A43B23/0235—Different layers of different material
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
- A43B23/028—Resilient uppers, e.g. shock absorbing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/26—Tongues for shoes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/06—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated
- A43B7/08—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures
- A43B7/084—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures characterised by the location of the holes
- A43B7/085—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements ventilated with air-holes, with or without closures characterised by the location of the holes in the upper
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
An article of footwear may include an upper, including a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The upper may also include a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer. The reinforcing material may be selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper. In addition, the skin layer may have a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area may have a second color that is different from the first color.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of Schaefer et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297643, published on Nov. 29, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/460,776, filed on May 27, 2011. The entire disclosures of these two applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to a material construction for an article of footwear and, more particularly, to material construction for an upper of an article of footwear.
- Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that comfortably receives and securely positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (that is, providing cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities, the sole structure may influence foot motions (for example, by resisting pronation), impart stability, and provide traction, for example. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operate cooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for a wide variety of athletic activities.
- The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements, which may be stitched or adhesively bonded together to define a void or cavity on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends 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 upper may also incorporate a lacing system to open and close an opening to the void or cavity and adjust fit of the footwear, within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter or other stabilizing structure.
- The upper may also include provisions to improve fit, comfort, and performance. Materials selection and placement may be utilized to achieve certain desired characteristics. The design of many types of footwear is often driven by conflicting considerations. As but one example, it is normally desirable for an athletic shoe to have a construction that supports and protects a wearer's foot during a particular athletic endeavor. However, “breathability” is also a desirable quality for many types of athletic shoes. Specifically, air flow through a shoe upper between the shoe interior and exterior can help relieve the effects of heat and perspiration that typically build up around a foot during sporting activities. However, many materials that provide support and foot protection can block air and moisture flow through the upper. Conversely, many materials that facilitate air and moisture flow provide little support or protection to the wearer's foot.
- One solution is to fabricate a shoe in which some portions are formed from supportive/protective materials and some portions are formed from breathable materials. However, this can increase the complexity of the fabrication process and increase cost. In addition, material joining techniques, such as stitching and use of adhesives, can add weight to footwear. Moreover, footwear design (including athletic footwear design) is also driven by aesthetics. A complex production process developed to fabricate a complex shoe can potentially limit a manufacturer's ability to vary that shoe's design to achieve different aesthetic effects.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear having a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper may include a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The upper may also include a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer. The reinforcing material may be selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper. In addition, the skin layer may have a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area may have a second color that is different from the first color.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear having a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper may include a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper, the skin layer being formed of a mesh material. In addition, the upper may include a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer. The unreinforced portions of the skin layer may provide direct ventilation through the mesh material of the skin layer, to the internal void defined by the upper. In addition, the reinforcing material may be selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper. Also, the skin layer may have a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area may have a second color that is different from the first color.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear having a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper may include a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The upper may also include a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer. The reinforcing material may be selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper. In addition, the skin layer may have a first color and the reinforcing material may have a second color that is different from the first color. Also, the externally exposed surface of the bonded area may include portions of the reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with substantially the same color as the reinforcing material.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of making an article of footwear, including forming an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The method may include selectively attaching an inner reinforcing material to a skin layer using welding. The method may also include arranging the skin layer to form at least a portion of an external surface of the upper. The skin layer may have a first color and the reinforcing material may have a second color that is different from the first color. Welding the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer may form a bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper, the externally exposed surface of the bonded area including portions of the reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with a different color than the skin layer.
- The invention 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 invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
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FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 2 shows exploded view of the article of footwear shown in -
FIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows another perspective view of the article of footwear shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a rear perspective and interview view of the article of footwear shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 shows an enlarged version of a portion of the view of the article of footwear shown inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an article of footwear and an enlarged portion of the upper of the article of footwear; -
FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view taken at line 4-4 ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of an upper of an article of footwear according to another embodiment; -
FIGS. 9-11 show an exemplary process of ultrasonic welding layers of an upper; -
FIG. 12 shows an exemplary tongue portion of an article of footwear; -
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the tongue taken at line 13-13 inFIG. 12 ; and -
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the tongue taken at line 14-14 inFIG. 12 . - The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a sole structure for an article of footwear. Concepts associated with the footwear disclosed herein may be applied to a variety of athletic footwear types, including running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, and golf shoes, for example. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear types.
- To assist and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). 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 of a sole structure, i.e., extending from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the sole. The term “forward” is used to refer to the general direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the heel of the foot is facing.
- The term “lateral direction,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side direction extending a width of a sole. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being the surface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side being the surface that faces toward the other foot.
- The term “lateral axis,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to an axis oriented in a lateral direction.
- The term “horizontal,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel with the ground, including the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and all directions in between. Similarly, the term “side,” as used in this specification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downward direction.
- The term “vertical,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole 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 a sole. The term “upward” refers to the vertical direction heading away from a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to the vertical direction heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, the terms “top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction, and the terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a vertical direction.
- The “interior” of a shoe refers to space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a panel or other shoe element refers to the face of that panel or element that is (or will be) oriented toward the shoe interior in a completed shoe. The “outer side” of an element refers to the face of that element that is (or will be) oriented away from the shoe interior in the completed shoe. In some cases, the inner side of an element may have other elements between that inner side and the interior in the completed shoe. Similarly, an outer side of an element may have other elements between that outer side and the space external to the completed shoe. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the interior of the shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of the shoe.
- For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface.
- In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “fixedly attached” shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components). Exemplary modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails, staples, welding or other thermal bonding, or other joining techniques. In addition, two components may be “fixedly attached” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process.
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FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an article offootwear 100.Footwear 100 may include asole structure 105 and an upper 110 secured tosole structure 105 and configured to receive a foot. For reference purposes,footwear 100 may be divided into three general regions: aforefoot region 115, amidfoot region 120, and aheel region 125.Forefoot region 115 generally includes portions offootwear 100 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.Midfoot region 120 generally includes portions offootwear 100 corresponding with an arch area of the foot.Heel region 125 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.Regions regions footwear 100 to aid in the following discussion. Since various features offootwear 100 extend beyond one region offootwear 100, theterms forefoot region 115,midfoot region 120, andheel region 125 apply not only tofootwear 100, but also to the various features offootwear 100. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , upper 110 may include one or more material elements (for example, meshes, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather), which may be joined to define aninterior void 130 configured to receive a foot. The material elements may be selected and arranged to selectively impart properties such as light weight, durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.Upper 110 may define anopening 135 configured to receive a foot of a wearer intointerior void 130. In addition, upper 110 may include alace 140, which may be utilized to modify the dimensions ofinterior void 130, thereby securing the foot withininterior void 130 and facilitating entry and removal of the foot frominterior void 130.Lace 140 may extend throughlace receiving loops 145 in upper 110. Lace receivingloops 145 may extend from a reinforcingstrip 150 bordering alace region 155 of upper 110, which may be in aninstep region 157 offootwear 100. As further shown inFIG. 1 ,footwear 100 may also include atongue 800. - In some embodiments, reinforcing
strip 150 may include eyelets or holes configured to receive lace 40. Further, upper 110 may alternatively implement any of a variety of other configurations, materials, or closure mechanisms. For example, alternative closure mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners (for example, straps), buckles, clasps, cinches, or any other arrangement for securing a foot withininterior void 130 defined by upper 110. -
Sole structure 105 may be fixedly attached to upper 110 (for example, with adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable techniques) and may have a configuration that extends between upper 110 and the ground.Sole structure 105 may include provisions for attenuating ground reaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loading). In addition,sole structure 105 may be configured to provide traction, impart stability, and control or limit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, or other motions. - The configuration of
sole structure 105 may vary significantly according to one or more types of ground surfaces on whichsole structure 105 may be used. For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable to footwear configured for use on any of a variety of surfaces, including indoor surfaces or outdoor surfaces. The configuration ofsole structure 105 may vary based on the properties and conditions of the surfaces on whichfootwear 100 is anticipated to be used. For example,sole structure 105 may vary depending on whether the surface is harder or softer. In addition,sole structure 105 may be tailored for use in wet or dry conditions. - In some embodiments,
sole structure 105 may be configured for a particularly specialized surface or condition. For example, in some embodiments,footwear 100 is illustrated in the accompanying figures as a running shoe and, accordingly, the illustratedsole structure 105 is configured for providing cushioning, stability, and traction on hard, smooth surfaces, such as pavement. The proposed footwear upper construction may be applicable to any kind of footwear, however, such as basketball, soccer, football, and other athletic activities. Accordingly, in some embodiments,sole structure 105 may be configured to provide traction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such as hardwood), soft, natural turf surfaces, or on hard, artificial turf surfaces. In some embodiments,sole structure 105 may be configured for use on a multiple different surfaces. - In some embodiments,
sole structure 105 may include multiple components, which may individually or collectively providefootwear 100 with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes. In some embodiments,sole structure 105 may include an insole/sockliner (SeeFIG. 4 ), amidsole 160, and a ground contactingsole component 165, which may have an exposed, ground contactinglower surface 170, as shown inFIG. 1 . In some cases, however, one or more of these components may be omitted. - The insole may be disposed in
void 130 defined by upper 110. The insole may extend through each offorefoot region 115,midfoot region 120, andheel region 125, and between alateral side 175 andmedial side 180 offootwear 100. The insole may be formed of a deformable (for example, compressible) material, such as polyurethane foams, or other polymer foam materials. Accordingly, the insole may, by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. -
Midsole 160 may be fixedly attached to a lower area of upper 110 (for example, through stitching, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding (such as welding), or other techniques), or may be integral with upper 110.Midsole 160 may extend through each offorefoot region 115,midfoot region 120, andheel region 125, and between alateral side 175 andmedial side 180 offootwear 100. In some embodiments, portions ofmidsole 160 may be exposed around the periphery offootwear 100, as shown inFIG. 1 . In other embodiments,midsole 160 may be completely covered by other elements, such as material layers from upper 110.Midsole 160 may be formed from any suitable material having the properties described above, according to the activity for whichfootwear 100 is intended. In some embodiments,midsole 160 may include a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable material that operates to attenuate ground reaction forces assole structure 105 contacts the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. - In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper of the article of footwear may be formed from a skin layer. In some embodiments, an inner reinforcing material may be welded to the skin layer in select areas. The welded areas may provide a color variation from the externally exposed skin layer. The inner reinforcing material may provide support, protection, and comfort in appropriate regions based on activities for which the footwear is intended. Further, additional layers may cover the skin layer in one or more areas (such as the heel and toe region) to provide additional durability. In some embodiments, such additional layers may also be utilized for decorative purposes.
- As utilized herein, the term “welding” (and variants thereof) is defined as a securing technique between two elements that involves a softening or melting of the material of at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. Similarly, the term “weld” or variants thereof is defined as the bond, link, or structure that joins two elements through a process that involves a softening or melting of material within at least one of the elements such that the elements are secured to each other when cooled. In some embodiments, welding may involve the melting or softening of two components such that the materials from each component intermingle with each other, that is, the materials may diffuse across a boundary layer between the materials, and are secured together when cooled. In some embodiments, welding may involve the melting or softening of a material in a first component such that the material extends into or infiltrates the structure of a second component, for example, infiltrating crevices or cavities in the second component or extending around or bonding with filaments or fibers in the second component to secure the components together when cooled. Thus, welding of two components together may occur when material from one or both of the components melts or softens. Accordingly, a weldable material, such as a polymer material, may be provided in one or both of the components. Additionally, welding does not generally involve the use of stitching or adhesives, but involves directly bonding components to each other with heat. In some situations, however, stitching or adhesives may be utilized to supplement the weld or the joining of the components through welding.
- A variety of heating techniques may be utilized to weld components to each other. In some embodiments, suitable heating techniques may include conduction heating, radiant heating, high frequency heating, laser heating, or combinations of such techniques. In some embodiments, the welding method used to join portions of the upper may include a high frequency welding method, such as ultrasonic welding or radio frequency (RF) welding.
- In embodiments where a high frequency welding method is used to form welds in the upper, the materials of the upper may be any materials suitable for such a method. For example, materials suitable for high frequency welding may include thermoplastic material or natural material coated with a thermoplastic material. Examples of material suitable for high frequency welding methods include an acrylic, a nylon, a polyester, a polylactic acid, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a urethane, a natural fiber that is coated with one or more thermoplastic materials, and combinations of such materials. In some embodiments, a natural fiber, such as cotton or wool, may be coated with a thermoplastic material, such as an ethyl vinyl acetate or thermoplastic polyurethane.
- Use of welding can provide various advantages over use of adhesives or stitching. For example, use of welding may produce a lighter weight shoe due to the absence of stitching and adhesives. By eliminating stitching and adhesives, the mass that would otherwise be imparted by stitching and adhesives may be utilized for other structural elements that enhance the performance properties of the article of footwear, such as cushioning, durability, stability, and aesthetic qualities. Another advantage relates to manufacturing efficiency and expense. Stitching and application of adhesives can be relatively time-consuming processes. By welding components, manufacturing time may be reduced. Further, costs may be reduced by eliminating the expense of adhesives or stitching materials. In addition, since adhesives and stitching can increase the rigidity of upper materials, welding (that is, joining materials without using adhesives or stitching) can preserve the flexibility of the upper of the article of footwear. Flexibility of the upper can enable the upper to conform to the foot of a wearer, thus providing improved fit. By conforming to the foot of the wearer, a flexible upper may also provide improved comfort. In some embodiments, the skin layer may be a mesh skin layer. In portions of the upper, the mesh skin layer may remain unreinforced, permitting directed ventilation through the upper. That is, in unreinforced portions, the skin layer may have an outwardly exposed outer surface and an inwardly exposed inner surface. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the openings in the mesh of the unreinforced skin layer may permit ventilation through the upper. In addition to ventilation, the openings in the mesh skin layer may also provide other advantages, such as weight reduction, flexibility, and other advantages. In some embodiments, in the unreinforced portions of the skin layer, the upper may consist essentially of the skin layer, and thus, may not include any additional layers. In some areas, the mesh may be provided in panels that extend between reinforcing panels, the mesh and reinforcing panels being joined only at abutting edges, for example with minimal overlap.
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Upper 110 may include askin layer 185 forming at least a portion of an external surface of upper 110.Upper 110 may also include a reinforcingmaterial 190 selectively located internal and adjacent to portions ofskin layer 185, thereby defining reinforcedportions 195 ofskin layer 185 andunreinforced portions 200 ofskin layer 185. As shown inFIG. 1 , reinforcedportions 195 may include a plurality of striped line portions. For example, reinforcedportions 195 may include a first reinforcedportion 301, a second reinforcedportion 302, a third reinforcedportion 303, a fourth reinforcedportion 304, a fifth reinforcedportion 305, a sixth reinforcedportion 306, and a seventh reinforcedportion 307. The arrangement of reinforcedportions 195 andunreinforced portions 200 is discussed in greater detail below. - In some embodiments, reinforcing
material 190 may be selectively joined withskin layer 185. For example, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be selectively joined withskin layer 185 at a bondedarea 205 by welding. As shown inFIG. 1 , bondedarea 205 may have an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of upper 110. - Reinforcing
material 190 may provide advantages with respect to various characteristics, such as strength, durability, support, stability, and other attributes. In some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be a material having a tensile strength or puncture strength that is substantially the same or greater thanskin layer 185. Thus, in some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may provide upper 110 with increased strength in select areas. In some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be a material having an abrasion resistance that is greater thanskin layer 185. In such embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may provide upper 110 with increased durability. In some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may have an elasticity that is lower than the same or lower thanskin layer 185. In such embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may provide additional support and stability to the wearer, for example, by limiting the amount to whichskin layer 185 may stretch in reinforcedportions 195. - In some embodiments, portions of upper 110 may include one or more additional layers/components for reinforcement, support, padding, and stability. For example, in some embodiments, upper 110 may include one or more panels affixed to an exterior of, or adjacent to,
skin layer 185. Reinforcingstrip 150 is one example of such an additional layer/component. Further, as shown inFIG. 1 , upper 110 may include aheel panel 210. Additionally, or alternatively, in some embodiments, upper 110 may include atoe panel 215. In some embodiments, the additional panels of material, such asheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may be welded toskin layer 185.Heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may provide additional protection for the foot of a wearer. In addition,heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may provide additional durability for upper 110. Further, in some embodiments,heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may provide additional stability forfootwear 100. In addition,heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may be configured to provide aesthetic appeal. - In some embodiments, the mesh skin layer may be a full-length layer. That is,
skin layer 185 may extend throughout all, or substantially all, of upper 110. In such embodiments, the additional layers, such asheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may be affixed to an exterior surface ofskin layer 185. In other embodiments, additional weight may be saved by utilizingskin layer 185 only in the areas offootwear 100 whereskin layer 185 is exposed, for example betweenheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215. - In some embodiments, padding can be included in one or more portions of the upper to provide comfort and a close fit against the contours of the foot. For example, in some embodiments, an
ankle region 220 of upper 110 proximate to opening 135 may include compressible padding, such as foam padding, in order to provide cushioning and a close fit against the ankle of a wearer. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view offootwear 100 shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 2 showssole structure 105 and the plurality of components from which the upper may be constructed. For example,skin layer 185 is shown.Skin layer 185 is shown as a full length skin layer inFIG. 2 . - In some embodiments,
heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215, such as shown inFIG. 2 , may be fixedly attached to an external surface ofskin layer 185. Such fixed attachment may be by welding. It will be noted, however, that, as discussed above, in some embodiments,skin layer 185 may be less than a full length layer and, instead, may extend between additional panel components, such asheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215. In such embodiments,heel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may overlapskin layer 185 only minimally, for example, at the peripheral, adjoining edges of each panel. The shape and size ofheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may vary according to desired performance characteristics such as weight, foot protection, durability, aesthetic design, and other such characteristics. Further, the materials from whichheel panel 210 andtoe panel 215 may be formed may vary according to the same or similar desired performance characteristics. -
FIG. 2 shows strips of reinforcingmaterial 190 in isolation. These strips may be disposed against the inner surface ofskin layer 185. The arrangement of reinforcing material infootwear 100 is discussed in greater detail below. - Additional panels may also be provided around the throat opening of
footwear 100. For example, aninner liner panel 191 and a reinforcingcollar panel 192 may be provided insideskin layer 185. In some embodiments, however, reinforcingcollar panel 192 may be provided external toskin layer 185.FIG. 2 also shows afoam collar piece 193, which may be disposed betweeninner liner panel 191 and reinforcingcollar panel 192.Foam collar piece 193 may be a compressible component, which may conform to the contours of the foot proximate the ankle, thus improving fit and comfort. Such a compressiblefoam collar piece 193 may also provide protection for the ankle against impact and shifting offootwear 100 due to loading experienced during athletic activities. - As further illustrated in
FIG. 2 ,tongue 800 may include multiple components. For example, as shown inFIG. 2 ,tongue 800 may include agrip portion 875, which may form an external surface of an upper portion oftongue 800.Grip portion 875 may provide a suitable area at which to griptongue 800 when puttingfootwear 100 on the foot. Further,grip portion 875 may provide a location to display indicia, such as a logo or other graphic or text. In addition,tongue 800 may include askin layer 885.Skin layer 885 may be formed of the same or similar material asskin layer 185, such as a mesh material. In some embodiments,skin layer 885 may form the exterior surface of a substantial majority oftongue 800. That is, the area ofskin layer 885 which is not covered bygrip portion 875 may form a substantial majority of the exterior exposed surface oftongue 800. As shown inFIG. 2 ,skin layer 885 may extend the full length oftongue 800, and thus,grip portion 875 mayoverlay skin layer 885. However, in other embodiments,skin layer 885 andgrip portion 875 may be joined at their peripheral edges and thus may not overlap, or may overlap minimally. This may save weight, by reducing the amount of skin layer material is used to formtongue 800. - As shown in
FIG. 2 ,tongue 800 may also include a plurality offoam pads 880 and aliner 890.Foam pads 880 may be disposed between skin layer 885 (or grip portion 875) andliner 890.Foam pads 880 may be compressible, and thus, may provide comfort and improved fit in the instep region offootwear 100.Liner 890 may be formed of a material that is suitable for contacting the skin of a foot or a sock-covered foot of a wearer. Thus,liner 890 may be formed of a material that enables the sock-covered foot to slide into and out offootwear 100 with minimal effort. In addition,liner 890 may also have moisture wicking properties to absorb sweat from a wearer's foot. - The layers of
tongue 800 may be joined using one or more joining techniques, such as welding, stitching, heat bonding, or other suitable construction methods. Additional details of the construction oftongue 800 are discussed below with regard toFIGS. 12-14 . - In some embodiments, the skin layer may be exposed over a relatively large area of the upper. Accordingly, the reinforcing material and the bonded area in which the reinforcing material is bonded to the skin layer may be used to reinforce a span of skin layer between other shoe components. That is, strips of the reinforcing material may extend between components of the shoe. Similarly, the bonded area may include lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear. For example, strips of reinforcing material and lines of bonded area may extend from a midsole of the article of footwear to a reinforcing strip bordering the lacing region of the article of footwear. This configuration may provide structural support in a generally vertical direction. In some embodiments, however, the strips and lines of bonded area may be angled in order to strategically reinforce the upper in certain directions and orientations.
- In some embodiments, first reinforced
portion 301 may extend from reinforcingstrip 150 tosole structure 105, for example to midsole 160, as shown inFIG. 3 . First reinforcedportion 301 may extend, not only vertically, but also in a forward direction as it approachesmidsole 160. The angling of first reinforcedportion 301 may provide structural support in a forward-rearward direction. For example, first reinforcedportion 301 may operate in tension to resist forces that tend to translate upper 110 in a rearward direction relative tosole structure 105. Such forces may occur, for example, when an athlete accelerates in a forward direction. In addition, first reinforcedportion 301 may also span between reinforcingstrip 150 andtoe portion 215, providing further reinforcement to upper 110 by connecting skeletal structures of upper 110. - Second reinforced
portion 302 may also extend from reinforcingstrip 150 tomidsole 160, as shown inFIG. 3 . Further, second reinforcedportion 302 may extend in a substantially vertical direction when viewed from the side offootwear 100. In addition, second reinforcedportion 302 may be joined to reinforcingstrip 150 proximate to first reinforcedportion 301. - Third reinforced
portion 303 may extend from reinforcingstrip 150 tomidsole 160, as shown inFIG. 3 . Third reinforcedportion 303 may extend, not only vertically, but also in a rearward direction as it approachesmidsole 160. The angling of second reinforcedportion 303 may provide structural support in a forward-rearward direction. For example, third reinforcedportion 303 may operate in tension to resist forces that tend to translate upper 110 in a forward direction relative tosole structure 105. Such forces may occur, for example, when an athlete slows or stops their forward movement. In addition, third reinforcedportion 303 may be joined to reinforcingstrip 150 proximate to second reinforcedportion 302. - Each of first reinforced
portion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, and third reinforcedportion 303 may connect to reinforcingstrip 150 adjacent one another and provide supportive reinforcement in different directions (fore, aft, and vertically). This may contribute the stability offootwear 100, by maintaining the relative positioning of upper 110 relative tosole structure 105. In some embodiments, first reinforcedportion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, and third reinforcedportion 303 may connect to reinforcingstrip 150 adjacent one another in a forefoot portion offootwear 100, for example in the area corresponding with the first metatarsal head and the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint. This joint is a point of flexion of the forefoot. Accordingly, it is advantageous to maintain the positioning of upper 110 relative tosole structure 105 in the region of this joint. This may promote, comfort, fit, and performance offootwear 100. - The strategic positioning of first reinforced
portion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, and third reinforcedportion 303 in the orientations discussed above on the lateral and medial sides offootwear 100 to thereby provide fore-aft stability in the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint region, may enable a firstunreinforced region 311 in the forefoot region to be a relatively wide span of skin layer that is unreinforced. This may provide additional ventilation and weight reduction. - Fourth reinforced
portion 304 and fifth reinforcedportion 305 may extend from reinforcingstrip 150 tomidsole 160, as shown inFIG. 3 . In addition, fifth reinforcedportion 305 may be joined to reinforcingstrip 150 proximate to fourth reinforcedportion 304, and may separate as fourth reinforcedportion 304 and fifth reinforcedportion 305approach midsole 160. Also, sixth reinforcedportion 306 and seventh reinforcedportion 307 may be arranged similarly to fourth reinforcedportion 304 and fifth reinforcedportion 305, that is, in an inverted “V” formation. This inverted “V” formation may provide structural support in a similar manner to first reinforcedportion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, and third reinforcedportion 303 discussed above. - It is also noted that the arrangement of reinforced portions with upper ends converging in various regions of reinforcing
strip 150 and divergingproximate midsole 160 may enable structural connection between reinforcingstrip 150 and divergingproximate midsole 160 despite these two components having differing lengths. That is, reinforcingstrip 150 has a first length corresponding with the lacing region, whereasmidsole 160 has a second length that extends the full length offootwear 100 and is, thus, longer than the first length of reinforcingstrip 150. - In other embodiments, the reinforced portions of upper 110 may have other arrangements to provide strength, support, durability, and other performance characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, instead of an inverted “V” arrangement, reinforcing portions may be arranged in an “X” configuration between various components of
footwear 100. Other arrangements are also possible according to the locations at which reinforcement is desired for performance benefits. - By strategically arranging the reinforced portions of upper 110, relatively large amounts of surface area of upper 110 may be formed of unreinforced skin layer. For example, in addition to first
unreinforced portion 311, a secondunreinforced portion 312 may be disposed between first reinforcedportion 301 and second reinforcedportion 302. In addition, a thirdunreinforced portion 313 may be disposed between second reinforcedportion 302 and third reinforcedportion 303. A fourthunreinforced portion 314 may be disposed between third reinforcedportion 303 and fourth reinforcedportion 304. Further, a fifthunreinforced portion 315 may be disposed between fourth reinforcedportion 304 and fifth reinforcedportion 305. Also, a sixthunreinforced portion 316 may be disposed between fifth reinforcedportion 305 and sixth reinforcedportion 306. A seventhunreinforced portion 317 may be disposed between sixth reinforcedportion 306 and seventh reinforcedportion 307. And an eighthunreinforced portion 318 may be disposed between seventh reinforcedportion 307 andankle region 220. - Additional unreinforced portions similar to second
unreinforced portion 312, thirdunreinforced portion 313, fourthunreinforced portion 314, fifthunreinforced portion 315, sixthunreinforced portion 316, seventhunreinforced portion 317, and eight reinforcedportion 318 may be provided on the opposite side offootwear 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the medial and lateral sides of upper 110 may be substantial mirror images in terms of the arrangement of reinforcing material. In some embodiments, the collective surface area of unreinforced portions may form a substantial majority of the surface area of exposed skin layer. - Further, in some embodiments, the collective surface area of unreinforced portions may constitute a substantial majority of the surface area of upper 110. By providing relatively large amounts of upper 110 as unreinforced, upper 110 may be provided with ventilation, flexibility, and reduced weight.
- In some embodiments, the welding may be used to, not only join components, but also change the outward appearance of those components by changing the apparent color of the exterior portion of the footwear upper. For example, in some embodiments, the unreinforced skin layer may have a first color. As discussed in greater detail below, the skin layer may be a mesh material, and thus, portions of underlying reinforcing material may show through the openings in the mesh skin layer. If the reinforcing material has a second color that is different than the first color of the skin layer, the appearance of a reinforced portion of skin layer may have a third color that is a blend of first color of the skin layer and the second color of the reinforcing material color. In addition, the bonded areas, where reinforcing material is bonded to the skin layer may have a fourth color. This fourth color may be substantially the same as the second color of the reinforcing material, as the skin layer may become embedded in the reinforcing material during the welding process. In some embodiments, however, the bonded area may have a color that is a blend of the first color of the skin layer and the second color of the reinforcing material. In addition, other portions of the footwear may have a fifth color, which may be the same or different as other components of the footwear. The color differences may be utilized for aesthetic design purposes. Further, the color differences may be utilized to show, through the color arrangement, various structural aspects of the footwear construction.
- Unreinforced skin layer may have a first color. For example, as shown in
FIG. 3 , firstunreinforced portion 311, secondunreinforced portion 312, thirdunreinforced portion 313, fourthunreinforced portion 314, fifthunreinforced portion 315, sixthunreinforced portion 316, seventhunreinforced portion 317, and eight reinforcedportion 318 may have a first color represented inFIG. 3 simply as a grid. Reinforcing material, although not shown exposed inFIG. 3 , may have a second color. For purposes of discussion,FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration in which the second color of the reinforcing material is substantially the same as a fifth color of other footwear components, such asheel panel 210,toe panel 215, and reinforcingstrip 150, which are shown with a relatively dark stipple. - The appearance of reinforced portions of skin layer may have a third color that is a blend of the first color of the skin layer and the second color of the reinforcing material color. For example, as shown in
FIG. 3 , first reinforcedportion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, third reinforcedportion 303, fourth reinforcedportion 304, fifth reinforcedportion 305, sixth reinforcedportion 306, and seventh reinforcedportion 307 may have a third color that is an intermediate color between the first color of the skin layer and the second color of the reinforcing material. Accordingly, first reinforcedportion 301, second reinforcedportion 302, third reinforcedportion 303, fourth reinforcedportion 304, fifth reinforcedportion 305, sixth reinforcedportion 306, and seventh reinforcedportion 307 are shown with a medium darkness stipple. - In addition, bonded
areas 205, where reinforcing material is bonded to the skin layer may have a fourth color. This fourth color may be substantially the same as the second color of the reinforcing material. Accordingly, bondedareas 205 are shown inFIG. 3 as having a relatively dark stipple. By welding reinforcing material to the skin layer, the externally exposed surface of bondedarea 205 may be given a fourth color that is different from the first color. It will be noted that, in some embodiments, the additional layers/components discussed above, such as reinforcingstrip 150,heel panel 210, andtoe panel 215, may be formed of the same or similar material as reinforcingmaterial 190. For example, all of these components may be formed of a relatively lightweight fabric. In some embodiments, the lines of bondedarea 205 may match in color with other footwear components to provide various decorative appearances. In some embodiments, one or more footwear components may have a different color than the reinforcing material and bondedarea 205 to provide a different visual appearance. - The welding process may change the apparent color of the exterior surface of upper 110 by relocating portions of reinforcing material to the exterior surface of upper 110. For example, the process of welding may involve the melting of reinforcing
material 190 such that the reinforcing material flows from the inner side ofskin layer 185 between the fibers of skin layer 185 (for example through the openings in a skin layer mesh material) to the outer, exposed side ofskin layer 185. Thus, the externally exposed surface of bondedarea 205 may include portions of reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bondedarea 205 with substantially the same color as the reinforcing material. The mechanism by which the relocation of portions of reinforcing material takes place is explained in more detail below. - Although the colors of
footwear 100 are shown inFIG. 3 as being varying shades of grey, it will be understood that the components offootwear 100 may have any suitable colors. Further, the differences in color between components may be varying shades of a given color, such as dark red and light red. In addition, blends of colors may produce not only varying shades, but different colors altogether. For example, in some embodiments, a yellow skin layer may be combined with a blue reinforcing material to form reinforced portions or bonded areas that have a green appearance. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view throughopening 135 intovoid 130 within upper 110 offootwear 100.FIG. 4 shows aninsole 225, and shows strips of reinforcingmaterial 190 extending upward from beneathinsole 225. As shown inFIG. 4 , portions ofskin layer 185 are inwardly exposed between the strips of reinforcingmaterial 190. Thus, these unreinforced portions ofskin layer 185 are exposed both externally and internally. Accordingly, asskin layer 185 may be a mesh material in some embodiments, the unreinforced portions ofskin layer 185 may provide direct ventilation throughskin layer 185, tointernal void 130 defined by upper 110. -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged illustration of a portion ofFIG. 4 showing the inner surface of upper 110. As shown inFIG. 5 ,unreinforced portions 196, such as sixthunreinforced portion 316, seventhunreinforced portion 317, and eighthunreinforced portion 318 may be disposed between reinforcedportions 190, such as sixth reinforcedportion 306 and seventh reinforcedportion 307. The reinforced portions may be welded to the skin layer, for example in a first bondedarea 321, a second bondedarea 322, a third bondedarea 323, and a fourth bondedarea 324. It will be noted that, first bondedarea 321, second bondedarea 322, third bondedarea 323, and fourth bondedarea 324 are shown inFIG. 5 as having the same color as the reinforcing material. BecauseFIG. 5 shows an inner side of upper 110, the skin layer is not shown, since the skin layer is not internally exposed proximate to the bonded areas. Thus, the bonded areas may have the same color as the reinforcing material on the inner side of upper 110. - It will also be noted that in some places, two bonded areas may join to form a more complex pattern. For example, as shown in
FIG. 5 , second bondedarea 322 and third bondedarea 323 may converge to form an inverted “V” arrangement. This joining of bonded areas may provide a structural connection between skeletal components of upper 110. Further, in some embodiments, sixth reinforcedportion 306 and seventh reinforcedportion 307 may be formed by separate strips of reinforcing material. In such embodiments, joining the bonded areas that secure these separate strips to the skin layer may provide a structural connection between these separate strips, thus creating a truss-like structure. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, in greater detail, the structure of the reinforced portions of upper 110. The arrangement ofskin layer 185, reinforcingmaterial 190, and bondedarea 205 is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 6 , which shows an enlarged view of one of the striped regions of upper 110 created by reinforcedportion 195 ofskin layer 185. As shown inFIG. 6 ,skin layer 185 may be formed of a mesh material. As shown in the enlarged view portion ofFIG. 6 ,skin layer 185 may include a plurality ofopenings 230, which may provide weight reduction and ventilation. Inunreinforced portions 200,openings 230 may provide direct ventilation with an interior offootwear 100. In some embodiments, the mesh material may have more than 50% open area (e.g., more than 50% of the material surface area comprises open space through which air can freely flow from one side to the other). - In a substantial majority of reinforced
portion 195, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be visible behindskin layer 185 throughopenings 230. In this substantial majority of reinforcedportion 195, reinforcingmaterial 190 may remain adjacent to, but detached from,skin material 185. In select portions of reinforcedportion 195, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be affixed toskin layer 185 to form bondedareas 205. It will be noted thatunreinforced portions 200 ofskin layer 185 appear as generally white, while reinforcedportion 195 appears generally grey due to the combination of the dark reinforcingmaterial 190 with the white mesh ofskin layer 185.Bonded areas 205 appear darker still as no white grid lines interrupt the dark color of reinforcingmaterial 190 in bondedareas 205. - It will be noted that the skin material is illustrated, in the accompanying drawings, as a relatively simple grid representation. This grid representation is schematic only, and is provided in this manner for convenience and to avoid obscuring the drawings with excessive detail. Nevertheless, actual materials used for the mesh of the skin layer, examples of which are provided below, may have a relatively simple square or rectangular grid structure, similar to that shown in the drawings. The orientation of the grid may vary. Further, in some embodiments, other more complicated grid structures may be utilized for the mesh material of the skin layer. In addition, the size of the grid openings may also vary. The configuration of the skin layer mesh may be selected according to desired performance characteristics, including weight, strength, puncture resistance, ventilation, and other attributes.
- In at least some embodiments, the mesh material of
skin layer 185 may be a single layer warped knit with an open structure (or other type of woven material) and may be formed from nylon, polyester, nylon/polyester blends, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rePET), or other material. However, the mesh material ofskin layer 185 may be made of any desired materials, with any desired mesh opening size(s). Reinforcingmaterial 190 may be any suitable material, including fabrics, textiles, weaves, knits, and other such materials. Reinforcingmaterial 190 may be a material that is adhesively compatible withskin layer 185 and other materials of the shoe. In some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be a material that is adhesively compatible withskin layer 185 during welding. Suitable materials may include crystalline or semi crystalline materials. In some embodiments, such materials may include thermoplastics. For example, suitable materials may include polyalkylenes, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Other materials may also be suitable for use as reinforcing materials, such as nylons, polyesters, and other such materials. In some embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be configured to melt under welding, and thereby flow throughopenings 230 in the mesh ofskin layer 185, thus resulting inskin layer 185 embedding within reinforcingmaterial 190 in bonded regions. In other embodiments,skin layer 185 and reinforcingmaterial 190 may be configured to slightly melt during welding and adhesively attach to one another (withoutskin layer 185 becoming embedded). In some embodiments, reinforcing material may be melted slightly, enabling the mesh ofskin layer 185 to become partially embedded in reinforcingmaterial 190 during welding. In such embodiments, reinforcingmaterial 190 andskin layer 185 may rely not only on the partially embedded construction, but also on the adhesive bonding created by the partial melting of the reinforcing material. In order to achieve the welding, the reinforcing material may have the same or lower melting point as the skin layer. This may enable the reinforcing material to melt and flow through the openings in the mesh while the fibers of the mesh remain substantially intact. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , bondedareas 205 may span one or more ofopenings 230. Further, the amount of reinforcedportion 195 in which reinforcingmaterial 190 is affixed toskin layer 185 may vary. That is, the ratio of bondedarea 205 to reinforcedportion 195 may vary from relatively low, for example, 1:20, to relatively high, for example, 19:20. In some exemplary embodiments, stripes on the medial and lateral side of upper 110 may have a ratio of bondedarea 205 to reinforcedportion 195 of approximately 1:3. For example, as shown inFIG. 6 , the combined widths of bondedareas 205 may be approximately one third of the total width of reinforcedportion 195. - Because
skin layer 185 is directly bonded to reinforcingmaterial 190, the combined strength of themesh skin layer 185 and reinforcingmaterial 190 may obviate the need for another material on the outside or inside surface of upper 110 to provide tensile strength, puncture strength, durability, stability, or other performance characteristics. This permits upper 110 to be much lighter than is possible using various conventional shoe construction techniques. -
Openings 230 inskin layer 185 allow air to flow through. This air flow helps to cool and dry the foot of a wearer offootwear 100. In some embodiments,skin layer 185 may be the only layer of upper 110 in certain portions of upper 110. In other embodiments, however, additional reinforcing materials may be utilized. For example, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be selectively located at various portions ofskin layer 185, and an additional inner reinforcing material may be provided for more comfort and moisture control (for example, wicking moisture away from the foot). This additional inner liner (not shown) may extend over otherwise unreinforced portions ofskin layer 185. In some embodiments, this additional inner liner may be a relatively breathable material, and thus, may preserve the ventilation benefits of amesh skin layer 185. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of upper 110 taken at line 7-7 inFIG. 6 . As shown inFIG. 7 , upon welding, bondedareas 205 may be created by embedding the mesh fibers of theskin layer 185 into reinforcingmaterial 190. The fibers ofskin layer 185 may melt to a greater or lesser degree during the welding process. Accordingly, in some embodiments, when forming bondedareas 205, the fibers ofskin layer 185 may remain substantially intact. In other embodiments, the fibers ofskin layer 185 may substantially melt and mix with the reinforcingmaterial 190. In some cases, it may be desirable for the fibers ofskin layer 185 to remain substantially intact in order to preserve the strength and durability ofskin layer 185. In some embodiments, the fibers ofskin layer 185 may deform slightly, as shown inFIG. 7 . This slight deformation may result from slight melting, which may improve the bonding between the fibers ofskin layer 185 and reinforcingmaterial 190, while substantially preserving the tensile strength ofskin layer 185 since the fibers ofskin layer 185 remain substantially intact. -
FIG. 7 further illustrates the deformation of reinforcingmaterial 190 inbonding areas 205. This deformation may be created by heat and pressure applied by the welding process, which may compress the reinforcingmaterial 190. In addition,FIG. 7 also shows reinforcedportion 195 where reinforcingmaterial 190 extends beneathskin layer 185, as well asunreinforced portions 200 where reinforcingmaterial 190 does not extend. -
FIG. 8 provides a schematic illustration of an alternative configuration of the mesh material of the skin layer. For example,FIG. 8 shows amesh skin layer 700 backed in a reinforcedportion 730 by a reinforcingmaterial 705. Reinforcedportion 730 extends toedges 710 of reinforcingmaterial 705. Further, reinforcingmaterial 705 is welded toskin layer 700 in a first bondedarea 720 and a second bondedarea 725. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , the mesh ofskin layer 700 may have a hexagonal configuration. This hexagonal configuration may provide improved strength and inelasticity in multiple directions as compared to a square or rectangular grid configuration. Meshes having grid with other geometrically-shaped configurations may also be used. For example, the skin layer may be formed of a mesh material having a triangular or octagonal configuration. The varying shapes may be selected to provide desired performance characteristics, such as directional strength and inelasticity. - Although the mesh of the skin layer is shown as having generally two-dimensional configurations, in some embodiments, the mesh may have a three-dimensional configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the skin layer may be formed of a spacer mesh or spacer textile. Three-dimensional mesh configurations may provide more complex and tailored performance characteristics, such as directional tensile strength and inelasticity, as well as puncture strength, abrasion resistance, and ventilation.
- Some embodiments may use one or more spacer meshes or spacer textile materials that are discussed in Hazenberg et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, published ______, (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/443,421, which was filed on Apr. 10, 2012 and is entitled “Spacer Textile Materials And Methods For Manufacturing The Spacer Textile Materials”), and Chao et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ published ______, (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/468,671, which was filed on Aug. 10, 2012 and is entitled “Methods for Manufacturing Fluid-Filled Chambers Incorporating Spacer Textile Materials.”) The entire disclosures of these two patent applications are incorporated herein by referenced in their entirety. In some embodiments, a double needle bar raschel knit or other three-dimensional knit may be used to form a mesh material for the skin layer. Exemplary three-dimensional knits that may be used, including the double needle bar raschel knit, are disclosed in Bruer et al., “Three-Dimensionally Knit Spacer Fabrics: A Review of Production Techniques and Applications,” Journal of Textile and Apparel, Technology and Management, Vol. 4, Iss. 4, Summer 2005, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- In some embodiments, a bonded mesh composite panel of an upper may be created by assembling individual panels of material for the various layers in a flat configuration. The panels and other elements are assembled so as to have an arrangement in which the relative locations of the panels and elements correspond to the locations those panels and elements will have in the completed shoe. After assembling the individual panels and other elements into the proper arrangement and tacking the assembly at several locations, the assembly undergoes a series of pressing operations to bond the assembled elements. These operations create a flat, one-piece unibody upper shell that can contain many or all elements to be included in the finished upper. Edges of the unibody upper shell can then be joined to create a three-dimensional upper body ready for further finishing and attachment to a midsole. Some embodiments may use one or more of the assembly procedures disclosed in ______, U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, published ______, (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______ and entitled “Shoe with Composite Upper and Method of Making the Same” (Attorney Docket No. 005127.01735)), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, some embodiments may use one or more of the footwear assembly methods disclosed in (a) Dojan et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/029,502, filed Feb. 17, 2011 and entitled “Shoe with Composite Upper and Foam Element and Method of Making Same,” (now abandoned), (b) Dojan et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0088285, published Apr. 21, 2011, and entitled “Composite Shoe Upper and Method of Making Same,” and (c) Dojan et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0088282, published Apr. 21, 2011 and entitled “Composite Shoe Upper and Method of Making Same.” Each of these applications listed above is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
-
FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an exemplary ultrasonic welding process in greater detail. As shown inFIG. 9 ,skin layer 185 and reinforcing material 190 (or other components of the upper) may be ultrasonically welded on ananvil 235.Anvil 235 may be a relatively rigid body on which the components may be ultrasonically welded. In some embodiments,anvil 235 may be a relatively flat surface, such as a table. In other embodiments,anvil 235 may be a last upon which the article of footwear may be assembled. The schematic illustrations ofFIGS. 9-11 are intended to encompass use of an anvil generally, and thus, are not specific to any particular anvil configuration. - As further shown in
FIG. 9 , anultrasonic horn 240 may be provided to effectuate the ultrasonic welding. As shown inFIG. 10 ,ultrasonic horn 240 may compressskin layer 185 and reinforcingmaterial 190 againstanvil 235. Also,ultrasonic horn 240 may be vibrated at an ultrasonic frequency, as illustrated byvibration lines 245. This ultrasonic vibration may create friction, which may create heat, which, along with the pressure ofultrasonic horn 240 pressing againstanvil 235, may at least partially melt a portion of reinforcingmaterial 190. As a result of this melting, the fibers ofskin layer 185 may embed within reinforcingmaterial 190, effectively relocating portions of reinforcingmaterial 190 to an exterior surface of the upper, thereby forming bondedarea 205, as shown inFIG. 11 . - Using the technique schematically illustrated in
FIGS. 9-11 , a method of making an article of footwear may be performed. The method may include forming an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer. Forming the upper may include selectively attaching inner reinforcingmaterial 190 toskin layer 185 using ultrasonic welding. (In some embodiments, other welding techniques may be utilized.) The method may further include arrangingskin layer 185 to form at least a portion of the external surface of the upper. Ultrasonically welding inner reinforcingmaterial 190 toskin layer 185 may form bondedarea 205 having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper. In some embodiments,skin layer 185 may have a first color and the reinforcingmaterial 190 may have a second color that is different from the first color. - The externally exposed surface of bonded
area 205 may be formed to include portions the reinforcingmaterial 190, thus providing the externally exposed surface of bondedarea 205 with a different color thanskin layer 185. For example, ultrasonically welding the inner reinforcingmaterial 190 toskin layer 185 to form bondedarea 205 may relocate portions of reinforcingmaterial 190 to the external surface of the upper at the externally exposed surface of bondedarea 205, thereby providing the externally exposed surface of bondedarea 205 with substantially the same color as reinforcingmaterial 190. In some embodiments, relocating portions of reinforcingmaterial 190 to the external surface of the upper may include pressing the portions of reinforcingmaterial 190 through openings in the mesh material ofskin layer 185. Further, selectively attaching the inner reinforcingmaterial 190 to certain portions ofskin layer 185 may form reinforced portions ofskin layer 185, leaving unreinforced portions ofskin layer 185 that provide direct ventilation, through the mesh material ofskin layer 185, to an internal void defined by the upper. - Ultrasonically
welding reinforcing material 190 toskin layer 185 to form bondedarea 205 may include forming lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear. For example, forming lines of bonded material may include forming lines of bonded material extending from the sole structure of the article of footwear to the reinforcing strip proximate to the instep region of the article of footwear. - In order to form lines of bonded material, a stylus-like
ultrasonic horn 240 may be moved in a desired pattern. In other embodiments,ultrasonic horn 240 may be an elongate structure formed in the desired pattern. Such an elongate ultrasonic horn may simply be pressed against the material to be welded and the ultrasonic vibrations activated. Some embodiments may use one or more ultrasonic welding techniques using an elongate horn that are discussed in Beye et al., U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, published ______, (now U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______ and entitled “Spacer Textile Material with Tensile Strand Having Multiple Entry and Exit Points” (Attorney Docket No. 51-2687)), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. - In some embodiments, exemplary articles of footwear may include an additional layer of material located between a portion of the skin layer and a portion of the reinforcing material. For example, an additional layer of material may include a compressible foam material, which may provide comfort, protection, and a close fit. Such a compressible foam layer may be provided, for example, in a tongue portion of the upper of the article of footwear. Lines of bonded area may enclose a pocket between the skin layer and the reinforcing material, in which the compressible foam layer may be disposed. In some embodiments, multiple compressible foam pads may be provided proximate one another. For example, multiple compressible foam pads may be separated by lines of bonded area. Such an arrangement may produce a quilted configuration, which may provide comfort to the instep region of the footwear.
-
FIG. 12 illustrates a view offootwear 100 withtongue 800 substantially exposed. As shown inFIG. 12 , upper 110 may include atongue 800, which may be formed of multiple layers that may be joined using welding or stitching. For example, multiple bondedareas 805, in the form of lines, may be provided to selectively attach reinforcingmaterial 190 toskin layer 885. In addition, stitching 840 may secure reinforcingmaterial 190 toskin layer 885 in certain portions oftongue 800, such as a peripheral edge, as shown inFIG. 12 . - As further shown in
FIG. 12 , in some embodiments,footwear 100 may include an additional layer of material located between a portion ofskin layer 885 and a portion of reinforcingmaterial 190. For example, the additional layer of material may include a compressible foam material. As shown inFIG. 12 , afirst pocket 810 betweenskin layer 885 and reinforcingmaterial 190 may house afirst foam pad 815.First pocket 810 may be enclosed by a plurality of bonded area lines that define a polygonal pocket. For example, as shown inFIG. 12 , a first bondedarea line 820, a second bondedarea line 825, a third bondedarea line 830, and a fourth bondedarea line 835 may enclosefirst pocket 810. - In addition, at least one additional foam pad may be provided in
tongue 800. For example, asecond foam pad 845 may be provided in asecond pocket 850.Second pocket 850 may be enclosed by a fifth bondedarea line 855, a sixth bondedarea line 860, a seventh bondedarea line 865, and fourth bondedarea line 835.First foam pad 815 andsecond foam pad 845 may be disposed substantially proximate one another, thereby forming a substantially quilted configuration. -
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view taken at line 13-13 ofFIG. 12 . As shown inFIG. 13 ,first foam pad 815 may be disposed withinfirst pocket 810 betweenskin layer 885 and reinforcingmaterial 190. Similarly,foam pad 845 may be disposed withinsecond pocket 850. As shown inFIG. 12 , second bondedarea line 825 and third bondedarea line 830 define boundaries offirst pocket 810. Similarly, sixth bondedarea line 860 and seventh bondedarea line 865 define boundaries ofsecond pocket 850. -
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken at line 14-14 ofFIG. 12 , which is substantially perpendicular to line 13-13 at which the cross section inFIG. 13 is taken. As shown inFIG. 14 , in addition tofirst foam pad 815,tongue 800 may also include athird foam pad 846 and afourth foam pad 847 disposed betweenliner 890 andskin layer 885. In some embodiments,liner 890 may be formed of reinforcingmaterial 190. Therefore,liner 890 may provide structural support totongue 800. - As shown in
FIG. 14 , reinforcingmaterial 190 may be joined toskin layer 885 to form a plurality of bonded areas. For example, reinforcingmaterial 190 may be welded toskin layer 885 to form an eighth bondedarea line 901 and a ninth bondedarea line 902. Eighth bondedarea line 901 and ninth bondedarea line 902 may separatethird foam pad 846 fromfirst foam pad 815. In addition, fourth bondedarea line 835 and a tenth bondedarea line 904 may separatefirst foam pad 815 andfourth foam pad 847. Further,upper edge 905 may be formed using welding or by another bonding process.Upper edge 905 may form at least one side of the pocket within whichthird foam pad 846 is disposed. Similarly, alower edge 906 may be formed using welding or by another bonding process.Lower edge 905 may form at least one side of the pocket within whichfourth foam pad 847 is disposed. - While various embodiments of the invention 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 invention. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
Claims (29)
1. An article of footwear including a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper comprising:
a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper; and
a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer;
wherein the reinforcing material is selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper; and
wherein the skin layer has a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area has a second color that is different from the first color.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the externally exposed surface of the bonded area includes portions of the reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with substantially the same color as the reinforcing material.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the skin layer is formed of a mesh material.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3 , wherein the unreinforced portions of the skin layer include an outwardly exposed surface and an inwardly exposed surface.
5. The article of footwear of claim 3 , wherein the unreinforced portions of the skin layer provide direct ventilation, through the mesh material of the skin layer, to an internal void defined by the upper.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the bonded area includes lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6 , wherein the lines of bonded material extend from the sole structure to a reinforcing strip proximate to an instep region of the article of footwear.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the article of footwear includes additional panels of material that are welded to the skin layer.
9. An article of footwear including a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal void configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper comprising:
a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper, the skin layer being formed of a mesh material; and
a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer;
wherein the unreinforced portions of the skin layer provide direct ventilation, through the mesh material of the skin layer, to the internal void defined by the upper;
wherein the reinforcing material is selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper; and
wherein the skin layer has a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area has a second color that is different from the first color.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9 , wherein the bonded area includes lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10 , wherein the lines of bonded material extend from the sole structure to a reinforcing strip proximate to an instep region of the article of footwear.
12. The article of footwear of claim 9 , wherein the article of footwear includes an additional layer of material located between a portion of the skin layer and a portion of the reinforcing material.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12 , wherein the additional layer of material includes a compressible foam material.
14. The article of footwear of claim 9 , wherein a surface area of the unreinforced portions of the skin layer form a substantial majority of a surface area of an externally exposed surface of the skin layer; and
wherein, in the unreinforced portions of the skin layer, the upper consists essentially of the skin layer.
15. An article of footwear including a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper comprising:
a skin layer forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper; and
a reinforcing material selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer, thereby defining reinforced portions of the skin layer and unreinforced portions of the skin layer;
wherein the reinforcing material is selectively joined with the skin layer at a bonded area by welding, the bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper;
wherein the skin layer has a first color and the reinforcing material has a second color that is different from the first color; and
wherein the externally exposed surface of the bonded area includes portions of the reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with substantially the same color as the reinforcing material.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15 , wherein the bonded area includes lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear.
17. The article of footwear of claim 16 , wherein the lines of bonded material extend from the sole structure to a reinforcing strip proximate to an instep region of the article of footwear.
18. The article of footwear of claim 15 , wherein the article of footwear includes an additional layer of material located between a portion of the skin layer and a portion of the reinforcing material.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18 , wherein the additional layer of material includes a compressible foam material.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19 , wherein the additional layer of material is provided in a tongue portion of the upper.
21. The article of footwear of claim 19 , wherein the additional layer of compressible foam material is provided in a pocket between the skin layer and the reinforcing material and enclosed by the bonded area.
22. A method of making an article of footwear, including forming an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, comprising:
selectively attaching an inner reinforcing material to a skin layer using welding; and
arranging the skin layer to form at least a portion of an external surface of the upper;
wherein the skin layer has a first color and the reinforcing material has a second color that is different from the first color; and
wherein welding the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer forms a bonded area having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper, the externally exposed surface of the bonded area including portions of the reinforcing material, thus providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with a different color than the skin layer.
23. The method of claim 22 , wherein welding the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer to form the bonded area relocates portions of the reinforcing material to the external surface of the upper at the externally exposed surface of the bonded area, thereby providing the externally exposed surface of the bonded area with substantially the same color as the reinforcing material.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the skin layer is formed of a mesh material.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein relocating portions of the reinforcing material to the external surface of the upper includes pressing the portions of the reinforcing material through openings in the mesh material.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein selectively attaching the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer forms unreinforced portions of the skin layer that provide direct ventilation, through the mesh material of the skin layer, to an internal void defined by the upper.
27. The method of claim 22 , wherein welding the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer to form the bonded area includes forming lines of bonded material extending between components of the article of footwear.
28. The method of claim 27 , further including fixedly attaching a sole structure to the upper;
wherein forming lines of bonded material includes forming lines of bonded material extending from a sole structure of the article of footwear to a reinforcing strip proximate to an instep region of the article of footwear.
29. The method of claim 22 , wherein welding the inner reinforcing material to the skin layer includes one of ultrasonic welding and radio frequency welding.
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CN201480017619.1A CN105050442B (en) | 2013-05-07 | 2014-05-06 | Article of footwear with welding vamp |
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