CN105050442A

CN105050442A - Article of footwear having welded upper

Info

Publication number: CN105050442A
Application number: CN201480017619.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托马斯·贝伦德; 道格拉斯·A·贝耶; 托尼·H·乐
Original assignee: Nike Innovation LP
Current assignee: Nike Innovate CV USA; Nike Innovation LP
Priority date: 2013-05-07
Filing date: 2014-05-06
Publication date: 2015-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-06
Also published as: EP2948012A1; WO2014182651A8; CN107125833B; CN105050442B; EP3434128A1; WO2014182651A1; EP2948012B1; EP3434128B1; CN107125833A

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper (110), including a skin layer (185) forming at least a portion of an external surface of the upper (110). The upper (110) also includes a reinforcing material (190) selectively located internal and adjacent to portions of the skin layer (185), thereby defining reinforced portions (195) of the skin layer and unreinforced portions (200) of the skin layer. The reinforcing material (190) is selectively joined with the skin layer (185) at a bonded area (205) by welding, the bonded area (205) having an externally exposed surface that defines a portion of the external surface of the upper (110). In addition, the skin layer (185) may have a first color and the externally exposed surface of the bonded area (205) may have a second color that is different from the first color.

Description

There is the article of footwear of welding vamp

The cross reference of related application

The application is the part continuation application (CIP) of the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297643 of the people such as Schaefer announced on November 29th, 2012, it requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application the 61/460th that on May 27th, 2011 submits to, the priority of No. 776.Whole disclosures of these two applications are incorporated to herein by reference at this.

Background

The present invention relates generally to the material structure for article of footwear, and relates more specifically to the material structure of the vamp for article of footwear.

Conventional article of athletic footwear comprises two main elements: vamp and footwear sole construction.Vamp provides covering for foot, cosily receives foot and foot is located regularly relative to footwear sole construction.Footwear sole construction is fixed to the low portion of vamp, and is usually positioned between foot and ground.Except decaying ground reaction force (namely in walking, running and other locomotor activity processes, buffering is provided) outward, footwear sole construction such as can also affect foot movement (e.g., by opposing varus), give stability and provide attachment frictional force.Therefore, vamp and footwear sole construction acting in conjunction are to provide the comfortable structure being suitable for sports widely.

Vamp is formed by multiple material elements usually, multiple material elements can be sewn or adhesively combine to define footwear inside for cosily and receive chamber (void) or room (cavity) of foot regularly.More specifically, vamp to be formed in above the instep of pin and toe area along the outside of pin and inner side and the structure extended around the heel area of pin.Vamp can also be incorporated to lace system and leads to the opening of chamber or room with opening and closing and adjust the stickiness of footwear in vamp.In addition, vamp can be included in the flap that extends below lace system to improve adjustable and the comfortableness of footwear, and vamp can comprise heel counter or other rock-steady structures.

Vamp also can comprise the device for improvement of stickiness, comfortableness and performance.The selection of material and placement can be used to realize some feature expected.Permitted the design of eurypalynous footwear usually by conflicting factors drive.Only lift an example, it is usually expected that sport footwear has support during special exercise is made great efforts and protects the structure of the foot of wearer.But " gas permeability " is permitted the desired qualities of eurypalynous sport footwear.Especially, the vamp air of flowing between footwear are inner and footwear are outside through footwear can help to alleviate heat and sweat water mitigation, and heat and sweat produce usually during sports around pin.But many providing support flows through vamp with the material possibility blocks air of foot protection and moisture.On the contrary, the material of many help air and moisture flowing provides support to the foot of wearer or protects hardly.

A solution manufactures wherein some part to be formed by supportive material/protectiveness material and the footwear that formed by breathable material of some part.But this may increase the complexity of manufacturing process and increase cost.In addition, Material Joining Technology is such as sewed up and may be increased weight for footwear with the use of adhesive.In addition, footwear design (comprising sport footwear design) is also promoted by aesthetics.The design of these footwear is changed to realize the ability of different aesthetic effects for the complicated production technique manufacturing complicated footwear exploitation may limit producer potentially.

General introduction

On the one hand, the disclosure relates to a kind of article of footwear, and it has the footwear sole construction being fixedly attached to vamp, and vamp is configured to the foot receiving wearer.Vamp can comprise top layer, and it forms the outer surface of vamp at least partially.Vamp can also comprise reinforcing material, and it is optionally positioned at inside and the part on contiguous top layer, thus define the enhancing part on top layer and top layer do not strengthen part.Reinforcing material can be linked together by welding and superficial selective in land, and land has outer exposed surface, and outer exposed surface defines a part for the outer surface of vamp.In addition, top layer can have the first color, and the outer exposed surface of land can have the second color, and the second color is different from the first color.

On the other hand, the disclosure relates to a kind of article of footwear, and it has the footwear sole construction being fixedly attached to vamp, and this vamp defines the inner chamber being configured to the foot receiving wearer.Vamp can comprise top layer, and it forms the outer surface of described vamp at least partially, and top layer is formed by grid material.In addition, vamp can comprise reinforcing material, and it is optionally positioned at inside and contiguous top layer, thus define the enhancing part on top layer and top layer do not strengthen part.Not strengthening of top layer partly provides direct ventilation by the grid material on top layer to the inner chamber defined by vamp.In addition, reinforcing material can be linked together by welding and superficial selective in land, and land has outer exposed surface, and outer exposed surface defines a part for the outer surface of vamp.And top layer can have the first color and the outer exposed surface of land can have the second color, and the second color is different from the first color.

On the other hand, the disclosure relates to a kind of article of footwear, and it has the footwear sole construction being fixedly attached to vamp, and vamp is configured to the foot receiving wearer.Vamp can comprise the top layer at least partially of the outer surface forming vamp.Vamp can also comprise reinforcing material, and it is optionally positioned at inside and the part on contiguous top layer, thus define the enhancing part on top layer and top layer do not strengthen part.Reinforcing material can be linked together by welding and superficial selective in land, and land has outer exposed surface, and it defines a part for the outer surface of vamp.In addition, top layer can have the first color, and reinforcing material can have the second color, and the second color is different from the first color.And the outer exposed surface of land can comprise the part of reinforcing material, thus provide the color identical with reinforcing material essence for the outer exposed surface of land.

On the other hand, the disclosure relates to a kind of method manufacturing article of footwear, comprises the vamp being formed and be configured to the foot receiving wearer.Method can comprise utilization welding and inner reinforcing material is optionally attached to top layer.Method can also comprise arranges that top layer is to form the outer surface of vamp at least partially.Top layer can have the first color, and reinforcing material can have the second color being different from described first color.Inner reinforcing material is welded to top layer and can forms land, land has outer exposed surface, outer exposed surface defines a part for the outer surface of vamp, and the outer exposed surface of land comprises the part of reinforcing material, thus provides the color being different from top layer for the outer exposed surface of land.

Accompanying drawing briefly describes

With reference to the following drawings and description, the present invention may be better understood.Parts in figure are not necessarily drawn in proportion, but focus in explanation principle of the present invention.In addition, in the accompanying drawings, identical reference marker represents the corresponding part running through different views.

Fig. 1 shows the perspective view of the embodiment of article of footwear;

Fig. 2 shows the exploded view of article of footwear shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 3 shows another perspective view of article of footwear shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 4 shows rear view and the interior views of article of footwear shown in Figure 1;

Fig. 5 shows the amplified version of a part for the view of article of footwear shown in Figure 4;

Fig. 6 shows the perspective view of the amplifier section of the vamp of article of footwear and article of footwear;

Fig. 7 shows the cross-sectional view that the line 4-4 along Fig. 3 intercepts;

Fig. 8 shows the enlarged drawing of a part for the vamp of the article of footwear according to another embodiment;

Fig. 9-11 shows the illustrative processes of the layer of ultrasonic bonding vamp;

Figure 12 shows the exemplary flap part of article of footwear;

Figure 13 shows the cross-sectional view of the flap that the line 13-13 along Figure 12 intercepts; And

Figure 14 shows the cross-sectional view of the flap that the line 14-14 along Figure 12 intercepts.

Describe in detail

Discussion below and accompanying drawing disclose the footwear sole construction for article of footwear.The concept relevant to footwear disclosed herein can be applied to various athletic footwear styles, such as, comprise running shoes, basketball shoes, Association football footwear, spike, olive sneakers and golf shoes.Therefore, concept disclosed herein is applicable to multiple footwear types.

In order to help and clarify the subsequent descriptions of each embodiment, each term is defined at this.Unless otherwise directed, otherwise following being defined in this specification (comprising claims) be suitable for.In order to one makes peace conveniently, this detailed description run through corresponding to illustrated embodiment employs directionality adjective.

As run through this detailed description and in the claims the term " longitudinal direction " that uses refer to and the direction of the length of extension footwear sole construction namely extend to the direction of heel portion from the footwear front part of sole.The general direction that the toe that term " forward " is used to refer to foot points to, and term " backward " is used to refer to contrary direction, namely foot heel towards direction.

The left and right directions (side-to-sidedirection) of the width extending sole is referred to as run through this detailed description and term used in the claims " horizontal direction ".In other words, horizontal direction can extend between the inner side and outer side of article of footwear, and wherein the outside of article of footwear is the surface deviating from another pin, and inner side is the surface towards another pin.

Axle directed is in a lateral direction referred to as run through this detailed description and term used in the claims " transverse axis ".

Referring to term used in the claims " level " any direction being substantially parallel to ground as run through this detailed description, comprising longitudinal direction, horizontal direction and all directions between both.Equally, the term " side " as used in the present description and claims is that the cardinal principle of finger is in the face of any part as the lateral direction contrary with direction up or down, direction, inner side, forward direction or backward directions.

Refer to term used in the claims " vertical " direction being essentially perpendicular to horizontal direction and longitudinal direction as run through this detailed description.Such as, when sole is lain on ground surface, vertical direction upwards can extend from ground surface.Will be appreciated that in the adjective of these directionality each can be applied to all parts of sole.Term " upwards " refers to the vertical direction leaving ground and advance, and term " downwards " refers to the vertical direction advanced towards ground.Equally, the cardinal principle in the vertical direction that term " top ", " top " and other similar terms refer to object overhead part farthest, and term " bottom ", " bottom " and other similar terms refer to the part that the cardinal principle in the vertical direction of object is overhead nearest.

" inside " of footwear refers to the space that the foot of the wearer when footwear are put on occupies." inner side " of panel or other footwear elements refers in ready-made footwear towards (or will towards) this panel of footwear inner orientation or the face of element." outside " of element refers to the face away from this element of (or will away from) footwear inner orientation in ready-made footwear.In some cases, the inner side of element can have other elements inside this and between inside in ready-made footwear.Similarly, the outside of element can have other elements outside this and between the space of the outside of ready-made footwear.In addition, term " inside " and " upcountry " should refer to the direction towards footwear inside, and term " outside " and " outwards " should refer to the direction towards footwear outside.

In order to object of the present disclosure, when above-mentioned directional terminology is used to indicate article of footwear, article of footwear when being positioned at stand up position should be referred to, make sole towards ground, that is, as article of footwear put on by wearer time, it is oriented to stand on the surface of general horizontal.

In addition, in order to object of the present disclosure, term " be regularly attached " should refer to that two parts connect in the mode making parts and cannot be separated (such as, do not destroy in parts one or two) easily.The exemplary form of fixing attachment can comprise use permanent adhesives, rivet, suturing part, nail, bail, welding or other thermal or other interconnection techniques connect.In addition, two parts can by means of such as " being attached regularly " with molding process global formation.

Fig. 1 describes the embodiment of article of footwear 100.Footwear 100 can comprise footwear sole construction 105 and vamp 110, and vamp 110 is fixed to footwear sole construction 105 and is configured to receive foot.In order to the object of reference, footwear 100 can be divided into three regions roughly: footwear front area 115, footwear central region 120 and heel area 125.What footwear front area 115 generally comprised footwear 100 corresponds to toe and the part in joint being connected metatarsal and phalanx.Footwear central region 120 generally comprises the part corresponding to the arch area of foot of footwear 100.Heel area 125 generally corresponds to the rear portion comprising calcaneum of foot.The accurate region dividing footwear 10 is not intended in region 115,120 and 125.Or rather, region 115,120 and 125 is intended to represent that the roughly relevant range of footwear 100 is to contribute to discussion below.Because the various features of footwear 100 extend beyond a region of footwear 100, so term footwear front area 115, footwear central region 120 and heel area 125 are not only applicable to footwear 100, are applicable to the various features of footwear 100 yet.

As shown in FIG. 1, vamp 110 can comprise one or more material elements (such as, grid, textile, foam, leather and synthetic leather), and it can be connected to define the inner chamber 130 being configured to receive foot.Material elements can be selected and is arranged, for optionally giving the characteristic of such as light weight, durability, gas permeability, wearability, pliability and comfortableness.Vamp 110 can define opening 135, and opening 135 is configured to the foot of wearer to be received in inner chamber 130.In addition, vamp 110 can comprise shoestring 140, and it can be used for changing the size of inner chamber 130, thus is fixed in inner chamber 130 by foot, and is conducive to foot and enters inner chamber 130 and shift out from inner chamber 130.Ring 145 received by the shoestring that shoestring 140 can extend through in vamp 110.Shoestring receives ring 145 can extend from the reinforcing band 150 of the lacing regions 155 close to vamp 110, and it can in the instep region 157 of footwear 100.As further in FIG shown in, footwear 100 also can comprise flap 800.

In some embodiments, reinforcing band 150 can comprise the eyelet or hole that are configured to receive shoestring 40.In addition, vamp 110 selectively can realize any one in other configurations various, material or close mechanism.Such as, selectable close mechanism, as loop fasteners (such as, be with), hasp, snap ring, frenulum or any other is for being fixed on the device in the inner chamber 130 that defined by vamp 110 by foot.

Footwear sole construction 105 can be fixedly attached to vamp 110 (such as, using adhesive, stitching, welding or other suitable technology), and can have the configuration extended between vamp 110 and ground.Footwear sole construction 105 can comprise the device for ground reaction force of decaying (namely vertically and during horizontal load cushioning and stabilizing foot).In addition, footwear sole construction 105 can be configured to provide attachment frictional force, gives stability and control or limit various foot movement, as varus, after revolve or other motions.

The ground of one or more types that the configuration of footwear sole construction 105 can use thereon according to footwear sole construction 105 and changing significantly.Such as, disclosed concept goes for the footwear being configured to use on any various surface, and these surfaces comprise chamber internal surface or outdoor face.The configuration of footwear sole construction 105 can change based on the character on footwear 100 expectation use surface thereon and condition.Such as, footwear sole construction 105 can be harder or softer and change according to surface.In addition, footwear sole construction 105 can be customized to use under moist or dry condition.

In some embodiments, footwear sole construction 105 can configure for specific specialized surface or condition.Such as, in some embodiments, footwear 100 are by shown in the drawings as running shoes, and correspondingly, the footwear sole construction 105 illustrated is configured on hard smooth surface as road surface provided buffering, stability and attachment frictional force.But the footwear uppers structure proposed goes for the footwear of any kind, as basketball, Association football, rugby and other motor activities.Correspondingly, in some embodiments, footwear sole construction 105 can be configured to provides attachment frictional force and stability on hard chamber internal surface (as hardwood), soft natural grass surfaces or on hard synthetic turf surfaces.In some embodiments, footwear sole construction 105 can be configured to use on multiple different surface.

In some embodiments, footwear sole construction 105 can comprise multiple parts, and multiple parts can individually or jointly for footwear 100 provide some attributes, as support, rigidity, pliability, stability, buffering, comfortableness, minimizing weight or other attributes.In some embodiments, footwear sole construction 105 can comprise inner sole/shoe-pad (see Fig. 4), midsole 160 and earth surface shoe sole component 165, earth surface shoe sole component 165 can have the earth surface lower surface 170 of exposure, as shown in FIG. 1.But in some cases, one or more in these parts can be omitted.

Inner sole can be arranged in the chamber 130 defined by vamp 110.Inner sole can extend through each in the footwear front area 115 of footwear 100, footwear central region 120 and heel area 125 and extend between the outside 175 and inner side 180 of footwear 100.Inner sole can be formed, as polyurethane foam or other polymer foams by deformable (such as, compressible) material.Therefore, inner sole can rely on its compressibility provide buffering and can meet foot, to provide comfortableness, support and stability.

Midsole 160 can be fixedly attached to the lower area (such as, by stitching, adhesive combination, thermal (such as welding) or other technologies) of vamp 110 or can integrate with vamp 110.Midsole 160 can extend through each in the footwear front area 115 of footwear 100, footwear central region 120 and heel area 125 and extend between the outside 175 and inner side 180 of footwear 100.In some embodiments, the part of midsole 160 can be exposed around the periphery of footwear 100, as shown in FIG. 1.In other embodiments, midsole 160 can by other elements as covered from the material layer of vamp 110 completely.Expect according to footwear 100 activity that will carry out, midsole 160 can be formed by any suitable material with above-mentioned attribute.In some embodiments, midsole 160 can comprise foamed polymer material, any other the suitable material of ground reaction force of decaying as polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (ethylvinylacetate) (EVA) or when acting as footwear sole construction 105 kiss the earth during walking, running or other motor activities.

In some embodiments, can being formed by top layer at least partially of vamp of article of footwear.In some embodiments, inner reinforcing material can be soldered to top layer in selected zone.Welding region can provide the color different from outer exposure top layer to change.Inner reinforcing material can expect the activity carried out and provide support in suitable region, protect and comfortableness according to footwear.In addition, extra play can cover top layer, to provide additional durability in one or more region (as heel and toe cap region).In some embodiments, these extra plays can also be used for decorative purpose.

Term " welding (welding) " (and variant) is defined as the technique for fixing between two elements as used here, this technique for fixing relates to the material softening or melt at least one element, and the material of element is fixed to one another when cooling.Similarly, term " weld part (weld) " or its variant are defined as connecting the joint portion of two elements, connecting portion or structure by technique, this technique relates to the softening or fusing of the material at least one element, and element is fixed to one another when cooling.In some embodiments, welding can relate to the fusing or softening of two parts, and make the material from each parts be mixed with each other together, that is material can diffuse through the boundary layer between material, and is fixed together when cooled.In some embodiments, welding can relate to the fusing or softening of the material in first component, material is extended to or infiltrates in the structure of second component, such as infiltrate the gap in second component or room, or to extend around the silk in second component or fiber or silk in second component or fiber are combined, to be fixed together when parts cool.Thus, when from parts or the fusing of both materials or when softening, two parts can be there are and weld together.Correspondingly, can welding material as polymeric material can be arranged on one of parts or both in.In addition, welding does not relate to using usually to be sewed up or adhesive, but relates to by heat, parts directly be combined each other.But in some cases, stitching or adhesive can be used for supplementing the weld part by the parts of welding or connecting portion.

Various heating technique can be used for parts to be welded to each other.In some embodiments, suitable heating technique can comprise the combination of conduction heating, radiation heating, high-frequency heating, LASER HEATING or these technology.In some embodiments, high frequency welding method can be comprised for the welding method connecting each several part of vamp, as ultrasonic bonding or radio frequency (RF) welding.

Use high frequency welding method to be formed in the embodiment of weld part in vamp wherein, vamp material can be any material being suitable for these class methods.Such as, the material being suitable for high-frequency welding can comprise thermoplastic or be coated with the natural material of thermoplastic.The example being suitable for the material of high frequency welding method comprises acrylic fibers, nylon, polyester, PLA, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), urethanes, is coated with the natural fiber of one or more of thermoplastic and the combination of these materials.In some embodiments, natural fiber such as cotton or wool can be coated with thermoplastic, as ethylene vinyl acetate or thermoplastic polyurethane.

Use welding can provide the multiple advantage exceeding and use adhesive or stitching.Such as, owing to there is not stitching and adhesive, use welding can produce the footwear of lighter in weight.Sewing up and adhesive by eliminating, by stitching and adhesive, the material be endowed in addition be may be used for other and strengthening article of footwear attribute of performance as the structural detail of buffering, durability, stability and aesthetic characteristic.Another advantage and manufacture efficiency and costs associated.Sewing up with the application of adhesive may be relative process consuming time.By welding assembly, manufacturing time can be shortened.In addition, the expense by eliminating adhesive or suture material can reduce costs.In addition, because adhesive and stitching can increase the rigidity of vamp material, welding (that is, do not use adhesive or sew up connecting material) can protect the pliability of article of footwear vamp.The pliability of vamp can make vamp meet the foot of wearer, thus provides the stickiness of improvement.By meeting the foot of wearer, pliable and tough vamp can also provide the comfortableness of improvement.In some embodiments, top layer can be grid top layer.In the part of vamp, grid top layer can keep not strengthening, and allows to be ventilated by vamp orientation.That is, do not strengthening part, top layer can have the outer surface outwards exposed and the inner surface inwardly exposed.Therefore, in such embodiments, can allow to be ventilated by vamp not strengthening the opening in the grid of top layer.Except ventilating, the opening in grid top layer also can provide other advantage, as weight reduction, pliability and other advantages.In some embodiments, do not strengthen in part on top layer, vamp can form primarily of top layer, and therefore can not comprise any extra play.In some regions, grid can be arranged at and strengthen in the panel extended between panel, and grid and enhancing panel are only connected at joining edge, such as, use minimum overlay.

Vamp 110 can comprise the top layer 185 at least partially of the outer surface forming vamp 110.Vamp 110 can also comprise reinforcing material 190, and it is optionally positioned at inside and is close to the part on top layer 185, thus define the enhancing part 195 on top layer 185 and top layer 185 do not strengthen part 200.As shown in FIG. 1, strengthen part 195 and can comprise multiple streak line part (stripedlineportion).Such as, enhancing part 195 can comprise the first enhancing part 301, second enhancing part 302, the 3rd enhancing part 303, the 4th strengthens part 304, the 5th enhancing part 305, the 6th enhancing part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307.Strengthen part 195 and do not strengthen being arranged in of part 200 and discuss in more detail below.

In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can optionally be connected with top layer 185.Such as, reinforcing material 190 optionally can be connected with top layer 185 by welding in land 205.As shown in FIG. 1, land 205 can have outer exposed surface, and this outer exposed surface defines a part for the outer surface of vamp 110.

Reinforcing material 190 can provide about the advantage of various characteristic as intensity, durability, support, stability and other attributes.In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can be that to have essence compared with top layer 185 identical or be greater than the tensile strength on top layer 185 or the material of puncture strength.Thus in some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can in selection area for vamp 110 provides the intensity of increase.In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can be the material with the wearability being greater than top layer 185.In such embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can provide the durability of increase for vamp 110.In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can have identical with top layer 185 or lower than the elasticity on top layer 185.In such embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can provide extra support and stability to wearer, such as, can strengthen the amount stretched in part 195 by restriction top layer 185.

In some embodiments, the part of vamp 110 can comprise one or more for strengthening, supporting, fill and the extra play/parts of stability.Such as in some embodiments, vamp 110 can comprise one or more panels on outside or the contiguous top layer 185 pasting top layer 185.Reinforcing band 150 is examples for this extra play/parts.In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, vamp 110 can comprise heel panel 210.In addition or selectively, in some embodiments, vamp 110 can comprise toe cap panel 215.In some embodiments, additional panels such as heel panel 210 and the toe cap panel 215 of material can be soldered to top layer 185.Heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can provide extra protection for the foot of wearer.In addition, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can provide extra durability for vamp 110.In addition, in some embodiments, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can provide extra stability for footwear 100.In addition, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can be configured to provide aesthetic appearance.

In some embodiments, grid top layer can be the layer (full-lengthlayer) of total length.That is, top layer 185 can extend through the whole of vamp 110 or substantially whole.In such embodiments, extra play such as heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can be adhered to the outer surface on top layer 185.In other embodiments, be between heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215, such as use top layer 185 can save additional weight in the region exposed by its mesexine 185 only at footwear 100.

In some embodiments, filler (padding) can be included in one or more parts of vamp to provide comfortableness and close fitting against foot profile.Such as, in certain embodiments, compressible filler can be comprised as foam stuffing near the ankle zone 220 of vamp 110 of opening 135, to provide buffering and close fitting against wearer's ankle.

Fig. 2 is the exploded view of footwear 100 shown in Figure 1.Fig. 2 shows footwear sole construction 105 and can form multiple parts of vamp.Such as, top layer 185 is illustrated.Top layer 185 illustrates with the top layer of total length in fig. 2.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can be fixedly attached to the outer surface on top layer 185.This fixing attachment can be undertaken by welding.But, be to be noted that in some embodiments, top layer 185 can be less than the layer of total length as discussed above, and instead, can at additional panels parts as extended between heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215.In such embodiments, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can be only minimally overlapping with top layer 185, such as, adjoin the edge of each panel at periphery place.The shape and size of heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can according to the performance characteristic expected as weight, foot protection, durability, aesthetics design and the changing features other.In addition, can be formed heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 material can according to identical or similar needed for performance characteristic and change.

Fig. 2 shows the band of the reinforcing material 190 under released state.These bands can be arranged against the inner surface on top layer 185.The layout of reinforcing material in footwear 100 will discuss in more detail below.

Additional panels can also be arranged on throat's around openings of footwear 100.Such as, interior lining panel (innerlinerpanel) 191 and enhancing footwear top collar plate 192 can be arranged on the inside on top layer 185.But, in some embodiments, strengthen the outside that footwear top collar plate 192 can be arranged on top layer 185.Fig. 2 also show foam shoes neck sheet 193, and it can be arranged on interior lining panel 191 and strengthen between footwear top collar plate 192.Foam shoes neck sheet 193 can be compressible member, and it can meet the foot profile near ankle, thus improves stickiness and comfortableness.This compressible foam footwear neck sheet 193 can also provide protection with the impact of resisting footwear 100 and causing owing to standing load during sports and displacement for ankle.

As illustrated further in fig. 2, flap 800 can comprise multiple parts.Such as, as shown in FIG. 2, flap 800 can comprise grip portions 875, and it can form the outer surface of the upper part of flap 800.When footwear 100 are through on pin, grip portions 875 can be provided for the appropriate area gripping flap 800.In addition, grip portions 875 can provide show tags as the position of trade mark or other figures or word.In addition, flap 800 can comprise top layer 885.Top layer 885 can be formed by with top layer 185 same or analogous material such as grid material.In some embodiments, top layer 885 can form the most outer surface of essence of flap 800.That is, the region not being held part 875 covering on top layer 885 can form the essence major part of the outer exposed surface of flap 800.As shown in FIG. 2, top layer 885 can extend the total length of flap 800, and therefore, grip portions 875 can overlapping top layer 885.But in some embodiments, top layer 885 can be connected at its periphery edge with grip portions 875, and therefore can not be overlapping or can be minimally overlapping.This can by reducing for the formation of the amount of the skin-material of flap 800 saving in weight.

As shown in FIG. 2, flap 800 can also comprise multiple foam spacer 880 and lining 890.Foam spacer 880 can be arranged between top layer 885 (or grip portions 875) and lining 890.Foam spacer 880 can be compressible, and therefore, can provide the stickiness of comfortableness and improvement in the instep region of footwear 100.Lining 890 can be formed by the material of the pedal skin being suitable for contacting wearer or the foot being coated with socks.Thus, lining 890 can be formed by the material that the foot being coated with socks can be made to slip into and skid off footwear 100 with minimum effort.In addition, lining 890 can also have the moisture pick-up properties of the foot absorbing sweat from wearer.

One or more interconnection techniques can be used if welding, stitching, thermal or other suitable building methods are to connect the layer of flap 800.The other details of the structure of flap 800 will be discussed about Figure 12-14 below.

In some embodiments, top layer can be exposed on the relatively large region of vamp.Correspondingly, reinforcing material and land that wherein reinforcing material is incorporated into top layer may be used for strengthening the span of top layer between other footwear parts.That is, the band of reinforcing material can extend between footwear parts.Similarly, land can be included in the bond material line extended between the parts of article of footwear.Such as, the band of reinforcing material and the line of land can extend to the reinforcing band of the lacing regions close to article of footwear from the midsole of article of footwear.This structure can provide support structure on the direction of less perpendicular.But in some embodiments, the line of band and land can be angled, strategically to make vamp be enhanced on some direction and orientation.

In some embodiments, first strengthens part 301 can extend to footwear sole construction 105 from reinforcing band 150, such as, extend to midsole 160, as shown in Figure 3.Along with first strengthens part 301 near midsole 160, first strengthens part 301 not only can in vertical direction but also can extend in forward direction.First inclination angle strengthening part 301 can provide support structure in the longitudinal direction.Such as, first strengthens part 301 can act in tension state, trends towards making vamp 110 relative to the power of footwear sole construction 105 in backward directions translation to resist.Such as, such power may be produced when sportsman accelerates in forward direction.In addition, first strengthens part 301 can also cross between reinforcing band 150 and toe portion 215, thus provides further enhancing by the skeleton structure connecting vamp 110 for vamp 110.

Second strengthens part 302 can also extend to midsole 160 from reinforcing band 150, as shown in FIG. 3.In addition, when observing from the side of footwear 100, second strengthens part 302 can extend on the direction of less perpendicular.In addition, the second enhancing part 302 can be connected to reinforcing band 150 near the first enhancing part 301.

3rd strengthens part 303 can extend to midsole 160 from reinforcing band 150, as shown in FIG. 3.Along with the 3rd strengthens part 303 near midsole 160, the 3rd strengthens part 303 not only vertically can extend but also can extend in backward directions.Second inclination angle strengthening part 303 can provide support structure in the longitudinal direction.Such as, the 3rd enhancing part 303 can act on, to resist the power trending towards making vamp 110 relative to footwear sole construction 105 translation in forward direction in tension state.Such as, such power can be produced when sportsman slows down or stop it travelling forward.In addition, the 3rd enhancing part 303 can be connected to reinforcing band 150 near the second enhancing part 302.

First strengthens each enhancing in part 302 and the 3rd enhancing part 303 of part 301, second can be connected to reinforcing band 150 adjacent to each other, and strengthens in different direction (forward and backward and vertical) providing support property.This can contribute to the stability of footwear 100 relative to the relative position of footwear sole construction 105 by maintenance vamp 110.In some embodiments, the first enhancing part 301, second enhancing part 302 and the 3rd enhancing part 303 such as can be connected to reinforcing band 150 adjacent to each other at the footwear front part of footwear 100 in the region corresponding to first metatarsal bone head and Metatarsophalangeal joint.This joint is the flexing point of forefoot.Therefore, in this joint area, vamp 110 is kept to be favourable relative to the location of footwear sole construction 105.This can promote the comfortableness of footwear 100, stickiness and performance.

First strengthens part 301, second strengthens part 302 and the 3rd and strengthens on the outside and inner side that part 303 is strategically positioned at footwear 100 with orientation discussed above, thus provide fore-and-aft stability in Metatarsophalangeal joint region, in footwear front area first can be made not strengthen region 311 and relatively broadly to cross over the top layer do not strengthened.This can provide additional ventilation and weight reduction.

4th enhancing part 304 and the 5th strengthens part 305 can extend to midsole 160 from reinforcing band 150, as shown in FIG. 3.In addition, the 5th strengthens part 305 can be connected to reinforcing band 150 near the 4th enhancing part 304, and can separate near midsole 160 along with the 4th enhancing part 304 and the 5th strengthens part 305.And the 6th enhancing part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307 can be similar to the 4th enhancing part 304 and the 5th enhancing part 305 is arranged, namely to fall " V " type layout.This " V " type that falls can strengthen part 301, second enhancing part 302 to be similar to discussed above first and the 3rd mode strengthening part 303 provides support structure.

What be also pointed out that is, the upper end of enhancing part is assembled and the structural connectivity that can be enhanced between band 150 and the nearside midsole 160 dispersed near the layout that midsole 160 is dispersed, although these two parts have different length in the zones of different of reinforcing band 150.That is, reinforcing band 150 has the first length corresponding to lacing regions, and midsole 160 has the second length extending footwear 100 total length, and therefore the second length is longer than the first length of reinforcing band 150.

In other embodiments, the enhancing part of vamp 110 can have other layouts, to provide intensity, support, durability and other performance characteristics.Such as, in some embodiments, strengthening part can be arranged between all parts of footwear 100 with " X " configuration, instead of " V " arranges.The position strengthened needed for performance advantage, other layouts are also possible.

By strategically arranging the enhancing part of vamp 110, the major part relatively of the surface area of vamp 110 can be formed by not strengthening top layer.Such as, except first do not strengthen part 311 except, second does not strengthen part 312 also can be arranged on the first enhancing part 301 and second and strengthen between part 302.In addition, the 3rd does not strengthen part 313 and can be arranged on the second enhancing part 302 and the 3rd and strengthen between part 303.4th does not strengthen part 314 can be arranged between the 3rd enhancing part 303 and the 4th enhancing part 304.In addition, the 5th does not strengthen part 315 and can be arranged on the 4th and strengthen part 304 and the 5th and strengthen between part 305.And the 6th does not strengthen part 316 can be arranged between the 5th enhancing part 305 and the 6th enhancing part 306.7th does not strengthen part 317 can be arranged between the 6th enhancing part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307.And the 8th does not strengthen part 318 and can be arranged on the 7th and strengthen between part 307 and ankle zone 220.

Be similar to second not strengthen part 312, the 3rd and do not strengthen part 313, the 4th and do not strengthen part 314, the 5th and do not strengthen part 315, the 6th and do not strengthen part 316, the 7th and do not strengthen the additional part that do not strengthen that part 317 and the 8th do not strengthen part 318 and can be arranged on the opposite side of footwear 100.Thus, in some embodiments, the inner side and outer side of vamp 110 can be the image of mirror image substantially according to the layout of reinforcing material.In some embodiments, the common surface not strengthening part amasss the essence major part that can form the surface area exposing top layer.

In addition, in some embodiments, the common surface not strengthening part amasss the essence major part of the surface area that can form vamp 110.By what the major part relatively of vamp 110 be set to not be enhanced, vamp 110 can provide ventilation, pliability and weight reduction.

In some embodiments, welding not only be may be used for attaching parts but also can be changed the outward appearance of those parts by the surface color of the exterior section changing footwear uppers.Such as in some embodiments, do not strengthen top layer and can have the first color.As discussed in more detail below, top layer can be grid material, and therefore, the part of bottom reinforcing material is by the opening display in grid top layer.If reinforcing material has the second color of the first color being different from top layer, then the outward appearance of the enhancing part on top layer can have the 3rd color, and the 3rd color is the blending of first color on top layer and the second color of reinforcing material.In addition, the land that reinforcing material is attached to top layer can have the 4th color.4th color can be substantially identical with the second color of reinforcing material, is embedded in reinforcing material because top layer can become in welding process.But in some embodiments, land can have the color of first color on top layer and the second color blending of reinforcing material.In addition, other parts of footwear can have the 5th color, and the 5th color can be identical or different with the miscellaneous part of footwear.The difference of color may be used for aesthetics design object.In addition, by color placement, color distortion can be used for showing the different configuration aspects of footwear construction.

Do not strengthen top layer and can have the first color.Such as, as shown in figure 3, first do not strengthen part 311, second do not strengthen part 312, the 3rd do not strengthen part 313, the 4th do not strengthen part 314, the 5th do not strengthen part 315, the 6th do not strengthen part 316, the 7th do not strengthen part 317 and the 8th strengthen part 318 can have the first color being expressed as grid in figure 3 simply.Although exposed to do not show in figure 3, reinforcing material can have the second color.In order to the object discussed, Fig. 3 illustrates a kind of configuration, and wherein the second color of reinforcing material is substantially as identical with the 5th color of reinforcing band 150 in heel panel 210, toe cap panel 215 with other footwear parts, and these article of footwear illustrate with relatively dark strokes and dots.

The outward appearance of the enhancing part on top layer can have the 3rd color concocted by the second color of first color on top layer and reinforcing material.Such as, as shown in FIG. 3, first strengthens part 301, second enhancing part 302, the 3rd enhancing part 303, the 4th strengthens part 304, the 5th enhancing part 305, the 6th strengthens part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307 can have the 3rd color, and the 3rd color is the Neutral colour between first color on top layer and the second color of reinforcing material.Therefore, first strengthens part 301, second enhancing part 302, the 3rd enhancing part 303, the 4th strengthens part 304, the 5th enhancing part 305, the 6th strengthens part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307 uses the strokes and dots of medium darkness to illustrate.

In addition, the land 205 that reinforcing material is attached to top layer can have the 4th color.4th color can be substantially identical with the second color of reinforcing material.Therefore, land 205 is shown as in figure 3 and has relatively dark strokes and dots.By reinforcing material is welded to top layer, the outer exposed surface of land 205 can be given the 4th color being different from the first color.It should be pointed out that in some embodiments, extra play/parts discussed above such as reinforcing band 150, heel panel 210 and toe cap panel 215 can be formed by with the same or analogous material of reinforcing material 190.Such as, these parts all can by the formation of fabrics of relative light weight.In some embodiments, the line of land 205 can in color with other footwear parts match, to provide various decorative appearance.In some embodiments, one or more article of footwear can have the color being different from reinforcing material and land 205, to provide different visual appearances.

Welding process can change the appearance color of the outer surface of vamp 110 by the outer surface part of reinforcing material being repositioned onto vamp 110.Such as, welding process can relate to the fusing of reinforcing material 190, makes reinforcing material (such as, by the opening in cover web grid material) between the fiber on top layer 185 inside top layer 185, flow to the outer exposed side on top layer 185.Thus, the outer exposed surface of land 205 can comprise the part of reinforcing material, thus provides the color identical with reinforcing material essence for the outer exposed surface of land 205.The mechanism that the part of reinforcing material is reorientated will explain below in more detail.

Although the color of footwear 100 is in figure 3 with the display of different tones of gray, should be understood that, the parts of footwear 100 can have any suitable color.In addition, the difference in the color between parts can be deep mixed given color, such as kermesinus and pale red.In addition, the blending of color not only can produce deep mixed color but also can produce diverse color.Such as, in some embodiments, yellow top layer can be combined with blue reinforcing material, to form the enhancing part or land with green appearance.

Fig. 4 shows the perspective view in the chamber 130 entered by opening 135 in the vamp 110 of footwear 100.Fig. 4 shows inner sole 225, and shows the band of the reinforcing material 190 upwards extended below inner sole 225.As shown in FIG. 4, the part on top layer 185 inwardly exposes between the band of reinforcing material 190.Thus, these of top layer 185 do not strengthen part and not only externally expose but also internally expose.Therefore, in some embodiments, when top layer 185 can be grid material, not strengthening of top layer 185 partly can provide direct ventilation by top layer 185 to the inner chamber 130 defined by vamp 110.

Fig. 5 is the enlarged drawing of a part of Fig. 4, shows the inner surface of vamp 110.As shown in FIG. 5, do not strengthen part 196 (as the 6th does not strengthen part 316, the 7th and do not strengthen part 317 and the 8th and do not strengthen part 318) can be arranged on and strengthen between part 190 (as the 6th strengthens part 306 and the 7th and strengthen part 307).Enhancing part such as can be soldered to top layer in the first land 322, land 321, second, the 3rd land 323 and the 4th land 324.It should be pointed out that the first land 322, land 321, second, the 3rd land 323 is shown as in Figure 5 with the 4th land 324 has the color identical with reinforcing material.Because Fig. 5 shows the inner side of vamp 110, because top layer does not internally expose near land, so top layer is not shown.Thus, land can have the color identical with the reinforcing material on the inner side of vamp 110.

It should also be noted that in some positions, two basic change district can connect to form more complicated pattern.Such as, as shown in FIG. 5, the second land 322 and the 3rd land 323 can be assembled to form down " V " layout.This connection of land can provide anatomical connectivity between the skeleton part of vamp 110.In addition, in some embodiments, the 6th enhancing part 306 and the 7th enhancing part 307 can be formed by the independent band of reinforcing material.In such an implementation, connecting the land these independent bands being fixed to top layer can provide anatomical connectivity between these independent bands, thus creates truss-like structure.

Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrates in greater detail the structure of the enhancing part of vamp 110.The layout of top layer 185, reinforcing material 190 and land 205 illustrates in greater detail in figure 6, which show the enlarged drawing of in the fringe area of the vamp 110 created by the enhancing part 195 on top layer 185.As shown in FIG. 6, top layer 185 can be formed by grid material.As shown in the zoomed-in view part of Fig. 6, top layer 185 can comprise multiple opening 230, and it can provide weight saving and ventilation.Do not strengthening in part 200, opening 230 can provide direct ventilation to the inside of footwear 100.In some embodiments, grid material can have more than 50% open area (such as, comprising more than the material surface area of 50% air freely can flow to opposite side from side open space through it).

In the overwhelming majority strengthening part 195, reinforcing material 190 can be visible at the opening 230 that passes behind on top layer 185.In the overwhelming majority strengthening part 195, reinforcing material 190 can keep contiguous but depart from skin-material 185.In the selected part strengthening part 195, reinforcing material 190 can be attached to top layer 185 to form land 205.It should be pointed out that the part 200 that do not strengthen on top layer 185 presents with cardinal principle white, and strengthen part 195 and present with cardinal principle grey because black reinforcing material 190 combines with the white grid on top layer 185.Land 205 still presents comparatively dark, because do not have white grid lines to disturb the dark color of the reinforcing material 190 in land 205.

It should be pointed out that skin material represents with relatively simple grid in the accompanying drawings to illustrate.These grids represent it is only schematic, and conveniently provide by this way and avoid because too much details makes accompanying drawing fuzzy.But for the real material of top layer grid, its example is provided below, relatively simple square or rectangular lattice structure can be had, be similar to illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The orientation of grid can change.In addition, in some embodiments, other more complicated lattice structures may be used for the grid material on top layer.In addition, the size of grill openings also can change.The structure of top layer grid can be selected according to required performance characteristic, comprises weight, intensity, paracentesis resistance, air permeability and other attributes.

In at least some embodiment, the grid material on top layer 185 can be have open architecture simple layer warp-knitted fabric (or braided material of other types) and can be formed by the PETG (rePET) of nylon, polyester, nylon/polyester blend, recovery or other materials.But the grid material on top layer 185 can be made up of any required material, has any required mesh openings size.Reinforcing material 190 can be any suitable material, comprises fabric, textile, braid, knitted fabric and other such materials.Reinforcing material 190 can be the material adhesively compatible with the other materials of top layer 185 and footwear.In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can be at the weld period material adhesively compatible with top layer 185.Suitable material can comprise crystallization or those semi-crystalline materials.In some embodiments, such material can comprise thermoplastic.Such as, suitable material can comprise polyalkylene as polyethylene and polypropylene.Other materials can also be suitable as reinforcing material, as nylon, polyester and the material other.In some embodiments, reinforcing material 190 can be configured to fusing under welding, and flows through the opening 230 in the grid on top layer 185 thus, thus causes top layer 185 to embed in calmodulin binding domain CaM in reinforcing material 190.In other embodiments, top layer 185 and reinforcing material 190 can be configured to slightly melt at weld period and be adhesively attached to (do not have top layer 185 to become embedding) each other.In some embodiments, reinforcing material can melt slightly, thus at weld period, the grid on top layer 185 is become partly to embed in reinforcing material 190.In such embodiments, reinforcing material 190 and top layer 185 not only can depend on the structure that partly embeds but also depend on the adhesive created by the partial melting of reinforcing material and combine.In order to realize welding, reinforcing material can have the fusing point identical with top layer or the fusing point lower than top layer.This can make reinforcing material melt and the opening flow through within a grid, and the fiber of grid keeps substantially complete simultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 6, one or more opening 230 can be crossed in land 205.In addition, strengthen the amount that the wherein reinforcing material 190 of part 195 is fixed to top layer 185 can change.That is, land 205 can change to higher as 19:20 as 1:20 from lower with the ratio strengthening part 195.In some example embodiments, the band on the inner side and outer side of vamp 110 can make land 205 be about 1:3 with the ratio strengthening part 195.Such as, as shown in FIG. 6, the combined width of land 205 can be about 1/3rd of the overall width strengthening part 195.

Because top layer 185 is bonded directly to reinforcing material 190, so the combined strength of grid top layer 185 and reinforcing material 190 can be got rid of to another material on the outside of vamp 110 or inner surface to provide hot strength, the demand of puncture strength, durability, stability or other performance characteristics.This shoe construction technology comparing the various routines that may use allows vamp 110 to be lighter.

Opening 230 in top layer 185 allows air to flow through.This air flowing helps the foot of the wearer of cooling and dry footwear 100.In some embodiments, top layer 185 can be the sole layer of vamp 110 in some part of vamp 110.But, in other embodiments, additional reinforcing material can be used.Such as, reinforcing material 190 optionally can be positioned at the various piece on top layer 185, and additional internal reinforcing material can provide more comfortablenesses and humid control (as away from foot hydrofuge).This additional interior lining (not shown) can otherwise extend other not strengthening in part of top layer 185.In some embodiments, this additional interior lining can be relative breathable material, and therefore can preserve the ventilation benefit on grid top layer 185.

Fig. 7 is the viewgraph of cross-section of the vamp 110 that line 7-7 place in figure 6 intercepts.As shown in FIG. 7, when welding, land 205 can create by the Gitterfasern on top layer 185 is embedded into reinforcing material 190.The fiber on top layer 185 can be melted to greater or lesser degree in welding process.Therefore, in some embodiments, when forming land 205, the fiber on top layer 185 can keep substantially complete.In other embodiments, the fiber on top layer 185 substantially can melt and mix with reinforcing material 190.In some cases, it is more satisfactory that the fiber on top layer 185 keeps substantially complete, to keep intensity and the durability on top layer 185.In some embodiments, the fiber on top layer 185 can be out of shape slightly, as shown in FIG. 7.This slight deformation may cause owing to slightly melting, and it can improve the combination between the fiber on top layer 185 and reinforcing material 190, and meanwhile, the fiber due to top layer 185 keeps substantially complete and substantially protects the hot strength on top layer 185.

Fig. 7 also show the distortion of reinforcing material 190 in land 205.This distortion can be created by the heat that applied by welding process and pressure, and it can enhanced squeezing material 190.In addition, Fig. 7 also show enhancing part 195 that wherein reinforcing material 190 extends below top layer 185 and wherein reinforcing material 190 do not extend do not strengthen part 200.

Fig. 8 provides the schematic diagram of the construction alternative of the grid material on top layer.Such as, Fig. 8 show grid top layer 700, it is enhanced material 705 and adds backing in enhancing part 730.Strengthen the edge 710 that part 730 extends to reinforcing material 705.In addition, reinforcing material 705 is soldered to top layer 700 in the first land 720 and the second land 725.

As shown in FIG. 8, the grid on top layer 700 can have hexagonal structure.Compared to square or rectangular lattice structure, this hexagonal structure can provide the intensity of improvement and non-resilient in a plurality of directions.The grid of the grid had with other geometrical forms can also be used.Such as, top layer can be formed by the grid material with triangle or octagonal structure.Various shape can be selected to provide required Performance Characteristics, as direction intensity and non-resilient.

Although the grid on top layer illustrates to have roughly two-dimensional structure, in some embodiments, grid can have three-dimensional structure.Such as, in some embodiments, top layer can be made up of interval grid or space fabric.Three dimensional network structure can provide more complicated and the Performance Characteristics of customization, as orientation stretching intensity and non-resilient, and puncture strength, wearability and ventilation.

Some embodiments can use one or more intervals grid or space fabric material, its Hazenberg announced on October 10th, 2013 etc. people's and be entitled as in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0266773 of " SpacerTextileMaterialsAndMethodsForManufacturingTheSpace rTextileMaterials " and Chao etc. that on October 10th, 2013 announces people's and be entitled as in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0263391 of " MethodsforManufacturingFluid-FilledChambersIncorporating SpacerTextileMaterials " and come into question.Whole disclosures of these two patent applications are incorporated to herein with its entirety by reference.In some embodiments, crosspointer bar La Sheer braiding or other 3 D weavings may be used for the grid material forming top layer.Operable exemplary 3 D weaving comprises crosspointer bar La Sheer and weaves, its summer the 4th in 2005 phase the 4th spinning reel knit with " the Three-DimensionallyKnitSpacerFabrics:AReviewofProduction TechniquesandApplications " of the people such as the Bruer of clothes, technology and Journal of Management in open, its whole disclosure is incorporated to herein by reference.

In some embodiments, can the producing by the individual panels of the material being used for each layer is assembled into flat configuration in conjunction with grid composite panel of vamp.Panel and other element assembled, thus the relative position with wherein panel and element corresponds to the layout of position that those panels and element will have in ready-made footwear.Individual panels and other elements are being assembled into suitable layout and after tack welding (tacking) assembly of multiple positions, assembly stands a series of pressing operation to combine the element assembled.These operations produce smooth single type monomer upper shell, and this single type monomer upper shell can hold many or all in the vamp completed element.Then, the edge of monomer upper shell can be connected to produce and prepare for further finished machined and the three-dimensional vamp main body that is attached with midsole.The Shaffer that some embodiments can use on November 29th, 2012 to announce etc. people's and the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0297643 being entitled as " ShoewithCompositeUpperandMethodofMakingtheSame " disclosed in one or more assembly program, its whole disclosure is incorporated to herein by reference.In addition, some embodiments can be used in Dojan submitted to (a) on February 17th, 2011 etc. people's and be entitled as the U.S. Patent application the 13/029th of " ShoewithCompositeUpperandFoamElementandMethodofMakingSam e " (now abandoning), No. 502, the Dojan etc. submitted to (b) on April 21st, 2011 people's and No. 2011/0088285th, the U.S. Patent Application Publication being entitled as " CompositeShoeUpperandMethodofMakingSame " and the Dojan that announces (c) on April 21st, 2011 etc. people's and No. 2011/0088282nd, the U.S. Patent Application Publication being entitled as " CompositeShoeUpperandMethodofMakingSame " disclosed in one or more in footwear assemble method.Each of these applications listed above is incorporated to its entirety by reference.

Fig. 9-11 illustrates in greater detail exemplary ultrasonic welding procedure.As shown in FIG. 9, top layer 185 and reinforcing material 190 (or miscellaneous part of vamp) can be ultrasonically welded on anvil block (anvil) 235.Anvil block 235 can be relatively rigid body, and parts can be ultrasonically welded thereon.In some embodiments, anvil block 235 can be relatively flat surface, as desk.In other embodiments, anvil block 235 can be shoe tree, and article of footwear can be assembled thereon.The indicative icon of Fig. 9-11 is intended to the general use containing anvil block, and therefore not specific to any specific anvil block structure.

As further in fig .9 shown in, ultrasonic amplitude transformer 240 can be provided to realize ultrasonic bonding.As shown in Figure 10, ultrasonic amplitude transformer 240 may be rubbed against anvil block 235 and compresses top layer 185 and reinforcing material 190.In addition, ultrasonic amplitude transformer 240 can with ultrasonic frequency vibratory, as represented by vibrational line 245.The vibration of this ultrasonic wave can produce friction, and it can produce heat, and this heat extrudes anvil block 235 together with the pressure of ultrasonic amplitude transformer 240, can melt a part for reinforcing material 190 at least in part.Due to the result of this fusing, the fiber on top layer 185 can embed in reinforcing material 190, effectively the part of reinforcing material 190 is repositioned onto the outer surface of vamp, forms land 205 thus, as shown in Figure 11.

Utilize the technology schematically shown in figs. 9-11, a kind of method manufacturing article of footwear can be proposed.Method can comprise the vamp being formed and be configured to receive wearer's foot.Formation vamp can comprise use ultrasonic bonding and optionally inner reinforcing material 190 is attached to top layer 185.(in some embodiments, other solder technology can be used.) method also can comprise settle top layer 185 to form the outer surface of vamp at least partially.Inner reinforcing material 190 is ultrasonically bonded to top layer 185 and can forms the land 205 with outer exposed surface, this outer exposed surface defines a part for the outer surface of vamp.In certain embodiments, top layer 185 can have the first color, and reinforcing material 190 can have the second color being different from the first color.

The outer exposed surface of land 205 can form the part comprising reinforcing material 190, and then provides the color being different from top layer 185 for the outer exposed surface of land 205.Such as, inner reinforcing material 190 is ultrasonically bonded to top layer 185 to form land 205, at the outer exposed surface place of land 205, the part of reinforcing material 190 can be repositioned onto the outer surface of vamp, and then provide the color identical with reinforcing material 190 for the outer exposed surface of land 205.In some embodiments, the outer surface part of reinforcing material 190 being repositioned onto vamp can to comprise the part of reinforcing material 190 by opening by being pressed in the grid material on top layer 185.In addition, some part optionally inner reinforcing material 190 being attached to top layer 185 can form the enhancing part on top layer 185, and the part that do not strengthen on remaining top layer 185 provides direct ventilation by the grid material on top layer 185 to the inner chamber defined by vamp.

Inner reinforcing material 190 is ultrasonically bonded to top layer 185 to form land 205, the bond material line being formed in and extending between the parts of article of footwear can be comprised.Such as, form bond material line and can comprise the bond material line forming the reinforcing band extending to the instep region near article of footwear from the footwear sole construction of article of footwear.

In order to form bond material line, the ultrasonic amplitude transformer (stylus-likeultrasonichorn) 240 of needle-like can with required pattern movement.In other embodiments, ultrasonic amplitude transformer 240 can be the slim-lined construction formed with required pattern.Elongated ultrasonic amplitude transformer like this can simply extrded material with soldered and ultrasonic wave vibrating activating.Some embodiments can use _ U.S. Patent Application Publication No. of the people such as _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Beye that announces _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (be now that on January 15th, 2013 submits to and be entitled as the U.S. Patent application the 13/741st of " SpacerTextileMaterialwithTensileStrandHavingMultipleEntr yandExitPoints ", No. 428 (attorney docket 51-2687)) in one or more ultrasonic welding technique of elongated ultrasonic transformer of discussing, its whole disclosure is incorporated to herein by reference.

In some embodiments, example footwear can comprise the extra play of the material between the part and a part for reinforcing material on top layer.Such as, the extra play of material can comprise compressible foam material, and it can provide comfortableness, protect and fit tightly.This compressible foam foam layer can be provided in the flap part of the such as vamp of article of footwear.The line of land can be enclosed in the satchel between top layer and reinforcing material, can arrange compressible foam foam layer in satchel.In some embodiments, can provide multiple near compressible foam liner each other.Such as, multiple compressible foam liner can by the line of land separately.Such layout can produce quilting structure (quiltedconfiguration), and it can provide comfortableness to the instep region of footwear.

Figure 12 shows the view of the footwear 100 with the flap 800 substantially exposed.As shown in Figure 12, vamp 110 can comprise flap 800, and flap 800 can be formed by multiple layers, and these layers can use welding or sew up and connect.Such as, multiple land 805 can be provided in the form of a line, for optionally reinforcing material 190 being attached to top layer 885.In addition, reinforcing material 190 can be fixed to top layer 885 by suturing part 840 in some part of flap 800 is as periphery edge, as shown in Figure 12.

As further in fig. 12 shown in, in some embodiments, footwear 100 can comprise the extra play of the material between a part on top layer 885 and a part for reinforcing material 190.Such as, the extra play of material can comprise compressible foam material.As shown in Figure 12, the first satchel 810 between top layer 885 and reinforcing material 190 can hold the first foam spacer 815.First satchel 810 can be surrounded by multiple land line defining polygon satchel.Such as, as shown in Figure 12, the first land line 820, second land line 825, the 3rd land line 830 and the 4th land line 835 can surround the first satchel 810.

In addition, at least one extra foam pad can be set in flap 800.Such as, the second foam spacer 845 can be set in the second satchel 850.Second satchel 850 can be surrounded by the 5th land line 855, the 6th land line 860, the 7th land line 865 and the 4th land line 835.It is close each other that first foam spacer 815 and the second foam spacer 845 can be arranged to cardinal principle, and then form the structure of quilting substantially.

Figure 13 shows the cross-sectional view that the line 13-13 along Figure 12 intercepts.As shown in Figure 13, the first foam spacer 815 can be arranged in the first satchel 810 between top layer 885 and reinforcing material 190.Equally, foam spacer 845 can be arranged in the second satchel 850.As shown in Figure 12, the second land line 825 and the 3rd land line 830 define the border of the first satchel 810.Equally, the 6th land line 860 and the 7th land line 865 define the border of the second satchel 850.

Figure 14 shows the cross-sectional view that the line 14-14 along Figure 12 intercepts, and line 14-14 is generally perpendicular to the line 13-13 that the cross section in Figure 13 intercepts along it.As shown in Figure 14, except the first foam spacer 815, flap 800 can also comprise and is arranged on the 3rd foam spacer 846 between lining 890 and top layer 885 and the 4th foam spacer 847.In some embodiments, lining 890 can be formed by reinforcing material 190.Therefore, lining 890 can provide support structure to flap 800.

As shown in Figure 14, reinforcing material 190 can be connected to top layer 885 to form multiple land.Such as, reinforcing material 190 can be soldered to top layer 885 to form the 8th land line 901 and the 9th land line 902.3rd foam spacer 846 and the first foam spacer 815 can separate by the 8th land line 901 and the 9th land line 902.In addition, the first foam spacer 815 and the 4th foam spacer 847 can separate by the 4th land line 835 and the tenth land line 904.In addition, top edge 905 can use welding or other combined process to be formed.Top edge 905 can form in it at least side of the satchel arranging the 3rd foam spacer 846.Equally, lower limb 906 can use welding or other combined process to be formed.Lower limb 905 can form in it at least side of the satchel arranging the 4th foam spacer 847.

Although multiple embodiments of the present invention is described, but description is intended to exemplary, instead of restrictive, and those of ordinary skill in the art are apparent that, the many more embodiment within the scope of the invention and implementation are possible.Although display in the accompanying drawings also discusses may combining of many features in this detailed description, other combinations many of disclosed feature are also possible.Therefore, any feature that to should be appreciated that shown in the disclosure and/or discuss can realize together with any suitable combination.Therefore, except according to except appended claim and their equivalent, the present invention is unrestricted.In addition, within the scope of the appended claims, various amendment and change can be made.

Claims

1. an article of footwear, comprises footwear sole construction, and described footwear sole construction is fixedly attached to vamp, and described vamp is configured to the foot receiving wearer, and described vamp comprises:

Top layer, it forms the outer surface of described vamp at least partially; With

Reinforcing material, it is optionally positioned at inside and the part on contiguous described top layer, thus define the enhancing part on described top layer and described top layer do not strengthen part;

Wherein, described reinforcing material is linked together by welding and described superficial selective in land, and described land has outer exposed surface, and described outer exposed surface defines a part for the described outer surface of described vamp; And

Wherein, described top layer has the first color, and the described outer exposed surface of described land has the second color, and described second color is different from described first color.

2. article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the described outer exposed surface of described land comprises the part of described reinforcing material, thus provides the color identical with described reinforcing material essence for the described outer exposed surface of described land.

3. article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described top layer is formed by grid material.

4. article of footwear as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the described non-enhanced portion on described top layer is divided and is comprised outside exposed surface and inside exposed surface.

5. article of footwear as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the described part that do not strengthen on described top layer provides direct ventilation by the described grid material on described top layer to the inner chamber defined by described vamp.

6. article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described land comprises bond material line, and described bond material line extends between the parts of described article of footwear.

7. article of footwear as claimed in claim 6, wherein, described bond material line extends to the reinforcing band of the instep region being close to described article of footwear from described footwear sole construction.

8. article of footwear as claimed in claim 1, wherein, described article of footwear comprises material additional panels, and described material additional panels is soldered to described top layer.

9. an article of footwear, comprises footwear sole construction, and described footwear sole construction is fixedly attached to vamp, and described vamp defines inner chamber, and described inner chamber is configured to the foot receiving wearer, and described vamp comprises:

Top layer, it forms the outer surface of described vamp at least partially, and described top layer is formed by grid material; With

Reinforcing material, it is optionally positioned at inside and contiguous described top layer, thus define the enhancing part on described top layer and described top layer do not strengthen part;

Wherein, the described part that do not strengthen on described top layer provides direct ventilation by the described grid material on described top layer to the described inner chamber defined by described vamp;

10. article of footwear as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described land comprises bond material line, and described bond material line extends between the parts of described article of footwear.

11. article of footwear as claimed in claim 10, wherein, described bond material line extends to the reinforcing band of the instep region being close to described article of footwear from described footwear sole construction.

12. article of footwear as claimed in claim 9, wherein, described article of footwear comprises material extra play, between the part of described material extra play on described top layer and a part for described reinforcing material.

13. article of footwear as claimed in claim 12, wherein, described material extra play comprises compressible foam material.

14. article of footwear as claimed in claim 9, wherein, the described surface area not strengthening part on described top layer forms the essence major part of the surface area of the outer exposed surface on described top layer; And

Wherein, do not strengthen in part described in described top layer, described vamp is made up of described top layer in essence.

15. 1 kinds of article of footwear, comprise footwear sole construction, and described footwear sole construction is fixedly attached to vamp, and described vamp is configured to the foot receiving wearer, and described vamp comprises:

Wherein, described reinforcing material is linked together by welding and described superficial selective in land, and described land has outer exposed surface, and described outer exposed surface defines a part for the described outer surface of described vamp;

Wherein, described top layer has the first color, and described reinforcing material has the second color, and described second color is different from described first color; And

Wherein, the described outer exposed surface of described land comprises the part of described reinforcing material, thus provides the color identical with described reinforcing material essence for the described outer exposed surface of described land.

16. article of footwear as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described land comprises bond material line, and described bond material line extends between the parts of described article of footwear.

17. article of footwear as claimed in claim 16, wherein, described bond material line extends to the reinforcing band of the instep region being close to described article of footwear from described footwear sole construction.

18. article of footwear as claimed in claim 15, wherein, described article of footwear comprises material extra play, between the part of described material extra play on described top layer and a part for described reinforcing material.

19. article of footwear as claimed in claim 18, wherein, described material extra play comprises compressible foam material.

20. article of footwear as claimed in claim 19, wherein, described material extra play is arranged in the flap part of described vamp.

21. article of footwear as claimed in claim 19, wherein, the extra play of compressible foam material to be arranged in the satchel between described top layer and described reinforcing material and to be surrounded by described land.

22. 1 kinds of methods manufacturing article of footwear, comprise the vamp being formed and be configured to the foot receiving wearer, described method comprises:

Utilize welding that inner reinforcing material is optionally attached to top layer; And

Arrange that described top layer is to form the outer surface of described vamp at least partially;

Wherein, described inner reinforcing material is welded to formation land, described top layer, described land has outer exposed surface, described outer exposed surface defines a part for the described outer surface of described vamp, the described outer exposed surface of described land comprises the part of described reinforcing material, thus provides the color being different from described top layer for the described outer exposed surface of described land.

23. methods as claimed in claim 22, wherein, described inner reinforcing material being welded to described top layer makes the part of described reinforcing material be repositioned onto the described outer surface of described vamp at the described outer exposed surface place of described land to form described land, thus provides the color identical with described reinforcing material essence for the described outer exposed surface of described land.

24. methods as claimed in claim 23, wherein, described top layer is formed by grid material.

25. methods as claimed in claim 24, wherein, the described outer surface part of described reinforcing material being repositioned onto described vamp comprises the described part of described reinforcing material pressed through the opening in described grid material.

26. methods as claimed in claim 24, wherein, what described inner reinforcing material is optionally attached to described top layer forms described top layer does not strengthen part, and the described part that do not strengthen provides direct ventilation by the described grid material on described top layer to the inner chamber defined by described vamp.

27. methods as claimed in claim 22, wherein, described inner reinforcing material is welded to described top layer and comprises formation bond material line to form described land, described bond material line extends between the parts of described article of footwear.

28. methods as claimed in claim 27, also comprise and footwear sole construction are fixedly attached to described vamp;

Wherein, form bond material line and comprise the bond material line forming the reinforcing band extending to the instep region being close to described article of footwear from the footwear sole construction of described article of footwear.

29. methods as claimed in claim 22, wherein, are welded to described top layer and comprise one in ultrasonic bonding and RF welding by described inner reinforcing material.