U.S. patent application number 15/831851 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for article of footwear with dispensed saddle.
The applicant listed for this patent is REEBOK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED. Invention is credited to Brian Christensen, Dennis Gaboriault, Henry Hardigan, Ricardo Vestuti.
Application Number | 20190166952 15/831851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64426789 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190166952 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vestuti; Ricardo ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH DISPENSED SADDLE
Abstract
An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper, and a
dispensed component. The upper is coupled to the sole and includes
an instep. The dispensed component extends over the instep from a
medial side of the upper to a lateral side of the upper.
Inventors: |
Vestuti; Ricardo;
(Providence, RI) ; Christensen; Brian;
(Centerville, MA) ; Gaboriault; Dennis; (Millbury,
MA) ; Hardigan; Henry; (Pawtucket, RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REEBOK INTERNATIONAL LIMITED |
London |
|
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
64426789 |
Appl. No.: |
15/831851 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/025 20130101;
A43B 23/0245 20130101; A43B 23/0255 20130101; A43B 23/0235
20130101; A43B 23/028 20130101; A43B 23/0225 20130101; A43B 23/0265
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to
the sole, the upper comprising an instep; and a dispensed component
that extends over the instep from a medial side of the upper to a
lateral side of the upper.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component forms a saddle.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component extends over the instep from a medial featherline of the
article of footwear to a lateral featherline of the article of
footwear.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the dispensed
component is not bonded to the upper between the medial featherline
and the lateral featherline.
5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component is not bonded to the instep.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component is bonded to a medial featherline of the article of
footwear and a lateral featherline of the article of footwear.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the dispensed
component extends along the medial featherline for at least 50% of
a longitudinal length of the sole.
8. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the dispensed
component extends along the lateral featherline for at least 50% of
a longitudinal length of the sole.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component is configured to secure the article of footwear to a
wearer's foot.
10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component is configured to stretch.
11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the dispensed
component defines a plurality of apertures.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper comprises
a bootie.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the bootie is a
single layer bootie.
14. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; and a sole coupled
to the upper, the sole comprising: a midsole; a substrate attached
to the midsole; and a dispensed component disposed on the
substrate.
15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate is
attached to the midsole with a hot melt film.
16. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate is
attached to the midsole with a solvent-based urethane cement.
17. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate is
attached to the midsole with a water-based urethane cement.
18. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a synthetic coating.
19. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a textile.
20. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a textile with a thin film laminate backing.
21. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a textile with a cast film coating.
22. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a polymeric film.
23. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane film.
24. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate
comprises at least one of a mono-layer film, a co-extruded film,
and a multi-layer film.
25. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the substrate is
configured to bond with the dispensed component as the dispensed
component solidifies.
26. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the dispensed
component forms an outsole of the sole.
27. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the midsole
comprises foam.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
articles of footwear; and more specifically to articles of footwear
with dispensed components.
Background
[0002] Articles of footwear are used to protect and cushion the
wearer's feet. Because articles of footwear may be worn for an
extended period of time, consumers desire articles of footwear that
will fit properly to secure the article of footwear to the wearer's
foot in a comfortable manner. It is desirable to achieve improved
fit for articles of footwear in an efficient manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Articles of footwear with dispensed components are
disclosed. The components may be formed via an automated dispensing
process that is done robotically. In some embodiments, an article
of footwear includes a sole, an upper, and a dispensed component.
In some embodiments, the upper is coupled to the sole and includes
an instep. In some embodiments, the dispensed component extends
over the instep from a medial side of the upper to a lateral side
of the upper.
[0004] In some embodiments, the dispensed component forms a saddle.
In some embodiments, the dispensed component extends over the
instep from a medial featherline of the article of footwear to a
lateral featherline of the article of footwear. In some
embodiments, the dispensed component is not bonded to the upper
between the medial featherline and the lateral featherline. In some
embodiments, the dispensed component is not bonded to the instep.
In some embodiments, the dispensed component is partially bonded to
the upper (e.g., bonded between the medial featherline and the
instep and between the lateral featherline and the instep, but not
bonded across the instep). In some embodiments, the dispensed
component is bonded to a medial featherline of the article of
footwear and a lateral featherline of the article of footwear.
[0005] In some embodiments, the dispensed component extends along
the medial featherline for at least 50% of a longitudinal length of
the sole. In some embodiments, the dispensed component extends
along the lateral featherline for at least 50% of a longitudinal
length of the sole.
[0006] In some embodiments, the dispensed component can secure the
article of footwear to a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the
dispensed component can stretch. In some embodiments, the dispensed
component defines a plurality of apertures.
[0007] In some embodiments, the upper is a bootie. In some
embodiments, the bootie is a single layer bootie. In some
embodiments, the upper may be any suitable upper. The upper may be
made of a variety of materials (e.g., a textile fabric, woven or
knit goods, leather, synthetic, a film product, etc.). In some
embodiments, the upper may be made of a combination of these
materials.
[0008] In some embodiments, an article of footwear includes an
upper and a sole coupled to the upper. In some embodiments, the
sole includes a midsole, a substrate attached to the midsole, and a
dispensed component disposed on the substrate.
[0009] In some embodiments, the substrate is attached to the
midsole with a hot melt film. In some embodiments, the substrate is
attached to the midsole with any type of adhesive system (e.g.,
solvent-based or water-based urethane cement). In some embodiments,
the substrate includes a synthetic coating. In some embodiments,
the substrate includes a textile. In some embodiments, the
substrate includes a textile with a thin film laminate backing or
cast film coating. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a
thermoplastic polyurethane film (e.g., mono-layer film, co-extruded
film, multi-layer film) or other suitable polymeric film.
[0010] In some embodiments, the substrate can bond with the
dispensed component as the dispensed component solidifies. In some
embodiments, the dispensed component forms an outsole of the sole.
In some embodiments, the midsole includes foam.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the
principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the
pertinent art to make and use the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a medial side view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a close-up view of portion A of the article of
footwear of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a lateral side view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a sole for an article of
footwear according to some embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 7 shows a top view of an upper dispensed component on a
substrate according to some embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a lateral side view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a medial side view of an article of footwear
according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate
identical or functionally similar elements. References to "one
embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc.,
indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not
necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or
characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily
referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection
with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge
of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or
characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not
explicitly described.
[0022] The term "invention" or "present invention" as used herein
is a non-limiting term and is not intended to refer to any single
embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible
embodiments as described in the application.
[0023] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting,
of the present invention. Other suitable modifications and
adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally
encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those
skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention provide articles of
footwear having one or more dispensed components created by an
automated dispensing process. It is understood that while the term
"dispensed" is generally used herein to refer to certain materials,
these materials may also be "extruded." Thus, the term "dispensed
component" includes components that are dispensed and components
that are extruded. These dispensed components may be dispensed from
a mechanical device. In some embodiments, the dispensed components
are 3-D printed. In some embodiments, the dispensed components are
not 3-D printed.
[0025] In some embodiments, an upper and/or a sole of the article
of footwear may have one or more dispensed components. In some
embodiments, an upper and/or a sole, or portions thereof, can be
formed from one or more dispensed components. In some embodiments,
the dispensed component can be a single, continuous piece of solid
material. A dispensed footwear component can have advantages over
traditionally-formed components, such as those made by casting,
pouring, injection molding, screen-printing, or thermo-plastically
forming. For example, a dispensed component can be customized
without having to machine a new, expensive mold. The use of
dispensed components can also allow for the use of shapes and
geometries that are difficult to achieve using conventional upper
or bottom molding techniques. Moreover, the data and knowledge to
make a dispensed component can be quickly deployed to any location
that houses equipment and material suitable for processing.
[0026] Various physical properties of the dispensed component can
be manipulated, adjusted, altered, and/or modified. For example, in
some embodiments, the width, length, shape, wall thickness, color,
density, elasticity, material, viscosity, hardness, number of
layers, etc. of the dispensed component can vary along the
dispensed component or between a first and second dispensed
component. As an example, a dispensed component on an upper may be
less viscous than a dispensed component on a sole, which can help
the dispensed component on the upper lay flat. As another example,
a dispensed upper component may be rigid in a first portion,
flexible in a second portion that is continuous with the first
portion, and rigid in a third portion that is continuous with the
second portion. The dispensed upper component may similarly vary in
other characteristics, such as color or in the number of
layers.
[0027] In some embodiments, the dispensed component can be made of
rubber, foam (e.g., dispensed polyurethane foam), silicone, plastic
including thermoplastic (e.g., polyurethane (such as TPU), nylon,
or polypropylene), or any other suitable material. In some
embodiments, the dispensed component can be made of a composite
material. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the dispensed
component can be substantially circular, oval, rectangular,
triangular, square, or any other suitable shape or design (e.g.,
star-shaped). In some embodiments, the cross-section of the
dispensed component can be relatively flat (i.e., low profile).
Moreover, the cross-section of the dispensed component may be
adjusted dynamically and may vary throughout the automated
dispensing process.
[0028] In some embodiments, the dispensed component can be
dispensed directly onto the article of footwear, such as directly
onto the sole (e.g., insole, midsole, and/or outsole) or the upper.
For example, the dispensed component can be dispensed directly onto
a formed upper on a last (e.g., a flat knit upper, a circular knit
upper, a formed three-dimensional knit, a sock, a fully-finished
traditionally-lasted upper, etc.). The upper may be made of a
textile fabric, leather, synthetic, or film product. In some
embodiments, the dispensing or extruding is done automatically
(i.e., robotically). In some embodiments, a scanner may scan the
upper and then robotically dispense the dispensed component onto
the upper based on the scan.
[0029] In some embodiments, the dispensed component may bond (e.g.,
by thermal fusion, chemical adhesion, or mechanical locking) to a
portion of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, a portion
of the dispensed component may bond to the article of footwear,
while another portion of the dispensed component does not bond to
the article of footwear.
[0030] In some embodiments, the dispensed component may form an
upper support element for the article of footwear. For example, in
some embodiments, the dispensed component may form a saddle. In
some embodiments, the saddle extends over the instep of the article
of footwear. In some embodiments, the saddle is not bonded to the
article of footwear over the instep. In some embodiments, the
saddle is bonded to the article of footwear at the medial
featherline and the lateral featherline. The saddle may help secure
the article of footwear to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments,
the dispensed component that forms the saddle provides for some
stretch, which may facilitate a more comfortable fit around the
wearer's foot.
[0031] In some embodiments, the dispensed component may form a
portion of the sole of the article of footwear. In some
embodiments, the dispensed component may form an outsole (i.e., a
ground-contacting surface) of the article of footwear. In some
embodiments, the sole comprises a foam midsole. In some
embodiments, a substrate is disposed underneath the foam midsole.
The substrate may be bonded to the foam midsole with an adhesive,
such as a hot melt film, or traditionally cemented by way of
solvent-based or water-based urethane adhesive. In some
embodiments, the substrate provides a suitable surface for bonding
with the dispensed component. In some embodiments, the dispensed
component is dispensed onto the substrate, for example, in an
undulating pattern, to form the outsole. Forming the sole with a
dispensed component may provide flexibility and speed in
development and manufacturing of the sole.
[0032] In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include or
utilize any of the extruded/dispensed components or other features
disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/455,650, filed Aug. 8,
2014, U.S. application Ser. No. 14/945,077, filed Nov. 18, 2015,
and/or U.S. application Ser. No. 15/644,463, filed Jul. 7, 2017,
the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their
entireties by reference thereto.
[0033] In some embodiments, dispensed components may be utilized in
article of footwear 10, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-6. In
some embodiments, article of footwear 10 comprises an upper 20 and
a sole 30. In some embodiments, upper 20 and sole 30 are coupled
together. In some embodiments, article of footwear 10 comprises an
upper dispensed component 24, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In
some embodiments, article of footwear 10 comprises a sole dispensed
component 34, as shown, for example in FIG. 2. In some embodiments,
article of footwear 10 comprises both a sole dispensed component 34
and an upper dispensed component 24 (see FIG. 2). However, in some
embodiments, article of footwear 10 may include either sole
dispensed component 34 or upper dispensed component 24, and not
both.
[0034] In some embodiments, dispensed components 24, 34 may be
dispensed onto a surface so as to provide a dispensed component
that extends above the surface at a certain width and height
profile. In some embodiments, the height, width, or geometry or
physical appearance/characteristic of the dispensed components may
be dynamically changed as the components are dispensed onto article
of footwear 10, such as onto sole 30, or another surface. In some
embodiments, the geometry or physical appearance/characteristics of
the dispensed components may be changed by dynamically changing the
height of the nozzle (relative to the dispensing surface or
substrate) from which the material, used to form the component, is
dispensed. In some embodiments, the geometry or physical
appearance/characteristics of the dispensed components may be
changed by dynamically changing the speed at which the nozzle is
moving as the material is dispensed and the component is formed. In
some embodiments, the geometry or physical
appearance/characteristics of the dispensed components may be
changed by dynamically changing the flow rate of the material that
is dispensed. Other parameters may be changed to dynamically change
the height, width, or other characteristic of the dispensed
components. In some embodiments, the density or viscosity of the
dispensed components may be changed.
[0035] Upper 20 may be made of a variety of materials (e.g., a
textile fabric, woven or knit goods, leather, synthetic, a film
product, etc.). In some embodiments, upper 20 may be made of a
combination of these materials. In some embodiments, upper 20
comprises a bootie 21, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. In some
embodiments, bootie 21 comprises a single-layer bootie. In some
embodiments, upper 20 comprises an elastic material. Using an
elastic material in upper 20 may allow upper 20 to stretch and
conform to a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, upper 20 includes
an instep 22. In some embodiments, instep 22 is a continuous
portion of upper 20, as shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments,
instep 22 may be a tongue. In some embodiments, at least a portion
of instep 22 may include a gap in the material of upper 20.
[0036] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends
over instep 22. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24
extends from a medial side of article of footwear 10 to a lateral
side of article of footwear 10. In some embodiments, upper
dispensed component 24 extends from a medial featherline 23 of
article of footwear 10 to a lateral featherline 25 of article of
footwear 10.
[0037] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is bonded
to article of footwear 10 at medial featherline 23 (see FIG. 3). In
some embodiments, dispensed component 24 is bonded to article of
footwear 10 at lateral featherline 25. In some embodiments,
dispensed component 24 is bonded to article of footwear 10 at
medial featherline 23 and lateral featherline 25. In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is not bonded to article
of footwear 10 at instep 22. In some embodiments, upper dispensed
component 24 is not bonded to upper 20 at any point between medial
featherline 23 and lateral featherline 25.
[0038] Thus, in some embodiments, a segment of upper dispensed
component 24 may bond or stick to article of footwear 10 (e.g., at
medial featherline 23 and/or lateral featherline 25) and another
segment of upper dispensed component 24 may not bond or stick to
article of footwear 10 (e.g., at instep 22). In some embodiments,
having a bonded segment and a non-bonded segment of upper dispensed
component 24 allows a designated part of article of footwear 10
(e.g., bootie 21, instep 22, etc.) to stretch and move
independently from upper dispensed component 24 (see FIG. 4). In
some embodiments, the non-bonded segment of upper dispensed
component 24 may extend over a gap in the material of upper 20. In
some embodiments, the non-bonded segment of upper dispensed
component 24 may extend over a tongue of upper 20. For example,
upper dispensed component 24 may be bonded to article of footwear
10 on both a medial side and a lateral side (e.g., at the feather
line, at the quarters, etc.) and include a non-bonded segment that
extends over a tongue of upper 20. In some embodiments, the
non-bonded segment of upper dispensed component 24 may extend over
a portion of upper 20 to provide stress relief.
[0039] In some embodiments, to form the non-bonded segment of upper
dispensed component 24, the component is dispensed over a non-stick
material. A non-stick material is any material that does not bond
with upper dispensed component 24 as it hardens. In some
embodiments, the non-stick material may be removed after upper
dispensed component 24 has hardened, thus leaving a non-bonded
segment of the dispensed component. In some embodiments, the
non-stick material may be a temporary insert made from
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other suitable non-stick
material. In some embodiments, the non-stick material may be screen
printed or sprayed over a portion of article of footwear 10, such
as a portion of instep 22. In some embodiments, a last on which
upper dispensed component 24 is dispensed may be made of or coated
with the non-stick material. In some embodiments, article of
footwear 10 may have an upper 20 that is completely knit (e.g.,
flat knit, circular knit, etc.) with areas of the knit upper
comprising yarns that are inherently non-stick (e.g., PTFE yarns,
polyolefin yarns, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
yarn). In some embodiments, upper 20 may include woven, non-woven,
or knit sections that are entirely made from non-stick yarns that
are seamed together (i.e., stitched) to other sections that are
made from traditional yarns (i.e., polyester, nylon, etc.) that may
or may not be coated with the non-stick material.
[0040] In some embodiments, an entire upper dispensed component 24
may be made as a non-bonded segment (i.e., upper dispensed
component 24 is dispensed only over a non-stick material to form a
stand-alone component). For example, upper dispensed component 24
may be dispensed to a substrate 40, as shown, for example, in FIG.
7. In some embodiments, substrate 40 comprises a non-stick
material, such that upper dispensed component 24 will form a
free-floating or stand-alone component. In some embodiments, upper
dispensed component 24 is dispensed to define a plurality of
apertures 26. The appearance (e.g., color) and/or mechanical
properties (e.g., cross-section, material properties, aperture
design, etc.) of upper dispensed component 24 as a stand-alone
component may vary in different areas to affect the relative
strain. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 may then
be attached to article of footwear 10. For example, upper dispensed
component 24 may be attached to article of footwear 10 as a saddle
with attachment points located at medial featherline 23 and lateral
featherline 25. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24
may be attached to article of footwear 10 between upper 20 and sole
30.
[0041] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 may be
attached to article of footwear 10 at locations other than medial
featherline 23 and lateral featherline 25. In some embodiments,
upper dispensed component 24 may be attached to a portion of upper
20 of article of footwear 10. In some embodiments, upper dispensed
component 24 may be attached to a portion of sole 30 of article of
footwear 10. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 may
be attached to any other part of article of footwear 10 (e.g.,
between sole 30 and upper 20).
[0042] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is
stitched to article of footwear 10. In some embodiments, upper
dispensed component 24 may be stitched along medial featherline 23
and/or lateral featherline 25. In some embodiments, upper dispensed
component 24 is stitched to upper 20 (e.g., a bottom surface of
upper 20). In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is
stitched to sole 30 (e.g., a top surface of sole 30). In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is stitched between sole
30 and upper 20.
[0043] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 is adhered
to article of footwear 10 with an adhesive. In some embodiments,
upper dispensed component 24 bonds to article of footwear 10 as
upper dispensed component 24 hardens or solidifies. Other means of
joining may also be used (e.g., laser-welded, ultrasonically
welded, radio-frequency welded, low-melt film, or any other
suitable method for joining).
[0044] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends
along medial featherline 23 in a longitudinal direction 12. In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends along medial
featherline 23 for at least 25% of the length of medial featherline
23. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends along
medial featherline 23 for at least 50% of the length of medial
featherline 23.
[0045] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends
along lateral featherline 25 in longitudinal direction 12. In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 extends along lateral
featherline 25 for at least 25% of the length of lateral
featherline 25. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24
extends along lateral featherline 25 for at least 50% of the length
of lateral featherline 25.
[0046] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 forms a
saddle for upper 20. In some embodiments, upper dispensed component
24 secures article of footwear 10 to a wearer's foot. In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 may be elastic. In some
embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 may be less elastic than
upper 20. Thus, upper 20 and upper dispensed component 24 may
stretch to accommodate the wearer's foot, while upper dispensed
component 24 provides an outer boundary of stretching to better
secure article of footwear 10 to the wearer's foot.
[0047] In some embodiments, upper dispensed component 24 defines a
plurality of apertures 26. In some embodiments, apertures 26 form a
grid pattern. In some embodiments, the size, shape, and/or pattern
of apertures 26 varies in different portions of upper dispensed
component 24. For example, apertures 26 may be smaller in the
medial and/or lateral sides of article of footwear 10 than on the
top of instep 22. This configuration may provide more support to
the side of a wearer's foot, thus facilitating upper dispensed
component 24 to function as a saddle. Other changes to the aperture
design, or to other mechanical properties, in various areas of
upper dispensed component 24 may be utilized to affect the relative
strain.
[0048] In some embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 8 and
9, upper 20 includes a strap 27 that extends around the back of the
heel of upper 20. In some embodiments, strap 27 is a dispensed
component. In some embodiments, strap 27 is made of a non-dispensed
material. In some embodiments, strap 27 connects to upper dispensed
component 24. For example, strap 27 may be integrally formed with
upper dispensed component 24. In some embodiments, strap 27 is
attached to medial featherline 23 and/or lateral featherline 25. In
some embodiments, strap 27 extends from upper dispensed component
24 on one side of article of footwear 10 (e.g., the lateral side)
to the featherline on the other side of article of footwear 10
(e.g., medial featherline 23).
[0049] Details of sole 30 are shown, for example, in FIGS. 4-6. In
some embodiments, sole 30 comprises a midsole 31. In some
embodiments, sole 30 comprises a substrate 32. In some embodiments,
sole 30 comprises sole dispensed component 34. In some embodiments,
midsole 31 comprises a foam. In some embodiments, midsole 31 is
only made of foam. In some embodiments, substrate 32 is disposed
underneath midsole 31. In some embodiments, substrate 32 is
attached to midsole 31. In some embodiments, substrate 32 is
attached to midsole 31 with an adhesive. In some embodiments,
substrate 32 includes a film 33 to facilitate attachment to midsole
31. For example, substrate 32 may include a hot melt film that,
with the application of heat, melts and adheres to midsole 31. In
some embodiments, substrate 32 is attached to midsole 31 with any
type of adhesive system (e.g., solvent-based or water-based
urethane cement).
[0050] In some embodiments, substrate 32 may be a material that is
suitable for bonding with sole dispensed component 34. In some
embodiments, substrate 32 includes a synthetic coating. In some
embodiments, substrate 32 includes a textile. In some embodiments,
substrate 32 includes a textile with a thin film laminate backing
or cast film coating. In some embodiments, substrate 32 includes a
thermoplastic polyurethane film (e.g., mono-layer film, co-extruded
film, multi-layer film) or other suitable polymeric film. In some
embodiments, substrate 32 is partially exposed on the bottom
surface of sole 30.
[0051] In some embodiments, sole dispensed component 34 is
dispensed directly onto substrate 32. In some embodiments, sole
dispensed component 34 forms an outsole of article of footwear 10.
In some embodiments, sole dispensed component 34 may be dispensed
in a pattern, such as an undulating pattern back and forth across
substrate 32 (e.g., in longitudinal direction 12, a transverse
direction, or an angled direction between longitudinal direction 12
and a transverse direction). For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and
6, sole 30 includes sole dispensed component 34 that extends back
and forth in a transverse direction across substrate 32 in an
undulating pattern. Sole dispensed component 34 may be dispensed to
form a variety of other patterns.
[0052] In some embodiments, sole dispensed component 34 is
dispensed directly to midsole 31, which may be a traditional
midsole foam (e.g., compression-molded EVA, injection-molded EVA,
PU foam, TPU film-wrapped PU foam, polyamide foam, polyester-based
beaded HR foam, etc.). In some embodiments, sole dispensed
component 34 is dispensed directly to blow-molded components of
article of footwear 10.
[0053] Various embodiments described herein provide an article of
footwear that may facilitate a more comfortable fit around the
wearer's foot. Further variations of the embodiments described
above may also be provided.
[0054] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily
modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from
the general concept of the present invention. Therefore, such
adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the
teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of
description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or
phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by
the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
[0055] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be
limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but
should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and
their equivalents.
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