Abstract:
An article of footwear (10, 500) having a multi-layer upper is provided. The upper has a medial side and a lateral side, and a toe end and a heel end. The upper has an inner booty (12), at least partially surrounded by an outer braided shell (14), made from a number of yarns (114) that are braided together. In selected locations, a layer (40) couples the inner booty (12) and the outer braided shell (14) together.
Abstract:
A method of forming (3D) a traced element is disclosed. The method may include printing layers of a traced element and incorporating a textile strand (322) in overlapping polymer layers of the traced element. In some embodiments, the traced element may be formed on a base layer (1502). The traced element may be incorporated into an upper (1750, 390) for an article of footwear (1700).
Abstract:
A web of material die cut into a general outline of a shoe upper or sock structure is disclosed. The web of material is either a multi-layer, three dimensional weave fabric material, or a single layer fabric material with a relatively smooth appearance. The fabric is then wrapped around a heat resistant mold and heat or steam is applied to shrink the fabric around the mold to form a flexible, form fitting, unitary piece. The shoe upper or sock structure is perfectly shaped to the mold and can also be made to custom fit other mold shapes as well.
Abstract:
Methods of and molds for manufacturing footwear are disclosed. In one example, the method may include forming at least one molded portion adjacent to at least one non-molded portion such that part of the at least one molded portion overlaps and contacts the at least one non-molded portion, and forming the at least one molded portion to include end portions that are adjacent the part of the at least one molded portion and that extend away from the at least one non-molded portion such that the end portions do not contact the at least one non-molded portion; moving the end portions of the at least one molded portion toward the at least one non-molded portion such that the end portions contact the at least one non-molded portion; and securing the end portions of the at least one molded portion to the at least one non-molded portion.
Abstract:
An image displaying device includes a background layer that is substantially opaque. The device also includes a display layer that is semi- transparent. The display layer includes an inner surface facing the background layer, and the inner surface is substantially smooth. The display layer further includes an outer surface facing away from the background layer, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and a plurality of recessed areas. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.
Abstract:
An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a medial side and a lateral side simultaneously formed from a single sheet of material in a thermoforming mold. The medial side and lateral side are joined to each other such that a joint between the medial side and the lateral side extends continuously from a heel portion of the upper to a toe portion of the upper.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an article of footwear (1 ) comprising an upper (5). At least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is formed in the upper (5). The at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) is open to an interior of the article of footwear (1 ) to facilitate ventilation. The ventilating groove (3A-i) is preferably open along its length. The present application also relates to a method of forming at least one ventilating groove (3a-i) in an article (1).
Abstract:
Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. Portions of the articles may be manufactured using rapid manufacturing and those portions may be joined with portions formed using conventional, non-rapid manufacturing techniques. The methods may also include performing a scan of an appropriate body part of a user, such as a foot, in order to create a customized article of footwear for the user.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of three-dimensional cross-linked foam for uppers of shoes, comprising: preparing a plurality of foaming materials in a planar or three-dimensional shape with a cross-linked foaming suppressed; forming at least one interfacing pattern on at least one foaming material to prevent physical and chemical interactions between the foaming materials, the interfacing pattern formed of at least one interfacing material; cross-linked foaming of the foaming material having the interfacing pattern thereon to obtain a cross-linked foam in a planar shape, the cross-linked foam having at least one inner cavity structure therein; and vacuum molding the planar cross-linked foam in a vacuum molding die to obtain a cross-linked foam having a shape corresponding to a last, the planar cross-linked foam disposed in a cavity of the vacuum molding die, the cavity having a shape corresponding to the last.