Footwear including a dynamic material exhibiting a change in terrain
By using dynamic materials in the uppers and utilizing tension or torque to induce terrain changes, the problem of footwear length and width changing over time is solved, achieving dynamic adjustment of comfort and fit.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180007970.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-01-07
- Filing Date
- 2021-01-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-01-07
AI Technical Summary
The length and/or width of footwear may change over time, and existing footwear may not be able to adapt to these changes effectively, leading to comfort and fit issues.
The upper is constructed using dynamic materials, allowing for terrain changes through the application of tension or torque, altering the footwear's fit, insulation, or ventilation. This includes layered designs with multiple angled slits or ribs connecting the layers, providing adjustment for length and width.
Dynamic materials can respond to changes in the user's foot, providing dynamic adjustments for comfort and fit, and enhancing the fit, insulation, and ventilation of footwear.
Smart Images

Figure CN114929053B_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear having a dynamic material that exhibits a topographical change.
[0003] BACKGROUND
[0004] The required length and / or width of an article of footwear can change over time due to development, pregnancy, surgery, swelling, or activity, for example, walking as compared to running, to name a few, and before the article of footwear is otherwise "worn out." The present disclosure seeks to address this need.
[0005] SUMMARY
[0006] An article of footwear according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a sole structure, and an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a dynamic material.
[0007] In some embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a topographical change along a first axis in response to a tensile force or torque applied to the dynamic material along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis, and to change at least one of a fit, an isolation, or a ventilation of the article of footwear.
[0008] In example embodiments, the dynamic material includes a plurality of angled slits configured to expand along the first axis as an auxetic structure.
[0009] In example embodiments, the dynamic material includes a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold. In example embodiments, the ribs are linearly or radially aligned. In example embodiments, at least one of the layers includes a hole to provide ventilation related to the topographical change.
[0010] In other embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit an increase in thickness in response to an increase in length or width, and to change at least one of a fit, an isolation, or a ventilation of the article of footwear.
[0011] In still other embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a topographical change in a first plane in response to a tensile force or torque applied to the dynamic material in a second plane that is out of the first plane, and to change at least one of a fit, an isolation, or a ventilation of the article of footwear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings can provide further understanding of the example embodiments of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. In the drawings, only one shoe (either the left shoe or the right shoe) can be shown, however, it should be understood that in such cases the illustrated shoe can be mirrored to the other shoe. The use of similar reference numbers in the various drawings is intended to refer to similar or equivalent elements throughout the various drawings. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting.
[0013] Figure 1A and 1B show a dynamic material in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] Figure 2A -2C shows a dynamic material with two panels of an example embodiment of the present disclosure being adjusted from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
[0015] Figure 3A and 3B show a dynamic material with three panels in a not fully closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] Figure 4A and 4B show a dynamic material with a radial rib pattern in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017] Figure 5A and 5B show a dynamic material with two perforated panels in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] Figure 6A and 6B show a dynamic material with a perforated radial rib pattern in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0019] Figure 7A and 7B show a dynamic material in a tongue, respectively, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] Figure 8A and 8B show different dynamic materials in a tongue, according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] Figure 9A -9D shows example locations in which a dynamic material of the present disclosure can be incorporated into an upper of a shoe.
[0022] Figure 10An end of a layer of a dynamic material accessed through an upper is shown in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] Figure 11A And 11B A method of manufacturing a dynamic material of the present disclosure is shown.
[0024] Figure 12 A hooded shirt including a dynamic material of the present disclosure is shown.
[0025] Detailed Description
[0026] Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts to practice the present disclosure, although variations of those embodiments can be implemented and can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The specific embodiments are described in order to illustrate, not to limit, the present disclosure.
[0027] For example, unless the context indicates otherwise, example embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments described herein. Similarly, reference to “one example embodiment,” “multiple example embodiments,” or the like, indicates that a described embodiment(s) can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such references do not necessarily mean that all embodiments described herein will include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such references do not necessarily mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic is required in every or any embodiment. Any reference to singular can include multiple embodiments, and any reference to plural can include a single embodiment.
[0028] Any reference to coupling, connection, attachment, etc., can be temporary or permanent, removable or non-removable, integral or non-integral, partial or total, and can be facilitated by one or more of adhesives, stitching, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, clips, eyelets, zippers, and other means known in the art or hereafter developed.
[0029] As used herein, the transitional term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The transitional term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional term “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps, “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.”
[0030] Unless the claim language specifically limits the use of the term "apparatus" and includes functional language, no claim limitation is intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) or prior AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph six.
[0031] In describing example embodiments of footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes, certain directional terms can be used. As an example, terms such as "right," "left," "medial," "lateral," "anterior," "posterior," "forward," "rearward," "rearwardly," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "up," "down," and the like can be used to describe example embodiments of footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes. These terms should be given meaning in accordance with the manner in which footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes is most commonly designed for use, with the footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes on a user's foot and the user's foot wearing the footwear disposed on or ready to be placed on an underlying surface. Thus, these directions can be understood in relation to footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes in such use. Similarly, as footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes is primarily used as footwear, terms such as "inner," "inward," "outer," "outward," "innermost," "outermost," "inboard," "outboard," and the like should be understood in relation to the intended use of footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes, such that inner, inward, innermost, inboard, and the like indicate relatively closer to the user's foot, and outer, outward, outermost, outboard, and the like indicate relatively further from the user's foot when the footwear having dynamic materials that exhibit topographical changes is used for its intended purpose. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the foregoing definitions direct to a meaning that is inconsistent with the individual use of any of the foregoing terms herein, the term should be understood and read in accordance with the definition of the particular instance of life and meaning that is imparted to the term.
[0032] As used herein, "footwear" refers to athletic shoes, casual shoes, dress shoes, formal shoes, high heels, sports / athletic shoes (e.g., tennis shoes, golf shoes, bowling shoes, running shoes, basketball shoes, soccer shoes, ballet shoes, etc.), walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or other suitable types of shoes. Additionally, the footwear can be sized and configured to be worn by a male, a female, or a child.
[0033] According to example embodiments, the present disclosure provides an adjustable shoe including a sole structure and an upper, the upper being comprised of a dynamic material configured to provide length and / or width adjustability of the shoe.
[0034] As used herein, "sole structure" refers to an outsole or portions thereof, a midsole or portions thereof, an insole or portions thereof, a wedge or portions thereof, or other suitable structures disposed between and / or adjacent to the above-mentioned portions of a shoe.
[0035] With reference to Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the present disclosure includes a dynamic material 100 that exhibits a topographical change. Generally, the dynamic material 100 is configured to expand out of a plane when a tension is applied to a portion of the dynamic material 100 in the plane, acting as an augmenting structure.
[0036] For example, the dynamic material 100 is configured to expand in a Z dimension of a Cartesian coordinate system (3D) when a tension is applied to expand a portion of the dynamic material 100 in an X or Y dimension of a Cartesian coordinate system (2D) (while the dynamic material 110 changes or remains the same in the non-expanding X or Y dimension).
[0037] For another example, according to example embodiments, a tension applied to increase / decrease a length and / or width of the dynamic material 100 in a plane correspondingly increases / decreases a thickness of the dynamic material 100 out of the plane.
[0038] In addition to increasing a thickness of the dynamic material 100 (e.g., to provide length and / or width adjustability of an article of footwear), the change of the dynamic material 100 from a closed configuration to an open configuration can also provide increased padding, insulation, or ventilation, as described below.
[0039] In an "open configuration," adjacent pieces of the dynamic material of the present disclosure are spaced further apart from each other than when in a closed configuration, or the pores of a single piece of the dynamic material of the present disclosure are open. In a "closed configuration," adjacent pieces of the dynamic material of the present disclosure are spaced closer together than when in an open configuration, or the pores of a single piece of the dynamic material of the present disclosure are closed. The dynamic material 100 can be configured to lock in the open and / or closed configurations.
[0040] Thus, in some embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a topographical change along a first axis in response to a tension applied to the dynamic material along a second axis that is orthogonal to the first axis, and to change at least one of a fit, padding, insulation, or ventilation of an article of footwear.
[0041] In other embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit an increase in thickness in response to an increase in length or width, and to change at least one of a fit, padding, insulation, or ventilation of an article of footwear.
[0042] In still other embodiments, the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a topographical change in the first plane in response to a tension applied to the dynamic material in a second plane that is out of the first plane, and at least one of the fit, fill, isolation, or ventilation of the article of footwear is changed.
[0043] According to example embodiments, the expansion of the dynamic material 100 out of the plane or along the orthogonal axis is reversible depending on the circumstances and the tension no longer applied to the dynamic material 100 in the plane or along the axis. In this regard, the dynamic material 100 can include an elastically deformable material, for example, a resilient or shape memory material.
[0044] According to example embodiments, the topographical change can be achieved by the dynamic material 100 including a single ply having a plurality of angled or curved slits 120, wherein tension applied to expand the dynamic material in the plane causes the plurality of angled or curved slit edges 121 of the dynamic material 100 to protrude out of the plane. This can be accomplished by a slit pattern having a plurality of linear and alternating v-shaped or u-shaped slits in the orthogonal direction. Thus, in example embodiments, the dynamic material includes a plurality of angled or curved slits 120 configured to expand along a first axis as an augmenting structure. Figure 1A and 1B Example dynamic materials 100 are shown in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively.
[0045] While the dynamic materials 100 including a plurality of angled or curved slits 120 are contemplated herein, the present disclosure also more broadly encompasses other slit patterns configured to exhibit similar behavior, for example, having other elliptical, non-elliptical, or arbitrary shapes.
[0046] As used herein, an "elliptical" shape refers to any shape that generally lacks a point at which two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, "elliptical" shapes include traditional Euclidean geometric shapes such as circles and ellipses, as well as other non-angled shapes (lacking any angles), even if these shapes do not have a common name in Euclidean geometry.
[0047] As used herein, a "non-elliptical" shape refers to any shape that includes at least one point at which two lines, curves, or surfaces converge to form an angle. For example, "non-elliptical" shapes include traditional Euclidean geometric shapes such as triangles, rectangles, squares, hexagons, trapezoids, pentagons, stars, and the like, as well as other shapes having at least one angle, even if these shapes do not have a common name in Euclidean geometry.
[0048] In other embodiments, and with reference to Figures 2A to 2C, topographical changes to the dynamic material 100 can be achieved by the dynamic material 100 being composed of a plurality of panels 130 coupled together by a plurality of ribs 132, which in some embodiments are arranged in series parallel to one another, and in other embodiments are coupled together to cross and shear one another as the dynamic material 100 changes from the closed configuration to the open configuration.
[0049] As used herein, the ribs can be partitions, blades, or the like, and can be composed of one or more rigid or semi-rigid fibers or materials, such as nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, carbon fiber, shape memory polymer, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), silicone, styrene-ethylene / butylene-styrene (SEBS), acetal homopolymer / polyoxymethylene, aluminum, TPU, TPC-ET, acrylic, rubber, ABS, or polycarbonate, or other rigid or semi-rigid fibers or materials known in the art or later developed. In example embodiments, the ribs 132 are at least as rigid as the panels 130 of the dynamic material 100 against which they are opposed. In this regard, the plurality of ribs 132 in a region can impart a greater axial force to the dynamic material 100 in the region than a shear force to provide sufficient topographical lift in the interior of the shoe compared to the exterior pressure.
[0050] In such embodiments, the ribs 132 can be configured to fold, flex, rotate, or bend relative to the panels 130, still providing axial support between the panels 130 when the dynamic material 100 is in the open configuration. In this regard, in example embodiments, the ribs 132 can be configured to fold, flex, rotate, or bend to project the panels 130 along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis (e.g., change the distance between the panels 130) when the first panel 130 is moved relative to the second panel 130 along the first axis. Figure 2A -2C illustrates the dynamic material 100 being adjusted from the closed configuration to the open configuration. In the open configuration, the plurality of ribs 132 can be orthogonal to the panels 130 (and, in some embodiments, biased to fold, flex, rotate, or bend in a desired direction), while in the closed configuration, the plurality of ribs 130 can be angled relative to the panels 130. In other embodiments, the plurality of ribs 132 can simply be angled relative to the panels 130 more in the open configuration than in the closed configuration.
[0051] In some embodiments, the ribs are coupled to the panels by an adhesive, a melt (e.g., a hot melt, as described below), or a coupling element, while in other embodiments, the ribs and panels are unitary or monolithic materials.
[0052] While in some embodiments the distances are proportional, in other embodiments the distances that the layer 130 shifts along the axis due to the applied tension are not necessarily equal to the distances that the layer 130 shifts along the orthogonal axis due to the applied tension.
[0053] In some embodiments, at least one rib 132 of the plurality of ribs 132 is longer than the distance between it and any rib of the plurality of ribs that is adjacent to it. In some embodiments, all of the ribs 132 of the plurality of ribs 132 are longer than the distance between it and any rib of the plurality of ribs that is adjacent to it.
[0054] In example embodiments, the topography of the dynamic material 100 is not constant, e.g., the layer 130 can be composed of different materials, the ribs 132 can be composed of different materials, the ribs 132 can include inconsistent spacing, and / or the ribs 132 can include inconsistent lengths, throughout the dynamic material 100.
[0055] Figure 3A and 3B An alternative embodiment of the dynamic material 100 having three layers 130 and a plurality of ribs 132 is shown. In such an embodiment, the first row of ribs 132 can be oriented perpendicular to the adjacent second row of ribs 132 when the dynamic material 100 is in the open configuration. Figure 3A and 3B The dynamic material 100 is shown in a partially closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively. In such an embodiment, the ribs 132 can have a quadrilateral shape (e.g., a rectangle or a square). In other embodiments, the ribs 132 can have an elongated shape (e.g., a fiber). In conjunction with the above, a plurality of ribs 132 having an elongated shape (e.g., a plurality of fibers effectively 1 -dimensional) can be uniformly angled in a common direction (or biased to fold, bend, rotate, or flex), but otherwise at arbitrary intervals between the layers 130 of the dynamic material 100 being opposed.
[0056] Figure 4A and 4B Yet another alternative embodiment of the dynamic material 100 with two layers 130 and a plurality of ribs 132 arranged in a radial pattern (rather than a linear pattern as described above) extending from a central hub 133 is shown. In such an embodiment, a torque can be applied to the layers (e.g., in the direction indicated by the curved arrow notation in Figure 4B rather than a tension to the layers as with the linear pattern. Upon application of the torque, similar to above, the ribs 132 can be configured to fold, bend, rotate, or flex to thereby affect the distance between the layers 130. In this regard, the ribs 132 of the example embodiment can extend from the central hub 133 in an angled orientation (e.g., biased from a radial direction). Figure 4Aand 4B The dynamic material 100 is shown in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively. In such embodiments, the rim of the rib 132 can include a curve to engage the central hub 133.
[0057] In relation to the material whether including a linear pattern or a radial rib pattern, and with reference to Figure 5A and 5B The layer 130 can include one or more holes 134 to increase air flow along the path P when the dynamic material 100 is in the open configuration. Figure 5B The holes can be obstructed by the layer 130 when the dynamic material 100 is in its closed configuration. Figure 5A and 5B The dynamic material 100 is shown in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively.
[0058] In relation to the material whether including a linear pattern or a radial rib pattern, and with reference to Figure 6A and 6B The rib 132 and the layer 130 can include one or more holes 134 to increase air flow along the path P when the dynamic material 100 is in the open configuration. Figure 6B The holes can be obstructed by the layer 130 when the dynamic material 100 is in its closed configuration. Figure 6A and 6B The dynamic material 100 is shown in a closed configuration and in an open configuration, respectively.
[0059] Thus, in example embodiments, the dynamic material includes a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold, bend, turn, or curve. In example embodiments, the ribs are linearly or radially aligned. In example embodiments, at least one of the layers includes a hole to provide venting in relation to topographical changes.
[0060] According to example embodiments, a portion of an upper of a shoe is composed of the dynamic material 100. According to other example embodiments, the dynamic material 100 can be incorporated into an upper of a shoe, for example, on an inner surface or an outer surface of the upper, or between the two surfaces. In example embodiments, the dynamic material 100 can be selectively coupled (e.g., not throughout a slit) such that tension or torque applied to the dynamic material 100 (e.g., and secured by hook-and-loop fasteners, buttons, clips, etc.) in a plane causes a topographical change to expand the dynamic material 100 out of the plane (and thus reduce the size within the upper).
[0061] According to example embodiments, the dynamic material 100 can be incorporated into a tongue portion 142 of an upper 140. With specific reference to Figure 7A and 7BWhen the top layer 130 of the tongue portion 142 (composed of dynamic material 100) is actuated relative to the fixed bottom layer of the tongue portion 142, the plurality of rib members 132 expand to increase the distance between the top layer 130 and the bottom layer. Alternatively, and with reference to Figure 8A and 8B When the bottom layer 130 of the tongue portion 142 (composed of dynamic material 100) is actuated relative to the fixed top layer of the tongue portion 142, the plurality of rib members 132 expand to increase the distance between the top layer 130 and the bottom layer.
[0062] Notwithstanding the above, the dynamic material 100 can be incorporated into any surface of the upper 140 to provide length and / or width adjustability of the shoe, such as into the vamp portion Figure 9A ), toe box portion Figure 9B ), quarter portion Figure 9C ), or heel portion Figure 9D ) of the upper 140.
[0063] With reference to Figure 10 , in conjunction with the above embodiments, the ends of the layers 130 of the dynamic material 100 (to be actuated relative to another layer of dynamic material coupled to the layer 130 by a plurality of rib members configured to fold relative to the adjacent layer by the application of tension or torque) can pass through one or more apertures 144 in the upper 140, the one or more apertures 144 being distal from the dynamic material 100.
[0064] In some embodiments, the dynamic material 100 is biased toward an open configuration, while in other embodiments, the dynamic material 100 is biased toward a closed configuration. In still other embodiments, the dynamic material 100 is bistable (i.e., in both an open configuration and a closed configuration).
[0065] In some embodiments, the securing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transitioning between the open and closed configurations can be step-wise and facilitated by a conveyor belt, a ratchet (e.g., a zip tie mechanical structure), a solenoid, a strap with hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., in some embodiments with a quick release around all or portions of the upper. In other embodiments, the securing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transitioning between the open and closed configurations is facilitated by airbags. In still other embodiments, the securing in the open and closed configurations and / or the transitioning between the open and closed configurations is facilitated by a solenoid or the like extending through one or more spaces between the upper components, which can also be driven by a cam system including, for example, an eccentric wheel. Furthermore, the dynamic material 100 according to the present disclosure can include one or more visual, tactile, or audible adjustment indicators (e.g., a click sound is emitted every 2 mm or every marker corresponding to 2 mm).
[0066] To accommodate adjustment of the length and / or width of the upper, the upper can be constructed of expandable material (e.g., a woven, stretchy, or elastic material) and / or include gusseted or folded panels. For example, a shoe according to the present disclosure can include one or more features to accommodate adjustability of the length and / or width of the shoe, such as one or more expandable / compressible holes, gussets, gores, gusseted or folded panels, etc.
[0067] Methods of manufacturing the dynamic material 100 are also contemplated herein. Referring to Figure 11A and Figure 11B the plurality of linear slits 138 of the first panel 130 of the dynamic material 100 can be heat fused to the rims 136 of the plurality of rib members 132 formed by the u-shaped slits of the second panel 130 of the dynamic material 100. The panels 130 can be rolled through a heat fusing device 160 to produce the dynamic material 100, which is complete for use in connection with the present disclosure.
[0068] Finally, while the present disclosure has been described primarily with reference to footwear articles, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be applied more broadly, such as and with reference to Figure 12 applying to apparel articles such as a hooded shirt 150 including a dynamic material 100 at one or more locations.
[0069] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the embodiments described herein be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive in character, with the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0070] Many of the attendant features and advantages of the present disclosure will be appreciated in light of the following description in which various alternatives to the examples described herein are discussed in detail. It will be appreciated that those features and advantages the disclosure include various alternatives that can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and with the benefit of the teachings contained herein.
Claims
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, and an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper comprises a dynamic material, wherein the dynamic material comprises a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer separated by a plurality of aligned ribs, wherein a first rib of the plurality of aligned ribs is aligned with a second rib of the plurality of aligned ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to fold in response to an external force causing relative motion between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the relative motion changes at least one of fit, insulation, or ventilation of the article of footwear.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, The ribs are linearly aligned.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, The ribs are radially aligned.
4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the layers includes a hole to provide the ventilation in relation to a change in terrain.
5. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, and an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper comprises a dynamic material, wherein the dynamic material comprises a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer separated by a plurality of aligned ribs, wherein a first rib of the plurality of aligned ribs is aligned with a second rib of the plurality of aligned ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to fold in response to an external force causing relative motion between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the dynamic material is configured to exhibit an increase in thickness in response to an increase in length or width, the increase in thickness changes at least one of fit, insulation, or ventilation of the article of footwear.
6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein, The ribs are linearly aligned.
7. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein, The ribs are radially aligned.
8. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein, At least one of the layers includes a hole to provide the ventilation in relation to the increase in thickness.
9. A dynamic material for use in an upper of an article of footwear, characterized in that the dynamic material comprising a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer separated by a plurality of aligned ribs, wherein a first rib of the plurality of aligned ribs is aligned with a second rib of the plurality of aligned ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to fold in response to an external force causing relative motion between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a change in terrain in a first plane in response to a tension or torque applied to the dynamic material in a second plane outside the first plane, and the change in terrain changes at least one of fit, insulation, or ventilation of the article of footwear.
10. The dynamic material of claim 9, wherein, The ribs are linearly aligned.
11. The dynamic material of claim 9, wherein, The ribs are radially aligned.
12. The dynamic material of claim 9, wherein, At least one of the layers includes a hole to provide the ventilation in relation to the change in terrain.
10. A dynamic material for use in an upper of an article of footwear, the dynamic material comprising a plurality of layers coupled by a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs configured to fold, wherein the plurality of layers comprises a first layer and a second layer, the first layer and the second layer separated by a plurality of aligned ribs, wherein a first rib of the plurality of aligned ribs is aligned with a second rib of the plurality of aligned ribs, wherein the ribs are configured to fold in response to an external force causing relative motion between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the dynamic material is configured to exhibit a change in terrain in a first plane in response to a tension or torque applied to the dynamic material in a second plane outside the first plane, and the change in terrain changes at least one of fit, insulation, or ventilation of the article of footwear. The ribs are linearly aligned. The ribs are radially aligned. At least one of the layers includes a hole to provide the ventilation in relation to the change in terrain.
Citation Information
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