Article with integral ring and method of manufacture

Abstract

The invention relates to an article with an integral ring and a method of manufacture. A method of manufacturing an article may include loading a soluble base thread into an embroidery machine, and then driving the thread through a substrate with a needle of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern providing a series of loops of the thread extending outwardly from a spool side of the substrate. The method may also include bonding the thread to a needle side of the substrate opposite the spool side. The spacer layer may be disposed at the spool side of the substrate and may be removed after the thread is bonded to the substrate. The ring may be a ring or ball control feature in a shackle fastener in various articles manufactured according to the method.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application filed on August 12, 2020, with application number 202080069537.7, and invention name “Article with an integrated ring and manufacturing method”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 909,451, filed on October 2, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to articles having a base sheet and loops extending from the base sheet and methods of making such articles using an embroidery machine. background

[0005] Many articles, such as footwear uppers and clothing, include multiple layers of the same or different materials. In some examples, each layer may serve a different function. Manufacturers strive to provide high-quality, durable articles in an efficient manner. Summary of the invention

[0006] This application provides the following:

[0007] 1). A method for manufacturing an article, the method comprising:

[0008] Loading soluble bobbin thread into the embroidery machine;

[0009] driving a needle thread through a substrate using a needle of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern, the programmed first pattern providing a series of loops of the needle thread extending outwardly from a bobbin side of the substrate, wherein the soluble bobbin thread engages the series of loops outside the bobbin side of the substrate;

[0010] bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the substrate opposite the bobbin side of the substrate; and

[0011] A solvent is applied to the soluble bobbin thread to dissolve the soluble bobbin thread.

[0012] 2). The manufacturing method according to 1), wherein the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0013] 3). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 2), further comprising:

[0014] Before driving the needle thread through the substrate, disposing one or more spacer layers at the bobbin side of the substrate such that the inner side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the bobbin side of the substrate;

[0015] driving the needle thread through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers so that the series of loops extend from the needle side of the substrate through the substrate to the bobbin side of the substrate and into the one or more spacer layers and the soluble bobbin thread is outside of the exterior sides of the one or more spacer layers; and

[0016] After applying the solvent to the soluble bottom thread, the one or more spacer layers are moved away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers off the series of rings.

[0017] 4). The manufacturing method according to 3), wherein the substrate is a first substrate, and the one or more spacer layers are one or more first spacer layers, the one or more first spacer layers are a first number of spacer layers and have a first total height, the series of rings are a first series of rings, and the method further comprises:

[0018] disposing one or more second spacer layers at the bobbin side of the second substrate so that the inner sides of the one or more second spacer layers are located at the bobbin side of the second substrate, the one or more second spacer layers being a second number of spacer layers and having a second total height; wherein the second number of spacer layers is different from the first number of spacer layers and the second total height is different from the first total height, or the second number of spacer layers is different from the first number of spacer layers and the second total height is different from the first total height; and

[0019] driving a second needle thread through both the second substrate and the one or more second spacer layers using the needle of the embroidery machine according to the programmed first pattern or a different programmed pattern, the programmed first pattern or the different programmed pattern providing a second series of loops of the second needle thread, the second series of loops of the second needle thread extending outwardly from the bobbin side of the second substrate through the one or more second spacer layers and engaging a second bobbin thread disposed at an exterior side of the one or more second spacer layers;

[0020] bonding the second needle thread to a needle side of the second substrate opposite the bobbin side of the second substrate;

[0021] removing the bottom line; and

[0022] The one or more second spacer layers are moved away from the second substrate to slide the one or more second spacer layers off the second series of rings, the second series of rings having a different height than the first series of rings.

[0023] 5). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 4), wherein the needle thread is a fusible thread, and wherein bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate includes applying heat to the needle thread at the needle side of the substrate.

[0024] 6). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 5), further comprising:

[0025] placing a meltable bonding layer against the needle side of the substrate before driving the needle thread through the substrate;

[0026] wherein driving the needle thread through the substrate further comprises driving the needle thread through the fusible bonding layer; and

[0027] Wherein bonding the needle line to the needle side of the substrate includes applying heat to the meltable bonding layer.

[0028] 7). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 4), further comprising:

[0029] Adhesive is applied to the pin side of the substrate.

[0030] 8). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 7), wherein the series of loops extend outwardly from a footwear upper, and at least some of the loops are configured as ball control elements or strap fasteners.

[0031] 9). The production method according to any one of 1) to 8), wherein the soluble bottom line is water-soluble, and the solvent is water.

[0032] 10). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 9), wherein:

[0033] A first cluster in the ring has a first density and a second cluster in the ring has a second density different from the first density; and / or

[0034] A first group in the ring has a first color and a second group in the ring has a second color different from the first color.

[0035] 11). The manufacturing method according to any one of 1) to 10), wherein the article is a first article, the substrate is a first substrate, the needle thread is a first needle thread, and the method further comprises:

[0036] A second stitch is driven through a second substrate in a second pattern using the needle of the embroidery machine, the second pattern differing from the first pattern in at least one of color, density of the loops, or height of the loops.

[0037] 12) A method for manufacturing an article, the method comprising:

[0038] disposing one or more spacer layers at the bobbin side of the substrate such that an interior side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the bobbin side of the substrate;

[0039] driving a needle thread through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers using a needle of an embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern, the programmed first pattern providing a series of loops of the needle thread extending outwardly from the bobbin side of the substrate through the one or more spacer layers and engaging a bobbin thread disposed at an exterior side of the one or more spacer layers;

[0040] bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the substrate opposite the thread spool side of the substrate;

[0041] removing the bottom line; and

[0042] The one or more spacer layers are moved away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers off the series of rings.

[0043] 13). The manufacturing method according to 12), wherein the substrate is a first substrate, and the one or more spacer layers are one or more first spacer layers, the one or more first spacer layers are a first number of spacer layers and have a first total height, the series of rings are a first series of rings, and the method further comprises:

[0044] disposing one or more second spacer layers at the bobbin side of the second substrate so that the inner sides of the one or more second spacer layers are located at the bobbin side of the second substrate, the one or more second spacer layers being a second number of spacer layers and having a second total height; wherein the second number of spacer layers is different from the first number of spacer layers and the second total height is different from the first total height, or the second number of spacer layers is different from the first number of spacer layers and the second total height is different from the first total height; and

[0045] driving a needle thread through both the second substrate and the one or more second spacer layers using the needle of the embroidery machine according to the programmed first pattern or a different programmed pattern, the programmed first pattern or the different programmed pattern providing a second series of loops of the needle thread extending outwardly from the bobbin side of the second substrate through the one or more second spacer layers and engaging a bobbin thread disposed at an exterior side of the one or more second spacer layers;

[0046] bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the second substrate opposite the thread spool side of the second substrate;

[0047] removing the bottom line; and

[0048] The one or more second spacer layers are moved away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers off the second series of rings, the second series of rings having a different height than the first series of rings.

[0049] 14). The manufacturing method according to 12), wherein the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0050] 15). The manufacturing method according to 14), wherein the series of loops extend outwardly from the upper of the footwear, and at least some of the loops are configured as ball control elements or strap fasteners.

[0051] 16) The manufacturing method according to 12), wherein the bobbin thread is a soluble bobbin thread, and wherein the bobbin thread is removed by applying a solvent to the soluble bobbin thread to dissolve the soluble bobbin thread.

[0052] 17). An article comprising:

[0053] a substrate; and

[0054] a wire configured as a series of loops configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener and arranged in a first pattern and extending through the substrate and outwardly from a first side of the substrate; wherein the wire is bonded to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate;

[0055] wherein the article is a footwear upper, a garment or a handbag.

[0056] 18) An article according to 17), wherein the line is a fusible line and is directly fused to the second side of the substrate.

[0057] 19). The article according to any one of 17)-18), further comprising:

[0058] a meltable bonding layer disposed against the second side of the substrate;

[0059] wherein the wire extends through the meltable bonding layer; and

[0060] wherein the wire is bonded to the second side of the substrate via the meltable bonding layer.

[0061] 20). An article according to any one of 17)-19), wherein the article is a footwear upper, and the series of loops extend outside the footwear upper and are constructed as ball control features or strap fasteners. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only, are schematic in nature and are intended to be exemplary rather than limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 1 is a plan view of an article comprising a substrate and a wire extending through the substrate as a series of loops.

[0064] Figure 1A yes Figure 1 A close-up view of a portion of the substrate and a series of rings.

[0065] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 on the opposite side of the item.

[0066] Figure 3 Can be used to manufacture Figure 1 An example of an item for a perspective view of an embroidery machine.

[0067] Figure 4 Is manufacturing Figure 1 A flowchart of an example method of an article.

[0068] Figure 5 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article of the type shown in FIG. 1 illustrates manufacturing an article by driving a needle thread through a substrate and a spacer layer and engaging a bobbin thread according to the method disclosed herein.

[0069] Figure 6 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating the melting of a needle wire against a substrate.

[0070] Figure 7 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating the adhesion of the needle and thread to the substrate.

[0071] Figure 8It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating the addition of a meltable bonding layer disposed against a substrate.

[0072] Fig. 9 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating a meltable bonding layer melted to a substrate to secure the needle thread to the substrate.

[0073] Fig.10 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating the dissolved bottom line.

[0074] Fig.11 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article illustrating the removal of a spacing layer.

[0075] Fig.12 After being manufactured according to the method disclosed herein Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article.

[0076] Fig.13 is a medial side view of an article of footwear having an upper with a series of rings manufactured according to the methods disclosed herein and configured as a ball control feature.

[0077] Fig.14 is a medial side view of an article of footwear having an upper with a series of loops made according to the methods disclosed herein and configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0078] Fig.15 is a front view of a shirt having a pocket with a series of loops made according to the methods disclosed herein and configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0079] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a handbag having a series of loops made according to the methods disclosed herein and configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0080] Fig.17 It is in the middle stage of manufacturing Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article of the type shown in FIG. 1 illustrates manufacturing an article by driving a needle thread through a substrate and a plurality of stacked spacer layers and engaging a bottom thread according to the method disclosed herein.

[0081] Fig.18 is used according to the method disclosed herein Fig.17 After the multiple stacked layers are manufactured Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an article.

[0082] describe

[0083] Methods of making articles and articles made according to the methods disclosed herein utilize an embroidery machine in a new way to produce a series of loops extending from a substrate without a separate base layer (e.g., a separate backing) for the loops. In other words, a substrate that is a functional part of the article (such as a side panel or strap of a footwear upper, a panel or pocket of an article of clothing, or a panel of a handbag) also serves as a base or backing for the loops. For example, a wearable article can have functional loops, such as for hook-and-loop fasteners or for increasing friction (e.g., for ball control on a footwear upper). The method and article integrate the loops with the substrate, eliminating the need for a separate substrate for the loops, where the separate substrate is laminated on the substrate, as is typically done. The overall volume and thickness of the article is less than when a separate substrate is used.

[0084] The method for manufacturing an article may include loading a soluble bottom line into an embroidery machine, and then driving the needle thread through a substrate using the needle of the embroidery machine according to a first pattern of programming, the first pattern of the programming providing a series of loops of the needle thread extending outwardly from the bobbin side of the substrate. The soluble bottom line engages with a series of loops outside the bobbin side of the substrate. The method may also include bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate opposite to the bobbin side of the substrate, and then applying a solvent to the soluble bottom line to dissolve the soluble bottom line. For example, in some improvements of the method, the soluble bottom line may be water-soluble and the solvent may be water. The series of loops may be constructed as loop portions in hook-and-loop fasteners, but no additional fastener substrate is required, because the substrate of the article itself (e.g., the side sheet material of the footwear upper, or the strap of the footwear upper) is integrated with the loop and used as the base through which the loop extends. In other embodiments, the series of loops extend outwardly from the substrate as the footwear upper, and at least some of these loops are constructed as ball control elements, such as ball control elements on footwear articles. In any embodiment, the functionality of the ring is achievable without adding bulk and cost to a separate base layer for the ring.

[0085] In an embodiment, the method may further include: before driving the needle thread through the substrate, setting the inner side of the one or more spacer layers at the bobbin side of the substrate so that the inner side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the bobbin side of the substrate. The needle thread can then be driven through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers so that the series of loops initially extends from the inner side of the substrate through the substrate to the outer side of the substrate and into the one or more spacer layers, and the soluble bottom thread is located outside the outer side of the one or more spacer layers. After applying the solvent to the soluble bottom thread, the spacer layer can then be moved away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers off the series of loops.

[0086] One or more spacers are used to ensure the consistent desired height of the loop and protect the substrate from the influence of the solvent applied to the soluble bottom line. In addition, the number or total height of the one or more spacers used can be changed to control the final height of the loop. When the loop is a loop portion in a hook-and-loop fastener, the height of the loop may be a factor affecting the fastening strength of the hook-and-loop fastener. For example, when all other factors (such as the density of the loop) are the same, a longer loop can provide a greater fastening strength than a shorter loop. Therefore, simply by stacking different numbers of spacers with different total heights or using different single spacers with different heights, different loop heights can be achieved. For example, after using a first substrate and one or more first spacers that are a first number of spacers and have a first total height to manufacture the described first article with a first series of loops extending from the first substrate, the method may also include arranging a second number of spacers and having a second total height at the bobbin side of the second substrate so that the inner side of the one or more second spacers is located at the bobbin side of the second substrate to manufacture a second article. The second number of spacers may be the same or different than the first number of spacers, and the second overall height may be different than the first overall height, or the second number of spacers may be the same or different than the first number of spacers and the second overall height may be different than the first overall height. The method may include driving the needle thread through both the second substrate and the one or more second spacers using a needle of an embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern or a different programmed pattern to provide a second series of loops of the needle thread extending outwardly from the bobbin side of the second substrate through the one or more second spacers and engaging with a bottom thread disposed at an exterior side of the one or more second spacers. The method may include bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the second substrate opposite to the bobbin side of the second substrate, removing the bottom thread, and moving the one or more second spacers away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacers off the second series of loops. The second series of loops has a different height than the first series of loops, which may be appropriate for the fastening strength required for the second article.

[0087] In one aspect, in order to anchor the needle thread at the side of the substrate opposite to a series of loops, a fusible thread can be used for the needle thread. The method may include bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate by applying heat to the fusible needle thread at the needle side of the substrate. As another alternative to anchoring the needle thread at the side of the substrate opposite to a series of loops, the method may include arranging a fusible bonding layer against the needle side of the substrate before driving the needle thread through the substrate. When using a fusible bonding layer, driving the needle thread through the substrate may also include driving the needle thread through the fusible bonding layer, and bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate may include applying heat to the fusible bonding layer. In some configurations, the fusible bonding layer may include thermoplastic polyurethane. In other embodiments, an adhesive layer may be used to anchor a series of loops to the needle side of the substrate, and the method may include applying an adhesive to the needle side of the substrate. In other words, the substrate of the article itself supports the loop. Because the needle thread is bonded to the needle side of the substrate, the loop will not be pushed back through the substrate toward the needle side under stress of use, nor will it be pulled through the substrate toward the spool side.

[0088] For example, using an embroidery machine in this manner to provide a series of loops enables the speed of a multi-needle embroidery machine to be utilized to provide a wide variety of patterns, loop heights and / or densities, thread color combinations, etc. In some embodiments, the loops of a first cluster have a first density, and the loops of a second cluster have a second density different from the first density. In the same or other embodiments, the first set of loops has a first color, and the second set of loops has a second color different from the first color. Additionally, a third set of loops may be disposed between the first and second sets, and may have a color gradient that changes from the first color to the second color.

[0089] The use of an embroidery machine also enables changes in loop patterns, heights, densities, thread colors or patterns of colors, etc. to be quickly accomplished by simply controlling the machine to drive the needle according to different stored programs. For example, the article having the series of loops described above may be a first article, the substrate may be a first substrate, and the needle thread may be a first needle thread. The method may also include driving a second needle thread through a second substrate with the needle of the embroidery machine in a second pattern, the second pattern being different from the first pattern in at least one of color, density of loops, or height of loops.

[0090] In one aspect, a method of manufacturing an article may include providing one or more spacer layers at the bobbin side of a substrate so that the inner side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the bobbin side of the substrate, and then driving a needle thread through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers using a needle of an embroidery machine according to a first pattern of programming, the first pattern of programming providing a series of loops of needle thread, the series of loops of needle thread extending outward from the bobbin side of the substrate through the one or more spacer layers and engaging with a bottom line disposed at the outer side of the one or more spacer layers. The method may include bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate opposite to the bobbin side of the substrate, removing the bottom line, and moving the one or more spacer layers away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers away from the series of loops. For example, the bottom line may be a soluble bottom line, and the bottom line may be removed by applying a solvent to the soluble bottom line to dissolve the soluble bottom line.

[0091] Articles such as footwear uppers, clothing articles or handbags may include a substrate and a line configured as a series of loops. The series of loops may be configured as loop portions in a hook-and-loop fastener. The series of loops may be arranged in a first pattern and may extend through the substrate and extend outwardly from a first side of the substrate. The line may be bonded to a second side of the substrate opposite to the first side of the substrate. The line may be a fusible line and may be directly fused to the second side of the substrate. In another aspect, a fusible bonding layer may be disposed against the second side of the substrate and the line may extend through the fusible bonding layer. The line may be bonded to the second side of the substrate by the fusible bonding layer. In yet another aspect, an adhesive may fix the line to the second side of the substrate. In an example, the series of loops may be configured as loop portions in a hook-and-loop fastener on, for example, a footwear upper, clothing article or handbag. In an example, the article may be a footwear upper and the series of loops may extend outside the footwear upper. The series of loops may be configured as a ball control feature or a strap fastener.

[0092] The above features and advantages of the present teachings and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 1 It is shown that by using an embroidery machine such as Figure 31. An article 10 is made by an example embroidery machine 12 (see FIG. 1). The article 10 includes a substrate 14, which may be, for example, a woven or nonwoven textile or a non-textile material. The article 10 includes one or more threads 16, each of which is configured as a series of loops 18. The substrate 14 supports the series of loops 18, and the series of loops 18 extend through the substrate 14, with no additional intermediate layers between the substrate 14 and the series of loops 18. The series of loops 18 may be functional, rather than merely decorative. For example, in some embodiments, such as with respect to Figure 14-16 As discussed, a series of loops 18 can be configured to be used as loop portions in a hook-and-loop fastener that is integral with substrate 14. A series of loops 18 referred to herein include loops 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18G, 18H, and 18J. In other words, substrate 14, 114, 314, or 414 is used as a base for loops 18, and article 10, 110, 110A, 310, or 410 is characterized by an additional fastener substrate from which there is no loop 18 extending. In other words, in an article manufactured according to method 200 described herein, the substrate of the article itself supports the loop. In an example where the article is a footwear upper, the substrate can be the body of the upper (e.g., a side panel material of the upper that forms part of the foot receiving cavity and surrounds the foot), rather than a component added to the article that is only used as a base for the loop. Traditionally, hook and loop fasteners include a dedicated substrate from which loops extend and which are secured to the substrate of the article (e.g., the dedicated substrate is an additional layer that adds bulk and weight to the article). Thus, article 10 is lighter and more flexible than if the fastener substrate was secured to substrate 14 and loops 18 extended from the fastener substrate. Alternatively or additionally, the series of loops may be configured as a ball control feature integral to the footwear upper, such as with respect to Fig.13 discussed.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, there are multiple groups of different rings within a series of rings 18, also called clusters of rings. Figure 1 In the diagram, only some groups or clusters are indicated by reference numerals, such as a group of rings 18A, a group of rings 18B, a group of rings 18C, and a group of rings 18D. Each group of rings 18A, 18B, 18C, and 18D is made up of a different line 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D or a segment of the same line. If from different lines, each of the lines 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D can be a different color. A series of rings 18A is shown in FIG. 1 . Figure 1The first pattern is shown arranged and extends through the substrate 14 and outwardly from a first side 20 of the substrate 14. The first side 20 is also referred to herein as the bobbin side because the first side 20 faces the bobbin 26 of the embroidery machine 12 rather than the needle driver 116 during processing.

[0095] Using an embroidery machine (such as Figure 3 The multi-needle embroidery machine 12 provides a series of loops 18 to achieve a variety of patterns, loop densities, thread color combinations, etc. For example, the loops 18A of the first cluster may have a first density (such as 10 loops per inch), and the loops 18B of the second cluster may have a second density different from the first density (such as 20 loops per inch). In addition, the thread 16A used to construct the first group of loops 18A may have a first color (such as red), and the thread 16B used to construct the second group of loops 18B may have a second color different from the first color (such as blue). A group of loops 18C may be referred to as a third group of loops, and the thread 16C used to construct the third group of loops 18C may have a third color (such as green) that is different from both the first color and the second color. In addition, a group of loops 18D may also be referred to as a third group of loops, and may be disposed between the first group 18A and the second group 18B. The group of loops 18D may be constructed using two different threads so that the loops 18D have a color gradient that changes from the first color to the second color. For example, as Figure 1A As shown, the ring 18D1 at the left end of the series 18D and near the first group 18A can be composed of red lines 16A, the ring 18D2 at the right end of the series 18D near the second group 18B can be blue, and the ring 18D3 between the rings 18D1 and 18D2 can be a mixture of red and blue, with more red rings near the ring 18D1 and more blue rings near the ring 18D2. In other examples, one or more color gradients can be established by using different colored lines 16 in portions of the entire pattern P1 or across the entire pattern P1.

[0096] like Figure 2 As shown, one or more threads 16 (e.g., threads 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D) are bonded to a second side 22 of the substrate 14, which is opposite the first side 20 of the substrate 14. The second side 22 is also referred to as the needle side of the substrate 14 because the second side 22 is disposed to face or at least be closer to the needle driver 116 during the embroidery process than to the thread spool 26 of the embroidery machine 12. The threads 16 are bonded to the second side 22 by any of a number of different means described herein. Figure 1-Figure 2In the depicted embodiment, the thread 16 is a fusible thread, such as a fusible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) thread, and is melted only at the second side 22 to be bonded to the second side 22. In some embodiments, the thread 16 can be nylon. In some examples, the thread 16 can have a thickness from about 0.05 mm to about 0.1 mm. For example, a thread 16 having a thickness of about 0.08 mm can be used, such as when the thread 16 forms a loop 18 used as a loop portion in a hook and loop fastener.

[0097] Figure 3 A representative embroidery machine 12 is shown having a controller 108 having a stored program 109 to control the operation of one or more needle drivers 116, each of which supports a needle 117. The controller 108 may receive input instructions via electronic or wireless signals generated by an operator-accessible input device, such as a button 112 and / or a display screen 115, to control the operation of the one or more needle drivers 116. Multiple needle drivers 116 may be controlled simultaneously to more quickly impart a series of loops 18 extending through a substrate 14. Alternatively, each loop in a series of loops 18 may be imparted by a single needle driver in a single needle driver 116.

[0098] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of embroidery, a hoop or hooping system may be coupled to substrate 14 and rest on a laterally movable frame 124 of embroidery machine 12 to laterally move substrate 14 relative to driven and repeatedly longitudinally (e.g., up and down) oscillating needles 117. Embroidery machine 12 is operable to embroider via needle drive 116 using one or more threads 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, etc., which are stored on reels 123 and each delivered to a different one of needles 117.

[0099] Figure 4 is used Figure 3 Flowchart of an example method 200 for manufacturing articles 10, 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, 310, and 410 using an embroidery machine 12. The method 200 may include step 202 of loading a removable bobbin 24 onto a bobbin 26 of the embroidery machine 12, such as Figure 5 As shown. Figure 31, the bobbin 26 and the bobbin thread 24 are contained in a housing 29 below the needle driver 116. During the embroidery process, the bobbin thread 24 will be primarily disposed outside the first side 20 of the substrate 14 (e.g., outside and inside the spacer layer 28 disposed at the first side 20) and will engage with the thread 16 used to form the loop 18. After embroidering the article 10, the bobbin thread 24 can be removed from the article 10 without affecting the loop 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the bobbin thread 24 is a soluble bobbin thread 24, and more specifically, a water-soluble bobbin thread, and can be removed by dissolving in water.

[0100] The method 200 may further include step 204 of disposing the inner side 27 of the one or more spacer layers 28 at the bobbin side 20 (eg, the first side 20) of the substrate 14. Figure 5-Figure 11 1, only a single spacer layer 28 is used when manufacturing an article 10 having loops 18. The loops 18 have a height H. The spacer layer 28 is used to ensure a consistent desired height H of the loops 18 by guiding the loops 18 into a cylindrical hole 30 formed by the needle 117 driven through the substrate 14 and the spacer layer 28. The height H of the loops 18 is measured from the first side 20 of the substrate 14 to the top of each loop 18. In an example, the height H can be from about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 6 mm. For example, when the loops 18 are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener, the height H can be from about 2 mm to about 5 mm. When the loops 18 are configured as ball control features on a footwear upper (such as a Fig.13 The height H may be approximately 1.25 mm when the loops 18E are arranged in a circle. Although there may be some variations due to dimensional tolerances of the embroidery machine 12, substrate 14, and / or spacer layer 28, the loops 18 may be configured so that each loop has the same height H. Alternatively, the embroidery machine 12 may be programmed to configure different loops in the loops 18 to have different heights so as to give the loops 18 a desired 3D effect. The holes 30 allow the height H of the loops 18 to be greater than the spacing S between adjacent loops in the loops 18 without the risk of adjacent loops 18 being entangled during the embroidery process. In embodiments where the bottom thread is soluble and removed with a solvent, the spacer layer 28 also protects the substrate 14 from the effects of the solvent applied to the soluble bottom thread 24. In some embodiments, one spacer layer 28 is used.

[0101] In other embodiments, multiple spacer layers are used in step 204. For example, Figure 17-Figure 18An option is shown for providing an article 10 with loops 18J having different heights H1 (which are greater than height H) using two spacer layers 28A, 28B. The spacer layers 28A, 28B are stacked together, and the needle 117 is driven through the entire stacked layers 28A, 28B. The needle 117 creates a hole 30 through each adjacent stacked spacer layer 28A, 28B. The spacer layer 28B is shown as having a smaller height than the spacer layer 28A, but in other embodiments of the method 200 using multiple stacked spacer layers, each spacer layer can have the same height. In other embodiments, more than two spacer layers can be stacked. In some embodiments, the spacer layers 28, 28A, 28B, etc. can be compressed during the manufacture of any of the articles described herein. In a non-limiting example, one or more spacer layers 28 can have a total combined height from about 1 mm to about 12 mm, and any of the rings 18 or 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E, 18F, 18G, 18H, or 18J provided using one or more spacer layers (e.g., a single spacer layer 28 or stacked spacer layers such as spacer layers 28A, 28B) can have any height within this range, but is not limited to this.

[0102] When Figure 5 and Figure 6 When the fusible needle thread 16 is used as shown, the method 200 proceeds from step 204 to step 208, and the needle thread 16 is driven through the substrate 14 via the needle 117 of the embroidery machine 12 according to the programmed first pattern P1, which provides a series of loops 18 of the needle thread 16 extending outward from the bobbin side 20 of the substrate 14, such as Figure 5 Depicted in. Figure 5 , the needle 117 has completed providing a series of loops 18 in the portion of the substrate 14 shown, wherein the embroidery machine 12 moves the article 10 laterally relative to the needle 117 in the direction of arrow A1 between drive cycles of the reciprocating needle 117. The needle 117 depicted in phantom shows how the needle will be driven through the substrate 14 and one or more spacer layers 28 to provide the next loop 18. The bobbin 26 rotates so that the soluble bobbin thread 24 engages the needle thread 16 at each loop 18 outside the bobbin side 20 of the substrate 14 (e.g., inside the spacer layer 28 and outside the bobbin side 20), so that the series of loops 18 extend from the needle side 22 (e.g., the inner side) of the substrate 14 through the substrate 14 to the bobbin side 20 (e.g., the outer side) of the substrate 14 and into the one or more spacer layers 28.

[0103] In some embodiments, instead of the fusible needle thread 16, a bonding layer 32 (such as a fusible adhesive bonding layer) is provided at the needle side 22 of the substrate 14, such as Figure 810B, so as to be subsequently melted to bond the needle thread 16 to the needle side 22. The article 10B is otherwise the same as the article 10. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the method 200 may include step 206 (before step 208) to provide a bonding layer 32 at the needle side 22 of the substrate 14.

[0104] After step 208, the remainder of method 200 may occur after article 10 or article 10A, 10B, 110, 110A, 310, or 410 is removed from embroidery machine 12. Method 200 proceeds to step 210 by bonding needle thread 16 to needle side 22 of substrate 14 opposite to bobbin side 20 of substrate 14. Figure 6 In order to anchor the needle thread 16 at the needle side 22 of the substrate 14 opposite the series of loops 18, a fusible thread can be used for the needle thread 16. In such an embodiment, in step 210, the needle thread 16 is bonded to the needle side 22 of the substrate 14. Figure 4 210A, and is accomplished by applying heat to the fusible pin wire 16 at the pin side 22 of the substrate 14, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 4, wherein heating is performed by a radiant heating element 38 or a convection heating nozzle (not shown) that applies thermal energy 40 at the needle side 22.

[0105] In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown in the article 10A, a layer of adhesive 44 can be used to anchor the series of loops 18 to the needle side 22 of the substrate 14, rather than using a fusible thread for the thread 16, and also without using a bonding layer 32. Therefore, in step 210, the needle thread 16 is bonded to the needle side 22 of the substrate 14. Figure 4 The process is indicated at 210B and includes applying adhesive 44 to the pin side 22 of substrate 14. Adhesive 44 coats pin threads 16 at pin side 22 and holds pin threads 16 in place at pin side 22 when adhesive 44 cures.

[0106] In the discussion regarding step 206 Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, in step 210, the needle thread 16 is bonded to the needle side 22 of the substrate 14. Figure 4 210C, and includes applying heat to the meltable bonding layer 32 to melt the meltable bonding layer 32, coating the needle thread 16 at the needle side 22, and holding the needle thread 16 in place at the needle side 22 when the melted bonding layer 32 solidifies. In some configurations, the meltable bonding layer 32 may include thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0107] After step 210, method 200 proceeds to step 212 by removing the bottom thread 24. In each of the illustrated embodiments of article 10, 10A, 10B, bottom thread 24 is a water-soluble thread and the solvent is water. Fig.10Depicted is the removal of the thread 24 by placing the thread 24 in a container 50 of water 52 to dissolve the thread 24, in relation to the article 10. Fig.10 The dissolution of the bottom line 24 is indicated by a dotted line.

[0108] After removing the bottom thread 24 in step 212, the method 200 proceeds to step 214, in which one or more spacer layers 28 are moved away from the substrate 14, such as by Fig.11 The one or more spacer layers 28 may be pulled off the spool side 20 as shown by arrow A2 to slide the one or more spacer layers 28 away from the series of rings 18. In some embodiments, the article 10 may be positioned relative to the substrate 14 before the one or more spacer layers 28 are moved away from the substrate 14. Fig.11 Alternatively, the one or more spacer layers 28 may be soluble and may be removed by applying a solvent to the one or more spacer layers 28 to dissolve the one or more spacer layers 28 .

[0109] Once the one or more spacer layers 28 are moved in step 214, a series of loops 18 will be evident, extending outwardly from the bobbin side 20 of the substrate 14. Because the needle thread 16 has been bonded to the needle side 22 in step 210, the series of loops 18 are securely fixed in place relative to the substrate 14 and relative to each other.

[0110] As about Fig.17 and Fig.18 As discussed, method 200 allows for the fabrication of rings of varying heights by stacking different numbers of spacer layers of total height at the bobbin side of substrate 14. For example, Fig.12 The substrate 14 shown may be referred to as a first substrate. Fig.11 The spacer layer 28 may be referred to as a first spacer layer, and Fig.12 The series of rings 18 may be referred to as a first series of rings. The method 200 may also include forming a second substrate ( Fig.17 The substrate 14 can be Fig.12One or more second spacer layers (e.g., spacer layers 28A, 28B) are disposed at the spool side of the second substrate (the same as the first substrate 14) so ​​that the inner side of the one or more second spacer layers (e.g., the inner side of the spacer layer 28A) is located at the spool side of the second substrate, and the second spacer layers are a second number of spacer layers (e.g., two spacer layers) and have a second total height TH2. The second number of spacer layers 28A, 28B is different from the first number of spacer layers (single spacer layer 28), and the second total height TH2 is different from the first total height TH1. In other embodiments, the second number of spacer layers may be the same as the first number of spacer layers (e.g., single spacer layer), but have different heights. The needle thread 16 is driven through both the second substrate 14 and the second spacer layers 28A, 28B using the needle 117 of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern or, respectively, according to a different programmed pattern, which provides a second series of loops 18J of the needle thread 16 extending outward from the bobbin side of the second substrate 14 through one or more second spacer layers 28A, 28B and engaging with the bottom thread 24 disposed at the outer side of the one or more second spacer layers 28A, 28B. Then, the needle thread 16 is bonded to the needle side 22 of the second substrate 14, the bottom thread 24 is removed, and the second spacer layers 28A, 28B are moved away from the substrate 14 to slide the one or more spacer layers 28A, 28B off the second series of loops 18J. The second series of loops 18J has a height H1 different from Fig.12 The height H of the first series of rings 18 is 1. The greater overall height TH2 of the stacked spacer layers 28A, 28B enables a taller second series of rings 18J.

[0111] Due to the versatility of the embroidery machine 12 and the ability to store different movement patterns of the needle driver 116 as stored programs 109 in the controller 108, patterns of loops 18 having different heights, colors and / or densities, etc. (in addition to Figure 1 An article having a pattern other than the first pattern P1 shown on the article 10 in the embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured according to the method 200. Thus, the method 200 can include step 216 of driving the second needle thread 16 through the second substrate 114 with the needle 117 of the embroidery machine 12 to provide a second series of loops 18E in a second pattern P2 to provide a second article 110, the second pattern P2 being different from the first pattern P1 in at least one of color, density of loops, and / or height of loops. Fig.13 As shown, second substrate 114 may be upper 114 of article of footwear 110. Upper 114 is secured to sole structure 118. Step 216 includes repeating steps 202, 204, 206 (where bonding layer 32 is used), 210, 212, and 214 with respect to second substrate 114.

[0112] exist Fig.131, line 16E forms a series of loops 18E extending outwardly from the outside (e.g., spool side 20 is the outside) of footwear upper 114 at medial side 60 in midfoot region 62 and forefoot region 64, and loops 18E are configured as ball control elements. The material of loops 18E adds a textured feel to the outside, thereby providing better grip on the ball when the ball contacts footwear 110 at loops 18E.

[0113] Fig.14 Another embodiment of an article of footwear 110A manufactured according to method 200 is shown, and the article of footwear 110A is similar in all respects to the article of footwear 110, except that the embroidery machine 12 is controlled to drive the thread 16F to provide a series of loops 18F in a third pattern P3. The thread 16F and the series of loops 18F are configured to function as fastener loops in a hook-and-loop fastener. The article of footwear 110A includes a strap 120 from which a series of hooks 122 extend. The hooks 122 are configured to releasably engage with the loops 18F. The loops 18F and the hooks 122 function together as a hook-and-loop fastener. For purposes of illustration, strap 120 is shown extending upward to show hook 122, and can be pulled in the direction of arrow A3 and placed across upper 114 to extend to medial side 60, wherein hook 122 is pressed onto loop 18F, engaging loop 18F to secure strap 120 against upper 114, thereby tightening upper 114 against a foot (not shown) wearing footwear 110A. In yet another embodiment, strap 120 can be processed as described with respect to substrate 14 under method 200, such that loop 18F extends from strap 120 without an intermediate base layer.

[0114] Fig.15 Another article 310 is shown, which is an article of clothing. More specifically, the article of clothing 310 is a shirt, and may be referred to as shirt 310. Shirt 310 has a pocket 311, which includes a substrate 314, from which line 16G is constructed as a series of loops 18G to extend outwardly at the outside of substrate 314 according to method 200. In other words, the material of the substrate of pocket 311 serves as the base for loops 18G without an intermediate base layer. Substrate 314 is processed under method 200 as described with reference to substrate 14. Shirt 310 also includes a flap 330 fixed to a body 332 of shirt 310. The flap 330 has a free end 331 that is movable relative to the body 332. A series of hooks 122 extend from flap 330. Hook 122 is configured to releasably engage loop 18G when flap 330 is pivoted in the direction of arrow A4 and hook 122 is pressed against loop 18G. In yet another embodiment, flap 330 can be processed as described with reference to substrate 14 under method 200, so that loop 18G extends from flap 330 without an intermediate base layer, and substrate 314 includes a series of hooks 122.

[0115] Fig.16 Another article 410 is shown, which is a handbag, such as a backpack, a wallet, or a lunch bag. The handbag 410 includes a substrate 414 from which the line 16H is configured as a series of loops 18H according to the method 200 to extend outwardly at the outside of the substrate 414. The substrate 414 at least partially forms a cavity 415 in which an object can be placed and carried in the handbag 410. The substrate 414 is processed as described with reference to the substrate 14 under the method 200. The handbag 410 includes a flap 430 fixed to the substrate 414 of the handbag 410. The flap 430 can be moved from an open position to a closed position relative to the substrate 414 to fix the flap 430 to the substrate 414 across the cavity 415. The flap 430 includes a strap portion 433. A series of hooks 122 extend from the strap portion 433. Hook 122 is configured to releasably engage loop 18H when flap 430 is pivoted in the direction of arrow A5 and hook 122 is pressed against loop 18H. In yet another embodiment, strap portion 433 can be processed under method 200 as described with reference to substrate 14, such that loop 18H extends from strap portion 433 without an intermediate base layer, and substrate 414 includes a series of hooks 122.

[0116] Thus, the articles and methods provided herein utilize an embroidery machine to provide functional and / or decorative loops having various colors / patterns / densities, etc. in an efficient manner, and since the substrate of the article itself is capable of supporting and retaining the loops, no additional layers are added to the article.

[0117] The following clauses provide example configurations of the articles disclosed herein and methods of making the articles.

[0118] Item 1. A method of manufacturing an article, the method comprising: loading a soluble bobbin thread into an embroidery machine; driving a needle thread through a substrate using a needle of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern, the programmed first pattern providing a series of loops of the needle thread extending outward from a bobbin side of the substrate, wherein the soluble bobbin thread engages the series of loops outside the bobbin side of the substrate; bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the substrate opposite to the bobbin side of the substrate; and applying a solvent to the soluble bobbin thread to dissolve the soluble bobbin thread.

[0119] Item 2. The manufacturing method according to Item 1 further includes: before driving the needle thread through the substrate, setting one or more spacer layers at the spool side of the substrate so that the inner side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the spool side of the substrate; driving the needle thread through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers so that a series of loops extend from the inner side of the substrate through the substrate to the outer side of the substrate and extend into the one or more spacer layers and the soluble bottom line is outside the outer side of the one or more spacer layers; and after applying a solvent to the soluble bottom line, moving the one or more spacer layers away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers away from the series of loops.

[0120] Clause 3. The manufacturing method of any of Clauses 1-2, wherein the pin thread is a fusible thread, and wherein bonding the pin thread to the pin side of the substrate comprises applying heat to the pin thread at the pin side of the substrate.

[0121] Item 4. The manufacturing method according to any one of Items 1-2 further includes: before driving the needle wire through the substrate, setting a meltable bonding layer against the needle side of the substrate; wherein driving the needle wire through the substrate also includes driving the needle wire through the meltable bonding layer; and wherein bonding the needle wire to the needle side of the substrate includes applying heat to the meltable bonding layer.

[0122] Clause 5. The method of manufacturing according to Clause 4, wherein the meltable bonding layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0123] Clause 6. The method of manufacturing according to any of Clauses 1-2, further comprising: applying an adhesive to the pin side of the substrate.

[0124] Clause 7. The method of manufacturing according to any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0125] Clause 8. The method of manufacturing of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein a series of loops extend outwardly from an upper of the footwear, and wherein at least some of the loops are configured as ball control elements.

[0126] Clause 9. The method of manufacture according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the soluble bottom line is water soluble and the solvent is water.

[0127] Clause 10. The method of manufacturing according to any of Clauses 1-9, wherein a first cluster in the ring has a first density and a second cluster in the ring has a second density different from the first density.

[0128] Clause 11. The method of manufacturing according to any of clauses 1-10, wherein a first group of the rings has a first color and a second group of the rings has a second color different from the first color.

[0129] Clause 12. The manufacturing method of clause 11, wherein a third group in the ring is disposed between the first group and the second group and has a color gradient changing from the first color to the second color.

[0130] Clause 13. A manufacturing method according to any one of clauses 1-12, wherein the article is a first article, the substrate is a first substrate, the needle thread is a first needle thread, and the method further comprises: driving a second needle thread through a second substrate in a second pattern with a needle of an embroidery machine, the second pattern being different from the first pattern in at least one of color, density of loops, or height of loops.

[0131] Item 14. A method for manufacturing an article, the method comprising: disposing one or more spacer layers at the inner side of a substrate so that the inner side of the one or more spacer layers is located at the bobbin side of the substrate; driving a needle thread through both the substrate and the one or more spacer layers using a needle of an embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern, the programmed first pattern providing a series of loops of the needle thread extending outward from the bobbin side of the substrate through the one or more spacer layers and engaging with a bottom thread disposed on the outer side of the one or more spacer layers; bonding the needle thread to the needle side of the substrate opposite to the bobbin side of the substrate; removing the bottom thread; and moving the one or more spacer layers away from the substrate to slide the one or more spacer layers off the series of loops.

[0132] Item 15. The manufacturing method according to Item 14, wherein the bobbin thread is a soluble bobbin thread, and wherein the bobbin thread is removed by applying a solvent to the soluble bobbin thread to dissolve the soluble bobbin thread.

[0133] Item 16. The manufacturing method according to Item 15, wherein the soluble bottom line is water-soluble and the solvent is water.

[0134] Clause 17. The manufacturing method of Clause 14, wherein the pin thread is a fusible thread, and wherein bonding the pin thread to the pin side of the substrate comprises applying heat to the pin thread.

[0135] Item 18. The manufacturing method according to Item 14 further includes: before driving the needle wire through the substrate, setting a meltable bonding layer against the needle side of the substrate; wherein driving the needle wire through the substrate also includes driving the needle wire through the meltable bonding layer; and wherein bonding the needle wire to the needle side of the substrate includes applying heat to the meltable bonding layer.

[0136] Clause 19. The method of manufacturing according to Clause 18, wherein the meltable bonding layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0137] Clause 20. The method of manufacturing according to any one of Clauses 14-16, further comprising: applying an adhesive to the pin side of the substrate.

[0138] Clause 21. The method of manufacturing according to any of Clauses 14-20, wherein the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0139] Clause 22. The method of manufacturing of Clause 21, wherein a series of loops extend outwardly from the footwear upper, and at least some of the loops are configured as ball control elements.

[0140] Clause 23. The method of manufacturing according to any of Clauses 14-22, wherein a first cluster in the ring has a first density and a second cluster in the ring has a second density different from the first density.

[0141] Clause 24. The method of manufacturing according to any of clauses 14-23, wherein a first group of the rings has a first color and a second group of the rings has a second color different from the first color.

[0142] Clause 25. The manufacturing method of clause 24, wherein a third group in the ring is disposed between the first group and the second group and has a color gradient changing from the first color to the second color.

[0143] Clause 26. A manufacturing method according to any one of clauses 14-25, wherein the article is a first article, the substrate is a first substrate, the needle thread is a first needle thread, and the method further comprises: driving a second needle thread through a second substrate in a second pattern with a needle of an embroidery machine, the second pattern being different from the first pattern in at least one of color, density of loops, or height of loops.

[0144] Item 27. An article comprising: a substrate; and a thread constructed as a series of loops, the series of loops being constructed as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener and arranged in a first pattern and extending through the substrate and outward from a first side of the substrate; wherein the thread is bonded to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate; wherein the article is a footwear upper, a garment, or a handbag.

[0145] Clause 28. The article of Clause 27, wherein the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0146] Clause 29. The article of any of Clauses 27-28, wherein the thread is a fusible thread and is fused directly to the second side of the substrate.

[0147] Clause 30. The article of any of Clauses 27-28, further comprising: a meltable bonding layer disposed against the second side of the substrate; wherein the wire extends through the meltable bonding layer; and wherein the wire is bonded to the second side of the substrate by the meltable bonding layer.

[0148] Clause 31. The article of any of Clauses 27-30, wherein the article is a footwear upper and the series of loops extend on an exterior of the footwear upper.

[0149] Clause 32. The article of clause 31, wherein the series of rings are configured as a ball control feature.

[0150] Clause 33. The article of any of Clauses 27-30, wherein the article is a garment and the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0151] Clause 34. The article of any of Clauses 27-30, wherein the article is a handbag and the series of loops are configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener.

[0152] To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including claims). In addition, all references mentioned are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0153] "Articles of footwear," "articles of footwear," and "footwear" may be considered both as machines and manufactured articles. Assembled, ready-to-wear articles of footwear (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) as well as individual components of articles of footwear (such as midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready-to-wear articles of footwear are considered herein and may be alternatively referred to in the singular or plural as "articles of footwear."

[0154] "A", "an", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one of the items. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, there may be multiple such items. Unless otherwise explicitly or clearly indicated in view of the context, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) should be understood to be modified by the term "approximately" in all cases, regardless of whether "approximately" actually appears before the numerical value. "Approximately" indicates that the numerical value described allows some slight imprecision (some approach to the accuracy of the value; approximately or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by "approximately" is not otherwise understood in this ordinary meaning in the art, then "approximately" as used herein at least indicates the changes that may be caused by the ordinary methods of measuring and using these parameters. In addition, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within the range and further divided ranges.

[0155] The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements or components. The order of steps, processes and operations may be changed when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be adopted. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the relevant listed items. The term "any" is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any" of the referenced items. The term "any" is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims of the appended claims, including "any" of the referenced claims.

[0156] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upwardly", "downwardly", "top", "bottom", etc. may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0157] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region of the shoe. The terms "forward" or "anterior" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, and the terms "rearward" or "posterior" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component can be identified by a longitudinal axis and a forward longitudinal direction and a rearward longitudinal direction along the axis. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis may also be referred to as a front-rearward direction or a front-rearward axis.

[0158] The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending along the width of a component. For example, the transverse direction of a shoe extends between the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or transverse axis may also be referred to as the lateral direction or lateral axis or the medial direction or medial axis.

[0159] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where the sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing to the top of a component, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction that is opposite to the upward direction, pointing to the bottom of a component and may generally point to the bottom of the sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0160] The "interior" of an article of footwear (such as a shoe) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the foot of the wearer when the shoe is worn. The "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or the article of footwear in the assembled article of footwear. The "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away from (or will be oriented away from) the interior of the shoe in the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side of the component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of the component and the space outside the assembled article of footwear. In addition, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the direction toward the interior of a component or an article of footwear (such as a shoe), and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to the direction toward the exterior of a component or an article of footwear (such as a shoe). In addition, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear article when the footwear article is worn by the user. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to a relative position further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear article when the footwear article is worn by the user. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood to provide generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0161] Although multiple embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary rather than restrictive, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that more embodiments and implementations within the scope of the embodiments are possible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with any other feature or element in any other embodiment or replace any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless otherwise limited. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0162] Although several modes for implementing many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings relate will recognize a variety of alternative aspects of implementing the present teachings within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as an illustration and example of the overall range of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by ordinary technicians, such as implied by the included content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the included content, or otherwise obvious based on the included content, and not limited to only those explicitly depicted and / or described embodiments.

Claims

1. An article comprising: substrate; as well as a wire configured as a series of loops configured as loop portions in a hook and loop fastener and arranged in a first pattern and extending through the substrate and outwardly from a first side of the substrate; wherein the wire is bonded to a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate; wherein the article is a footwear upper, a garment or a handbag; a meltable bonding layer disposed against the second side of the substrate; wherein the wire extends through the meltable bonding layer; and wherein the wire is bonded to the second side of the substrate via the meltable bonding layer.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the line is a fusible line and is fused directly to the second side of the substrate.

3. The article of claim 1, wherein the meltable bonding layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article is the footwear upper; wherein the base sheet is a side panel material of the footwear upper; and Wherein the series of loops extend outwardly from an exterior of the side panel material and are configured as ball control features.

5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the article is the footwear upper; wherein said base sheet is a strap of said footwear upper; and Wherein the series of loops are configured as a strap fastener.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is the garment; wherein the garment comprises a pocket; and Wherein the series of loops are configured as fasteners on the flap of the pocket.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is the handbag; wherein the substrate is a strap of the handbag; and Wherein the series of loops are configured as a strap fastener.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is the handbag; wherein the substrate is a cavity-defining sheet of the handbag; and Wherein the series of rings are configured as fasteners on the sheet.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the wire has a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.1 mm.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the series of rings includes a first cluster of rings having a first density and a second cluster of rings having a second density different from the first density.

11. The article of claim 1 , wherein the series of rings includes a first set of rings having a first color and a second set of rings having a second color different from the first color.

12. The article of claim 11, wherein the series of rings includes a third set of rings disposed between the first set of rings and the second set of rings; and Wherein the third set of rings has a color gradient changing from the first color to the second color.

13. The article of claim 12, wherein the threads are a first color thread at the first set of loops, a second color thread at the second set of loops, and a mixture of both the first color thread and the second color thread at the third set of loops.

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