Upper for an article of footwear having forefoot airflow features

Abstract

An upper for an article of footwear includes a three-dimensional engineered textile having an inner section, an outer section, and an intermediate section disposed between the inner section and the outer section. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and to the outer section on an opposite side. The intermediate section extends through at least a forefoot region of the upper. In the forefoot region, the intermediate section includes a plurality of curved portions arranged adjacent to one another such that each curved portion of the plurality of curved portions is spaced apart from an adjacent curved portion by one or more gaps. Air is configured to flow from an interior of the upper to an exterior of the upper through the one or more gaps between adjacent curved portions of the plurality of curved portions in the forefoot region of the upper.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to uppers for articles of footwear, and in particular to uppers for articles of footwear having airflow features for ventilation. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional articles of footwear can be used for a variety of different activities. Often, these activities can cause the temperature of a wearer’s foot to increase and can produce sweat. Depending on the materials used to construct the upper of the article of footwear, heat and / or sweat can be trapped within the interior of the upper of the article of footwear.

[0003] There is a need in the art for an article of footwear having an upper that provides improved ventilation for a wearer. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a three-dimensional engineered textile having an inner section, an outer section, and an intermediate section disposed between the inner section and the outer section. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and attached to the outer section on an opposite side. The intermediate section extends through at least a forefoot region of the upper. In the forefoot region, the intermediate section includes a plurality of curved portions arranged adjacent to one another such that each curved portion of the plurality of curved portions is spaced apart from an adjacent curved portion by one or more gaps. Air is configured to flow between an interior of the upper and an exterior of the upper through the one or more gaps between adjacent curved portions of the plurality of curved portions in the forefoot region of the upper.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an upper for an article of footwear. The upper includes a three-dimensional engineered textile having an inner section, an outer section, and an intermediate section disposed between the inner section and the outer section. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and attached to the outer section on an opposite side and extends through at least a forefoot region of the upper. In the forefoot region, the intermediate section includes at least a first curved portion and a second curved portion arranged adjacent to one another such that the first curved portion is spaced apart from the second curved portion by a gap. Air is configured to flow between an interior of the upper and an exterior of the upper through the gap between the first curved portion and the second curved portion in the forefoot region of the upper.

[0006] In another aspect, this disclosure provides an upper for footwear articles. The upper comprises a three-dimensional engineered textile having an inner segment, an outer segment, and an intermediate segment disposed between the inner and outer segments. The intermediate segment is attached to the inner segment on one side and to the outer segment on the opposite side, and extends through at least a forefoot region of the upper. In the forefoot region, the intermediate segment includes a plurality of curved portions arranged adjacent to each other, such that each of the plurality of curved portions is spaced apart from adjacent curved portions by one or more gaps. In the midfoot region of the upper, the inner segment is a foam layer.

[0007] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this specification and summary, within the scope of this disclosure, and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The present disclosure can be better understood by referring to the following figures and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are used to emphasize the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in the figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding components in different views.

[0009] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article including an upper with airflow characteristics;

[0010] Figure 2 This is an outward side view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article including an upper with airflow characteristics;

[0011] Figure 3 This is an inside side view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article including an upper with airflow characteristics;

[0012] Figure 4 This is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article including an upper with airflow characteristics;

[0013] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a footwear article including the forefoot region of an upper with airflow characteristics;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper with airflow characteristics for footwear articles;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in the forefoot region of an exemplary embodiment of the shoe upper with airflow characteristics shown;

[0016] Figure 8 is an enlarged plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a forefoot region of a footwear upper having an airflow feature, showing the curvature of the curved portion;

[0017] Figure 9 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a footwear upper having an airflow feature that provides ventilation in the forefoot region;

[0018] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the lateral side in the midfoot region of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear, showing a molded ridge in the upper; and

[0019] Figure 11 is Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in the midfoot region of the exemplary embodiment of a footwear upper having an airflow feature shown in FIG. 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Articles of footwear having a footwear upper with an airflow feature in the forefoot region are described herein. The technology of the present embodiments provides a footwear upper for an article of footwear that allows air to flow between the interior of the footwear upper and the exterior in the forefoot region of the footwear upper. With this arrangement, ventilation can be provided to the foot of a wearer of the article of footwear.

[0021] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. For the purposes of this disclosure, the following directional terms as used with respect to the article of footwear mean the article of footwear when disposed in an upright position with the sole facing the ground, i.e., the orientation when the article of footwear is worn by a wearer standing on a substantially horizontal surface. The terms “medial,” “lateral,” “anterior,” “posterior,” and the like are intended to refer to the anatomical directions corresponding to the person on which the article is constructed to be placed or worn. For example, “medial” refers to a relative position disposed toward the center of the body, while “lateral” refers to a relative position disposed away from the center of the body. With respect to footwear, the term “anterior” refers to a relative position closer to the toes of the wearer, and “posterior” refers to a relative position closer to the heel of the wearer. In the absence of a wearer, the same directional terms can be used as if the article of footwear were worn in its intended configuration.

[0022] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a length of the article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction can extend from a forefoot region to a heel region of the article. Further, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "lateral" refers to a direction extending a width of the article. In other words, the lateral direction can extend between a medial side and a lateral side of the article.

[0023] Terms such as "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like should be understood in the context of the particular article being discussed. For example, the article can be oriented about defined X, Y, and Z axes, where the X axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the Y axis corresponds to the lateral direction. In those examples, an X-Y plane would define horizontal, where upper is defined as the positive Z direction and lower is defined as the negative Z direction. Further, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to the X-Y plane and / or the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the article is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to individual components of the article, such as the upper and / or the sole assembly.

[0024] Figures 1 to 11 An example embodiment of an article of footwear 100 is shown. For the sake of clarity, the following detailed description discusses the example embodiment in the form of a running shoe, but it should be noted that the technology described herein can be applied to any form of article of footwear, including but not limited to: athletic shoes, training shoes, yoga shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, rugby shoes, other types of sports shoes, casual shoes, hiking boots, and other types of footwear. As Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the article of footwear 100 (also simply referred to as article 100) is intended for use with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion can equally apply to a mirror image of the article of footwear 100 intended for use with a right foot.

[0025] With reference to Figures 1 to 11 For purposes of reference, the article 100 can include a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 20, and a heel region 30. The forefoot region 10 can generally be associated with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalangeal bones. The midfoot region 20 can generally be associated with the arch of the foot. Similarly, the heel region 30 can generally be associated with the rear of the foot including the calcaneus bone. Further, the article 100 can include a medial side 40 and a lateral side 50. In particular, the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 can be opposite sides of the article 100. Further, both the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 can extend through the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30.

[0026] It should be appreciated that the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30 are intended to serve only illustrative purposes and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of the article 100, but rather to describe relative locations. Likewise, the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 are intended to generally indicate two sides of the article, rather than precisely dividing the article 100 into two halves. Moreover, the forefoot region 10, the midfoot region 20, and the heel region 30, as well as the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50, can also apply to individual components of the article, such as the sole assembly and / or the upper.

[0027] The article 100 can include an upper 110 and a sole assembly 120. In some embodiments, the sole assembly 120 can be configured to provide traction to the article 100. In addition to providing traction, the sole assembly 120 can attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of the sole assembly 120 can vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or unconventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of the sole assembly 120 can be configured according to the type or types of ground on which the sole assembly 120 can be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to, dirt, concrete, paved surfaces, natural grass, synthetic grass, and other surfaces.

[0028] The sole assembly 120 is secured to the upper 110 and extends between the foot and the ground when the article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, the sole assembly 120 can include different components. For example, the sole assembly 120 can include an outsole, a midsole, and / or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components can be optional. Moreover, in some cases, the sole assembly 120 itself can be optional.

[0029] The upper 110 can generally be configured to receive and enclose a foot. To this end, the upper 110 can include an opening 112 that provides access to an interior of the upper 110 and / or the article 100. Additionally, the upper 110 can include provisions for tightening or otherwise securing the upper 110 and the article 100 to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, for example, the upper 110 can be provided with one or more lace-receiving members 114, which can include a plurality of eyelets 116 configured to receive a lace. Although not shown in the present embodiment, some embodiments of the article 100 can include a lace, or other fastening members that can be used to adjust the size of the opening 112 and, therefore, the fit of the upper 110 around the wearer's foot.

[0030] Some embodiments of upper 110 can include a tongue 118. Tongue 118 can contribute to the comfort and fit of upper 110 and / or article 100. In an example embodiment, tongue 118 extends longitudinally through the throat area of upper 110 from opening 112 in a direction toward forefoot region 10 to an anterior end 119 of the throat area. Tongue 118 is configured to cover the instep of a foot of a wearer of article 100. However, in other embodiments, a tongue can be optional.

[0031] Figure 2 The exterior side 50 of article 100 is shown. In an example embodiment, upper 110 of article 100 extends from a toe end 200 at an anterior portion of article 100 to a heel end 202 at a posterior portion of article 100 longitudinally opposite toe end 200. In one embodiment, sole assembly 120 extends through each of forefoot region 10, midfoot region 20, and heel region 30 of article 100 from toe end 200 to heel end 202. As shown, sole assembly 120 includes a lower surface 204 that extends along the bottom of sole assembly 120. Figure 2 In an example embodiment, lower surface 204 of sole assembly 120 is configured to contact the ground when article 100 is worn. In one embodiment, sole assembly 120 can extend in a vertical direction from lower surface 204 to an upper edge 206 adjacent upper 110 of article 100. In some cases, upper edge 206 can define a bite line or border at which upper 110 and sole assembly 120 meet on each side of article 100 (e.g., on interior side 40 and exterior side 50).

[0032] Figure 3 The interior side 40 of article 100 is shown. In an example embodiment, upper 110 can have a similar arrangement on each of interior side 40 and exterior side 50. In other embodiments, upper 110 of article 100 can have an asymmetric arrangement such that the portion of upper 110 on interior side 40 is different than the portion of upper 110 on exterior side 50. Additionally, in this embodiment, sole assembly 120 has a substantially similar arrangement on each of interior side 40 and exterior side 50. For example, as shown, sole assembly 120 extends in a vertical direction from lower surface 204 to upper edge 206 adjacent upper 110 of article 100 on interior side 40 in a similar manner as on exterior side 50. However, in other embodiments, sole assembly 120 can extend to different heights in a vertical direction on interior side 40 and exterior side 50 of upper 110. Figure 3

[0033] Reference is now made to Figure 4 ​FIG. 1 shows a top view of an article 100 and upper 110. In some embodiments, portions of the upper 110 can be formed at least partially from a three-dimensional engineered textile. The three-dimensional engineered textile can be manufactured as a single textile component, with multiple segments integrally connected to one another as part of the manufacturing process, such as by weaving, knitting, or other forms of textile production technology. In example embodiments, the segments of the three-dimensional engineered textile are arranged in substantially three-dimensional relationship, such that each segment is disposed above or below an adjacent segment along a Z-axis that extends through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile, which is perpendicular to an X-Y plane defined by the length and width of the three-dimensional engineered textile.

[0034] In example embodiments, the three-dimensional engineered textile forming portions of the upper 110 can include an inner segment, an outer segment, and an intermediate segment disposed between the inner segment and the outer segment along a Z-axis that extends through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile. The intermediate segment is attached to the inner segment on one side and to the outer segment on the opposite side, such as by weaving, knitting, or other forms of textile production technology during manufacture of the three-dimensional engineered textile. In this embodiment, the intermediate segment extends through at least the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110. In other embodiments, the intermediate segment can extend through additional portions of the upper 110, including portions of the midfoot region 20 and / or the heel region 30 of the upper 110.

[0035] In some embodiments, the upper 110 of the article 100 can be provided with airflow features in at least the forefoot region 10 that are configured to allow air to flow between the interior of the upper 110 and the exterior of the article 100 in at least the forefoot region 10. With this arrangement, increased ventilation can be provided to the foot of a wearer of the article of footwear 100. In example embodiments, the intermediate segment of the three-dimensional engineered textile forming the upper 110 can be produced with the airflow features in the form of spaced-apart curved portions that are separated by gaps that allow air to move between the interior and exterior of the upper 110 in at least the forefoot region 10 of the article of footwear 100.

[0036] In one embodiment, the upper 110 can include a plurality of curved portions 400. As Figure 4As shown, the plurality of curved portions 400 are located at least in the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110. In accordance with the principles of the embodiments described herein, the plurality of curved portions 400 are made as part of the intermediate section of the three-dimensional engineered textile, thereby forming at least a portion of the upper 110 of the article 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the plurality of curved portions 400 are arranged adjacent to one another such that each curved portion of the plurality of curved portions 400 is spaced apart from an adjacent curved portion by one or more gaps 402. The gaps 402 are portions of the three-dimensional engineered textile forming the upper 110 in which there is no intermediate section. That is, at the location of the gaps 402, the three-dimensional engineered textile forming the upper 110 includes a portion of the inner section and a portion of the outer section directly facing one another without an intermediate section therebetween. With this arrangement, the plurality of curved portions 400 separated by the gaps 402 in the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 allow air to move or flow between the interior and exterior of the upper 110 of the article 100 through the one or more gaps 402 between adjacent curved portions of the plurality of curved portions 400, thereby providing ventilation for the wearer’s foot.

[0037] Reference is now made to Figure 5 , which shows a magnified view of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 including the plurality of curved portions 400. In this embodiment, the plurality of curved portions 400 includes a first curved portion 500. As shown, Figure 5 the first curved portion 500 extends from the outer periphery of the medial side 40 of the forefoot region 10 to the outer periphery of the lateral side 50 of the forefoot region 10 across the top of the forefoot region 10 adjacent the anterior end 119 of the throat region, and connects back to itself at the outer periphery of the medial side 40, across the tip portion adjacent the tip end 200. In this embodiment, the first curved portion 500 is surrounded by a first gap 508 that follows the curve of the first curved portion 500 around the forefoot region 10 and separates the first curved portion 500 from the remainder of the upper 110 in the forefoot region 10.

[0038] The plurality of curved portions 400 also includes a second curved portion 502 that is spaced apart from the first curved portion 500 by a second gap 510 that surrounds the second curved portion 502 and separates the first curved portion 500 and the second curved portion 502. In this embodiment, the second curved portion 502 is smaller than the first curved portion 500 such that the first curved portion 500 bounds the second curved portion 502. That is, the second curved portion 502 is contained within the area enclosed or bounded by the first curved portion 500.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of curved portions 400 can be in the form of a loop. In some cases, the loop can be a closed loop that extends in an uninterrupted continuous manner, with the loop connecting back on itself. In other cases, the loop can be a loop having one or more discontinuities, where the loop is interrupted at one or more breaks, but continues on a path that connects back on itself. In these embodiments, the plurality of curved portions 400 can form a plurality of loops arranged in a nested configuration, such that each loop of the plurality of loops is spaced apart from each adjacent loop by a gap of the one or more gaps 402. For example, in one embodiment, a first curved portion 500 can form a first loop, and a second curved portion 502 can form a second loop that is smaller than the first loop, such that the second loop is bounded inside the first loop (e.g., nested within the first loop).

[0040] In one embodiment, the second curved portion 502 can include a triangular looped portion that is disposed generally on the medial side of the forefoot region 10 on the top portion of the upper 110. The triangular looped portion of the second curved portion 502 includes a central opening 512. The central opening 512 is formed in a similar manner as the gaps 402 by forming a portion of the three-dimensional engineered textile where the intermediate segments are not present at locations corresponding to the central opening 512. With this arrangement, the central opening 512 allows air to move or flow between the interior and exterior of the upper 110 of the article 100, thereby providing ventilation for the wearer’s foot.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second curved portion 502 can also include a lateral loop 504 on the lateral side 50 of the forefoot region 10 and a medial loop 506 on the medial side 40 of the forefoot region 10. Each of the lateral loop 504 and the medial loop 506 includes an opening at the center of the loop. For example, as shown, the lateral loop 504 includes a first opening 514 and the medial loop 506 includes a second opening 516. Each of the first opening 514 and the second opening 516 is formed in a similar manner as the gaps 402 and / or the central opening 512, e.g., by omitting the intermediate segments of the three-dimensional engineered textile forming the upper 110 at locations corresponding to the first opening 514 and the second opening 516. Figure 5

[0042] In one embodiment, the medial loop 506 extends on one side from a first end of the triangular looped portion of the second curved portion 502, and the lateral loop 504 extends on an opposite side from a second end of the triangular looped portion of the second curved portion 502. The triangular looped portion, the lateral loop 504, and the medial loop 506 together define the second curved portion 502.

[0043] Figure 6 ​A schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper 110 with airflow characteristics for footwear article 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the upper 110, at least partially formed of three-dimensional engineered textiles, is shown laid flat before being assembled into a footwear article (e.g., article 100 described above). Figure 6 As shown, the upper 110 has an outer peripheral edge 600 extending around the outer periphery of the upper 110. The upper 110 also includes an inner peripheral edge 602 extending through a throat region of the upper 110, and includes an inner inward edge 603 and an outer inward edge 604. In some embodiments, a tongue (e.g., tongue 118) may be attached to a front end 119 of the inner peripheral edge 602 and extend upward toward the opening 112 adjacent to the inner inward edge 603 and the outer inward edge 604.

[0044] In this embodiment, the upper 110 also includes an inward collar edge 605 and an outward collar edge 606, which, as described above, define an opening 112 when the upper 110 is assembled into the article 100. Additionally, the upper 110 includes an inward heel edge 608 and an outward heel edge 610. The inward heel edge 608 and the outward heel edge 610 are configured to be joined together, for example by stitching and / or adhesive, thereby closing the opening 112 at the heel end 202 of the article 100. Figure 6 The diagram also shows a representation of an interlocking line 612 spaced apart from the outer periphery and outer peripheral edge 600 of the upper 110. As described above, the interlocking line 612 may indicate or define the boundary where the upper 110 and the sole assembly 120 meet on each side of the article 100. For example, as... Figures 1 to 5 As shown, when the upper 110 and the sole assembly 120 are joined to form the article 100, the interlocking line 612 may correspond to the position of the upper edge 206 of the sole assembly 120 on the inward side 40 and the outward side 50 of the upper 110.

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The exemplary embodiment of the airflow-featured upper 110 shown is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in the forefoot region 10. As described above, in some embodiments, at least the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 is formed of a three-dimensional engineered textile 700. The three-dimensional engineered textile 700 includes an inner section 702 and an outer section 706, wherein the inner section 702 has an inner side 704 facing the inside of the upper 110, and the outer section 706 has an outer side 708 facing the outside of the upper 110 (i.e., facing the direction opposite to the inner side 704 of the inner section 702).

[0046] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 also includes a middle section 710 disposed between the inner section 702 and the outer section 706. The middle section 710 is attached to the inner section 702 on one side (e.g., on the side opposite the interior side 704) and also attached to the outer section 706 on the opposite side (e.g., on the side opposite the exterior side 708). In example embodiments, the middle section 710 is attached to the inner section 702 and the outer section 706 as part of the manufacturing process that forms the three-dimensional engineered textile 700. That is, in contrast to conventional multi-layer arrangements for footwear uppers that attach layers to one another using adhesives or bonding, the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 is manufactured as a single textile component in which the multiple sections are integrally connected to one another as part of the manufacturing process, such as by weaving, knitting, or other forms of textile production technology.

[0047] According to the principles of example embodiments, the upper 110 is provided with airflow features at least in the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 to provide ventilation to the foot of a wearer of the article 100. In example embodiments, the airflow features can be provided by the empty spaces 712 in the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 that are located between the inner section 702 and the outer section 706. That is, the empty spaces 712 are areas of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 that are devoid of or absent the middle section 710. These empty spaces 712 allow air to move or flow between the interior and exterior of the upper 110 to provide ventilation to the foot of a wearer of the article 100 in at least the forefoot region 10.

[0048] In example embodiments, the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 can be manufactured to have the middle section 710 selectively interrupted by the empty spaces 712 in a predetermined arrangement to form the plurality of curved portions 400 separated by the gaps 402, as described above. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5, two sections of the first curved portion 500 are shown spaced apart from the remainder of the upper 110 by two empty spaces 712 corresponding to the first gap 508. Similarly, one section of the second curved portion 502 is shown spaced apart from the two sections of the first curved portion 500 by two empty spaces 712 corresponding to the second gap 510. As can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the second curved portion 502 is surrounded by and bounded on either side by the first curved portion 500 with the second gap 510 disposed therebetween that spaces the second curved portion 502 apart from the first curved portion 500. Figure 7 Figure 7

[0049] ​​In some embodiments, at least across the entire forefoot region 10 of the upper 110, the inner section 702 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 continuously extends on one side over the plurality of flex sections 400 and the gaps 402 formed in the middle section 710, and the outer section 706 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 continuously extends on the opposite side over the plurality of flex sections 400 and the gaps 402 formed in the middle section 710. With this arrangement, the middle section 710 and the empty spaces 712 forming the gaps 402 are disposed between the inner section 702 and the outer section 706 on either side. In one embodiment, the inner section 702 and / or the outer section 706 can be made of a mesh material having a meshed open appearance with a plurality of openings between the yarns forming the three-dimensional engineered textile 700. The mesh material forming the inner section 702 and / or the outer section 706, together with the gaps 402 selectively placed between the plurality of flex sections 400, can together provide improved ventilation to at least the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 of the article 100.

[0050] Figure 8 is a magnified plan view of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 having airflow features in the form of a plurality of flex sections 400 separated by gaps 402. As described above, in some embodiments, the flex sections of the plurality of flex sections 400 can have the form of a closed or broken loop extending around the periphery of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110. For example, in this embodiment, the first flex section 500 is a first loop that extends laterally across the top portion of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 and changes direction at a first location 800 on the medial side 40 proximate the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110. The first loop formed by the first flex section 500 also extends laterally across the top portion of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 in the opposite direction, where it changes direction at a second location 802 on the lateral side 50 proximate the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110. The first loop formed by the first flex section 500 extends downward from each of the first and second locations 800, 802 to connect with itself near the toe end 200 of the upper 110.

[0051] In the example embodiment, the first loop formed by the first flex section 500 includes a first bend 804 at the first location 800 and a second bend 806 at the second location 802. As Figure 8As shown, the first bend 804 of the first ring formed by the first bend portion 500 defines a curve with a first radius of curvature 816. Generally, the radius of curvature is equal to the radius of the arc that best approximates the curve at that particular point. A smaller radius of curvature indicates a more abrupt curve that bends by a greater amount or degree than a larger radius of curvature. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first radius of curvature 816 is the radius of the arc that approximates the curve of the first bend 804 at the first position 800. Similarly, the second bend 806 of the first ring formed by the first bend portion 500 defines a curve with a second radius of curvature 820 at the second position 802.

[0052] like Figure 8 As shown, the second curved portion 502 of the plurality of curved portions 400 is in the form of a second ring located inside the first ring formed by the first curved portion 500 (i.e., nested within the first ring). The second ring formed by the second curved portion 502 extends laterally across the top portion of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 and changes direction on the inward side 40 at a third position 808 adjacent to the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110, which is inward from the first position 800 of the first curved portion 500 in the direction toward the toe 200 of the upper 110. The second ring formed by the second curved portion 502 also extends laterally across the top portion of the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110 in the opposite direction, wherein it changes direction on the outward side 50 at a fourth position 812 adjacent to the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110, which is inward from the second position 802 of the first curved portion 500 in the direction toward the toe 200 of the upper 110. The second ring formed by the second curved portion 502 extends downward from each of the third position 808 and the fourth position 812 to connect with itself near the toe 200 of the upper 110, inside the position where the first curved portion 500 connects with itself.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the second ring formed by the second curved portion 502 includes a third bend 810 at a third position 808 and a fourth bend 814 at a fourth position 812. Figure 8 As shown, the third bend 810 of the second ring formed by the second bend portion 502 defines a curve with a third radius of curvature 818 at the third position 808. The fourth bend 814 of the second ring formed by the second bend portion 502 defines a curve with a fourth radius of curvature 822 at the fourth position 812.

[0054] In one embodiment, the curve of the second ring formed by the second curved portion 502 is a more abrupt curve (i.e., exhibiting a greater amount or degree of curvature) than the curve of the first ring formed by the first curved portion 500, which curves in a more gradual manner than the second ring. For example, asFigure 8 As shown, the third radius of curvature 818 of the third bend 810 at the third location 808 is less than the first radius of curvature 816 of the first bend 804 at the first location 800, such that the third bend 810 forms a more acute curve than the first bend 804. Similarly, on the other side of the forefoot region 10, the fourth radius of curvature 822 of the fourth bend 814 at the fourth location 812 is less than the second radius of curvature 820 of the second bend 806 at the second location 802, such that the fourth bend 814 forms a more acute curve than the second bend 806.

[0055] Reference is now made to Figure 9 , which shows a representative view of an article of footwear 100 including an upper 110 having airflow features that provide ventilation in the forefoot region 10. The airflow features provided by the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 having a plurality of curved sections 400 separated by gaps 402, in accordance with the example embodiments described herein, allow air 900 to move or flow from an interior to an exterior of the upper 110 of the article 100 through one or more of the gaps 402 between adjacent curved sections of the plurality of curved sections 400, thereby providing ventilation for a wearer's foot.

[0056] For example, as Figure 9 shown, air 900 flows from an interior to an exterior of the upper 110 through one or more of a first gap 508 and a second gap 510 in the forefoot region 10. In this embodiment, the first gap 508 surrounds the first curved section 500, and the second gap 510 is disposed between the first curved section 500 and a second curved section 502, where the first curved section 500 and the second curved section 502 are adjacent to or positioned proximate to each other and are spaced apart by the second gap 510. With this arrangement, air 900 can flow through the empty space 712 of the middle section 710 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 that corresponds to the gaps 402, including the first gap 508 and / or the second gap 510, to provide ventilation to the forefoot region 10 of the upper 110. Additionally, in some cases, the inner section 702 and / or the outer section 706 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 can be a mesh material at least in the forefoot region 10 to further assist in providing ventilation to the upper 110 of the article 100.

[0057] In some embodiments, other regions or portions of the upper 110 can have different arrangements or configurations than the forefoot region 10 described above. For example, in example embodiments, portions of the midfoot region 20 and / or the heel region 30 can include a three-dimensional engineered textile that is the same as or different from the arrangement or configuration of the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 in the forefoot region 10.

[0058] Reference is now made to Figure 10, showing an enlarged view of the lateral side 50 in the midfoot region 20 of the article of footwear 100, which illustrates a plurality of molded ridges 1000 disposed on the upper 110. It should be appreciated that while only the lateral side 50 is shown in Figure 10 , the medial side 40 of the upper 110 can have a substantially similar construction. In this embodiment, the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110 is at least partially formed from a three-dimensional engineered textile that is molded to produce a plurality of molded ridges 1000 on the lateral side 50. The plurality of molded ridges 1000 includes one or more individual molded ridges, such as a first molded ridge 1002, which are spaced apart or separated by recesses, such as a first recess 1004 positioned adjacent the first molded ridge 1002.

[0059] In the example embodiment, the plurality of molded ridges 1000 have a contoured arrangement on the lateral side 50 (and a similar arrangement on the medial side 40). As shown, Figure 10 the contoured arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 includes a plurality of individual molded ridges that follow a curved or other irregular path and are separated from one another by a series of recesses, such as the first recess 1004, which space each molded ridge from an adjacent molded ridge by a substantially similar distance. In this embodiment, the contoured arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 extends upward from the upper edge 206 of the sole assembly 120, changes direction at the location of an adjacent lace-receiving member (e.g., one of the lace-receiving members 114), and continues in a substantially longitudinal direction along the upper 110 toward the heel end 202 of the article 100, terminating at a location below the opening 112. With this arrangement, the lateral side 50 and / or the medial side 40 of the upper 110 can provide improved fit and feel for the foot of a wearer of the article 100.

[0060] Figure 10 The example embodiment shown is one example arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 in the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 can be different. Additionally, in other embodiments, the arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 on the medial side 40 and the lateral side 50 of the upper 110 can be different on each side.

[0061] Figure 11 is Figure 6 The example embodiment of the upper 110 with airflow features shown in Figure 11As shown, the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 includes a first segment 1102 and a second segment 1104, wherein the first segment 1102 has an outer side facing the outside of the upper 110, and the second segment 1104 faces the inside of the upper 110 (i.e., facing the opposite direction to the first segment 1102). In some embodiments, one or more portions of the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 may further include an inner segment 1106 disposed below each of the first segment 1102 and the second segment 1104 along a Z-axis extending through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100.

[0062] In one embodiment, the position of the inner segment 1106 corresponds to one or more molded ridges among a plurality of ridges 1000. For example, as Figure 11 As shown, the inner section 1106 is located below the first section 1102 and the second section 1104 at a position corresponding to the first molded ridge 1002. The inner section 1106 pushes the first section 1102 and the second section 1104 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 upward (e.g., in a direction away from the interior of the upper 110) to form the first molded ridge 1002. Conversely, the first recess 1004 located adjacent to the first molded ridge 1002 does not include the inner section 1106. That is, at the position of the first recess 1004, the inner section 1106 is not present or absent in the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100. By selectively providing the inner section 1106 at one or more positions corresponding to the molded ridges of the plurality of molded ridges 1000, and omitting the inner section 1106 therebetween (i.e., at the positions of recesses, such as the first recess 1004), a contour arrangement of the plurality of molded ridges 1000 can be provided in the midfoot region 20 of the upper 110.

[0063] In one embodiment, the inner segment 1106 of the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 may be a foam layer made of compressible foam material. In some cases, the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 having the inner segment 1106 in the form of a foam layer may be molded using heat and / or pressure (e.g., using a hot press) to form a plurality of molded ridges 1000 having the contour arrangement described herein.

[0064] In some cases, the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 may be manufactured together with the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 as described above. In these cases, the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 and the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 may be formed together with different arrangements in the forefoot region 10 and the midfoot region 20, as described in the exemplary embodiments. In other embodiments, the three-dimensional engineered textile 1100 and the three-dimensional engineered textile 700 may be manufactured as separate components and may be joined together using stitching or bonding techniques to form the upper 110.

[0065] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and many variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, unless expressly limited by the claims and their equivalents, the present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and embodiments. Moreover, variations and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: A three-dimensional engineered textile comprising an inner section, an outer section, and a middle section, the middle section being disposed along a Z-axis between the inner and outer sections, the Z-axis extending through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile; wherein the three-dimensional engineered textile is a single textile component, wherein the inner, outer, and middle sections are integrally connected to each other by knitting or weaving. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and to the outer section on the opposite side; The middle section extends through at least the forefoot area of ​​the upper; In the forefoot region, the middle section includes multiple curved portions arranged adjacent to each other, such that each curved portion is spaced apart from its adjacent curved portion by one or more gaps; and The upper is configured to allow air to flow between the interior and exterior of the upper through one or more gaps between adjacent curved portions of the plurality of curved portions in the forefoot region of the upper.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of curved portions form a plurality of rings arranged in a nested configuration, such that each of the plurality of rings is spaced apart from each of the adjacent rings by a gap in one or more gaps.

3. The upper according to claim 2, further comprising a triangular ring portion disposed approximately in the middle of the forefoot region on the top portion of the upper.

4. The upper according to claim 3 further includes an inward ring on the inward side of the forefoot region and an outward ring on the outward side of the forefoot region.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 4, wherein, Each of the inward and outward rings includes a central opening.

6. The shoe upper according to claim 4, wherein, The inward loop extends from the first end of the triangular ring portion on one side, and the outward loop extends from the second end of the triangular ring portion on the opposite side.

7. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: A three-dimensional engineered textile comprising an inner section, an outer section, and a middle section, the middle section being disposed along a Z-axis between the inner and outer sections, the Z-axis extending through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile; wherein the three-dimensional engineered textile is a single textile component, wherein the inner, outer, and middle sections are integrally connected to each other by knitting or weaving. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and to the outer section on the opposite side; The middle section extends through at least the forefoot area of ​​the upper; In the forefoot region, the middle section includes at least a first curved portion and a second curved portion arranged adjacent to each other, such that the first curved portion and the second curved portion are spaced apart by a certain gap; and The upper is configured to allow air to flow from the interior to the exterior of the upper through the gap between the first and second curved portions in the forefoot region of the upper.

8. The upper according to claim 7, wherein, The first curved portion includes a first ring, and the second curved portion includes a second ring, the first ring and the second ring being arranged in a nested configuration such that the first ring and the second ring are spaced apart by the gap.

9. The upper according to claim 8, wherein, The second ring is smaller than the first ring, and the second ring is defined within the first ring.

10. The upper according to claim 8, wherein, The first ring extends from the outer periphery of the inward side of the forefoot region through the outer periphery of the toe portion adjacent to the toe of the shoe upper to the outer periphery of the outward side of the forefoot region, across the top portion of the front end of the forefoot region adjacent to the throat region, and rejoins itself at the outer periphery of the inward side of the forefoot region.

11. The upper according to claim 8, wherein, The first ring changes direction on the inward side at a first position in the mid-shoe region adjacent to the upper; and The first ring changes direction on the outward side at a second position in the mid-shoe region adjacent to the upper.

12. The upper according to claim 11, wherein, The first ring forms a first bend at the first position and a second bend at the second position.

13. The upper according to claim 12, wherein, The second ring changes direction at a third position on the inward side, adjacent to the midfoot region of the shoe upper; and The third position extends inward from the first position in the direction toward the toe of the shoe upper.

14. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, The second ring changes direction on the outward side at a fourth position in the mid-shoe region adjacent to the upper, wherein the fourth position is inward from the second position in a direction toward the toe of the upper.

15. The upper according to claim 14, wherein, The second ring forms a third bend at the third position and a fourth bend at the fourth position.

16. The upper according to claim 15, wherein the first bend has a first radius of curvature, and the third bend has a third radius of curvature, wherein, The third radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature, causing the third bend to form a more abrupt curve than the first bend.

17. The upper according to claim 15, wherein the second bend has a second radius of curvature, and the fourth bend has a fourth radius of curvature, wherein, The fourth radius of curvature is smaller than the second radius of curvature, causing the fourth bend to form a more abrupt curve than the second bend.

18. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: A three-dimensional engineered textile comprising an inner section, an outer section, and a middle section, the middle section being disposed along a Z-axis between the inner and outer sections, the Z-axis extending through the thickness of the three-dimensional engineered textile; wherein the three-dimensional engineered textile is a single textile component, wherein the inner, outer, and middle sections are integrally connected to each other by knitting or weaving. The intermediate section is attached to the inner section on one side and to the outer section on the opposite side; The middle section extends through at least the forefoot area of ​​the upper; In the forefoot region, the middle section includes multiple curved portions arranged adjacent to each other, such that each curved portion is spaced apart from its adjacent curved portion by one or more gaps; and The inner section of the shoe upper, in the mid-shoe region, includes foam.

19. The upper of claim 18, further comprising a plurality of molded ridges formed in the three-dimensional engineered textile, the plurality of molded ridges having a contoured arrangement on each of the inward and outward sides.

20. The upper according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the plurality of molded ridges is separated from each adjacent molded ridge by a depression in which the foam is absent.

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