Footwear with degradable components

Abstract

Footwear is provided that includes a sole structure and an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper including an outer layer and a base layer, the outer layer including a biodegradable layer and a biologically active agent that enables the biodegradable layer to biodegrade.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to articles such as footwear that include degradable portions. In particular, the present disclosure relates to articles having biodegradable portions that respond and adapt to the user. [Background technology]

[0002] Many consumers desire articles or products that are unique or specific to their particular use. For example, many consumers desire footwear with a sole structure that accommodates each consumer's particular gait, an upper with a particular degree of breathability or level of airflow, and / or a unique aesthetic appearance. Additionally, many consumers desire footwear or apparel that is dynamic and adapts to the user. However, creating such articles or products that are unique to each individual user is costly and time-consuming, and is typically undesirable for both consumers and manufacturers.

[0003] For example, a consumer may desire footwear or clothing that has a particular degree of breathability, but determining the openings or locations to include openings on the footwear or clothing to provide optimal breathability through the article may depend on the individual using the article and the circumstances of use.

[0004] Manufacturers typically offer a variety of products aimed at providing consumers with a wide variety of options. Many manufacturers also allow consumers to customize their products before purchasing them in order to provide a unique product for each consumer. However, these products typically take longer to manufacture and are more expensive. With regard to footwear or clothing, adding bespoke or custom options can significantly increase a manufacturer's costs, and the large price difference between ready-made and custom products can be a disincentive to offer. Because much clothing or footwear is mass-produced, significant inefficiencies can arise when specific items need to be customized.

[0005] Additionally, many consumers desire articles or products that are dynamic, or that change appearance, providing an experience for the user while the article changes or evolves. In some examples, the dynamic nature of an article or product can change the user's mood or sensation (e.g., a lamp that changes color to create a mood), provide a surprise for the user (e.g., a scratch-off lottery ticket that reveals a lottery prize), or indicate the status of the article (e.g., a light that indicates a low battery). However, producing or manufacturing articles or products that incorporate these dynamic features and incorporating these dynamic features in a way that provides an enjoyable experience for the user can be difficult.

[0006] Thus, a need exists for systems and methods that enable customizable articles, including footwear and clothing, that are customized based on one or more factors controlled or controllable by the end user. Further, a need exists for systems and methods that enable articles, including footwear and clothing, that are dynamic and provide a user experience. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The footwear may have a variety of configurations, as described herein. The footwear may have an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper.

[0008] In one aspect, an article of footwear includes an upper including an outer layer and a base layer. The outer layer includes a biologically active agent and a biodegradable layer. Further, the biologically active agent is capable of biodegrading the biodegradable layer.

[0009] In a related aspect, the outer layer further includes a mid layer and a top layer, and the mid layer may include a patch pattern. In some embodiments, the footwear further includes an instep layer and a collar layer. The outer layer may extend upward from the sole structure along the forefoot region, the mid region, and the heel region to a boundary. The boundary may extend around the periphery of the upper through each of the forefoot region, the mid region, and the heel region. In certain embodiments, the biodegradable layer may include poly(ethylene terephthalate), and the biologically active agent may include Ideonella sakaiensis. Furthermore, the instep layer and the collar layer may extend upward from the boundary.

[0010] In another aspect, the footwear includes a sole structure and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper includes a biodegradable layer and a biologically active agent capable of biodegrading the biodegradable layer. The upper can further include a top layer having the biodegradable layer, a base layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the base layer. In some aspects, the intermediate layer is obscured by the top layer in a first state, the intermediate layer is at least partially visible in a second state, and the biodegradable layer is at least partially biodegraded in the second state. The biodegradable layer can be disposed along a portion of the top layer to allow degradation of a pattern in the top layer, or in other aspects, the biodegradable layer can be disposed along a portion of the top layer to allow degradation of a trademark in the top layer. In some embodiments, the footwear can include a first color in the first state, and after the biodegradable layer is consumed, the footwear can further include a second color different from the first color in the second state. In a further aspect, the base layer may comprise a non-biodegradable substrate and the footwear may further comprise a fastening member for fastening the footwear around the wearer's foot. In certain embodiments, the biodegradable layer may comprise polycaprolactone and the biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of: Bacillus brevis; Clostridium botulinum; C. acetobutylicum; Amycolatopsis sp.; Fusarium solani; Aspergillus flavus; Pseudozyma japonica Y7-09; R. depolymerans strain TB-87; Leptothrix sp. strain TB-71; P. antarctica JCM 10317; and Cryptococcus sp. strain S2.

[0011] In a further aspect, an article is provided that includes a sole structure and an upper attached to the sole structure and including a biologically active agent, the biologically active agent exhaling carbon dioxide.

[0012] Other aspects of the footwear, including features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the drawings and detailed description herein, and therefore, all such aspects of the footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a composite material including a composite substrate and a material layer. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the composite material of FIG. [Figure 3] Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view of the composite material of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3 according to a first embodiment, Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the composite material of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3 according to a second embodiment, and Figure 3C is a cross-sectional view of the composite material of Figure 2 taken along line 3-3 according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a plan view of a composite material in an initial state of biodegradation, Figure 4B is a plan view of a composite material in a first intermediate state of biodegradation, and Figure 4C is a plan view of a composite material in a second intermediate state of biodegradation. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a plan view of a composite material in an initial state of biodegradation, Figure 5B is a plan view of a composite material in a first intermediate state of biodegradation, and Figure 5C is a plan view of a composite material in a second intermediate state of biodegradation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of footwear incorporating the composite material of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a lateral side view of the footwear of FIG. [Figure 8] Figure 8A is a plan view of the footwear of Figure 6. Figure 8B is a plan view of the footwear of Figure 6 with the upper removed and a user's skeletal foot structure superimposed thereon. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the footwear of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the footwear of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of footwear incorporating the composite material of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of footwear incorporating the composite material of FIG. 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13A is a perspective view of the footwear of Figure 6. Figure 13B is a perspective view of the footwear of Figure 13A after undergoing a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 14] Figure 14A is a side view of a user wearing the footwear of Figure 6, with the footwear in an initial state of biodegradation, Figure 14B is a side view of a user wearing the footwear of Figure 6, with the footwear in a first intermediate state of biodegradation, and Figure 14C is a side view of a user wearing the footwear of Figure 6, with the footwear in a second intermediate state of biodegradation. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a side view of a user wearing footwear incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 15B is a side view of the user of Figure 15A after the footwear has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 16] Figure 16A is a side view of a user wearing footwear incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 16B is a side view of the user of Figure 16A after the footwear has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 17] Figure 17A is a side view of a user wearing footwear having the composite material of Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 17B is a side view of the user of Figure 17A after the footwear has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary heat map of a footwear upper. [Figure 19]19A and 19B are plan views of another exemplary heat map of a footwear upper. [Figure 20] Figure 20A is a perspective view of an example of footwear incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 20B is a perspective view of the footwear of Figure 20A after undergoing a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 21] Figure 21A is a perspective view of an example of footwear incorporating the composite material component of Figure 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 21B is a perspective view of the footwear of Figure 21A after undergoing a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a side view of a user wearing a pair of articles having the composite material of FIG. [Figure 23] Figure 23A is a front view of an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 23B is a front view of the article of Figure 23A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 24] Figure 24A is a front view of an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 24B is a front view of the article of Figure 24A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 25] Figure 25A is a front view of an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25B is a front view of the article of Figure 25A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 26] Figure 26A is a front view of another article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 26B is a front view of the article of Figure 26A after it has undergone biodegradation. [Figure 27] Figure 27A is a front view of an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 27B is a front view of the article of Figure 27A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 28]Figure 28A is a front view of an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 28B is a front view of the article of Figure 28A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 29] Figure 29A is a plan view of an insole for footwear, the insole including the composite material of Figure 1. Figure 29B is a plan view of the insole of Figure 29A after it has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a rear view of a user wearing one or more articles incorporating the composite material of FIG. [Figure 31] Figure 31A is a front elevational view of the user of Figure 30, where the user is wearing an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1. Figure 31B is a front elevational view of the article of Figure 31A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 32] Figure 32A is a front elevational view of the user of Figure 30, where the user is wearing an article incorporating the composite material of Figure 1. Figure 32B is a front elevational view of the article of Figure 32A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 33] Figure 33A is a front elevational view of the user of Figure 30, where the user is utilizing the article having the composite material of Figure 1. Figure 33B is a front elevational view of the article of Figure 33A after the article has undergone a first amount of biodegradation. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a process flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing footwear having the composite material of FIG. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a plan view of the upper of the footwear during one step of the process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of composite materials that may be used or incorporated into articles such as footwear or shoes. As discussed further herein, composite material concepts or aspects may be applied to or incorporated into footwear, clothing, accessories, athletic equipment, or any article that may use fabric or fiber materials.

[0015] For example, composite material concepts may be applied to or incorporated into footwear considered athletic or sports footwear, such as running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski or snowboard boots, soccer shoes or cleats, walking shoes, track cleats, or any athletic footwear utilizing an upper. Concepts associated with embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to a wide variety of other footwear and footwear styles, such as dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, or non-athletic footwear including heels.

[0016] In addition to footwear, certain concepts described herein may be applied to and combined with other types of apparel or other types of athletic equipment, such as clothing (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants, hats, socks, calf sleeves, headbands, wristbands, arm sleeves, gloves, etc.), helmets, padding or protective padding, shin guards, etc. Furthermore, certain concepts described herein may be incorporated into insoles, cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs (e.g., golf club grips), or other consumer or industrial products. Thus, the concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0017] As used herein, the term "about" refers to variation in a numerical quantity that occurs, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used in footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments disclosed herein, through inadvertent errors in these procedures, through differences in the purity of the products, ingredients, or materials used to make a composition or mixture or to carry out the method, etc. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of ±5% of the numerical value preceding the term.

[0018] As used herein, "weight percent," "wt-%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof refer to the concentration of a substance or component and refer to the weight of that substance or component divided by the total weight, e.g., the total weight of the composition or a particular component of the composition, multiplied by 100. As used herein, "percent," "%," and the like are understood to be synonymous with "weight percent" and "wt-%."

[0019] As used herein, the terms "degrade," "degradable," and "degradation" refer to a material, composition, component, or portion of an article, such as footwear, that is capable of being degraded chemically or biologically, for example, after activation by an applied stimulus or stimuli, or after exposure to an activator that promotes degradation at a more rapid rate than if the material, composition, component, or portion of the footwear were left to degrade without the stimulus or activator.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "biodegrading," "biodegradable," and "biodegradation" refer to a material, composition, component, or portion of an article, such as footwear, that is capable of being biologically decomposed. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "biodegrading," "biodegradable," and "biodegradation" refer to the breakdown of an organic material, composition, component, or portion of an article, such as footwear, by, for example, microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, microalgae, etc.). The terms "biodegrading," "biodegradable," and "biodegradation" may encompass all stages of biodegradation, including biodeterioration (i.e., surface-level degradation that alters the mechanical, physical, or chemical properties or characteristics of a material, composition, or component), biofragmentation (e.g., a process by which chemical bonds within a material or composition are cleaved or broken), and / or assimilation (i.e., a process by which the products of biofragmentation are incorporated into or consumed by microbial cells).

[0021] Additionally, as used herein, the terms "biodegrade," "biodegradable," and "biodegradation" refer to a material, composition, component, or portion of an article, such as footwear, that is capable of being biologically degraded, for example, after activation by an applied biological stimulus or stimuli and / or after exposure to a biologically active agent that promotes degradation more rapidly than if the material, composition, component, or portion of the footwear were left to degrade in the absence of the biologically active agent. As discussed further herein, many factors determine the rate of biodegradation, including, but not limited to, light, water, oxygen, and temperature changes.

[0022] Degradation or biodegradation can be identified based on changes in polymer or material properties, such as a decrease in molecular weight, a decrease in mechanical strength, a loss of surface properties, breakdown of the material into fragments, a change in the color or hue of the material, a change in the weight of the material, a change in the flexibility of the material, a change in the toughness of the material, or based on the release of one or more small molecules from the polymer, material, or article (e.g., footwear, clothing, etc.), including, but not limited to, CO2, CH4, HO. Thus, the release (or passive release) of molecules (e.g., CO2, CH4, HO) can be indicative of biodegradation. In other embodiments, degradation or biodegradation may be identified based on the formation of openings through the material. For example, in certain embodiments, degradation or biodegradation of a material can ... that are less than about 1 mm. 2 and approximately 20,000 mm 2 Between the two, approximately 100 mm 2 and approximately 10,000 mm 2 Between or about 200 mm 2 and approximately 1,000 mm 2 The area may be identified based on the formation of an opening having an area between .

[0023] 1-3 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a composite material 100 that can be incorporated into an article (e.g., footwear or clothing), which may include a composite substrate or fabric 102 and a material layer 104. As discussed further herein, the composite material 100 may include a biologically active agent and / or a bacterial or fungal film-like layer formed by the assembly of a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that promotes bacterial or fungal cell-to-cell adhesion. The composite substrate 102 may promote cell adsorption to a surface, such as the surface of a degrading polymer or material, such as the material layer 104. In this manner, the composite material 100 may be incorporated into an article, such as footwear, clothing, a piece of fabric incorporated into an article, a textile material, or the like, using a medium that promotes bacterial or fungal growth and survival and maintains the composite substrate 102 and composite material 100. In other aspects, the composite material 100 may be incorporated into an article by itself, as discussed further herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the material layer 104 may be a transparent or translucent layer. In other embodiments, as discussed further herein, material layer 104 may be an opaque or non-transparent layer.

[0024] 1-3 , the material layer 104 may be disposed on or adjacent to the composite substrate 102. The composite substrate 102 may be a composite material including a substrate or base layer 106 and a biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108 applied to or incorporated into the substrate 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , the composite substrate 102 may include the substrate 106 and a biodegradable material 108 disposed within one or more cavities 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3B , the composite fabric 102 may include a substrate 106a and a biodegradable material 108a disposed thereon. In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C , the composite substrate 102 may include a substrate 106b and a biodegradable material 108b disposed thereon and therein. Alternatively, as discussed further herein, the composite material 100 may be comprised solely of the composite substrate 102 and not include the material layer 104. In embodiments, the biodegradable material 108 is provided in a plurality of cavities 110, which may have an upper opening with a width greater than about 1 mm, between about 1 mm and about 30 mm, or between about 3 mm and about 10 mm.

[0025] In certain aspects, the biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108 is incorporated into gelatin located within the cavern or cavity 110 or on the substrate 106. In further aspects, the biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108 is an encapsulated medium containing one or more microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, microalgae, etc.) as well as nutrients that can be metabolized by the microorganisms. In such embodiments, the microorganisms of the biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108 may be sealed or contained within the biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108. Then, upon activation, the microorganisms of the biodegradable material or biodegradable medium 108 may be released into the surrounding environment. For example, in some embodiments, a thin layer of a low molecular weight biodegradable polymer may extend over the top of the cavity 110, sealing the biodegradable material 108 therein.

[0026] As discussed further herein, a stimulus or stimuli may be applied to the biodegradable material or medium 108 to activate it and thereby release one or more microorganisms from the biodegradable material or medium 108. For example, if a thin layer of low molecular weight biodegradable polymer extends over the top of the cavity 110 and seals the biodegradable material 108 therein, the stimulus or stimuli may first cause the biodegradation of the low molecular weight biodegradable polymer, resulting in the release of the microorganisms. Such a stimulus or stimuli may be an amount of pressure, a level of humidity, an amount of heat, or the like. The biodegradable material or medium 108 may contain one or more nutrients to maintain the survival of the microorganisms therein, as described above, and more particularly, to maintain the survival of the microorganisms until a stimulus or stimuli is applied to the biodegradable encapsulation, biodegradable material, or medium 108. In some embodiments, the biodegradable medium 108 may include a stimulus or stimuli therein (e.g., the amount of water therein) that provides for activation or release of microorganisms from the biodegradable medium 108 without further stimulus or stimuli.

[0027] 1 and 2, the biodegradable material 108 may be applied to, attached to, disposed within, or disposed on the substrate 106 as a pattern, particularly as a pattern of discrete spots. More particularly, as discussed further herein, the biodegradable material 108 may be applied to, attached to, disposed within, or disposed on the substrate 106 in a decorative or visually pleasing manner (e.g., a pattern, an image, a geometric shape, etc.), in a manner that forms a particular shape (e.g., a trademark, a brand mark, a bar code, a general geometric shape, etc.), or in a manner that provides a particular characteristic once degraded (e.g., a pattern that provides openings for optimal or desired airflow through an article to which the composite material is applied, a pattern that provides a visual indication as to the state of an article to which the composite material is applied, a pattern that changes state of an article to which the composite material is applied to indicate the state of the article to which the composite material is applied, etc.), and combinations thereof.

[0028] As described above, the biodegradable material 108 may be a film-like layer of bacteria or fungi assembled with a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that promotes bacterial or fungal cell-to-cell adhesion, and may include a biologically active agent. More specifically, the biodegradable material 108 may include a biologically active agent that biodegrades at least a portion of the composite 100, such as the biodegradable material 108 itself, the material layer 104, and / or the substrate 106.

[0029] 4A-4C show a composite material 150 similar to composite material 100, including a material layer 152, a substrate 154, and a biodegradable portion 156, in an initial state of biodegradation (see FIG. 4A), a first intermediate state of biodegradation (see FIG. 4B), and a second intermediate state of biodegradation (see FIG. 4C). More specifically, FIG. 4A shows composite material 150 with substrate 154 and biodegradable material 156, neither of which has undergone biodegradation, FIG. 4B shows composite material 150 after a portion of biodegradable material 156 has undergone biodegradation, and FIG. 4C shows composite material 150 after a portion of biodegradable material 156 has undergone further biodegradation.

[0030] As discussed herein, in some embodiments, biodegradable material 108 may be applied to, attached to, disposed within, or disposed on substrate 106 in a pattern. Figures 5A-5C illustrate a composite material 200 similar to composite material 100, but including a material layer 202, a substrate 204, and a biodegradable portion 206 in a different pattern than that of Figures 4A-4C. With further reference to Figures 5A-5C, Figure 5A illustrates composite material 200 in an initial state (i.e., without biodegradation), Figure 5B illustrates composite material 200 in a first state of biodegradation after a portion of biodegradable material 206 has undergone biodegradation, and Figure 5C illustrates composite material 200 in a second state of biodegradation after a portion of biodegradable material 206 and material layer 202 have undergone biodegradation. In particular, the layer of material 202 is degraded by the biologically active agent in the biodegradable material 206 such that one or more openings 208 are formed through the layer of material 202 .

[0031] The biologically active agents used in the biodegradation of the materials, compositions, components of composite material 100, and portions of composite material 100 (which may be incorporated into articles such as footwear) described herein may be, but are not limited to, microorganisms such as bacteria, actinobacteria, proteobacteria, bacteroidetes, fungi, yeast, algae, or protozoa.

[0032] Microorganisms suitable for use in biodegrading some of the materials, compositions, components, and composites of the articles described herein, e.g., articles of footwear, are known in the art and include, for example, Yoshida et al. (“A bacterium that degrades and assimilates poly(ethylene terephthalate),” Science, 2016, 351(6278):1196-1199), Pathak and Navneet (“Review on the current status of polymer degradation: a microbial approach,” Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 2017, 4:15), Shah et al. (“Microbial degradation of aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters,” Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2014, 98:3437-3447), Abdel-Motaal et al. (“Biodegradation of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) film and foam plastic by "Pseudozyma japonica sp. nov., a novel cutinolytic ustilaginomycetous yeast species," 3 Biotech, 2014, 4:507-512), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0033] In some embodiments, the microorganism to be selected as a biologically active agent for the composite material 100 can be tailored to a material, composition, or portion of the article, or footwear designed to be degraded or biodegraded. For example, the biologically active agent for the composite material 100 may be tailored to the particular material used to construct the biodegradable portion 108 of the composite substrate 102, or the particular material used to construct the material layer 104. For example, the microorganism Ideonella sakaiensis may be used to degrade poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic materials. Thus, in an example where an article, such as footwear or clothing, includes a composite material 100 having a material layer 104 or biodegradable material 108 constructed of poly(ethylene terephthalate), if the material layer 104 or biodegradable material 108 is designed to be degraded or biodegraded by the biodegradable material 108, the biodegradable material 108 may include Ideonella sakaiensis therein as a biologically active agent.

[0034] As another example, the biologically active agent for the biodegradable material 108 may be selected based on the particular portion of, or location along, the article to which, the composite material 100 is applied. For example, as discussed further herein, it may be desirable for certain portions of a garment that experience higher body temperatures, such as the underarm regions of the garment, to degrade or biodegrade faster or have a faster rate of degradation or biodegradation than other portions of the garment that experience lower body temperatures, or other portions of the garment that provide support or stability to the article of clothing, such as the neck or waist regions of the garment.

[0035] Suitable exemplary microorganisms and the corresponding materials they are known to degrade are listed in Table 1 below.

[0036] [Table 1]

[0037] In some embodiments, the biologically active agent used in the biodegradable portion 108 and used in the biodegradation of the materials, compositions, components, and portions of the composite material 100 for an article such as footwear described herein may be a recombinant microorganism genetically engineered to express one or more metabolic enzymes from a microorganism known to be active in the biodegradation of the material or composition. For example, the biologically active agent used in the biodegradable portion 108 may be a microorganism genetically engineered to express one or more metabolic enzymes that cause biopolymer hydrolysis during biodegradation, biopolymer fragmentation during biofragmentation, or absorption or consumption of biopolymer fragments during assimilation. In further embodiments, the biologically active agent used in the biodegradable portion 108 and used in the biodegradation of the materials, compositions, components, and portions of the composite material 100 for an article such as footwear may be a microorganism engineered to excrete organic acids as metabolites through microbial metabolism by the microorganism.

[0038] For example, the biologically active agent may be a microorganism genetically engineered to express poly(ethylene terephthalate) hydrolase (Genbank Accession No. GAP38373.1), mono(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate hydrolase (Genbank Accession No. GAP38911.1), terephthalate-1,2-dioxygenase, 1,2-dihydroxy-3,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dicarboxylate dehydrogenase, PCA 3,4-dioxygenase, or a combination thereof, from Ideonella sakaiensis. Metabolic enzymes or other genes of interest for use in genetically engineering recombinant microorganisms for use as biologically active agents include, but are not limited to, esterases, lipases, proteases, PHA depolymerases, cutinases, monooxygenases, dioxygenases, hydrolases, dehydrogenases, kaliloid-dependent enzymes, and alginate-producing genes (e.g., algC) to promote biofilm formation. Additionally, the biologically active agent may be a microorganism that excretes or releases organic acids, such as, for example, lactic acid, acetic acid, H2SO4, and the like.

[0039] Additionally, in some embodiments, the biologically active agent used in or encapsulated within the biodegradable portion 108 may be a metabolic enzyme or an organic acid produced by a microorganism, although the biodegradable portion 108 may not include the microorganism itself.

[0040] The biologically active agents used in the biodegradable portion 108 and in the biodegradation of the materials, compositions, components, and portions of an article, such as footwear, described herein may be contained in or delivered to the article in any medium suitable for the survival and growth of the biologically active agent.

[0041] For example, the vehicle may be in any form including, but not limited to, a gel, hydrogel, liquid, cream, oil, foam, paste, powder, film, etc. Components of the vehicle include, but are not limited to, agar, agarose, peptone, polypeptone, glucose, yeast extract, malt extract, polyethylene glycol, salts (e.g., sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), ammonium sulfate ((NH4)2SO4), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), etc.), buffers (e.g., phosphate buffer, Tris buffer, sodium acetate buffer, citrate buffer, etc.), vitamins (thiamine, niacin, aminobenzoic acid, pyridoxal-HCl, panthothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B12, etc.), trace elements, water, solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, etc.), or combinations thereof.

[0042] The pH of the medium may be adjusted to support the growth and survival of the biologically active agent. For example, the pH may be, but is not limited to, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, or 11.0. The medium may also include low-crystalline or low-density polymers, such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), low-crystalline PET film, low-molecular-weight polycaprolactin film, p-nitrophenyl butyrate, and p-nitrophenyl palmitate. In some embodiments, the medium includes a low-crystallinity (e.g., 1.9%) PET film to support the survival and growth of the microorganism selected as the biologically active agent.

[0043] Additionally, one or more additives may be added to the medium, biodegradable portion 108, or other portions of composite material 100 to tailor the degradability or biodegradability of the material, composition, component, or portion of the article to which composite material 100 or biodegradable portion 108 is applied. The additives may include, but are not limited to, benzophenone, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester, or another type of additive.

[0044] Additionally, the composite material 100, and more particularly the substrate 106 or material layer 104, may include a polymeric material. Polymeric materials used in articles such as footwear may include organic fillers, such as, but not limited to, eggshell, coconut, abaca, kenaf, seaweed, rice straw, sisal, coffee husks, corn stover, wood shavings, and sawdust. The inclusion of organic filler(s) in the polymeric material can facilitate degradation or biodegradation and can control the timing and / or extent of degradation or biodegradation. For example, as discussed above, it may be desirable for certain portions of a garment that experience higher body temperatures, such as the underarm areas of the garment, to deteriorate more quickly or at a faster rate than other portions of the garment that experience lower body temperatures or other portions of the garment that provide support or stability to the garment, such as the neck or waist areas of the garment. Thus, in one particular embodiment, the underarm areas of the garment may be constructed from composite material 100 having organic fillers and the neck area of ​​the garment may be constructed from composite material 100 lacking organic fillers, such that the underarm areas of the garment deteriorate faster than the neck area.

[0045] In other embodiments, an article having a uniform rate of degradation or biodegradation may be desired, and in such embodiments, the article may include organic fillers to provide uniform degradation or biodegradation. For example, warmer portions or portions of the article that experience higher body temperatures may degrade or biodegrade at a faster rate than other areas of the article, such as portions that experience lower body temperatures. In this manner, areas that degrade or biodegrade at a slower rate may include organic fillers to accelerate the rate of degradation or biodegradation to approximately equal rates as areas or portions of the article that experience faster rates of degradation or biodegradation.

[0046] As described above, in some embodiments, a biologically active agent may be introduced into an article, such as footwear, as a biofilm. As used herein, the term "biofilm" refers to a film-like layer of bacteria or fungi formed by the assembly of a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances that promotes bacterial or fungal cell-to-cell adhesion. Biofilms, such as composite substrate 102, may promote cell adhesion to surfaces such as polymers or materials to be degraded. Composite material 100 may be introduced into an article, such as footwear, by itself or with a medium that promotes bacterial or fungal growth and survival and promotes the maintenance of composite material 100 and its biodegradable portions 108. In some embodiments, one or more dyes may be added to composite material 100 (or its components) to visualize biofilm formation and growth or to color composite material 100 (or its components) for use in an article, such as footwear. More specifically, the biodegradable portion or biodegradable medium 108 may include a dye, and upon activation by a stimulus or stimuli, the dye may be released from the biodegradable portion or biodegradable medium 108 into or onto the surrounding environment. For example, the biodegradable medium 108 may be a sealed encapsulant containing a biologically active agent and a dye, and upon activation by a stimulus or stimuli, may release the dye into a surrounding substrate or fabric (e.g., substrate 106) to change the color or appearance of the surrounding substrate or fabric.

[0047] Optionally, the biologically active microorganism-containing medium may be embedded within or on the composite material 100, such as, for example, as part of a nano-filler within the composite material 100, the composite substrate 102, or the biodegradable portion 108. In further embodiments, the biologically active microorganism-containing medium may be contained within one or more cavities within the article (e.g., cavity 110). Additionally, the biologically active microorganism-containing medium may be separate from the article or applied to the article by a user. For example, in some embodiments discussed herein, the biologically active microorganism-containing medium may be a fluid spray or aerosol composition that may be painted, sprayed, or otherwise distributed to the article by a user as needed.

[0048] In some embodiments, a stimulus or stimuli may be used to promote, accelerate, or de-accelerate degradation. For example, in some aspects, the stimulus or stimuli used to promote or accelerate degradation or biodegradation include, but are not limited to, a change in temperature (such as an increase or decrease in heat), sweat, light, ultraviolet light, a change in pressure, a change in humidity, a change in pH, exposure to a liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidic solution, a basic solution), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO, NH, O), or a solvent.

[0049] The stimulus or stimuli may promote, accelerate, or slow degradation or biodegradation after a single exposure to one or more stimuli, or may be tailored to cause degradation or biodegradation to respond after repeated exposure to the stimulus, stimuli, or group of stimuli. In one embodiment, the stimulus or stimuli may be body heat or sweat from a user. In another embodiment, the stimulus or stimuli may be an environmental stimulus or stimuli, such as exposure to one or more natural elements, including weather conditions, humidity, or pressure, and degradation may be tailored to respond to the environmental stimulus or stimuli after a certain threshold or period of time has elapsed. In yet another embodiment, the stimulus or stimuli may be a change in temperature, and degradation may be tailored to respond to the temperature or temperature change after a certain threshold or period of time has elapsed. In yet another embodiment, the stimulus or stimuli may be light of a predetermined wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light, or may be broad-spectrum light, and degradation may be tailored to respond to the light after a certain threshold or period of time has elapsed.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, degradation or biodegradation is activated at temperatures between about 30°C and about 80°C (e.g., 25°C, 30°C, 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, or 85°C). In some embodiments, degradation or biodegradation is activated at humidity between about 20% relative humidity and about 100% relative humidity (e.g., 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%). In some embodiments, degradation or biodegradation is less active or completely inactivated at temperatures below 30°C, below 25°C, below 20°C, below 15°C, below 10°C, below 5°C, or below 0°C. In some embodiments, degradation or biodegradation is less active or completely inactivated at humidity levels of 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, or 2% or less.

[0051] It should be understood that the timing and duration of degradation or biodegradation of materials, compositions, or portions of an article, such as footwear, can be adjusted or controlled based on a variety of factors. For example, the particular materials used in composite material 100, the materials used in substrate 106 and / or biodegradable portion 108, including materials used for biologically active microorganisms, media containing biologically active microorganisms, additives, organic fillers, etc., and materials used in material layer 104 may be selected to provide an article with a particular degree or rate of biodegradation. In further embodiments, the article (and the timing and duration of its degradation) may be adjusted or controlled based on the particular use of the article and / or the particular use of the article, which may include an article having a biodegradable portion. For example, a piece of footwear may include a component thereof, e.g., a portion of the footwear upper, that is engineered to biodegrade after a predetermined period of use (e.g., after about 150 km, about 300 km, about 400 km, about 500 km, about 600 km, about 700 km, about 800 km, about 900 km, or about 1000 km). In one embodiment, a component of footwear used for low or short distances, such as a racing flat, may be engineered to deteriorate or visually change after a predetermined distance of use between about 150 km and about 500 km. In another embodiment, a component of footwear used for high or longer distances, such as a training shoe, may be engineered to deteriorate or visually change after a predetermined distance of use between about 500 km and about 800 km. In this manner, and as discussed further herein, portions of footwear incorporating biodegradable portions can provide an indication of when the footwear should be replaced or after the user has completed a task (e.g., completing a marathon).

[0052] In other aspects, the timing and duration of degradation or biodegradation of materials, compositions, or portions of an article, such as footwear or clothing, may be tailored or controlled, for example, based on a predetermined rate of biodegradation, providing for the footwear or clothing to include a variety of decorative or aesthetic appearances over its lifespan. For example, footwear or clothing, or components thereof, may be tailored to biodegrade after a predetermined time (e.g., 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) to provide a new decorative appearance. For example, as discussed further herein, footwear or clothing can change appearance (e.g., color, shape, texture, etc.) after a predetermined period of use, thereby providing an article with a continuously changing style.

[0053] In further aspects, the timing and duration of degradation or biodegradation of materials, compositions, or portions of an article, such as footwear or clothing, may be adjusted or controlled based on a predetermined rate of biodegradation. For example, footwear or clothing may include components thereof that are adjusted to biodegrade after a predetermined time (e.g., 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.). In certain embodiments, footwear or clothing may include components thereof that are adjusted to biodegrade after a predetermined time, thereby providing an indication as to whether the user has received a prize or won a contest. In certain embodiments, the footwear or apparel is adapted to biodegrade after a predetermined time period between about one week and about one month, and may thereby display an indication (e.g., indicia, color, text, etc.) that a user of the footwear or apparel will receive a prize or win a contest (e.g., a prize draw).

[0054] In yet another embodiment, the timing and duration of degradation or biodegradation of a material, composition, or portion of an article, such as footwear or clothing, may be tailored or controlled to allow biodegradation for only a predetermined time. For example, footwear or clothing may include components thereof that are tailored to biodegrade for a predetermined time (e.g., 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc.) and then cease biodegradation. For example, footwear or clothing may include biodegradable portions 108 and / or material layers 104 having biologically active microorganisms with a predetermined lifespan (e.g., 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, etc.), thereby allowing the biodegradable portions 108 or material layers 104 to biodegrade for the predetermined time but then cease biodegradation. In this manner, the biodegradable portion of the footwear or apparel (e.g., biodegradable portion 108 and / or material layer 104) can provide an indication as to the degree of wear, exercise, or activity during that predetermined length of time (e.g., the more the user exercises, the more the article will biodegrade).

[0055] In yet another aspect, the timing and duration of degradation or biodegradation of materials, compositions, or portions of an article, such as footwear or clothing, may be adjusted or controlled so that the biodegradation provides an indicator of environmental exposure for a user. For example, as discussed herein, the degradation or biodegradation of the article may be facilitated or accelerated based on environmental factors, including, but not limited to, changes in temperature, light, ultraviolet light, changes in pressure, changes in humidity, changes in pH, exposure to liquids (e.g., water, salt water, acidic solutions, basic solutions), and / or exposure to gases (e.g., CO, NH, O). Thus, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, footwear or clothing may, for example, degrade or biodegrade after exposure to a certain amount of CO and / or may degrade or biodegrade when the amount of CO in the atmosphere increases.

[0056] As further discussed herein, numerous modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description and the foregoing examples are to be construed as illustrative only and are presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying same out.

[0057] 6-8 show an exemplary embodiment of footwear 300 that may include composite material 100, or individual components thereof. In this embodiment, footwear 300 includes sole structure 302 and upper 304, which may be attached to sole structure 302 and together may define interior cavity 306 into which a foot may be inserted.

[0058] For purposes of reference, and with particular reference to FIG. 8A , footwear 300 may be defined by a forefoot region 310, a midfoot region 312, and a heel region 314 (see FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B). With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, forefoot region 310 may generally correspond to the portion of footwear 300 encompassing the portions of foot 316, including the toes or phalanges 318, the ball of the foot 320, and the joints 322 connecting the metatarsals 324 of foot 316 to the toes or phalanges 318. Midfoot region 312 is proximate to and adjacent to forefoot region 310. Midfoot region 312 generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 300 that encases the arch of foot 316 along with the bridge 328 of foot 316. Heel region 314 is proximate to and adjacent to midfoot region 312. Heel region 314 generally corresponds to the portion of footwear 300 that surrounds the rear of foot 316, including the heel or calcaneus 330, the ankle 332, and / or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

[0059] 6-8 , footwear 300 also includes a medial surface 350 and a lateral surface 352. In particular, lateral surface 352 corresponds to the outer portion of footwear 300, and medial surface 350 corresponds to the inner portion of footwear 300. As such, left and right footwear pieces have opposing lateral and medial sides such that medial surfaces 350 are closest to each other when a user is wearing footwear 300, while lateral surfaces 352 are defined as the sides furthest from each other when worn. As discussed in further detail below, medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352 are adjacent to each other along a longitudinal central plane or axis 354 of footwear 300. As discussed further herein, longitudinal central plane or axis 354 may define a central mid-axis between medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352 of footwear 300. Stated another way, the longitudinal plane or axis 354 may extend between the rear, distal end 356 of the footwear 300 and the front, distal end 358 of the footwear 300, and may continuously define the center of the insole 360, sole structure 302, and / or upper 304 of the footwear 300; i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis 354 is a linear axis that extends through the rear, distal end 356 of the heel region 314 and to the front, distal end 358 of the forefoot region 310.

[0060] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to portions or elements coexisting with one or more of forefoot region 310, mid-region 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and / or lateral surface 352. Additionally, both upper 304 and sole structure 302 may be characterized as having portions within forefoot region 310, mid-region 312, heel region 314, and on medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352. Thus, upper 304 and sole structure 302, and / or individual portions of upper 304 and sole structure 302, may include portions thereof that are disposed in forefoot region 310, mid-region 312, heel region 314, and on medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified herein, and with particular reference to the plan views of Figures 8A and 8B, forefoot region 310, central region 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and lateral surface 352 are intended to define boundaries or regions of footwear 300. To that end, while forefoot region 310, central region 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and lateral surface 352 have been generally defined above, forefoot region 310, central region 312, heel region 310, medial surface 350, and lateral surface 352 may also be characterized as precise portions of footwear 300 in certain embodiments. As such, specific references to forefoot region 310, mid-region 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and / or lateral surface 352 may be defined in both general terms to provide reference to specific portions of footwear and precise terms to provide discrete boundaries across an article of footwear, such as footwear 300.

[0062] For example, in view of the foregoing description, it should be understood that numerous variations may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, and that composite material 100 and its individual components may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of footwear 300 and its components (e.g., composite material 100 incorporated therein) may be described with reference to general regions or portions of footwear 300, with the understanding that the boundaries of forefoot region 310, midregion 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and / or lateral surface 352 described herein may vary between articles of footwear.

[0063] However, aspects of footwear 300 and its individual components may also be described with reference to precise regions or portions of footwear 300, and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate limitations related to these boundaries of forefoot region 310, midregion 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and / or lateral surface 352 as discussed herein.

[0064] 8A and 8B, the plan views are shown in greater detail in the forefoot region 310, midregion 312, heel region 314, medial surface 350, and lateral surface 352. The forefoot region 310 extends from the toe end or distal fore end 358 of the forefoot region 310 to the widest portion 400 of the footwear 300. In certain embodiments, the forefoot region 310 may extend from the toe end or distal fore end 358 to the widest portion of the insole 360, sole structure 302, and / or upper 304 of the footwear 300. The widest portion 400 may be defined or measured along a line 402 perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 354 extending from the front distal end 358 of the forefoot region 310 to the rear distal end 356 of the heel region 314 of the footwear 300 opposite the front distal end 358 of the forefoot region 310. The widest portion 400 of the footwear 300 may also be generally defined by the portion of the footwear 300 that encompasses the proximal phalanges, i.e., the portion of the foot 316 at the point where the proximal phalanges 318 connect to the metatarsals 324 of the foot 316.

[0065] The central region 312 extends from the widest portion 400 to the thinnest portion 404 of the footwear 300. The thinnest portion 404 of the footwear 300 is defined as the thinnest portion of the insole 360, sole structure 302, and / or upper 304 of the footwear 300, measured across a line 406 perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 354. The heel region 314 of the footwear 300 extends from the thinnest portion 404 of the insole 360, sole structure 302, and / or upper 304 of the footwear 300 to the rear distal end 356 of the footwear 300.

[0066] 8A and 8B , medial side 350 begins at rear distal end 356 and curves outward along the medial side of footwear 300, along heel region 314, and toward central region 312. Medial side 350 reaches widest heel portion 450, at which point medial side 350 curves inward toward central longitudinal axis 354. From widest heel portion 450, medial side 350 extends toward thinnest portion 404, at which point medial side 350 enters central region 312 (i.e., beyond line 406). From thinnest portion 404, medial side 350 curves outward, away from central longitudinal axis 354, toward widest portion 400, at which point medial side 350 extends into forefoot region 310 (i.e., beyond line 402). Upon reaching widest portion 400 , inner surface 350 curves inward toward front distal end 358 , terminating at the point where inner surface 350 meets central longitudinal axis 354 .

[0067] 8A and 8B , lateral surface 352 also begins at a rear distal end 356 of heel region 314 and curves along the heel region 314, along the outside of footwear 300, toward central region 312. Lateral surface 352 reaches widest heel portion 450, at which point lateral surface 352 curves inward toward central longitudinal axis 354. Lateral surface 352 extends from widest heel portion 450 toward thinnest portion 404, at which point lateral surface 352 enters central region 312 (i.e., beyond line 406). From thinnest portion 404, lateral surface 352 curves outward, away from central longitudinal axis 354, toward widest portion 400, at which point lateral surface 352 enters forefoot region 310 (i.e., beyond line 402). Upon entering widest portion 400 , outer surface 352 bows inward toward front distal end 358 , terminating at the point where outer surface 352 meets central longitudinal axis 354 .

[0068] 6-8 , sole structure 302 is connected to or secured to upper 304 and extends between a user's foot and the ground when footwear 300 is worn by a user. Sole structure 302 may also include one or more components, including an outsole, a midsole, a heel, a vamp, and / or an insole. For example, in some embodiments, the sole structure may include an outsole that provides traction to the user as well as structural integrity to the sole structure, a midsole that provides a cushioning system, and an insole that provides support for the user's arch.

[0069] 6-8 and 10, the sole structure 302 of the present embodiment may be characterized by an outsole region 480, a midsole region 482, and an insole or insole region 360 (see FIGS. 8A and 10). The outsole region 480, the midsole region 482, and the insole region 360, and / or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region 310, the midsole region 312, and / or the heel region 314. Furthermore, the outsole region 480, the midsole region 482, and the insole region 360, and / or any components thereof, may include portions within the lateral surface 352 and / or the medial surface 350. The outsole region 480, the midsole region 482, and the insole region 360 are not intended to define precise or exact regions of the sole structure 302. Rather, outsole region 380, midsole region 482, and insole region 360 are defined generally herein to aid in the discussion of sole structure 302 and its components.

[0070] In other examples, outsole region 480 may be defined as the portion of sole structure 302 that at least partially contacts an exterior surface (e.g., the ground) when footwear 300 is worn, insole region 360 may be defined as the portion of sole structure 302 that at least partially contacts a user's foot when footwear is worn, and midsole region 482 may be defined as at least the portion of sole structure 302 that extends between and connects outsole region 380 and insole region 360.

[0071] As shown in Figures 6-8, upper 304 extends upwardly from sole structure 302 and defines an interior cavity 306 that receives and secures a user's foot. Upper 304 may be defined by a foot region 500 and an ankle region 502, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Generally, foot region 500 extends upwardly from sole structure 302 through a forefoot region 310, a midsection region 312, and a heel region 314. Ankle region 502 is primarily located in heel region 516, although in some embodiments, ankle region 502 may extend partially into midsection region 514.

[0072] Footwear 300 may also have a tightening system 520 (see, for example, FIG. 9 , which illustrates another embodiment of footwear) including laces 522, a plurality of openings 524, and a plurality of bands or lacing straps (not shown). For example, lacing straps may extend from openings 524, and laces 522 may extend through lacing strap loops or eyelets. Additionally, in some embodiments, lacing straps may be elastic bands. Tightening system 520 may allow a user to alter the size of upper 304, for example, allowing the wearer to tighten or loosen a portion of upper 304 around the foot as desired. Tightening system 520 may also include a band (not shown) running along the center of upper 304 and including one or more loops through which laces 522 may be guided. In other embodiments, tightening system 520 may be a hook-and-loop tightening system, such as Velcro®. For example, in some embodiments, tightening system 520 may include one or more hook-and-loop fastening straps. In further embodiments, tightening system 520 may be another laceless tightening system known in the art.

[0073] 6-8 , upper 304 may extend along lateral surface 352 and medial surface 350 and may extend across toe region 310, mid region 312, and heel region 314 to contain, enclose, or wrap a user's foot. Upper 304 may include an apex, which in some embodiments is a central longitudinal axis 354 that defines a boundary between lateral surface 352 and medial surface 352 of upper 304. In examples in which central longitudinal axis 354 defines an apex of upper 304, lateral surface 352 of upper 304 may be the outer portion of upper 304 extending from the apex, and medial surface 350 of upper may be the inner portion of upper 304 extending from the apex.

[0074] In this particular embodiment, upper 304 also includes an interior surface 540 and an exterior surface 542. Interior surface 540 faces inward and generally defines interior space 306, while exterior surface 542 of upper 304 faces outward and generally defines the periphery of upper 304. Upper 304 also includes an opening 544 disposed at least partially in heel region 314 of footwear 300 and providing access to interior space 306, through which the foot can be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, upper 304 may also include an instep region 546 extending from opening 544 in heel region 314, beyond an area corresponding to the instep, to an area adjacent to forefoot region 310.

[0075] 7 , upper 304 comprises outer layer 548, instep layer 550, and collar layer 552. More particularly, outer layer 548 extends upwardly from sole structure 302 along forefoot region 310, midfoot region 312, and heel region 314 to boundary 554. In this embodiment, boundary 554 defines a transition point at which upper 304 transitions from outer layer 548 to instep layer 550 and / or upper 504 transitions from outer layer 548 to collar layer 552. More particularly, boundary 554 defines the portion of upper 304 where instep layer 550 begins to extend upwardly from outer layer 548, or defines the portion of upper 304 where collar layer 552 begins to extend upwardly from outer layer 548. In some embodiments, the instep layer 550 and the collar layer 552 may together be generally referred to as the second layer 550, 552.

[0076] Boundary line 554 may extend around the periphery of upper 304 through each of forefoot region 310, central region 312, and heel region 314 and / or across medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352 of footwear 300. Thus, a portion of instep layer 550 may be within forefoot region 310, central region 312, and heel region 314, and along medial surface 350 and / or lateral surface 352. Additionally, a portion of collar layer 552 may be within heel region 314 and / or partially within central region 312.

[0077] 6-8 and 10, the instep layer 550 extends from the forefoot region 310 through the central region 312, and the collar layer 552 is disposed in the ankle region of the heel region 314. In other embodiments, the instep layer 550 may extend partially or completely into the forefoot region 310 and / or partially or completely into the heel region 314. Additionally, in some embodiments, the collar layer 552 may extend at least partially into the central region 312.

[0078] As discussed below, in some embodiments, boundary 554 may define a portion of upper 304 where properties associated with instep layer 550 and / or collar layer 552, such as stitch type, yarn type, or properties associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetics, thickness, breathability, or scuff resistance, may be varied from outer layer 548 or other portions of upper 304. For example, upper 304, and its individual components (e.g., outer layer 548, instep layer 550, and collar layer 552) may be individually formed using various elements, textiles, polymers (including foamed polymers and polymer sheets), leather, synthetic leather, etc. Additionally, upper 304, and its individual components may be joined together by adhesives, stitches, or seams to create upper 304.

[0079] In one aspect, as discussed further herein, the upper 304 of the article of footwear 300 may be formed from one or more knitted components or knitted components. In such an aspect, the knitted components may include various types of yarns or other fibrous materials that can provide a variety of different properties to the upper 304. For example, one region of the upper 304 may be formed or constructed from a first type of yarn or material that imparts or instills a first property, while another region of the upper 304 may be formed from a second type of yarn or material that imparts or instills a second property. In this manner, certain portions of the upper 304 may include a variety of different properties. As an example, in one embodiment, the outer layer 548 may include the composite material 100, thereby including a biologically active agent and a material that degrades or biodegrades, while the instep layer 550 and / or collar layer 552 may include a material that does not degrade or biodegrade when exposed to the biologically active agent.

[0080] 6-8, outer layer 548 is a uniform structure that continuously wraps around the entire upper periphery of sole structure 302. However, in other embodiments, outer layer 548 may include multiple portions, such as a toe outer layer, a mid-foot outer layer, and / or a heel outer layer, that are connected to form outer layer 548. For example, in these embodiments, the toe outer layer, mid-foot outer layer, and heel outer layer may be connected by one or more stitches to form outer layer 548.

[0081] 10 , upper 304 may include multiple layers, including top layer 600, mid layer 602, and base layer 604. In this embodiment, the inner surface (not shown) of base layer 604 is inner surface 540, which defines interior space 306, and mid layer 602 is disposed on and between top layer 600 and base layer 604. Base layer 604 may extend from sole structure 302 on both lateral surface 352 and medial surface 350 and / or across instep region 546. In certain aspects, base layer 602 may extend upward from sole structure 302 along toe region 310, mid region 312, and / or heel region 314, and may also extend across instep region 546 and / or into ankle region 502.

[0082] In another aspect, as discussed herein, base layer 604 may extend upward from sole structure 302 along forefoot region 310, midregion 312, and heel region 314 to boundary 554. In this embodiment, boundary 554 defines a transition point where the material of base layer 604 transitions. For example, boundary 554 may define a transition point where the material of upper 304 transitions from a material that degrades or biodegrades to a material that does not degrade or biodegrade. Boundary 554 may extend around upper 304, through each of forefoot region 310, midregion 312, and heel region 314, and / or across medial surface 350 and lateral surface 352 of footwear 300. Thus, at least a portion of the instep layer 550 and / or collar layer 552 comprising the first material (e.g., a material that does not degrade when exposed to a biologically active agent or that does not undergo biodegradation) may be located within the toe region 310, mid region 312, and heel region 314, as well as along the medial surface 350 and / or lateral surface 352.

[0083] The material used to construct base layer 604 may be selected based on the particular properties desired therefor. Additionally, as discussed further herein, the material used to construct base layer 604 may be a material similar to substrate 106 of composite material 100 and may provide a base onto which biodegradable portions or materials, such as biodegradable portion 108, may be applied.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the base layer 604 is comprised of a non-biodegradable material or fabric, a material that cannot be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms, or a material that does not organically decompose when exposed to microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or other biologically active agents as previously described herein. In certain aspects, the base layer 604 may comprise a non-biodegradable, breathable textile substrate, such as polyester, a woven polyester fabric, a knitted polyester fabric, a braided polyester fabric, or a non-woven polyester fabric, or a polyester mesh material (such as tulle) that provides the upper 304 with a hydrophobic, durable material. In other embodiments, the base layer 604 may comprise elastane and / or stretch polyester, which may provide the base layer 604 and the upper 304 with a predetermined degree of elasticity and recovery. In further embodiments, the base layer 604 may comprise a nylon-based textile material that provides the upper 304 with a wear-resistant, durable material. In yet other embodiments, the base layer 604 may comprise a cotton-based textile to provide the base layer 604 with a soft textile or natural aesthetic. The base layer 604 may also include polyurethane or polyurethane leather, rubber, open cell foam, closed cell foam, polyethylene, and / or combinations thereof.

[0085] In some embodiments, as discussed herein, base layer 604 may be selected based on the particular microorganisms or biologically active microorganisms incorporated into footwear 300. For example, in examples where footwear 300 incorporates microorganisms selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas fluorescens B-22, P. putida AJ, P. chlororaphis, Ochrobactrum TD, and / or Aspergillus niger, base layer 604 may be comprised of a material other than polyvinyl chloride that degrades or biodegrades when exposed to Pseudomonas fluorescens B-22, P. putida AJ, P. chlororaphis, Ochrobactrum TD, and / or Aspergillus niger (see Table 1 herein).

[0086] 10 , intermediate layer 602 is disposed between base layer 604 and top layer 600. More specifically, intermediate layer 602 is received by (or conforms to) base layer 604 and extends from insole region 360 of sole structure 302, to lateral side 352 and medial side 350 of footwear 300, to instep layer 550, where it stops along boundary line 554. More specifically, intermediate layer 602 may extend upward from sole structure 302 along forefoot region 310, midregion 312, and heel region 314 to boundary line 554. In this embodiment, boundary 554 defines a transition point at which intermediate layer 602 stops.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the intermediate layer 602 may be strategically positioned along discrete portions of the upper 304. For example, the intermediate layer 602 may include discrete portions thereof along the medial surface 350 and / or the lateral surface 352, on the forefoot region 310, the midregion 312, and / or the heel region 314, respectively. Additionally, as discussed further herein, the intermediate layer 602 may initially be hidden, obstructed, or covered by the top layer 600, but may become visually unobstructed or partially or completely uncovered upon degradation or biodegradation of the top layer 600. Thus, upon partial or complete degradation or biodegradation of the top layer 600, the pattern of the intermediate layer 602 (e.g., a decorative or visually pleasing pattern, an image, a geometric shape, a trademark, a brand mark, a barcode, a QR code, a pattern providing openings for optimal or predetermined airflow through the footwear 300, a pattern providing a visual indication as to the status of the footwear 300, and / or combinations thereof) may become visible.

[0088] For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , intermediate layer 602 may be provided as a pattern, more particularly, as a pattern of small specks 606. Intermediate layer 602 may also include biodegradable material 108 (not shown), and small specks 606 may be composed of, for example, biodegradable material 108. As discussed above, biodegradable material 108 may be applied to, adhered to, disposed within, or disposed on the substrate in a decorative or visually pleasing manner (e.g., pattern, image, geometric shape, etc.). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13B , intermediate layer 602 may be a uniform layer having biodegradable material coated therein or therein, as discussed further herein.

[0089] In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 10 herein, intermediate layer 602 may be comprised of a non-biodegradable material or fabric, a material that cannot be decomposed by bacteria or other organisms, or a material that does not organically decompose when exposed to microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or other biologically active agents as previously described herein. In these particular embodiments, intermediate layer 602 may include a non-biodegradable, breathable textile substrate, such as polyester or polyester fabric to provide hydrophobicity, a durable material for upper 304, elastane and / or stretch polyester to provide a desired degree of elasticity and recovery, a nylon-based textile material to provide a durable, abrasion-resistant material, a cotton-based textile to provide a soft fabric or a natural aesthetic, polyurethane or polyurethane leather, rubber, open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, polyethylene, and / or combinations thereof. Furthermore, in these particular embodiments, intermediate layer 602 may be provided as a pattern, as shown in FIG. 10, or as a uniform layer, as shown in FIG. 11, as further discussed herein.

[0090] The top layer 600 may be disposed over the intermediate layer 602 and the base layer 604 and may extend from the sole structure 302 on both the lateral surface 352 and the medial surface 350 and / or may extend across the instep region 546. In certain embodiments, the top layer 600 completely surrounds or encircles the intermediate layer 602 and / or the base layer 604 of the footwear 300.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the top layer 600 may be composed of similar materials as the composite material 100; for example, the top layer 600 may include the substrate 106, the biodegradable material 108 including at least one biologically active agent, and / or the material layer 104. In some embodiments, the microorganisms may be incorporated into the top layer 600 as a biofilm. In other embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the middle layer 604 is composed of the biodegradable material 108, the top layer 604 may include only the material layer 104.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the biodegradable material 108, biologically active agent, and / or material layer 104 of the top layer 600 may be strategically positioned along discrete portions of the upper 304, and more particularly, discrete portions of the top layer 600. For example, the top layer 600 may individually include discrete portions thereof on the forefoot region 310, mid-region 312, and / or heel region 314, and along the medial surface 350 and / or lateral surface 352. Additionally, as previously described herein, the mid-layer 602 may also include discrete portions that are initially hidden, obstructed, or covered by the top layer 600, but that become visually unobstructed or partially or completely covered upon degradation or biodegradation of the top layer 600. Thus, in some embodiments, the biodegradable material 108, biologically active agent, and / or material layer 104 of the top layer 600 may be strategically positioned along portions of the top layer 600 that overlap discrete portions of the intermediate layer 602. As a result, these discrete portions of the top layer 600 may selectively degrade or biodegrade to expose discrete portions of the intermediate layer 602, while other portions of the top layer 600 may remain biologically, chemically, or structurally intact. In one aspect, a user may desire an upper with discrete portions that are more flexible than other portions of the upper. In such embodiments, the discrete portions of the top layer 600 may be selectively degraded or biodegraded to increase the flexibility or stretchability of certain areas of the upper.

[0093] FIG. 11 illustrates footwear 610 having a sole structure 612 and an upper 614. Further, similar to footwear 300, upper 614 may include multiple layers, including top layer 616, mid-layer 618, and base layer 620. However, as noted above, mid-layer 618 may be provided as a uniform layer that generally conforms to top layer 616 and / or base layer 620. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, mid-layer 618 is a different material, a different color, a different texture, or otherwise has a different appearance than top layer 616. Thus, in certain examples, footwear 610 may change color or color shade as top layer 616 degrades or biodegrades.

[0094] FIG. 12 depicts footwear 630 having a sole structure 632 and an upper 634. Further, similar to footwear 300, upper 634 may include multiple layers, including a top layer 636, a first intermediate layer 638, a second intermediate layer 640, and a base layer 642. In this particular embodiment, top layer 636 and first intermediate layer 638 may each include composite material 100 such that footwear 630 undergoes multiple states of degradation or biodegradation, such that footwear 630 can transition between at least a first initial state (i.e., a state in which no portion of footwear 630 has deteriorated), a second intermediate state (e.g., a state in which top layer 636 has degraded / biodegraded or a state in which it is partially degraded / biodegraded), and a third final state (e.g., a state in which top layer 636 and first intermediate layer 638 have degraded / biodegraded or a state in which it is partially degraded / biodegraded).

[0095] Alternatively, with continued reference to FIG. 12 , the first intermediate layer 638 may comprise composite material 100, while the top layer 636 may be comprised of a material that cannot be decomposed or biodegraded by bacteria or other living microorganisms as described herein. For example, the top layer 636 of this embodiment may be a protective outer layer that includes a decomposable or biodegradable intermediate layer 638. In these embodiments, the top layer 636 may comprise a non-biodegradable, breathable textile substrate, such as polyester or a polyester woven or mesh material (e.g., tulle) that provides hydrophobicity and a durable material for the upper 634. In other embodiments, the top layer 636 may comprise elastane and / or stretch polyester, which can provide a desired degree of elasticity and recovery for the top layer 636 and upper 634. In further embodiments, the top layer 636 may comprise a nylon-based textile material that provides a durable, abrasion-resistant material for the upper 634. In further embodiments, the top layer 636 may comprise a cotton-based textile to provide the top layer 636 with a soft texture or natural aesthetic. Additionally, the top layer 636 may include polyurethane or polyurethane leather, rubber, open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, foam with a plurality of beads or particles, polyethylene, and / or combinations thereof. In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the top layer 636 may also be transparent, translucent, or semi-transparent. For example, the top layer 636 may be transparent to allow the degradation or biodegradation of the first intermediate layer 638 to be visible, such that the second intermediate layer 640 becomes visible after the first intermediate layer 638 has degraded or biodegraded. In certain embodiments, as discussed further herein, a portion of the first intermediate layer 638 may degrade or biodegrade to provide increased breathability or airflow to the footwear 630. In such embodiments, the top layer 636 may be a non-biodegradable breathable fabric substrate, such as polyester or a polyester woven or mesh material, to ensure increased breathability.Optionally, in these embodiments, footwear 630 may not include second intermediate layer 640; rather, footwear 630 may simply include top layer 636, first intermediate layer 636, and base layer 642.

[0096] Using the configurations discussed herein, the top layer 600, 616, 636, 638 or individual portions thereof (i.e., the substrate 106, the biodegradable material 108, and / or the material layer 104) may be configured to degrade or biodegrade after a predetermined time or after contact with a stimulus or stimuli that promote or accelerate degradation or biodegradation. For example, in some embodiments, the stimulus or stimuli used to promote or accelerate degradation or biodegradation may include, but are not limited to, a change in temperature (such as an increase or decrease in heat), sweat, light, ultraviolet light, a change in pressure, a change in humidity, a change in pH, exposure to a liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidic solution, a basic solution, alcohol, benzol, gasoline), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO, NH, O), or a solvent.

[0097] After degradation or biodegradation, a user may also desire to replace one or more of the top layers 600, 616, 636, 638. Thus, in certain embodiments, the top layers 600, 616, 636, 638 may be replaceable components of the upper (e.g., the top layer 600 may be attached to the upper 304 after the top layer 600 has deteriorated) or may be manufactured separately from the footwear upper. As a result, a user can "restart" the degradation or biodegradation process if desired.

[0098] 13A shows a perspective view of footwear 300 in an initial state, i.e., before a stimulus or stimuli are applied to footwear 300. FIG. 13B shows a perspective view of footwear 300 after footwear 300 has been exposed to stimulus or stimuli 650 and, as a result of such exposure, top layer 600 has partially or completely degraded or biodegraded. As a result of biodegradation (or partial biodegradation) of top layer 600, intermediate layer 602 and / or base layer 604 may become visible. Additionally, as previously described herein, biodegradable material 108 of top layer 600, biologically active agent, and / or material layer 104 of top layer 600 may be strategically positioned along portions of top layer 600 that overlap discrete portions of intermediate layer 602. 10, 13A, and 13B, the intermediate layer 602 may extend across the outer layer 548 of the base layer 642 of the footwear 300, and as such, the top layer 600 may only have the biodegradable material 108, biologically active agent, and / or material layer 104 around the outer layer 548 of the top layer 600. In such an embodiment, the intermediate layer 602 may at least partially define the shape of the top layer 600 and / or the location of the biodegradable material 108, biologically active agent, and / or material layer 104 on the top layer 600.

[0099] Referring to another example, Figures 14A-14C show side views of a user wearing footwear 300 during multiple states of degradation or biodegradation. Figure 14A shows the user and footwear 300 in an initial state, Figure 14B shows the user and footwear 300 in a first intermediate state of biodegradation after footwear 300 has been exposed to a stimulus or stimuli (e.g., sweat from the user, sunlight or UV light, body heat from the user, etc.), and Figure 14C shows the user and footwear 300 in a second intermediate state of biodegradation after footwear has been further exposed to the stimulus or stimuli.

[0100] As previously described herein, in some embodiments, the biodegradable material 108 may be applied to, adhered to, disposed within, or disposed on the substrate 106 in a pattern, particularly a pattern of small dots. In a similar manner as shown in FIG. 10 , the intermediate layer 602 may be applied to, adhered to, disposed within, or disposed on the substrate layer 604 in a pattern, particularly a pattern of small dots. Additionally, as discussed herein, intermediate layer 602 may be applied to, adhered to, disposed within, or disposed on base layer 604 in a decorative or visually pleasing manner (e.g., a pattern, an image, a geometric shape), in a manner that forms a particular shape (e.g., a trademark, a brand mark, a bar code, a general geometric shape), or in a manner that, once degraded, provides a particular function (e.g., a pattern that provides openings for optimal or desired airflow through the article to which the composite material is applied, a pattern that visually indicates the state of the article to which the composite material is applied, a pattern that changes the state of the article to which the composite material is applied to indicate the state of the article to which the composite material is applied, etc.), and / or combinations thereof.

[0101] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the intermediate layer 602 may include a logo, trademark, or brand mark 700. Thus, in an initial state as shown in Figure 15A, the top layer 600 may cover or block the logo 700 so that it is not visible, but as the top layer 600 degrades or biodegrades (as shown in Figure 15B), the logo, trademark, or brand mark 700 may become visible.

[0102] 16A and 16B, the intermediate layer 602 may include a visual indicia 800, such as a visual indicia indicating that the footwear 300 is a winner or that a user of the footwear 300 has received a prize or won a contest (e.g., a sweepstakes). Thus, in an initial state, as shown in FIG. 16A, the top layer 600 may obscure or block the visual indicia 800 such that the visual indicia is not visible. However, as the top layer 600 degrades or biodegrades (as shown in FIG. 16B), the visual indicia 800 may become visible.

[0103] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the middle layer 602 may include a barcode, QR code, or coupon 900. Thus, in an initial state as shown in Figure 17A, the top layer 600 may obscure or block the barcode 900, making it invisible. However, once the top layer 600 degrades or biodegrades (as shown in Figure 17B), the barcode 900 may become visible.

[0104] As further shown in FIGS. 14A-14C , regions of the top layer 600 may degrade or biodegrade at a faster or more rapid pace than other regions of the top layer 600. For example, as best shown in FIG. 14B , portions of the intermediate layer 602 may be visible before other portions of the intermediate layer 602 are visible. Notably, in these embodiments, the portions of the top layer 600 that degrade or biodegrade at a faster or more rapid rate are exposed to a greater degree of stimulus or stimuli (or, stated another way, are portions that are more exposed to a stimulus or stimuli). For example, as discussed further herein, certain regions of a user's foot may experience a higher body temperature or certain regions of a user's foot may experience a higher degree of sweating or may have an elevated degree of sweating, and therefore, these particular regions or locations along the top layer 600 may degrade at a faster or more rapid rate than other regions or locations along the top layer 600.

[0105] For example, FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary heat map 950 of a footwear upper 952. As shown in this particular embodiment, upper 952 may include areas or regions of low heat activity or low sweating (i.e., region 954), areas or regions of medium heat activity or medium levels of sweating (i.e., region 956), and / or areas or regions of high heat activity or high levels of sweating (i.e., region 958). Furthermore, as should be understood by those skilled in the art, these regions may vary depending on the user or individual. For example, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, which are plan views of exemplary heat maps 970, 972 for footwear uppers for first and second individuals, one individual may have an area of ​​high heat activity or high levels of sweating proximate the forefoot or toe region 974 of the upper (as shown in FIG. 19A). Meanwhile, another individual may have areas of high thermal activity or high levels of sweating proximate the forefoot region 976, lateral region 978, and lateral instep region 980 (as shown in FIG. 19B). Thus, in certain embodiments, portions of the top layers 600, 616, 636, 638 may degrade differently based on the particular user of the footwear.

[0106] 20A and 20B illustrate footwear 1000 according to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may include a sole structure 1002 and an upper 1004 attached to the sole structure 1002. Further, similar to footwear 300, upper 1004 may include a base layer 1006 and a top layer 1008, and in some embodiments, an intermediate layer (not shown). As discussed in connection with FIG. 12 , footwear 1000 may also include a top layer encasing top layer 1008, which may act as a protective outer layer. Top layer 1008 may also include composite material 100 (or individual portions thereof). With this configuration, top layer 1008 or any individual portions thereof (e.g., substrate 106, biodegradable material 108, and / or material layer 104) may be configured to degrade or biodegrade after a predetermined time or after contact with a stimulus or stimuli 1010 that promotes or accelerates degradation or biodegradation. For example, as previously described herein, the stimulus or stimuli used to promote or accelerate degradation or biodegradation include, but are not limited to, a change in temperature (such as an increase or decrease in heat), sweat, light, ultraviolet light, a change in pressure, a change in humidity, a change in pH, exposure to a liquid (e.g., water, salt water, an acidic solution, a basic solution), exposure to a gas (e.g., CO2, NH3, O2), or a solvent. In this particular embodiment, the stimulus or stimuli may be a change in temperature or heat as well as exposure to sweat.

[0107] More specifically, certain regions of the top layer 1008 may degrade or biodegrade upon exposure to a stimulus or stimuli 1010, thereby forming openings 1012. The openings 1012 can expose portions of the base layer 1006, thereby providing areas of enhanced ventilation or breathability because the opening or openings 1012 allow air to flow through the top layer 1008 of the footwear 1000 and across the base layer 1006. For example, FIG. 20A illustrates the footwear 1000 before the upper 1004 has been exposed to the stimulus 1010, and FIG. 20B illustrates the footwear 1000 after the upper 1004 has been exposed to the stimulus 1010 and at least one opening 1012 has extended through the top layer 1008. As previously discussed herein, the formation of openings (such as opening 1012) can be indicative of degradation or biodegradation. In these particular embodiments, the openings 1012 can be, for example, about 1 mm 2 Approximately 20,000 mm from 2 Between the two, approximately 100 mm 2 Approximately 10,000 mm from 2 Between or about 200 mm 2 Approximately 1,000 mm from 2 The area may be between .times. ...

[0108] Also, as previously described herein, the medium containing the biologically active microorganisms may be separate from the article or may be applied to the article by a user. For example, as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B , the medium containing the biologically active microorganisms may be a fluid spray or aerosol composition 1050 that may be painted, sprayed, or otherwise applied to an article, such as footwear 1052, by a user 1054 as needed. In this embodiment, the fluid spray or aerosol composition 1050 may be applied onto the footwear 1052, causing the upper 1056 of the footwear 1052 to degrade or biodegrade, and in certain embodiments, may cause the formation of openings 1058 through the upper 1056. In other embodiments, the upper 1056 may still require a stimulus 1060 to activate the biologically active microorganisms within the fluid spray or aerosol composition 1050.

[0109] In addition to footwear, certain concepts described herein may be applied and incorporated into other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, such as clothing (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants, hats, socks, calf sleeves, headbands, wristbands, arm sleeves, gloves, etc.), insoles, helmets, padding or protective padding, shin guards, etc. Furthermore, certain concepts described herein may be incorporated into cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs (e.g., golf club grips), or other consumer or industrial products. Thus, the concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0110] For example, as shown in FIG. 22 , the composite material 100 (or its individual components) may be incorporated into any garment, such as a hat 1100, a shirt 1112, a pair of shorts or pants 1114, a wristband 1116, and / or a sock or calf sleeve 1118.

[0111] 23-25, composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into apparel 1150, 1160, 1170. In such embodiments, similar to footwear 300, apparel 1150, 1160, 1170 may include a base layer, a mid layer, and a top layer.

[0112] For example, FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a garment 1150 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer of the garment 1150, such as a pattern or part of its intermediate or base layer 1152, where the composite material may be formed on the exterior or may be visible from the exterior of the garment 1150 after a stimulus or stimuli 1154 is applied to the composite material. As another example, FIGS. 24A and 24B illustrate a garment 1160 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer such that an exterior 1162 of the garment 1160 changes (e.g., changes color) after a stimulus or stimuli 1164 is applied to the composite material. As yet another example, FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a garment 1170 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer of the garment 1170 such that one or more openings 1172 are formed after a stimulus or stimuli 1174 is applied to the composite material.

[0113] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 26-28, composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into hats 1180, 1190, 1200. Figures 26A and 26B illustrate hat 1180 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer of hat 1180 such that a pattern, or a portion of its intermediate or base layer 1182, may be formed on its exterior surface or be visible from the exterior surface of hat 1182 after a stimulus or stimuli 1184 is applied to the composite material. As another example, Figures 27A and 27B illustrate hat 1190 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer such that an exterior surface 1192 of hat 1190 changes (e.g., changes color) after a stimulus or stimuli 1194 is applied to the composite material. As yet another example, FIGS. 28A and 28B depict a hat 1200 that may include composite material 100 such that one or more openings 1202 are formed after a stimulus or multiple stimuli 1204 are applied to the composite material.

[0114] In a further embodiment, as shown in Figures 29A and 29B, composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into an insole 1210. Figures 29A and 26B show an insole 1210 that may include composite material 100 in or on a top layer 1212 of insole 1210 such that one or more openings 1214 are formed through the top layer 1212 of insole 1210 after a stimulus or stimuli 1216 are applied to the composite material to expose a base layer 1218.

[0115] In further embodiments, footwear or clothing may incorporate composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) that visualizes biofilm formation and growth as a color change in composite material 100. In such embodiments, the biologically active agent in biodegradable material 108 may biologically or chemically alter material layer 104, thereby changing the visual appearance of material layer 104 upon exposure to a stimulus. For example, footwear or clothing may be constructed from composite material 100 having the aforementioned properties, thereby changing the physical appearance (e.g., color, color shade, reflectance) of the footwear or clothing upon exposure to a stimulus or stimuli. For example, in some aspects described herein, the article may include a biodegradable portion or biodegradable medium 108 that includes a dye, and upon activation by a stimulus or stimuli, the dye may be released from the biodegradable portion or biodegradable medium 108 into or onto the surrounding environment. For example, the biodegradable medium 108 may be a sealed encapsulation containing a biologically active agent and a dye, and when activated by a stimulus or stimuli, may release the dye into a surrounding substrate or fabric (e.g., substrate 106) to change the color or appearance of the surrounding substrate or fabric.

[0116] For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the aforementioned composite material 100 with dye (or its individual components) may be incorporated into any garment such as a hat 1220, a shirt 1230, a pair of shorts or pants 1240, or footwear 1250.

[0117] 31A and 31B, in one embodiment, the above-described composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into a hat 1220, and the visual appearance (e.g., color) of the hat 1220 may change after being subjected to a stimulus or multiple stimuli 1252.

[0118] In another embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 32A and 32B , the aforementioned composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into a shirt 1230, and the visual appearance (e.g., color) of the shirt 1230 may change after exposure to a stimulus or multiple stimuli 1254.

[0119] 33A and 33B, in a further embodiment, the aforementioned composite material 100 (or individual components thereof) may be incorporated into footwear 1250, and the visual appearance (e.g., color) of footwear 1250 may change after receiving a stimulus or multiple stimuli 1256.

[0120] In addition to footwear, certain concepts described herein may be applied and incorporated into other types of clothing or other athletic equipment, such as apparel (e.g., shirts, shorts, pants, hats, socks, calf sleeves, headbands, wristbands, arm sleeves, gloves, etc.), helmets, padding or protective padding, shin guards, etc. Furthermore, certain concepts described herein may be incorporated into cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs (e.g., golf club grips), or other consumer or industrial products. Thus, the concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

[0121] FIG. 34 shows a process flowchart of an exemplary methodology or process 1300 for manufacturing footwear 300 having the composite material of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, methodology 1300 may include steps 1302, 1304, and 1306. First, in step 1302, a base layer, e.g., base layer 604, a mid layer, e.g., mid layer 602, and a top layer, e.g., top layer 600, may be constructed by standard means in the art. Next, in step 1304, the mid layer, e.g., mid layer 602, may be fused to or onto the base layer, e.g., base layer 604. For example, FIG. 35 shows step 1304 of process 1300, in which mid layer 602 is fused to or onto base layer 604. Once the mid layer is fused to the base layer, in step 1306, a top layer, e.g., top layer 600, may be attached to the mid layer and base layer.

[0122] Although the following description is directed to footwear, it is understood that the methodologies discussed herein may be used to manufacture other articles, including, but not limited to, shirts, shorts, pants, hats, socks, calf sleeves, headbands, wristbands, arm sleeves, gloves, or any other article previously described herein.

[0123] Any of the embodiments described herein can be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Furthermore, the disclosure is not limited to the types of footwear specifically shown. Furthermore, aspects of the footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to function with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] Many variations of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best manner of carrying same out. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. a sole structure; an upper including a top layer, a mid layer, and a base layer attached to the sole structure; Equipped with the intermediate layer comprises a pattern, and the top layer comprises a biologically active agent and a biodegradable layer; the intermediate layer is disposed between the top layer and the base layer; a portion of the upper including a substrate including a non-biodegradable material; the biologically active agent is capable of biodegrading the biodegradable layer; the biologically active agent is a bacterium or a fungus; Footwear.

2. the intermediate layer comprises a speckled pattern; Footwear according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising an instep layer and a color layer. Footwear according to claim 1.

4. the top layer extends upwardly from the sole structure toward a boundary along a toe region, a midregion, and a heel region; Footwear according to claim 3.

5. the boundary extends around the periphery of the upper through each of the forefoot region, the midsole region, and the heel region; Footwear according to claim 4.

6. The biodegradable layer further comprises polyethylene terephthalate. Footwear according to claim 5.

7. The biologically active agent comprises Ideonella sakaiensis; Footwear according to claim 6.

8. the instep layer and the collar layer extend upward from the boundary; 8. Footwear according to claim 7.

9. a sole structure; an upper attached to the sole structure, the upper including a biodegradable layer and a biologically active agent that can biodegrade the biodegradable layer; Footwear comprising: The upper a top layer having the biodegradable layer; a base layer comprising a non-biodegradable substrate; an intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the base layer; the biologically active agent is a bacterium or a fungus; the footwear has a first state, and when the footwear is in the first state, the biodegradable layer is not biodegraded. Footwear.

10. the intermediate layer is interrupted by the top layer in the first state; 10. The footwear of claim 9.

11. the intermediate layer is at least partially visible in the second state; the biodegradable layer is at least partially biodegraded in the second state. Footwear according to claim 10.

12. the biodegradable layer is disposed along a portion of the top layer to allow degradation of the pattern in the top layer; Footwear according to claim 11.

13. the biodegradable layer is disposed along a portion of the top layer to allow for degradation of the trademark within the top layer; Footwear according to claim 11.

14. the footwear comprises a first color in the first state, and after the biodegradable layer is consumed, the footwear further comprises a second color in the second state, the second color being different from the first color. Footwear according to claim 11.

15. The footwear further comprises a fastening member for fastening the footwear around the wearer's foot.

10. The footwear of claim 9.

16. the biodegradable layer comprises polycaprolactone; The biologically active agent is selected from the group consisting of Bacillus brevis; Clostridium botulinum; C. acetobutylicum; Amycolatopsis sp.; Fusarium solani; Aspergillus flavus; Pseudozyma japonica Y7-09; R. depolymerase strain TB-87; Leptothrix strain TB-71; P. antarctica JCM 10317; and Cryptococcus sp. strain S2.

10. The footwear of claim 9.

17. a sole structure; an upper attached to the sole structure; Equipped with The upper a biodegradable layer and a top layer having a biologically active agent; a base layer comprising a non-biodegradable substrate; an intermediate layer disposed between the top layer and the base layer; the biologically active agent at least partially biodegrades the biodegradable layer and releases carbon dioxide; the biologically active agent is a bacterium or a fungus; Footwear.

Images