Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer
AssigneeNIKE, Inc.
InventorsPamela S. Greene, John R. Hoke, III, John Hurd
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include one or more of: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper having lateral and medial side elements engaged with the sole structure, the upper made from a polymer matrix structure that extends through at least a heel region; (c) a size adjustment mechanism located at the heel region; (d) a heel tongue element located adjacent the size adjustment mechanism; (e) a shoe securing mechanism; (f) an instep tongue member; and/or (g) a bootie member located at least partially within the foot-receiving chamber. Methods of manufacturing such articles of footwear also are disclosed.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:
- forming a first polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the first polymer matrix structure includes a first free end;
- forming a second polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the second polymer matrix structure includes a second free end;
- incorporating the first and second polymer matrix structures into an upper such that the first free end extends along a heel region of the upper and the second free end extends along the heel region of the upper, wherein the first polymer matrix structure and the second polymer matrix structure exhibit a coextensive and stacked relationship;
- engaging the first free end and the second free end;
- and
- securing a sole member to the upper.
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:
- forming a first polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the first polymer matrix structure includes a first free end;
- forming a second polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the second polymer matrix structure includes a second free end;
- incorporating the first polymer matrix structure into an exterior surface of an upper and incorporating the second polymer matrix structure into an interior surface of the upper such that the first free end extends along a heel region of the upper and the second free end extends along the heel region of the upper;
- engaging the first free end and the second free end;
- and
- securing a sole member to the upper.
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising:
- forming a first polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the first polymer matrix structure includes a first free end and is formed of a first material;
- forming a second polymer matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures, wherein the second polymer matrix structure includes a second free end and is formed of a second material;
- incorporating the first and second polymer matrix structures into an upper such that the first free end extends along a heel region of the upper and the second free end extends along the heel region of the upper;
- engaging the first free end and the second free end;
- securing a sole member to the upper;
- wherein the first material is different than the second material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.