Abstract: This document describes textile assemblies for speakers, including textile assemblies with inlaid tensioning yarns, and associated apparatuses and methods. The textile assembly includes a textile body (106) with inlaid tensioning yarns (302, 304). The textile assembly (102) may be a fully-fashioned textile swatch. The tensioning yarns are inlaid at intervals in the textile body but can slide within or be pulled through the textile body. Further, the tensioning yarns have ends (306, 308, 402, 404) that are accessible near the edges of the textile body for various reasons. First, pulling on them while the textile assembly is on an acoustic device (104) tensions the tensioning yarns such that they limit movement of the textile assembly and break up vibration modes. Second, their ends can be tied directly to, formed into loops to hook over, or wound around, features (208) on the acoustic device to removably secure the textile assembly to the acoustic device.

Abstract: Described are shoes for ball sports including an upper having an outer surface. An actuator is configured to change at least one surface property of a portion of the outer surface of the upper, and a sensor is configured to be sensitive to movements of the shoe. A processing unit is connected to the actuator and the sensor and configured to process sensor data retrieved from the sensor and to cause the actuator to change the at least one surface property of the portion of the outer surface of the upper if a predetermined event is detected in the sensor data.

Abstract: Process for obtaining ecological footwear using recycled or waste organic materials for the production thereof, particularly materials such as sargassum, coffee waste, and agave bagasse and using solvent-free water-based adhesives, therefore friendly to atmosphere. The process includes assembling the footwear with woven fabrics and non-woven polyester fabrics obtained from fibers that are produced with bottle flakes and postindustrial recycled material of the same polymer, in addition to including the thread and laces made with filaments obtained from the same recycled nature, and incorporating the sole and details with a percentage of recycled polyester plastic bottles, sargassum, coffee waste, and pulverized agave gabazo used as an inert load, so the footwear presented has a recycled polyester content, Sargassum, coffee residues and agave gabazo between 5 and 90% in weigh.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes dispensing ribbon in an overlapping pattern of ribbon sections to form a ribbon structure; and fixedly attaching a first ribbon section to an underlying material with thermal joining.

Abstract: A shoe structure includes a shoe body knitted from at least one yarn in unitary structure with only one opening for receiving a foot of a wear therein. The shoe body includes an upper section, a sole section, and a rear section connected by knitting without any sewing portion when the shoe body is formed. The upper section corresponds to fore and lateral portions of the foot. The sole section supports a sole portion of the foot. The rear section corresponds to a heel portion of the foot, wherein the shoe body consists of multiple courses and wales formed by the at least one yarn. The wales in the upper section extend along a direction perpendicular to a receiving direction of the opening into the shoe body.

Abstract: An open shoe including a textile layer shaped to fit on the sole of the open shoe, the textile layer and the open shoe comprising means able to cooperate together in such a manner that the textile layer is attachable and removable relatively to the sole of the open shoe. When the textile layer is attached to the sole, at least a portion of the textile layer is disposed between the open shoe and the skin of the foot.

Abstract: A shoe described herein includes an upper which surrounds the whole or one part of a foot of a user, a sole which is coupled to a lower portion of the upper, and a liner which is disposed on the sole. The liner of the shoe includes a bottom part which is disposed on the sole, one or more pairs of side surface supporting parts which are extended from a side edge of the bottom part and partially surround a side surface of the foot of the user, and one or more pairs of tightening parts which are formed at end portions of the one or more pairs of side surface supporting parts, respectively. The one or more pairs of tightening parts tighten the bottom part and the side surface supporting part to be in close contact with the foot of the user.

Abstract: A textile with high weave density which comprises a main-yarn made of a Japanese paper yarn and a sub-yarn thinner than the main-yarn interwoven with each other, wherein the textile has a weave texture structure including warps A and wefts A made of the main-yarn, and warps B and wefts B made of the sub-yarn, wherein in the weave texture structure, warp rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of warps B are located between two warps A and weft rows have a repeating row structure where a plurality of wefts B are located between two wefts A, and wherein the warps A and the wefts A cross each other in a plain weave texture structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a knitted component including an upper and an integral knit ankle cuff is provided. The upper and the ankle cuff are formed as a one-piece knit element. The knit element forms a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface forming a void for receiving a foot. The ankle cuff is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper as a one-piece knit element and extends above a throat area of the upper. The ankle cuff includes malleolus zones on medial and lateral sides to correspond with the ankle bones of a wearer. The knit component further incorporates features to assist with providing entry for a foot of a wear, providing comfort to a wearer, and to assist with orientation of the upper of the article of footwear when being worn.

Abstract: Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Abstract: An article includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component has a first edge and a second edge. The knitted component has a length that is measured between the first edge and the second edge. The length is substantially fixed. The knitted component also includes a base structure and an adjustment member that is integrally knit to the base structure. The adjustment member includes a bunched region that is configured to slide along the base structure between a first position on the knitted component and a second position on the knitted component.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is connected to the sole structure. The upper includes a flat knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The flat knitted component includes a trim region that defines a trimmed outer edge of the flat knitted component. The trimmed outer edge is disposed proximate to the sole structure. The trimmed outer edge defines a first dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a first foot size. The trim region further defines a trim line that is spaced from the trimmed outer edge in an inboard direction on the flat knitted component. The trim line defines a second dimension of the flat knitted component that corresponds to a second foot size.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a knitted component including an upper and an integral knit ankle cuff is provided. The upper and the ankle cuff are formed as a one-piece knit element. The knit element forms a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface forming a void for receiving a foot. The ankle cuff is formed of unitary knit construction with the upper as a one-piece knit element and extends above a throat area of the upper. The ankle cuff includes malleolus zones on medial and lateral sides to correspond with the ankle bones of a wearer. The knit component further incorporates features to assist with providing entry for a foot of a wear, providing comfort to a wearer, and to assist with orientation of the upper of the article of footwear when being worn.

Abstract: A method of forming an article of footwear includes knitting a knitted component having a knit element and a tensile strand that are formed of unitary knit construction as a one-piece element. The knitted component is configured to at least partially form an upper for the article of footwear. The knit element defines a body and a trim region, and the trim region defines an outer edge of the knit element. The tensile strand includes at least one inlaid portion that is inlaid within the knit element. The tensile strand also includes an exposed portion that is exposed from the knit element and that is disposed adjacent the outer edge. The exposed portion is spaced from the outer edge in an inboard direction on the knit element. The method further includes manipulating the exposed portion to move and adjust the at least one inlaid portion relative to the knit element.

Abstract: A shoe incorporating carbon fiber composite components to provide performance improvements in lighter weight, better shock absorption, traction by use of spikes, better support, substantial bounciness by being resistant to deformation and provides active ventilation. The shoe of this invention utilizes carbon fiber composite's to easily fabricate the designs.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper has a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction that includes at least one gore region located in a heel region of the article of footwear. The gore region provides a contoured configuration to the knitted component. In a method of manufacturing, a knitted component may include a first gore region and a plurality of second gore regions, with the first gore region being located in a heel area of the article of footwear and the second gore regions being located adjacent to the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for making a shoe outsole and to shoe outsoles made using such techniques. In one such technique, a sheet of composite material is produced by extruding a base material together with a sheet of fabric material. The sheet of composite material is then cut into an outsole component, and a shoe outsole is fabricated using the outsole component.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and techniques for solving the problems associated with the assembly of standard waterproof footwear such as the increased labor and cost of purchasing a taping machine and individually taping each seam of a waterproof article of footwear. Waterproof footwear described herein is made by laminating a waterproof membrane over substantially the entire exterior surface, including the seams, of a footwear liner, thereby producing a tapeless waterproof footwear article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shoe, the method including the steps of: attaching a sock-shaped base member 1 forming a portion of an upper to a last portion 52 of a core 50, the core 50 including a core print 51 and the last portion 52; attaching the core 50 to an outer mold 61, 62; supplying a molten resin 71, 72 to be a reinforcement member 2 and/or a sole member 3, 4 into between the outer mold 61, 62 and the base member 1; and allowing the molten resin 71, 72 to cure, thereby forming the reinforcement member 2 and/or the sole member 3, 4 integral with the base member 1.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The upper includes a lower edge that is disposed adjacent to the sole structure. The upper further includes a collar defining an opening to a void within the upper. The collar defines an upper edge of the upper that is spaced away from the lower edge. The upper includes a forward portion and a heel portion. The heel portion includes a knitted component of unitary knit construction. The knitted component at least partially defines the upper edge and the lower edge of the upper. The knitted component includes a first side edge that is attached to the forward portion along a first side. The knitted component also includes a second side edge that is attached to the forward portion along a second side.

Abstract: Described are shoes having an upper, and at least one of an outer sole and a midsole connected to the upper. At least one of the outer sole and the midsole is formed of knitwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: Described are uppers for a shoe, particularly a sports shoe, having at least one first partial area and at least one second partial area that are manufactured as one-piece knitwear, wherein the first partial area includes a first yarn and the second partial area includes a second yarn, and wherein the first yarn is more elastic than the second yarn.

Abstract: Described are uppers for a shoe, particularly a sports shoe. The upper includes a plurality of first portions for receiving at least one toe of the foot, wherein the first portions can be moved substantially independently of each other and wherein the first portions comprise knitwear.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe, including a concave body having an erecting circumferential rim having one or more foot securing areas along at least a portion of the circumference of the rim, where the one or more foot securing areas are inwardly-protruding, so as to secure a foot in the concave body when the shoe is worn, and where the one or more foot securing areas have an elasticity that enables the one or more foot securing areas to be pushed outwardly to receive the foot.

Abstract: A method for bonding PEBA plastic composition with dissimilar materials. Also, composite articles made in accordance with the method. The method uses only water-borne adhesive compositions.

Abstract: A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, in some configurations, a skin layer secured to the exterior surface of the knitted component. The knitted component may an asymmetric interior layer secured to the interior surface of the knitted component. The asymmetric interior layer has varying medial and lateral portions that provide for different amounts of feel and cushioning along the varying sides of the upper. The asymmetric interior layer includes a lining layer and a connecting layer that join to form the asymmetric interior layer. Other interior layer features are provided, including collar portions and a heel pad that extends along the heel region of the knitted component from a sockliner to an opening on an ankle cuff of the knitted component.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material.

Abstract: A shoe component, wherein the shoe component is formed by 3-dimensional weaving such that the shoe component has one or more woven layers, each having a warp direction and a fill direction, wherein the shoe component has one direction of stretch; a shoe containing at least one of the shoe components in an upper; and a shoe in which the entire upper, and optionally the midsole and/or outsole, are entirely formed by 3-dimensional weaving.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include a component with a flange extending in an outward direction from a void within a chamber of the component. A sole may also include a chamber formed from a polymer material and including a plurality of subchambers, each of the subchambers having at least one segment with a width that is less than fourteen millimeters. A sole may further include a chamber having areas with different thicknesses, and an outsole bonded to areas with a lesser thickness.

Abstract: A waterproof shoe comprises a collapsible waterproof textile upper portion, bounded by an upper rim and a lower rim. The shoe further comprises a single piece outer sole made of a water resistant material, where the single piece outer sole is configured to extend over a wearer's heel and toes. The single piece outer sole further comprises a lip about an entirety of the opening, wherein the lower rim of the upper portion is attached to the lip in a waterproof manner. The shoe comprises a first sealing mechanism encompassing a cross-sectional portion of the upper portion, and encased in the upper portion. A tightness of the first sealing mechanism is adjustable by a first adjustment mechanism. The shoe comprises a second sealing mechanism encompassing the upper rim, and encased in the upper rim. A tightness of the second sealing mechanism is adjustable by a second adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: An anti-stretch treatment of natural leather or suede materials for articles of footwear is provided. The anti-stretch treatment is used to prevent or reduce the degree or amount of variation in stretch property of an upper or vamp of articles of footwear. The anti-stretch treatment includes a plurality of welds in the material of the upper that provide resistance to stretching along a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, or both, that assists with preventing or reducing stretching out of the upper of an article of footwear or otherwise losing shape or form.

Abstract: A combination footwear covering and carrier bag assembly, whereby the footwear covering is worn over the wearer's foot and/or sock while walking around a wet, snowy or slippery surface. The footwear covering includes a water-resistant body having an interior cavity. The body has a lower portion, a side portion and an upper portion defining the interior cavity. The carrier bag stores the footwear covering therein and is adapted to be unobtrusively worn about a wearer's body during activity and sports. The bag is made of bendable, water-resistant material having an opening and interior compartment. The bag includes pair of adjustable straps extending outwardly therefrom and a means for fastening the straps to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A branched braid member has a central braid portion and one or more tensile strands or small braids at either end of the central braid portion. The branched braid member may be incorporated into a shoe upper.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of a tensile strand located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strand moves freely. The tensile strand may be disposed within or about the spacer textile material in any location on the material. The spacer textile material with a tensile strand may be incorporated into an article of footwear and/or article of apparel.

Abstract: A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. In one or more locations, a first tensile strand and a second tensile overlap at an intersection region. Further, the spacer textile material may be incorporated into an article of footwear.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a shoe upper that is formed as a substantially planar woven article with varied functional zones and lockout strands integrated therein. The lockout strands may be integrally incorporated with the woven shoe upper to provide functional characteristics that differ from those characteristics provided by the woven upper. The lockout strands may be effective for transferring a load of a securing mechanism through the woven upper while allowing the woven upper to have a desired degree of elasticity, supper, and/or comfort.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a shoe upper that is formed as a substantially planar article with varied functional zones and integrated lockout assemblies included therein. The lockout assemblies may be inserted into a cavity formed in a multi-layer woven article allowing for a filler material, such as spacer mesh, to be included in the cavity and providing a material through which one or more lockout strands extend.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a shoe upper that is formed as a substantially planar article with varied functional zones integrated therein. The varied functional zones may be strategically positioned zones having varied degrees of stretch. Additionally, it is contemplated that the functional zones may provide dimensional variation (e.g., thickness) and/or permeability (e.g., breathability) characteristics. The substantially planar upper may then be formed into a three-dimensional upper having a volume that may be occupied by a wearer's foot.

Abstract: Flat knitting allows production of textile structures (e.g., for use in footwear uppers) of a final desired shape such that textile cutting steps can be avoided. Flat knitted elements also can be formed directly in desired three dimensional shapes, which can help avoid the need to use additional support structures (e.g., in footwear construction). By selectively placing multiple different yarns and/or stitch patterns at multiple different locations in the overall structure during the knitting process, flat knitted products may have multiple different physical properties (e.g., different stretchability, different moisture management capabilities, etc.) at multiple different locations or zones within a single, unitary construction (e.g., different properties at different zones or locations within a single footwear structure). Additionally, flat knitting can be used to produce pockets, tunnels, or other layered structures in the final product.

Abstract: A blast deflecting boot has a V like shaped sole, a layer to reduce and to stop high velocity fragments, a padded core that limits the blast forces transmitted to the lower leg of a soldier, and an upper of high velocity blast fragment reducing fabric. The invention provides the sole within a layer of non-slip urethane that contains energy absorbing foam, a layer of high velocity fragment reducing para-aramid or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene UHMWPE fabric, and a core of closed cell single or multiple density high energy absorbing foam or silicone that absorbs impact forces. The insole has a high velocity fragment reducing layer system of multiple layers of UHMWPE, or para-aramid. The sole of the present invention may have a unitary form or be assembled from multiple sections.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may also have a first area and a second area with a unitary construction. The first area is formed of a first stitch configuration, and the second area is formed of a second stitch configuration that is different from the first stitch configuration to impart varying textures to a surface of the textile element. Various warp knitting or weft knitting processes may be utilized to form the textile element.