Braided Article And Method Of Making

In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer. 1. An article of footwear , comprising:a footbed component;an interior braided layer;an outer surface of the interior braided layer being attached to an upper surface of the footbed component;an exterior braided layer;an inner surface of the exterior braided layer being attached to a lower surface of the footbed component; andwherein the interior braided layer is attached to the exterior braided layer.2. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesion layer claim 1 , the adhesion layer being coextensive with a portion of the exterior braided layer.3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesion layer claim 1 , the adhesion layer being coextensive with a portion of the interior braided layer.4. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the interior braided layer is formed of a first material and the exterior braided layer is formed of a second material claim 1 , wherein the first material has different material properties than the second material.5. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the interior braided layer includes a thermoplastic material and wherein the exterior braided layer includes a thermoplastic material.6. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein a heel counter is located between the interior braided layer and the exterior braided layer.7. ...

Braided article with reinforced stitch

In one embodiment, an article of footwear including an upper is described. The upper includes a braid body and at least one component. The braid body includes at least one braided layer. A reinforcement element is attached to the braid body along a connection area using a connecting stitch. The component is attached to the braid body at the connection area using a zigzag stitch including a thread that passes through the component at a first location and passes through the reinforcement element and the braid body at a second location. The second location extends beyond the connecting stitch attaching the reinforcement element to the braid body.

APPAREL WITH INTEGRATED FEATURES FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY

An article of apparel may include a garment having a loose-fitting outer shell and an integrated compression band within the outer shell and configured to apply compression to a portion of the body of a wearer of the garment to promote muscle recovery. The compression band may be disposed internal to, and separate from, the outer shell of the garment. 1. An article of apparel , comprising:a garment having a loose-fitting outer shell; andan integrated compression band within the outer shell and configured to apply compression to a portion of the body of a wearer of the garment to promote muscle recovery;wherein the compression band is disposed internal to, and separate from, the outer shell of the garment.2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the compression band includes at least one shape memory alloy wire configured to selectively constrict in order to provide the compression to the portion of the body.3. The article of claim 2 , wherein the at least one shape memory alloy wire forms a hoop that is configured to reduce in circumference upon application of an electric current to the shape memory alloy wire.4. The article of claim 3 , further including a control device configured to receive input from a wearer of the article of apparel to activate the at least one shape memory alloy wire.5. The article of claim 2 , wherein the compression band is configured to apply heat to the body of the wearer.6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the compression band is configured to be removed from the garment.7. The article of claim 6 , further including a fastening device disposed within a front pocket of the garment.8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the garment includes at least one tubular sleeve configured to receive a limb of a wearer; andwherein the compression band is located within the tubular sleeve and is configured to apply compression to the limb of the wearer.9. An article of apparel claim 1 , comprising:a garment having a loose-fitting outer shell; andan integrated ...

Braided Article and Method of Making

In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer. 1. A method of making a braided component for an article of footwear , comprising:passing a last through a braiding machine in a first direction to form a first layer of the braided component around the last; andpassing the last with the first layer through the braiding machine in a second direction that is opposite the first direction to form a second layer on top of the first layer of the braided component.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the first layer and the second layer are formed of a unitary braided construction.3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising forming the first layer and the second layer without removing the last from the braiding machine.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein strands from the first layer extend continuously into the second layer.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein passing the last through the braiding machine includes passing the last past a braiding point of the braiding machine.6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein passing the last through the braiding machine in the first direction includes moving the last a first distance past the braiding point in the first direction to form the first layer extending a length equal to the first distance along the last.7. The method according to claim 6 , wherein passing the last with the first layer through the braiding machine in the ...

Braided Article and Method of Making

In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. The plate includes a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures are configured to receive ground engaging members. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer. 1. A method of making an article of footwear , comprising:attaching a plate to the bottom of a first layer, the first layer being disposed on a last;wherein the plate has at least one aperture;inserting a deflector into the at least one aperture;passing the last with the first layer, the plate and the deflector through a braiding machine and forming a second layer around the first layer and the plate;wherein the second layer is a braided layer and wherein the deflector extends through the second layer.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method includes removing the deflector from the aperture in the plate after the second layer has been formed around the first layer.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method includes inserting a cleat into the aperture after the deflector has been removed from the aperture.4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the second layer is disposed between the cleat and the plate.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the deflector has a peg-like geometry with a rounded end.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the deflector changes a direction of one or more strands of the second layer as the second layer is being formed around the the first layer ...

Article of Footwear with Braided Upper

An article of footwear with a braided upper is disclosed. The article includes a braided upper with a bottom opening and a bottom peripheral portion surrounding the bottom opening. An article can include an insole component with a projecting portion that fits though the bottom opening. An article may otherwise include a midsole component with an upper projecting portion that fits through the bottom opening. A midsole component and/or an insole component may be attached directly to the bottom peripheral portion of the braided upper using a bonding agent. 1. An article of footwear , comprising:a braided upper, wherein the braided upper includes a bottom opening and a bottom peripheral portion extending around the bottom opening;a midsole component including an upper surface with a peripheral upper surface portion; andwherein the bottom peripheral portion is continuously bonded to the peripheral upper surface portion.2. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the article of footwear includes a forefoot region claim 1 , a midfoot region and a heel region claim 1 , and wherein the braided upper comprises a continuously braided structure extending through the forefoot region claim 1 , the midfoot region claim 1 , and the heel region.3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the braided upper includes a top opening for receiving a foot claim 1 , and wherein the upper surface of the midsole component is visible through the top opening.4. The article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein bottom peripheral portion has a fused peripheral edge that prevents strands of the braided upper from separating from one another.5. An article of footwear claim 1 , comprising:a braided upper, wherein the braided upper includes a bottom opening and a bottom peripheral portion extending around the bottom opening;a midsole component, wherein a portion of the midsole component is sized to fit within the bottom opening.6. The article of footwear according to ...

Method of Making an Article of Footwear with Braided Upper

A method of making an article of footwear with a braided upper is disclosed. The method includes overbraiding a last to form a braided upper and cutting a bottom opening in the braided upper to remove the last. The bottom opening is cut so as to leave a bottom peripheral portion on the bottom side of the braided upper. A midsole is attached directly to the bottom peripheral portion using a bonding agent.

Footwear bladder with controlled flex tensile member

A bladder (50) for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top (53) and bottom (55) outer layers of bladder (50). The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members (52,54,56) are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers are eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members (52,54,56) are formed with a predetermined flex point (58) in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder (50).

Footwear with lateral stabilizing sole

The invention is an article of footwear having a sole comprised of one or more support elements formed of a resilient, compressible material. The support elements are designed such that impact forces generated by movements of a wearer deflect the support elements in a manner that produces a force directed to center the wearer's foot above the sole. The directed deflection characteristics of the support elements are due to a downward cant of the support elements' upper surfaces and flexion indentations that facilitate bending in one direction.

Footwear bladder with controlled flex tensile member

A bladder (50) for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top (53) and bottom (55) outer layers of bladder (50). The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members (52,54,56) are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers are eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members (52,54,56) are formed with a predetermined flex point (58) in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder (50).

Bladder for footwear with tension element with controlled bend

Abgedichtete gasgefüllte Blase für eine Fußbekleidung, umfassend:- eine obere Begrenzungsschicht (53),- eine untere Begrenzungsschicht (55),- eine Verbindung entlang des Umfangs (57) der oberen und der unteren Begrenzungsfläche (53, 55) zur Bildung einer versiegelten Kammer, die mit einem Gas gefüllt ist;- einen oberen Abschnitt (61; 80) einer Säule (56; 78), der sich von der oberen Begrenzungsfläche (53) aus in die versiegelte Kammer erstreckt und der im Längsschnitt einen linearen Seitenwandabschnitt aufweist;- einen unteren Abschnitt (63; 82) einer Säule (56; 78), der sich von der unteren Begrenzungsfläche (55) aus in die versiegelte Kammer erstreckt;- geschlossene Enden des oberen und des unteren Abschnitts (61, 63; 80, 82), wobei die geschlossenen Enden an einer Anschlussstelle (84) in der versiegelten Kammer aneinander gefügt sind,- wobei der obere und der untere Abschnitt (61,63; 80, 82) der Säule (56; 78) sich von den geschlossenen Enden aus erstrecken und an der Anschlussstelle (84) einen Biegepunkt (58) bilden, der dazu tendiert, mindestens einen oberen oder unteren Abschnitt (61, 63; 80,82) der Säule (58; 78) an der Anschlussstelle (84) zu biegen als Reaktion auf eine Kompressionslast, die die obere und die untere Begrenzungsfläche (53, 55) aufeinander zu bewegt, und- wobei der Biegepunkt (58) eine Nut bildet, die sich unterhalb des im Längsschnitt linearen Seitenwandabschnitts des oberen Abschnitts (61; 80) der Säule (56; 78) erstreckt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Biegepunkt (58) einen ersten Abschnitt des oberen Abschnitts (61; 80) umfaßt, der so in einen zweiten Abschnitt des oberen Abschnitts (61; 80) übergeht, daß der erste Abschnitt beim Auftreten einer Kompressionslast in den zweiten Abschnitt hinein kollabiert und in seine Ausgangslage zurückkehrt, sobald die Kompressionslast aufhört. A sealed gas-filled bladder for a footwear comprising: - an upper confining layer (53), - a lower confining layer (55), - a joint along the periphery (57) of the ...

Footwear bladder with controlled flex tensile member

Footwear bladder with controlled flex tensile member

A bladder for a sole assembly of a shoe with three dimensional controlled flex connecting/tensile members extending between the top and bottom outer layers of bladder. The connecting/tensile members are formed during molding of the bladder and comprise top and bottom portions that come together at a juncture. Since the outer perimeter and the internal connecting/tensile members are formed at the same time and of the same material, bonding problems between layers is eliminated and manufacturing is simplified. The connecting/tensile members are formed with a predetermined flex point in at least a portion of each member to reduce random fatigue stress concentrations. Broadly, there are two configurations: one in which the tensile member is constructed to collapse upon compressive loading, and one in which the tensile member is constructed to bend or fold upon compressive loading in a predetermined location. The shape, relative size, length and barrier material thickness are manipulated to assist in finely tuning the cushioning properties of the final bladder.

Bladder for footwear with tension element with controlled bending

Team shoe set with differing soles

A set of shoes for use by members of a team. The shoes allow for a uniform appearance in a team environment while providing an individualized sole unit. The shoes of the set have matched uppers and differing sole designs. The sole designs may differ based on cushioning type used in the midsole or may differ based on the outsole of the shoe. The matched upper, which may be color matched, provides a uniform appearance for the team. The individualized sole of each shoe takes into account comfort, performance and/or safety preferences for each player.

Method of making an article of footwear with braided upper

A method of making an article of footwear with a braided upper is disclosed. The method includes overbraiding a last to form a braided upper and cutting a bottom opening in the braided upper to remove the last. The bottom opening is cut so as to leave a bottom peripheral portion on the bottom side of the braided upper. A midsole is attached directly to the bottom peripheral portion using a bonding agent.

Wrap compression system

A compression appliance includes a textile-based wrap, an electronic assembly, and wiring comprising a single wire looped through the length of the wrap. The wiring comprises shape changing materials that are used to apply controllable intermittent sequential compression or constriction pressure to a body portion of a person when the compression appliance is wrapped around the body portion. The appliance can incorporate a pre-tensioning element that applies a known initial tension to the shape changing material prior to activation of a compression cycle. The wire can be then actuated according to a compression protocol to sequentially contract and release the wire. The proposed wiring and component configuration will need access to lower power and a reduced volume of hardware as compared to conventional compression appliances.

Article of footwear with braided upper

An article of footwear includes a midsole component and a seamless braided upper having a bottom peripheral portion connected to the midsole component. The seamless braided upper extends from a forefoot region to a heel region and from a lateral side to a medial side of the article of footwear. The bottom peripheral portion defines a bottom opening in the seamless braided upper, wherein the bottom peripheral portion extends along the forefoot region, the lateral side, the heel region, and the medial side of the article of footwear.

Braided article and method of making

In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a midsole while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the midsole. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a first braided layer and a second braided layer. The first braided layer passes along an upper surface of a plate while the second braided layer passes along a lower surface of the plate. The plate includes a plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures are configured to receive ground engaging members. In another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a unitary braided component that includes a first layer and a second layer.