Patent ID: 7870681
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising: a base layer having a first surface and an opposite second surface, the base layer being formed from a material with two-directional stretch; a plurality of threads that are separate from the base layer, the threads having portions that lay adjacent and parallel to the first surface for a distance of at least five centimeters; and a connecting layer secured to the first surface and the threads, the threads being oriented to form: a first zone wherein the threads are absent from the first surface; a second zone wherein the threads are substantially parallel to each other and the threads do not cross each other; and a third zone wherein the threads are oriented such that a first portion of the threads extend in a first direction and a second portion of the threads extend in a second direction, the first threads crossing the second threads.