Patent Publication Number: US-2023141598-A1

Title: Multi-Layer Extruded Uppers for Articles of Footwear and Other Foot-Receiving Devices

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,219 filed Apr. 10, 2019, which claims priority benefits based on (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/655,519 filed Apr. 10, 2018 and (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/655,539 filed Apr. 10, 2018, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of footwear and other foot-receiving devices. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to uppers for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices and methods of making the uppers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation. General features and configurations of uppers and sole structures are discussed in greater detail below. 
     The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle or foot-insertion opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. 
     A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel. 
     The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as an “insole,” a “midsole,” and an “outsole.” The insole (which also may constitute a sock liner) is a thin member located within the upper and adjacent the plantar (lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort, e.g., to wick away moisture. The midsole, which is traditionally attached to the upper along the upper&#39;s entire length, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling foot motions and attenuating impact forces. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and usually is fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing or other features to improve traction. 
     TERMINOLOGY/GENERAL INFORMATION 
     First, some general terminology and information is provided that will assist in understanding various portions of this specification and the invention(s) as described herein. As noted above, the present invention relates to the field of footwear and other foot-receiving devices. “Foot-receiving device” means any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot. In addition to all types of footwear (described below), foot-receiving devices include, but are not limited to: bindings and other devices for securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet during play of video games or other games; and the like. “Foot-receiving devices” may include one or more “foot-covering members” (e.g., akin to footwear upper components), which help position the foot with respect to other components or structures, and one or more “foot-supporting members” (e.g., akin to footwear sole structure components), which support at least some portion(s) of a plantar surface of a user&#39;s foot. “Securing systems” may help position and/or securely hold the user&#39;s foot in place with respect to the foot-covering member(s) and/or the foot-supporting member(s). “Footwear” means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as cross-country shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, track shoes, track field event shoes (e.g., for high jump, triple jump, etc.), etc.), and the like. “Foot-supporting members” may include components for and/or functioning as midsoles and/or outsoles for articles of footwear (or components providing corresponding functions in non-footwear type foot-receiving devices). 
     The terms “forward” or “forward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a forward-most toe area of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component. The terms “rearward” or “rearward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a rear-most heel area of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component. The terms “lateral” or “lateral side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the outside or “little toe” side of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component. The terms “medial” or “medial side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the inside or “big toe” side of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component. 
     The term “moiré effect,” as used herein, means a visual perception that occurs when viewing a set of lines or dots that is superimposed on another set of lines or dots, where the sets differ in relative size, angle, or spacing. In some examples, the “moiré effect” can be seen when two sets of lines (e.g., path segments) of equal thickness and equal spacing are superimposed, but one set is angled (e.g., at a few degrees) with respect to the lines (e.g., path segments) of the other set. The “moiré effect” can be seen in that case as a set of thick, ill-defined bars. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following Detailed Description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears. 
         FIG.  1    shows a multi-layer upper blank made from multiple layers of extruded filaments in accordance with one example of this invention; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 F  show various features of filament paths and filament path segments in upper layers in accordance with some examples of this invention; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 W  show various layers of extruded filament, steps in making a multi-layer upper component from extruded filaments, and various features/properties of multi-layer upper components in accordance with examples of this invention; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 C  shows various features of a filament based upper component engaged with another upper component by an adhesive; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 F  shows various features of a filament based upper component engaged with another upper component in an adhesive-free manner; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 E  illustrate example steps of engaging a filament based upper component with another upper component; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate an article of footwear including a multi-layer extruded filament component in accordance with one example of this invention; 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  illustrate an article of footwear including a multi-layer extruded filament component in accordance with another example of this invention; and 
         FIG.  9    illustrates a multi-layer upper blank integrally formed with a strobel member in accordance with some examples of this invention. 
     
    
    
     The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various examples of footwear and foot-receiving device structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and functions without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     I. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE UPPERS OR OTHER FOOT-COVERING COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO THIS INVENTION 
     Referring to the figures and following discussion, various articles of footwear/foot-receiving devices and features thereof in accordance with aspects of the present invention are disclosed. The footwear depicted and discussed are athletic shoes (e.g., cross country, running, or track shoes), but the concepts disclosed with respect to this footwear may be applied to a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including, but not limited to: walking shoes, tennis shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, track shoes, shoes for track field events (e.g., high jump, triple jump, etc.) and cross-training shoes. In addition, the concepts of the present invention may be applied to a wide range of non-athletic footwear, including work boots, sandals, loafers, and dress shoes, as well as to other foot-receiving devices. 
     Uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention may include: an upper component having: (a) a first layer comprising a first filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) a second layer comprising a second filament including second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the second filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide). The second layer may at least partially overlay the first layer and may be fused to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer. Additional layers of material, including additional layers of filament, e.g., of the types described above, may be included in the upper. The filament material in the different layers may be the same or different from one another (e.g., a thermoplastic material, a thermoplastic polyurethane material, a hydrophobic material, a water-repelling material, a non-water absorbing material, etc.), and it may be extruded, e.g., formed in a solid deposition modeling process. The filament material may comprise any material as are conventionally known and used in solid deposition modeling arts as the fusible material (e.g., including thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), aliphatic polyamides (nylon), and/or other materials as are conventionally known and used in the solid deposition modeling arts. The term “solid deposition modeling” as used herein includes processes known in the art as “fused filament fabrication” and “fused deposition modeling.” 
     Upper blanks for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention may include: (a) a first layer comprising a first filament formed as a first path (e.g., a first continuous path) of extruded filament, wherein the first path (e.g., the first continuous path) of the first filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion of the first layer, and wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) a second layer comprising a second filament formed as a second path (e.g., a second continuous path) of extruded filament, wherein the second path (e.g., the second continuous path) of the second filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion, wherein the second filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), and wherein the second layer is fused to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer. Additional layers of material, including additional layers of filament, e.g., of the types described above, may be included in the upper blank. The filament material in the different layers may be the same or different from one another (e.g., as described above). The filament layers may be extruded, e.g., in a solid deposition modeling process. 
     Uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention may include: (a) a first upper component that includes a first layer including a first material as a first filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) a second upper component including a fabric element formed at least in part of a fusible material, wherein the fusible material of the second upper component is fused to the first material of the first upper component (e.g., in an adhesive-free manner). Additional layers of material, including additional layers of filament and/or additional fabric elements, e.g., of the types described above, may be included in the upper. The filament or fabric material in the different layers may be the same or different from one another (e.g., as described above). 
     Methods of forming uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention (and/or of the types described above) may include: (a) extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament including second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), and wherein the step of extruding the second material includes fusing the second layer to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer. The second layer at least partially overlaps the first layer. The filament may be deposited in a solid deposition modeling process. 
     Methods of forming uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention (and/or of the types described above) may include: (a) extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament as a first path (e.g., a first continuous path), wherein the first path (e.g., the first continuous path) of the first extruded filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion of the first layer, and wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament as a second path (e.g., a second continuous path), wherein the second path (e.g., the second continuous path) of the second extruded filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion of the second layer, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), and wherein the step of extruding the second material includes fusing the second layer to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer. The second layer at least partially overlays the first layer, and these layers may be deposited in a solid deposition modeling process. More layers of extruded filament may be included in the upper, if desired. 
     Methods of forming uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention (and/or of the types described above) may include: (a) extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), and wherein the first layer comprising the first extruded filament forms at least a portion of a first upper component; and (b) fusing a second upper component to the first upper component, wherein the second upper component includes a fabric element formed at least in part of a fusible material, wherein fusible material of the second upper component is fused to the first material of the first upper component, e.g., by application of heat and/or pressure, optionally in an adhesive free manner. The first upper component may include multiple layers of filament material. The extruded filament layer(s) may be deposited in a solid deposition modeling process. 
     Methods of forming uppers for articles of footwear (or foot-covering components for other foot-receiving devices) in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention (and/or of the types described above) may include: (a) extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), and wherein the first layer comprising the first extruded filament forms at least a portion of a first upper component; (b) covering a portion of the first layer with a release liner (e.g., a portion of the first layer extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the first layer); (c) extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament including second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide), wherein the step of extruding the second material includes: (i) applying a first portion of the second layer to the release liner such that the release liner extends between a first portion of the first layer and the first portion of the second layer and (ii) fusing a second portion of the second layer to a second portion of the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer (e.g., at locations away from the release liner), and wherein the second layer forms a portion of the first upper component; (d) removing the release liner from between the first portion of the first layer and the first portion of the second layer; (e) optionally, placing a portion of a second upper component between the first portion of the first layer and the first portion of the second layer, wherein the portion of the second upper component optionally includes a fabric element formed at least in part of a fusible material; and (f) optionally, engaging the second upper component with the first upper component. In examples where the second upper component includes a fabric element formed at least in part by a fusible material, the fusible material of the second upper component may be fused to the first material of the first upper component and/or to the second material of the first upper component, e.g., in an adhesive free manner. Multiple layers of filament material may be provided on either or both sides of the release liner (and the second upper component), if desired. The layers of filament material may be deposited in a solid deposition modeling process. 
     Two or more layers of fused filament materials in footwear uppers in accordance with examples of this invention may provide several options for designers to control properties and/or performance characteristics of a footwear upper and/or several options for designers to control properties and/or performance characteristics in different regions or zones of an individual upper. Many features or properties of an upper can be controlled or altered, including one or more of: (a) filament size (e.g., extruded diameter, extruded width, or extruded thickness) in one or more filament layers of an upper and/or in one or more zones or regions in a single layer of an upper; (b) filament material in one or more filament layers of an upper and/or in one or more zones or regions in a single layer of an upper (e.g., a filament material&#39;s elasticity, stretchability, strength, etc.); (c) filament spacing in one or more filament layers of an upper and/or in one or more zones or regions in a single layer of an upper; (d) extent of filament overlap between layers of an upper (e.g., overlap in the filament width direction and/or the filament axial direction); (e) filament ordering layer in layers of an upper; (f) the number of filament path segments in one or more filament layers of an upper and/or in one or more zones or regions in a single layer of an upper; (g) filament path direction in one or more filament layers of an upper and/or in one or more zones or regions in a single layer of an upper etc. Fusion at the intersections of the filament layers provides different connections and interactions between layers as compared to connections between strands or yarns of knitted or woven fabric materials. In general, filaments extending in a medio-lateral direction of the upper (e.g., from side-to-side and/or from a top edge (e.g., by the foot-receiving and/or instep opening(s)) to a bottom edge (e.g., where the upper will engage the sole) will provide enhanced “lock-down” effect on the foot (e.g., hold the foot down onto the footwear sole more securely). Filaments arranged in a more curved and/or serpentine pattern and/or in diamond or parallelogram shapes may provide directional stretch features (e.g., more stretch in one direction as compared to an opposite direction). Tighter filament spacings in or more layers and/or within an individual layer of an upper will tend to provide decreased flexibility, decreased stretch, decreased permeability (e.g., for air, water, or other materials), and/or decreased breathability for that layer and/or zone (and greater filament spacings will tend to increase these properties for that layer and/or zone). 
     Given the above background and general description of aspects and examples of this invention, a more detailed description of specific examples of uppers, upper components, upper blanks, and/or articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention follows. 
     II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EXAMPLE UPPERS, UPPER COMPONENTS, UPPER BLANKS, AND ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR ACCORDING TO THIS INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an upper blank  1000  for forming an upper for an article of footwear (or a foot-covering component for another type of foot-receiving device) in accordance with one example of this invention. The upper blank  1000  of this example is formed from multiple layers of extruded filament. One or more of the filament layers (and optionally each individual layer of the filament layers) of upper blank  1000  may be extruded as a continuous path of extruded filament, although one or more (or even all) of the individual layers need not be extruded as a continuous path in some examples of this invention. The extruded filament path(s) in any one or more of the layers of the upper blank  1000  may extend to form one or more of (and optionally all of): a lateral rear heel portion  1002  (e.g., extending along a lateral side  1002   s  of the ankle/foot opening  1014  of the upper blank  1000 ); a lateral midfoot portion  1004  (e.g., adjacent a lateral side  1004   s  of an instep opening  1012  of the upper blank  1000 , which may include one or more structures to engage a shoe lace); a forefoot portion  1006  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the upper blank  1000 , forward of the midfoot portions); a medial midfoot portion  1008  (e.g., adjacent a medial side  1008   s  of the instep opening  1012  of the upper blank  1000 , which may include one or more structures to engage a shoe lace); and a medial rear heel portion  1010  (e.g., extending along a medial side  1010   s  of the ankle/foot opening  1014  of the upper blank  1000 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  1    generally define and break the upper blank  1000  into three portions or regions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  1002  and the medial rear heel portion  1010 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  1004  and the medial midfoot portion  1008 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  1006 ). In some examples of this invention, the upper blank  1000  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, the multi-layer filament structure. The white space visible in  FIG.  1    for this example upper blank  1000  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the upper blank  1000 ). 
     Example features of individual layers of this example multi-layer upper blank  1000  now will be described in more detail in conjunction with  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F .  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D  generally show an extruded path segment  100  as may be laid down by an extruder  102  during an upper formation process in accordance with some examples of this invention (e.g., in a solid deposition modeling or a fused deposition modeling process). As shown in these figures, an individual path segment  100  of an extruded filament generally will have an axial length L that is much greater than the width W and/or thickness T of the individual filament path segment. As some more specific examples, an individual filament (and/or at least one or more path segments  100  thereof) may have an extruded width dimension W of less than 3 mm wide, and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide. Additionally or alternatively, an individual filament (and/or at least one or more path segments  100  thereof) may have an extruded thickness dimension T of less than 3 mm thick, and in some examples, less than 2 mm thick, less than 1.5 mm thick, less than 1.25 mm thick, less than 1 mm thick, or less than 0.75 mm thick, or even less than 0.5 mm thick. For at least some path segments  100  (and optionally all path segments  100  in an upper layer and/or upper blank  1000 ), the width dimension W may be greater than the thickness dimension T. The path segment length dimension L and/or overall continuous path length may be at least 10 times greater (and in some examples, at least 20 times greater, at least 50 times greater, at least 75 times greater, a least 100 times greater, or even at least 150 times greater) than the width dimension W and/or the thickness dimension T of the filament/filament path. Also, as described above, an individual layer of an upper component may include plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments. As some more examples, as shown in the figures, an individual layer may include at least 5 non-intersecting path segments over path segment lengths of at least 25 mm, and in some examples, at least 5 non-intersecting path segments over path segment lengths of at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, or even more. As additional examples, an individual layer may include at least 10 non-intersecting path segments over any of the above path segment length dimensions, at least 15 non-intersecting path segments over any of the above path segment length dimensions, or even at least 20 non-intersecting path segments over any of the above path segment length dimensions. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 D , the material  108  for forming the filament path segment  100  may be forced through the nozzle  104  of the extruder  102  onto a substrate  106 , which may be formed of glass or other appropriate material. The nozzle  104  diameter may be somewhat narrower than the final extruded width W of the path segment  100 , e.g., because the heated filament material  108  may tend to flatten out after being deposited as a path segment  100  (or even may be pushed downward by the extruder  102  nozzle  104 ). In general, increasing the temperature of the material  108  being extruded may cause the deposited path segment  100  to flatten out more (and generally increase in width W and decrease in thickness T). In one more specific example, the nozzle  104  diameter may be about 0.4 mm, although the nozzle  104  diameter may range, for example, from 0.25 mm to 2.5 mm (and in some examples, from 0.3 mm to 2 mm). The surface  106   s  of the substrate  106  may be smooth or otherwise textured, and the characteristics of the bottom surface  100   s  of the filament path segment  100  may form to and take the shape (e.g., smooth or textured characteristics) of the substrate  106  surface  106   s  on which it contacts and is formed. 
       FIG.  2 B  illustrates a portion of an upper blank  1000  where two layers of filament are present. First, the first filament path segment  100  is extruded (e.g., having any one or more of the filament dimensions and/or structural features described above), and then a second filament path segment  200  (e.g., as a second layer of the upper/upper blank  1000 ) is extruded in a direction to cross or intersect the first filament path segment  100 . The second filament path segment  200  may directly contact the first filament path segment  100  (at contact area  202 ) as it is being extruded. Heat from the material of the second filament path segment  200  during the extrusion thereof (and/or another heat source) causes the second filament path segment  200  to fuse together with the first filament path segment  100  at location(s)  202  where they contact one another (e.g., the material of the second filament path segment  200  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the material of the first filament path segment  100 , and heat from the extruded second filament path segment  200  as it is being deposited can support this fusion feature). In this manner, the first layer of the upper blank  1000  (including the first filament path segment(s)  100 ) can be fixedly joined to the second layer of the upper blank  1000  (including the second filament path segment(s)  200 ) in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202 . 
       FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  show another manner in which two (or more) layers of an upper blank  1000  may be engaged with one another. Rather than simply intersecting (as shown in  FIG.  2 B ), the second extruded path segment(s)  200  may be extruded at locations that generally overlap (and optionally extend in parallel) with the first extruded path segment(s)  100  over at least a portion of their respective axial lengths L. This action produces an axially extending contact area  202  between path segments  200  and  100 . While other options are possible, after the first path segments  100  are extruded, the second path segments  200  (optionally formed in a second layer of the upper blank  1000 ) can be extruded at locations offset slightly from the extrusion path(s) of the first path segments  100 . As shown in  FIG.  2 E , when the first path segment  100  was extruded, the nozzle  104  center was located at line  120   a . Then, when the second path segment  200  was extruded (e.g., with a second upper blank layer), the nozzle  104  was shifted by an offset distance D to center at line  120   b . This offset distance D may be any desired amount, and in some examples of this invention, may be between 0.5 D N  to 0.9 D N , and in some examples, between 0.625 D N  to 0.85 D N , or even about 0.75 D N , wherein D N  represents the nozzle  104  diameter. 
     The overlapping (and substantially parallel) contact area  202  of the type shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  may extend any desired axial length L without departing from the invention. In some examples, the second path segment(s)  200  of the second filament (or second layer) may extend parallel to and/or partially overlap with the first path segment(s) of the first filament (or first layer) over a path segment length  100  of at least 25 mm, and in some examples, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, or even more. The overlapping contact area  202  may follow along curved path segment(s) as well. Additionally or alternatively, the overall layer path of the second layer (including the second path segment(s)  200 ): (a) may extend parallel to and/or partially overlap with the overall layer path of the first layer (including the first path segment(s)  100 ) over at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of an overall path length of the second layer and/or (b) may extend parallel to and/or partially overlap with the overall layer path of the first layer (including the first path segment(s)  100 ) over at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of an overall path length of the first layer. 
     In at least some examples of this aspect of the invention, the second path segment(s)  200  of the second filament will overlap with the first path segment(s)  100  of the first filament by an overlapped width WO that is from 5% to 50% of an overall combined width WC of the second filament and the first filament at the location(s) of overlap. See  FIG.  2 C . In some examples, this overlapped width WO may be from 10% to 45% or even 15% to 40% of the overall combined width WC at the location(s) of overlap. When the individual filament layers are formed as plural, non-intersecting, spaced part path segments, the plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments (e.g., path segments  200 ) of the second filament may overlap with the plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments (e.g., path segments  100 ) of the first filament by an overlapped width WO that is from 5% to 50% (or from 10% to 45% or even from 15% to 40%) of an overall combined width WC of: (a) the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segment and (b) the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments at the overlapping path segment location(s). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the overlapped width WO of one or more filaments of the second path segment(s)  200  with corresponding first path segment(s)  100  may be within 10% to 75%, within 15% to 60%, or even within 25% to 50% of the width W of the second path segment  200  (or of the width W of the first path segment  100 ) at the location of the overlap. Thus, WO=0.1 W to 0.75 W, or even 0.15 W to 0.6 W or 0.25 W to 0.5 W, where W is the width of either path segment  100  or  200 . 
     While  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  show two layers of overlapping path segments  100  and  200 , if desired, a third layer and/or additional layers may be deposited to partially overlap the first segment  100  and/or the second segment  200  at or adjacent locations where the first segment  100  and the second segment  200  overlap. This feature is shown as layer path segments  300  in dot-dash lines in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . The third layer of path segments  300  may overlap the first layer of path segments  100  and/or the second layer of path segments  200  over any of the overlapping width and/or length ranges described above. The overlapping and substantially parallel path segments, e.g., each of path segments  100 ,  200 , and/or  300  shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E , may have the same or different colors. In some examples, two or more of the overlapping and substantially parallel path segments may have the same general color but different shades of that color. These color features, if desired, can contribute to the interesting aesthetic characteristics of the upper component. 
       FIG.  2 F  shows additional path segment and/or path layer features that may be provided in at least some upper blanks  1000  and/or uppers in accordance with aspects of this invention. As mentioned above, one or more of the filament layers of an upper or upper blank  1000  may be formed by the extruder  102  (optionally as a continuous path). This filament path may form one or more of a lateral rear heel portion, a lateral midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, a medial midfoot portion, and/or a medial rear heel portion of the upper, the layer, and/or the upper blank  1000 . In making these portions of the upper/upper blank  1000  from the thin extruded filaments, in some areas of the upper/upper blank  1000 , the path segments  100  of an individual layer may be extruded to locations that are relatively close to one another, optionally extending in parallel. As shown in  FIG.  2 F , in one layer, the filament may be extruded into plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments including at least 3 first non-intersecting path segments ( 100   a - 100   e  shown in  FIG.  2 F ). In this illustrated example, each non-intersecting path segment ( 100   a - 100   e ) of the set of non-intersecting path segments of the individual layer is spaced apart from each directly adjacent non-intersecting path segments in the same layer by a spacing distance (S 1  to S 4  in  FIG.  2 F ) of less than 10 mm over a length dimension L of at least 25 mm. In some examples, the spacing distance(s) S may be less than 8 mm, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, or even less than 3 mm and/or the length dimension L may be at least 15 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, or even at least 150 mm. The path segments  100   a  to  100   e  widths W 1  to W 5 , respectively, shown in  FIG.  2 F  may have any of the width characteristics described above, e.g., in conjunction with  FIGS.  2 A and  2 D . In some examples of this invention, a second layer (or even a third or more layers) of path segments will be deposited overlapping and/or in parallel with the segments  100   a - 100   e  shown in  FIG.  2 F , e.g., to overlap as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . 
     The spacing distances S, the width dimensions W, and/or the overlapping length dimensions L in a given layer may be constant or changing over the overall layer of the path segments. As some more specific examples, a filament in a layer (and optionally a continuous path of filament) may have a first thickness at a first region of the upper or upper blank  1000  and a second thickness at a second region of the upper or upper blank  1000 , wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness (and optionally may be within the ranges described above). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a filament in a layer (and optionally a continuous path of filament) may have a first diameter and/or a first width at a first region of the upper or upper blank  1000  and a second diameter and/or a second width at a second region of the upper or upper blank  1000 , wherein the first diameter and/or first width differs from the second diameter and/or second width (and optionally may be within the ranges described above). The different thicknesses, widths, and/or diameters of the filament within a layer may help control the properties of the upper and/or upper blank  1000  (e.g., strength, durability, flexibility, stretchability, breathability, support, etc.). 
     Various features and examples of an upper or upper blank  1000  made from multiple layers of filament material, e.g., like that of  FIG.  1   , and method of making them are described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS.  3 A- 3 W .  FIG.  3 A  shows an example first layer  300  of a first filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) formed by extruding a first material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this first layer  300  may be extruded as a first continuous path. In this illustrated example, the first path of the first filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the first layer  300 : (a) a first lateral rear heel portion  302  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  302   s  of the ankle/foot opening  314  of the first layer  300 ); (b) a first lateral midfoot portion  304  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  304   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  312  of the first layer  300 ); (c) a first forefoot portion  306  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the first layer  300 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a first medial midfoot portion  308  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  308   s  (or inner edge) of the instep opening  312  of the first layer  300 ); and (e) a first medial rear heel portion  310  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  310   s  of the ankle/foot opening  314  of the first layer  300 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 A  generally define and break the first layer  300  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  302  and the medial rear heel portion  310 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  304  and the medial midfoot portion  308 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  306 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the first layer  300  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or as a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 A  for this example first layer  300  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the first layer  300 ). 
     While the path segments of the first layer  300  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  300 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the layer  300  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  300 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the first layer  300  lays down the first filament over much of the overall surface area of the first layer  300  as first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the first layer  300 . Medio-lateral oriented and/or extending filaments of this type can help enhance the “lock down” features of the upper (e.g., help securely hold the foot down on the sole structure) and may help control/decrease stretchability. Along the lateral rear heel area  302  and the medial rear heel area  310 , the first filament path segments extend generally from the ankle opening  302   s / 310   s  to a bottom perimeter portion  302   t / 310   t  of the first layer  300  (e.g., where the first layer  300  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of layer  300  extend substantially in parallel. Similarly, along the lateral midfoot area  304  and the medial midfoot area  308 , the first filament path segments extend generally from the instep opening  312 &#39;s inner edges  304   s / 308   s  to a bottom perimeter portion  304   t / 308   t  (outer edges) of the first layer  300  (e.g., where the first layer  300  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of the layer  300  extend substantially in parallel. At the forefoot region  306 , the first filament path segments extend generally from the lateral bottom edge  306   s  to the medial bottom edge  306   t  of the first layer  300  (e.g., where the first layer  300  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of layer  300  extend substantially in parallel. The path segments in these various regions  302 ,  304 ,  306 ,  308 ,  310  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     In the first layer  300 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the first layer  300 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 A , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  306  and/or the midfoot regions  304 / 308  of the first layer  300  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  302 / 310  of the first layer  300 . The path segment spacings (e.g., S 1  to S 4  from  FIG.  2 E ) can be selected to provide desired characteristics for individual regions of the layer  300 , the upper, and/or the upper blank  1000  (e.g., desired stretchability, breathability, etc.). 
     After the first layer  300  is extruded (e.g., onto a substrate  106 ), a second layer  350  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the first layer  300 .  FIG.  3 B  shows the individual path segments of this example second layer  350 , and  FIG.  3 C  schematically shows the production of the second layer  350  onto the previously prepared first layer  300  to create the combined first and second layers  380  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 B  shows a second layer  350  formed of a second filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a second material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this second layer  350  may be extruded as a second continuous path. In this illustrated example, the second path of the second filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of second layer  350 : (a) a second lateral rear heel portion  352  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  352   s  of the ankle/foot opening  364  of the second layer  350 ); (b) a second lateral midfoot portion  354  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  354   s  of an instep opening  362  (or an inner edge) of the second layer  350 ); (c) a second forefoot portion  356  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the second layer  350 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a second medial midfoot portion  358  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  358   s  of the instep opening  362  (or an inner edge) of the second layer  350 ); and (e) a second medial rear heel portion  360  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  360   s  of the ankle/foot opening  364  of the second layer  350 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 B  generally define and break the second layer  350  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  352  and the medial rear heel portion  360 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  354  and the medial midfoot portion  358 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  356 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the second layer  350  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 B  for this example second layer  350  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the second layer  350 ). 
     While the path segments of the second layer  350  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  350 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the layer  350  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  350 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the second layer  350  lays down the second filament over much of the overall surface area of the second layer  350  as second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the second layer  350  (e.g., to help provide the “lock down” or other features describe above for layer  300 ). Along the lateral rear heel area  352  and the medial rear heel area  360 , the second filament path segments extend generally from the ankle opening  352   s / 360   s  to a bottom perimeter portion  352   t / 360   t  of the second layer  350  (e.g., where the second layer  350  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of layer  350  extend substantially in parallel. Similarly, along the lateral midfoot area  354  and the medial midfoot area  358 , the second filament path segments extend generally from the instep opening  362 &#39;s inner edges  354   s / 358   s  to a bottom perimeter portion  354   t / 358   t  (outer edges) of the second layer  350  (e.g., where the second layer  350  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of layer  350  extend substantially in parallel. At the forefoot region  356 , the second filament path segments extend generally from the lateral bottom edge  356   s  to the medial bottom edge  356   t  of the second layer  350  (e.g., where the second layer  350  will meet a sole structure in a final article of footwear structure), where adjacent path segments of layer  350  extend substantially in parallel. The path segments in these various regions  352 ,  354 ,  356 ,  358 ,  360  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     In the second layer  350 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the second layer  350 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 B , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  356  and/or the midfoot regions  354 / 358  of the second layer  350  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  352 / 360  of the second layer  350 . The path segment spacings (e.g., S 1  to S 4  from  FIG.  2 E ) can be selected to provide desired characteristics for individual regions of the layer  350 , the upper, and/or the upper blank  1000  (e.g., desired stretchability, breathability, etc.). 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the path segments of first layer  300  and second layer  350  extend over a substantial portion of their overall paths in a generally parallel manner. Thus, the path segments of the second layer  350  may be extruded generally in parallel and/or to overlap the path segments of the first layer  300  over much of their overall path lengths in a manner as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . If desired: (a) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the second layer  350  will overlap with path segments of the first layer  300  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  and/or (b) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the first layer  300  will overlap with path segments of the second layer  350  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . Thus, filaments of the second layer  350  will directly contact filaments of the first layer  300  (at overlapping contact area  202 ) as the second layer  350  is being extruded. Heat from the second layer  350  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the second filament path segments to fuse together with the first filament path segments at location(s)  202  where they contact one another (e.g., the filament material of the second layer  350  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament material of the first layer  300 ). In this manner, the first layer  300  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the second layer  350  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first and second layers  380  of  FIG.  3 C . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first and second layers  380  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first and second layers  380  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300  and the second layer  350 . 
     After the second layer  350  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300  and/or substrate  106 ), a third layer  400  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first and second layers  380 .  FIG.  3 D  shows the individual path segments of this example third layer  400 , and  FIG.  3 E  schematically shows the production of the third layer  400  onto the previously prepared combined first and second layers  380  to create the combined first through third layers  440  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 D  shows a third layer  400  formed of a third filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a third material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this third layer  400  may be extruded as a third continuous path. In this illustrated example, the third path of the third filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the third layer  400 : (a) a third lateral rear heel portion  402  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  402   s  of the ankle/foot opening  414  of the third layer  400 ); (b) a third lateral midfoot portion  404  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  404   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  412  of the third layer  400 ); (c) a third forefoot portion  406  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the third layer  400 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a third medial midfoot portion  408  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  408   s  (or an inner edge) of the instep opening  412  of the third layer  400 ); and (e) a third medial rear heel portion  410  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  410   s  of the ankle/foot opening  414  of the third layer  400 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 D  generally define and break the third layer  400  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  402  and the medial rear heel portion  410 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  404  and the medial midfoot portion  408 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  406 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the third layer  400  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 D  for this example third layer  400  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the third layer  400 ). 
     While the path segments of the third layer  400  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  400 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the third layer  400  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  400 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the third layer  400  lays down the third filament over much of the overall surface area of the third layer  400  as third plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the third layer  400 . As shown in  FIG.  3 D , in the lateral rear heel portion  402 , the lateral midfoot portion  404 , the forefoot portion  406 , and the medial rear heel portion  410 , the third plural, non-intersecting path segments of the third layer  400  extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  402 / 410  forward. In the medial midfoot portion  408 , however, at least some of the third plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 408 P) and at least two valleys ( 408 V). The path segments in these various regions  402 ,  404 ,  406 ,  408 ,  410  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 D , the third path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  404   s , a first outer edge  404   t  at lateral midfoot region  404 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  408   s , and a second outer edge  408   t  at medial midfoot region  408 . An instep opening  412  for the third layer  400  is defined between the first inner edge at  404   s  and the second inner edge at  408   s . The third path of the filament in this example layer  400  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  404   s  and the first outer edge  404   t , wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  408   s  and the second outer edge  408   t , wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third continuous path located between the second inner edge at  408   s  and the second outer edge  408   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  408 P and at least two valleys  408 V. The third layer  400  of  FIG.  3 D  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     In the third layer  400 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the third layer  400 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 D , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  406  of the third layer  400  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  404 / 408  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  406  and/or the midfoot region(s)  404 / 408  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  402 / 410  of the third layer  400 . 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 D  with  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the path segments of third layer  400  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form a grid or generally matrix pattern, which can be seen in the combined first through third layers  440  shown in  FIG.  3 E . The path segments of the third layer  400  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the third path of the third layer  400  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the third path, (b) the third path of the third layer  400  will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the third path, (c) the third path of the third layer  400  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the third path of the third layer will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the second path. 
     Thus, filaments of the third layer  400  will directly contact filaments of the first layer  300  and the filaments of the second layer (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the third layer  400  is being extruded. Heat from the third layer  400  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the third filament path segments to fuse together with either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the third filament path segments contact either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the third layer  400  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350 ). In this manner, the third layer  400  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through third layers  440 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through third layers  440  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , and the third layer  400  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first and third layers  440  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , and the third layer  400 . 
     After the third layer  400  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300 , second layer  350 , and/or substrate  106 ), a fourth layer  500  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first through third layers  440 .  FIG.  3 F  shows the individual path segments of this example fourth layer  500 , and  FIG.  3 G  schematically shows the production of the fourth layer  500  onto the previously prepared combined first through third layers  440  to create the combined first through fourth layers  540  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 F  shows a fourth layer  500  formed of a fourth filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a fourth material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this fourth layer  500  may be extruded as a fourth continuous path. In this illustrated example, the fourth path of the fourth filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the fourth layer  500 : (a) a fourth lateral rear heel portion  502  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  502   s  of the ankle/foot opening  514  of the fourth layer  500 ); (b) a fourth lateral midfoot portion  504  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  504   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  512  of the fourth layer  500 ); (c) a fourth forefoot portion  506  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the fourth layer  500 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a fourth medial midfoot portion  508  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  508   s  (or an inner edge) of the instep opening  512  of the fourth layer  500 ); and (e) a fourth medial rear heel portion  510  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  510   s  of the ankle/foot opening  514  of the fourth layer  500 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 F  generally define and break the fourth layer  500  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  502  and the medial rear heel portion  510 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  504  and the medial midfoot portion  508 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  506 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the fourth layer  500  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 F  for this example fourth layer  500  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the fourth layer  500 ). 
     While the path segments of the fourth layer  500  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  500 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the fourth layer  500  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  500 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the fourth layer  500  lays down the fourth filament over much of the overall surface area of the fourth layer  500  as fourth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the fourth layer  500 . As shown in  FIG.  3 F , in the lateral rear heel portion  502 , the lateral midfoot portion  504 , the forefoot portion  506 , and the medial rear heel portion  510 , the fourth plural, non-intersecting path segments extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  502 / 510  forward. In the medial midfoot portion  508 , however, at least some of the fourth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth layer  500  extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 508 P) and at least two valleys ( 508 V). The path segments in these various regions  502 ,  504 ,  506 ,  508 ,  510  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 F , the fourth path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  504   s , a first outer edge  504   t  at lateral midfoot region  504 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  508   s , and a second outer edge  508   t  at medial midfoot region  508 . An instep opening  512  for the fourth layer  500  is defined between the first inner edge at  504   s  and the second inner edge at  508   s . The fourth path of the filament in this example layer  500  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  504   s  and the first outer edge  504   t , wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  508   s  and the second outer edge  508   t , wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth path located between the second inner edge at  508   s  and the second outer edge  508   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  508 P and at least two valleys  508 V. The fourth layer  500  of  FIG.  3 F  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 D and  3 F , the path segments of third layer  400  and fourth layer  500  extend over a substantial portion of their overall paths in a generally parallel manner. Thus, the path segments of the fourth layer  500  may be extruded generally in parallel and/or to overlap the path segments of the third layer  400  over much of their overall path lengths in a manner as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . If desired: (a) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the fourth layer  500  will overlap with path segments of the third layer  400  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  and/or (b) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the third layer  400  will overlap with path segments of the fourth layer  500  in the manner shown in FIGS.  2 C and  2 E. In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the fourth path of the fourth layer  500  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the fourth path, (b) the fourth path of the fourth layer  500  will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the fourth path, (c) the fourth path of the fourth layer  500  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the fourth path of the fourth layer  500  will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the second path. 
     Thus, filaments of the fourth layer  500  will directly contact filaments of the third layer  400  (at overlapping contact area  202 ) as the fourth layer  500  is being extruded. Heat from the fourth layer  500  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the fourth filament path segments to fuse together with the third filament path segments at location(s)  202  where they contact one another (e.g., the filament material of the fourth layer  500  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament material of the third layer  400 ). In this manner, the third layer  400  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the fourth layer  500  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202 . 
     As also evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 F  with  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the path segments of fourth layer  500  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form a grid or generally matrix pattern, which can be seen in the combined first through fourth layers  540  shown in  FIG.  3 G . The path segments of the fourth layer  500  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. Thus, filaments of the fourth layer  500  will directly contact filaments of the first layer  300  and filaments of the second layer  350  (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the fourth layer  500  is being extruded. Heat from the fourth layer  500  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the fourth filament path segments to fuse together with either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the fourth filament path segments contact either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the fourth layer  500  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350 ). 
     In these manners, the fourth layer  500  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , and the third layer  400  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through fourth layers  540 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through fourth layers  540  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , and the fourth layer  500  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through fourth layers  540  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , and the fourth layer  500 . 
     In the fourth layer  500 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the fourth layer  500 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 F , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  506  of the fourth layer  500  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  504 / 508  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  506  and/or the midfoot region(s)  504 / 508  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  502 / 510  of the fourth layer  500 . 
     After the fourth layer  500  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300 , second layer  350 , third layer  400 , and/or substrate  106 ), a fifth layer  600  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first through fourth layers  540 .  FIG.  3 H  shows the individual path segments of this example fifth layer  600 , and  FIG.  3 I  schematically shows the production of the fifth layer  600  onto the previously prepared combined first through fourth layers  540  to create the combined first through fifth layers  640  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 H  shows a fifth layer  600  formed of a fifth filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a fifth material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this fifth layer  600  may be extruded as a fifth continuous path. In this illustrated example, the fifth path of the fifth filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the fifth layer  600 : (a) a fifth lateral rear heel portion  602  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  602   s  of the ankle/foot opening  614  of the fifth layer  600 ); (b) a fifth lateral midfoot portion  604  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  604   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  612  of the fifth layer  600 ); (c) a fifth forefoot portion  606  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the fifth layer  600 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a fifth medial midfoot portion  608  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  608   s  of the instep opening  612  of the fifth layer  600 ); and (e) a fifth medial rear heel portion  610  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  610   s  (or an inner edge) of the ankle/foot opening  614  of the fifth layer  600 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 H  generally define and break the fifth layer  600  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  602  and the medial rear heel portion  610 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  604  and the medial midfoot portion  608 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  606 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the fifth layer  600  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 H  for this example fifth layer  600  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the fifth layer  600 ). 
     While the path segments of the fifth layer  600  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  600 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the fifth layer  600  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  600 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the fifth layer  600  lays down the fifth filament over much of the overall surface area of the fifth layer  600  as fifth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the fifth layer  600 . As shown in  FIG.  3 H , in the lateral rear heel portion  602 , the lateral midfoot portion  604 , the forefoot portion  606 , and the medial rear heel portion  610 , the fifth plural, non-intersecting path segments of the fifth layer  600  extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  602 / 610  forward. In the medial midfoot portion  608 , however, at least some of the fifth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 608 P) and at least two valleys ( 608 V). The path segments in these various regions  602 ,  604 ,  606 ,  608 ,  610  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 H , the fifth path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  604   s , a first outer edge  604   t  at lateral midfoot region  604 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  608   s , and a second outer edge  608   t  at medial midfoot region  608 . An instep opening  612  for the fifth layer  600  is defined between the first inner edge at  604   s  and the second inner edge at  608   s . The fifth path of the filament in this example layer  600  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  604   s  and the first outer edge  604   t , wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  608   s  and the second outer edge  608   t , wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth path located between the second inner edge at  608   s  and the second outer edge  608   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  608 P and at least two valleys  608 V. The fifth layer  600  of  FIG.  3 H  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 D,  3 F, and  3 H , the path segments of third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  extend over a substantial portion of their overall paths in a generally parallel manner. Thus, the path segments of the fifth layer  600  may be extruded generally in parallel and/or to overlap the path segments of the third layer  400  and/or the fourth layer  500  over much of their overall path lengths in a manner as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . If desired: (a) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the fifth layer  600  will overlap with path segments of at least one of the third layer  400  and/or the fourth layer  500  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  and/or (b) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the third layer  400  and/or the fourth layer  500  will overlap with path segments of the fifth layer  600  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the fifth path, (b) the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the fifth path, (c) the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  will overlap the first path of the first layer  300  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  will overlap the second path of the second layer  350  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the second path. 
     Thus, filaments of the fifth layer  600  will directly contact filaments of the third layer  400  and/or the fourth layer  500  (at overlapping contact area  202 ) as the fifth layer  600  is being extruded. Heat from the fifth layer  600  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the fifth filament path segments to fuse together with either or both of the third filament path segments and/or the fourth filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the fifth filament path segments contact either or both of the third filament path segments and/or the fourth filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the fifth layer  600  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament material of the third layer  400  and/or the fourth layer  500 ). In this manner, the third layer  400  and/or fourth layer  500  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the fifth layer  500  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202 . 
     As also evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 H  with  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , the path segments of fifth layer  600  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form a grid or generally matrix pattern, which can be seen in the combined first through fifth layers  640  shown in  FIG.  3 I . The path segments of the fifth layer  600  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. Thus, filaments of the fifth layer  600  will directly contact filaments of the first layer  300  and filaments of the second layer  350  (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the fifth layer  600  is being extruded. Heat from the fifth layer  600  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the fifth filament path segments to fuse together with either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the fifth filament path segments contact either or both of the first filament path segments and/or the second filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the fifth layer  600  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300  and/or the second layer  350 ). 
     In these manners, the fifth layer  600  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , and the fourth layer  500  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through fifth layers  640 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through fifth layers  640  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through fifth layers  640  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600 . 
     In the fifth layer  600 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the fifth layer  600 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 H , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  606  of the fifth layer  600  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  604 / 608  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  606  and/or the midfoot region(s)  604 / 608  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  602 / 610  of the fifth layer  600 . 
     After the fifth layer  600  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300 , second layer  350 , third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and/or substrate  106 ), a sixth layer  700  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first through fifth layers  640 .  FIG.  3 J  shows the individual path segments of this example sixth layer  700 , and  FIG.  3 K  schematically shows the production of the sixth layer  700  onto the previously prepared combined first through fifth layers  640  to create the combined first through sixth layers  740  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 J  shows a sixth layer  700  formed of a sixth filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a sixth material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., via a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this sixth layer  700  may be extruded as a sixth continuous path. In this illustrated example, the sixth path of the sixth filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the sixth layer  700 : (a) a sixth lateral rear heel portion  702  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  702   s  of the ankle/foot opening  714  of the sixth layer  700 ); (b) a sixth lateral midfoot portion  704  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  704   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  712  of the sixth layer  700 ); (c) a sixth forefoot portion  706  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the sixth layer  700 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a sixth medial midfoot portion  708  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  708   s  (or an inner edge) of the instep opening  712  of the sixth layer  700 ); and (e) a sixth medial rear heel portion  710  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  710   s  of the ankle/foot opening  714  of the sixth layer  700 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 J  generally define and break the sixth layer  700  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  702  and the medial rear heel portion  710 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  704  and the medial midfoot portion  708 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  706 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the sixth layer  700  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 J  for this example sixth layer  700  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the sixth layer  700 ). 
     While the path segments of the sixth layer  700  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  700 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the sixth layer  700  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  700 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the sixth layer  700  lays down the sixth filament over much of the overall surface area of the sixth layer  700  as sixth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the sixth layer  700 . As shown in  FIG.  3 J , in the lateral rear heel portion  702 , the forefoot portion  706 , the medial midfoot portion  708 , and the medial rear heel portion  710 , the sixth plural, non-intersecting path segments of the sixth layer  700  extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  702 / 710  forward. In the lateral midfoot portion  704 , however, at least some of the sixth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 708 P) and at least two valleys ( 708 V). The path segments in these various regions  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 J , the sixth path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  704   s , a first outer edge  704   t  at lateral midfoot region  704 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  708   s , and a second outer edge  708   t  at medial midfoot region  708 . An instep opening  712  for the sixth layer  700  is defined between the first inner edge at  704   s  and the second inner edge at  708   s . The sixth path of the filament in this example layer  700  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  704   s  and the first outer edge  704   t , wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth path located between the first inner edge at  704   s  and the first outer edge  704   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  708 P and at least two valleys  708 V and (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  708   s  and the second outer edge  708   t , wherein the second, plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. The sixth layer  700  of  FIG.  3 J  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     In the sixth layer  700 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the sixth layer  700 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 J , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  706  of the sixth layer  700  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  704 / 708  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  706  and/or the midfoot region(s)  704 / 708  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  702 / 710  of the sixth layer  700 . 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 J  with  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 D,  3 F, and  3 H , the path segments of sixth layer  700  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form generally diamond shapes, which can be seen in the combined first through sixth layers  740  shown in  FIG.  3 K . The path segments of the sixth layer  700  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the sixth path of the sixth layer  700  will overlap with one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the sixth path, and/or (b) the sixth path of the sixth layer  700  will overlap one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the respective first path, second path, third path, fourth path, and/or fifth path. 
     Thus, filaments of the sixth layer  700  will directly contact filaments of the first layer  300 , filaments of the second layer  350 , filaments of the third layer  400 , filaments of the fourth layer  500 , and/or filaments of the fifth layer  600  (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the sixth layer  700  is being extruded. Heat from the sixth layer  700  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the sixth filament path segments to fuse together with any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the sixth filament path segments contact any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the sixth layer  700  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600 ). In this manner, the sixth layer  700  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through sixth layers  740 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through sixth layers  740  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , and the sixth layer  700  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through sixth layers  740  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , and the sixth layer  700 . 
     After the sixth layer  700  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300 , second layer  350 , third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , fifth layer  600 , and/or substrate  106 ), a seventh layer  800  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first through sixth layers  740 .  FIG.  3 L  shows the individual path segments of this example seventh layer  800 , and  FIG.  3 M  schematically shows the production of the seventh layer  800  onto the previously prepared combined first through sixth layers  740  to create the combined first through seventh layers  840  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 L  shows a seventh layer  800  formed of a seventh filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding a seventh material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., by a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this seventh layer  800  may be extruded as a seventh continuous path. In this illustrated example, the seventh path of the seventh filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the seventh layer  800 : (a) a seventh lateral rear heel portion  802  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  802   s  of the ankle/foot opening  814  of the seventh layer  800 ); (b) a seventh lateral midfoot portion  804  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  804   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  812  of the seventh layer  800 ); (c) a seventh forefoot portion  806  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the seventh layer  800 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) a seventh medial midfoot portion  808  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  808   s  (or an inner edge) of the instep opening  812  of the seventh layer  800 ); and (e) a seventh medial rear heel portion  810  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  810   s  of the ankle/foot opening  814  of the seventh layer  800 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 L  generally define and break the seventh layer  800  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  802  and the medial rear heel portion  810 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  804  and the medial midfoot portion  808 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  806 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the seventh layer  800  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or as a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 L  for this example seventh layer  800  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the seventh layer  800 ). 
     While the path segments of the seventh layer  800  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  800 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the seventh layer  800  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  800 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the seventh layer  800  lays down the seventh filament over much of the overall surface area of the seventh layer  800  as seventh plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the seventh layer  800 . As shown in  FIG.  3 L , in the lateral rear heel portion  802 , the forefoot portion  806 , the medial midfoot portion  808 , and the medial rear heel portion  810 , the seventh plural, non-intersecting path segments extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  802 / 810  forward. In the lateral midfoot portion  804 , however, at least some of the seventh plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 808 P) and at least two valleys ( 808 V). The path segments in these various regions  802 ,  804 ,  806 ,  808 ,  810  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 L , the seventh path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  804   s , a first outer edge  804   t  at lateral midfoot region  804 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  808   s , and a second outer edge  808   t  at medial midfoot region  808 . An instep opening  812  for the seventh layer  800  is defined between the first inner edge at  804   s  and the second inner edge at  808   s . The seventh path of the filament in this example layer  800  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  804   s  and the first outer edge  804   t , wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh path located between the first inner edge at  804   s  and the first outer edge  804   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  808 P and at least two valleys  808 V and (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  808   s  and the second outer edge  808   t , wherein the second, plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. The seventh layer  800  of  FIG.  3 L  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 J and  3 L , the path segments of sixth layer  700  and seventh layer  800  extend over a substantial portion of their overall paths in a generally parallel manner. Thus, the path segments of the seventh layer  800  may be extruded generally in parallel and/or to overlap the path segments of the sixth layer  700  over much of the overall path lengths in a manner as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . If desired: (a) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the seventh layer  800  will overlap with path segments of the sixth layer  700  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  and/or (b) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the sixth layer  700  will overlap with path segments of the seventh layer  800  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . Thus, filaments of the seventh layer  800  will directly contact filaments of the sixth layer  700  (at overlapping contact area  202 ) as the seventh layer  800  is being extruded. Heat from the seventh layer  800  while it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the seventh filament path segments to fuse together with the sixth filament path segments at location(s)  202  where they contact one another (e.g., the filament material of the seventh layer  800  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament material of the sixth layer  700 ). In this manner, the sixth layer  700  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the seventh layer  800  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202 . 
     As also evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 L  with  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 D,  3 F, and  3 H , the path segments of seventh layer  800  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form generally diamond shapes, which can be seen in the combined first through seventh layers  840  shown in  FIG.  3 M . The path segments of the seventh layer  800  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the seventh path of the seventh layer  800  will overlap with one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the seventh path, and/or (b) the seventh path of the seventh layer  800  will overlap one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the respective first path, second path, third path, fourth path, and/or fifth path. 
     Thus, filaments of the seventh layer  800  will directly contact filaments of one or more of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the seventh layer  800  is being extruded. Heat from the seventh layer  800  as it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the seventh filament path segments to fuse together with any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the seventh filament path segments contact any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path (e.g., the filament material of the seventh layer  800  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600 ). 
     In these manners, the seventh layer  800  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , and/or the sixth layer  700  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through seventh layers  840 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through seventh layers  840  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , the sixth layer  700 , and the seventh layer  800  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through seventh layers  840  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , the sixth layer  700 , and the seventh layer  800 . 
     In the seventh layer  800 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the seventh layer  800 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 L , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  806  of the seventh layer  800  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  804 / 808  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  806  and/or the midfoot region(s)  804 / 808  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  802 / 810  of the seventh layer  800 . 
     After the seventh layer  800  is extruded (e.g., onto first layer  300 , second layer  350 , third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , fifth layer  600 , sixth layer  700 , and/or substrate  106 ), an eighth layer  900  of the overall upper or upper blank  1000  then may be applied to the combined first through seventh layers  840 .  FIG.  3 N  shows the individual path segments of this example eighth layer  900 , and  FIG.  3 O  schematically shows the production of the eighth layer  900  onto the previously prepared combined first through seventh layers  840  to create the combined first through eighth layers  1000  of the upper or upper blank  1000 . More specifically,  FIG.  3 N  shows an eighth layer  900  formed of an eighth filament (e.g., having any of the filament features and characteristics described above) and formed by extruding an eighth material into multiple path segments (e.g., having any of the path and/or path segment features described above), e.g., by a solid deposition modeling process. Optionally, this eighth layer  900  may be extruded as an eighth continuous path. In this illustrated example, the eighth path of the eighth filament (optionally as a continuous path) forms the following portions of the eighth layer  900 : (a) an eighth lateral rear heel portion  902  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  902   s  of the ankle/foot opening  914  of the eighth layer  900 ); (b) an eighth lateral midfoot portion  904  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a lateral side  904   s  (or an inner edge) of an instep opening  912  of the eighth layer  900 ); (c) an eighth forefoot portion  906  (e.g., which bridges from a lateral side to a medial side of the eighth layer  900 , forward of the midfoot portions); (d) an eighth medial midfoot portion  908  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  908   s  (or an inner edge) of the instep opening  912  of the eighth layer  900 ); and (e) an eighth medial rear heel portion  910  (e.g., extending along and/or adjacent a medial side  910   s  of the ankle/foot opening  914  of the eighth layer  900 ). The vertical dashed lines shown in  FIG.  3 N  generally define and break the eighth layer  900  into three portions: (a) a posterior third (containing the lateral rear heel portion  902  and the medial rear heel portion  910 ), (b) a central third (containing the lateral midfoot portion  904  and the medial midfoot portion  908 ), and (c) an anterior third (containing the forefoot portion  906 ). In at least some examples of this invention, the eighth layer  900  will consist essentially of, or even consist of, this filament structure (optionally formed as a continuous path and/or a one piece construction). The white space visible in  FIG.  3 N  for this example eighth layer  900  constitutes open space between filament path segments (e.g., where one can see completely through the eighth layer  900 ). 
     While the path segments of the eighth layer  900  can be extruded in any desired order without departing from this invention, in some examples of this invention, the outer perimeter (e.g.,  900 P) may be extruded first, and then the remainder of the eighth layer  900  can be extruded, e.g., in a “raster” like fashion, to fill in the area within the perimeter  900 P. In this illustrated example, the extruded overall path of the eighth layer  900  lays down the eighth filament over much of the overall surface area of the eighth layer  900  as eighth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments that extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the eighth layer  900 . As shown in  FIG.  3 N , in the lateral rear heel portion  902 , the forefoot portion  906 , the medial midfoot portion  908 , and the medial rear heel portion  910 , the eighth plural, non-intersecting path segments extend in a gently curved manner in a direction from the rear heel portion  902 / 910  forward. In the lateral midfoot portion  904 , however, at least some of the eighth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks ( 908 P) and at least two valleys ( 908 V). The path segments in these various regions  902 ,  904 ,  906 ,  908 ,  910  may have any of the features and/or options described above for the path segments shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 F . 
     As further shown in  FIG.  3 N , the eighth path of filament defines a first inner edge at lateral instep opening edge  904   s , a first outer edge  904   t  at lateral midfoot region  904 , a second inner edge at medial instep opening edge  908   s , and a second outer edge  908   t  at medial midfoot region  908 . An instep opening  912  for the eighth layer  900  is defined between the first inner edge at  904   s  and the second inner edge at  908   s . The eighth path of the filament in this example layer  900  includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge at  904   s  and the first outer edge  904   t , wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth path located between the first inner edge at  904   s  and the first outer edge  904   t  extend in a serpentine configuration and have at least two peaks  908 P and at least two valleys  908 V and (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge at  908   s  and the second outer edge  908   t , wherein the second, plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. The eighth layer  900  of  FIG.  3 N  may include at least 4 path segments, at least 6 path segments, at least 8 path segments, at least 10 path segments, or even at least 12 path segments that extend substantially in parallel and/or have the noted serpentine configuration. 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 J,  3 L, and  3 N , the path segments of sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  extend over a substantial portion of their overall paths in a generally parallel manner. Thus, the path segments of the eighth layer  900  may be extruded generally in parallel and/or to overlap the path segments of the sixth layer  700  and/or the seventh layer  800  over much of their overall path lengths in a manner as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . If desired: (a) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the eighth layer  900  will overlap with path segments of at least one of the sixth layer  700  and/or the seventh layer  800  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E  and/or (b) at least 25% (and in some examples, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, or even at least 90%) of the overall path length of the sixth layer  700  and/or the seventh layer  800  will overlap with path segments of the eighth layer  900  in the manner shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 E . Thus, filaments of the eighth layer  900  will directly contact filaments of the sixth layer  700  and/or the seventh layer  800  (at overlapping contact area  202 ) as the eighth layer  900  is being extruded. Heat from the eighth layer  900  while it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the eighth filament path segments to fuse together with either or both of the sixth filament path segments and/or the seventh filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the eighth filament path segments contact either or both of the sixth filament path segments and/or the seventh filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the eighth layer  900  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament material of the sixth layer  700  and/or the seventh layer  800 ). In this manner, the sixth layer  700  and/or seventh layer  800  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the eighth layer  900  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202 . 
     As also evident from a comparison of  FIG.  3 N  with  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 D,  3 F, and  3 H , the path segments of eighth layer  900  will substantially intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  over a substantial portion of their overall paths. The intersecting path segments form generally diamond shapes, which can be seen in the combined first through eighth layers  1000  shown in  FIGS.  3 O and  3 P . The path segments of the eighth layer  900  may intersect the path segments of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  at any desired angles, e.g., from 5° to 175°, and in some examples, from 15° to 165°, from 25° to 155°, from 35° to 145°, from 45° to 135°, from 55° to 125°, from 60° to 120°, from 65° to 90°, etc. In at least some examples of this invention: (a) the eighth path of the eighth layer  900  will overlap with one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the eighth path, and/or (b) the eighth path of the eighth layer  900  will overlap one or more of the first path of the first layer  300 , the second path of the second layer  350 , the third path of the third layer  400 , the fourth path of the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth path of the fifth layer  600  over less than 50% (and in some examples less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10%) of an overall length of the respective first path, second path, third path, fourth path, and/or fifth path. 
     Thus, filaments of the eighth layer  900  will directly contact filaments of one or more of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600  (at intersecting contact area  202 ) as the eighth layer  900  is being extruded. Heat from the eighth layer  900  while it is being extruded (and/or another heat source) causes the eighth filament path segments to fuse together with any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path segments at location(s)  202  where the eighth filament path segments contact any one of or any combination of the first filament path segments, the second filament path segments, the third filament path segments, the fourth filament path segments, and/or the fifth filament path segments (e.g., the filament material of the eighth layer  900  may polymerize with and seamlessly join the filament materials of the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and/or the fifth layer  600 ). 
     In these manners, the eighth layer  900  of the upper or upper blank  1000  can be fixedly joined to the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , the sixth layer  700 , and/or the seventh layer  800  of the upper or upper blank  1000  in an adhesive free manner at contact location(s)  202  to form the combined first through eighth layers  1000 . The upper component or intermediate including the combined first through eighth layers  1000  constitutes a unitary construction in which the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner. The upper component or upper blank  1000  may consist essentially of, or even consist of, the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , the fifth layer  600 , the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900 . 
     In the eighth layer  900 , the path segments in one area need not have constant spacing from directly adjacent path segments at other areas of the eighth layer  900 . For example, as shown in  FIG.  3 N , the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  906  of the eighth layer  900  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the midfoot region(s)  904 / 908  and/or the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the forefoot region  906  and/or the midfoot region(s)  904 / 908  are spaced closer together than are the plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the heel region(s)  902 / 910  of the eighth layer  900 . 
     After all desired layers of the upper or upper blank  1000  are formed, the extruded and fused layers form a fused upper component (e.g., an upper blank  1000 ). Then, the fused upper component  1000  may be removed from the base substrate  106  onto which it was extruded, optionally trimmed (e.g., around its perimeter edges, if needed) or otherwise processed (e.g., coated, painted, etc.), optionally engaged with another upper component, and/or incorporated into a footwear structure, as will be explained in more detail below. As described above, if desired, the surface  106   s  of the substrate  106  onto which the layer(s) of filament are extruded may be smooth or otherwise textured. The surface (e.g., individual filaments) of the upper blank  1000  that contacted the substrate  106  surface  106   s  then may take on the smoothness (or textured) characteristics of the substrate  106  surface  106   s  on which it contacts and is formed. Thus, in some examples of this invention, one surface (e.g., the inner surface or bottom surface) of the upper blank  1000  may be smooth or textured to correspond to texture on the surface  106   s  of the substrate  106  while the opposite surface (e.g., the outer surface or top surface) of the upper blank  1000  may have texture corresponding to the multiple overlapping layers of filament. 
       FIGS.  3 Q to  3 W  provide enlarged views of portions of the upper blank  1000  at areas A-G shown in  FIG.  3 P  to show more details of these example structures.  FIGS.  3 Q and  3 R  provide enlarged views of the upper blank  1000  at the lateral rear heel portion  1002  and the medial rear heel portion  1010  (areas A and B, respectively);  FIGS.  3 S and  3 T  provide enlarged views of the upper blank  1000  at the lateral midfoot portion  1004  and the medial midfoot portion  1008  (areas C and D, respectively); and  FIGS.  3 U,  3 V, and  3 W  provide enlarged views of the upper blank  1000  at the lateral forefoot portion, the medial forefoot portion, and the extreme forefoot portion (areas E, F, and G, respectively). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 Q , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a direction between the ankle opening  1014  and the bottom perimeter edge of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., in a medio-lateral direction). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. Similarly, the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). Similarly, the filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). The filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with two angles between 5° and 60° and two angles between 120° and 175°). When formed as parallelogram and/or diamond shapes, a long axis of the parallelogram/diamond shapes formed by the filaments of layers  400 / 500 / 600  and the filaments of layers  700 / 800 / 900  may extend in generally an anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., as shown by diamond DIA highlighted in  FIG.  3 Q ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 R , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a direction between the ankle opening  1014  and the bottom perimeter edge of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., in a medio-lateral direction). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. Similarly, the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and form a generally parallelogram or diamond shaped pattern (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). Similarly, the filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). The filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with two angles between 5° and 60° and two angles between 120° and 175°). When formed as parallelogram and/or diamond shapes, a long axis of the parallelogram/diamond shapes formed by the filaments of layers  400 / 500 / 600  and the filaments of layers  700 / 800 / 900  may extend in generally an anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., as shown by diamond DIA highlighted in  FIG.  3 R ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 S , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a direction between the instep opening  1012  and the bottom perimeter edge of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., in a medio-lateral direction). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  in this area of the upper blank  1000  form the serpentine pattern described above (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping), and generally extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The intersecting filaments of the various layers may have any of the angular properties described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  3 Q and  3 R . At this particular area of the upper blank  1000 , the intersecting filaments define some more “square” or rectangular openings through the upper blank  1000 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 T , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a direction between the instep opening  1012  and the bottom perimeter edge of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., in a medio-lateral direction). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  in this area of the upper blank  1000  form the serpentine pattern described above (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping), and generally extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The intersecting filaments of the various layers may have any of the angular properties described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  3 Q and  3 R . At this particular area of the upper blank  1000 , the intersecting filaments define some more “square” or rectangular openings through the upper blank  1000 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 U , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a medio-lateral direction across the upper blank  1000  (from the medial side toward the lateral side). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. Similarly, the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). Similarly, the filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). The filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with two angles between 5° and 60° and two angles between 120° and 175°). When formed as parallelogram and/or diamond shapes, a long axis of the parallelogram/diamond shapes formed by the filaments of layers  400 / 500 / 600  and the filaments of layers  700 / 800 / 900  may extend in generally an anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., as shown by diamond DIA highlighted in  FIG.  3 U ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 V , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a medio-lateral direction across the upper blank  1000  (from the medial side toward the lateral side). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. Similarly, the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). Similarly, the filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). The filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes pattern (e.g., with two angles between 5° and 60° and two angles between 120° and 175°). When formed as parallelogram and/or diamond shapes, a long axis of the parallelogram/diamond shapes formed by the filaments of layers  400 / 500 / 600  and the filaments of layers  700 / 800 / 900  may extend in generally an anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., as shown by diamond DIA highlighted in  FIG.  3 V ). 
     As shown in  FIG.  3 W , the filaments of the first layer  300  and the second layer  350  at this location of the upper blank  1000  (which may be substantially parallel and/or overlapping over much of their lengths) generally extend in a medio-lateral direction across the upper blank  1000  (from the medial side toward the lateral side). The filaments of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. Similarly, the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900  generally curve (and are substantially in parallel and/or overlapping) and extend in an anterior-posterior direction. The filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). Similarly, the filaments of the first layer  300  and second layer  350  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with angles between 60° and 120°). The filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  intersect the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  and form generally parallelogram or diamond shapes (e.g., with two angles between 5° and 60° and two angles between 120° and 175°). When formed as parallelogram and/or diamond shapes, a long axis of the parallelogram/diamond shapes formed by the filaments of layers  400 / 500 / 600  and the filaments of layers  700 / 800 / 900  may extend in generally an anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank  1000  (e.g., as shown by diamond DIA highlighted in  FIG.  3 W ). 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS.  3 Q- 3 V  with  3 W, the spacings between directly adjacent filaments in a given layer generally become smaller at the forefoot area of this example upper blank  1000  as compared to the spacings between directly adjacent filaments in the same layer at the rear heel and/or midfoot portions of the upper blank  1000 . Also, as shown in these figures, the diamond shaped openings formed by intersections between (a) the filaments of the third layer  400 , fourth layer  500 , and fifth layer  600  and (b) the filaments of the sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and eighth layer  900  become smaller toward the forefoot area of the upper blank  1000  as compared to the corresponding diamond shaped openings provided at the rear heel and/or midfoot portions of the upper blank  1000 . These features provide improved support, durability, lock-down, and less stretchability at the forefoot area of the upper blank  1000  as compared to at least some other areas. As further evident from the enlarged views of  FIGS.  3 Q- 3 W , much of the space within the perimeter of the upper or upper blank constitutes open space between intersections of the filaments in the layers of the upper or upper blank  1000 . In at least some examples of this invention, the upper or upper blank  1000  may constitute at least 15% open space between filaments of the various layers, and in some examples, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, or even at least 50% open space may be present between filaments in the upper or upper blank  1000 . 
     Many variations in the upper or upper blank  1000  structure and/or individual upper layers of filament are possible without departing from this invention. As some examples, an upper or upper blank  1000  could include more or fewer upper layers than the eight layers described above (e.g., from 2 to 24 layers, and in some examples, from 3 to 20 layers, from 4 to 16 layers, from 5 to 12 layers, etc.). As additional or alternative examples, the layering order of the filament layers described above could be changed in some examples of this invention. Additionally or alternatively, while  FIGS.  3 D,  3 F, and  3 H  show the serpentine configurations formed at the medial midfoot portions of the third layer  400 , the fourth layer  500 , and the fifth layer  600 , respectively, and  FIGS.  3 J,  3 L, and  3 N  show the serpentine configurations formed at the lateral midfoot portions of the sixth layer  700 , the seventh layer  800 , and the eighth layer  900 , respectively, an upper or upper blank in accordance with some examples of this invention may include more of fewer of this same type of “serpentine” configurations, e.g., in one or more of the forefoot area, the rear heel areas, etc. More or fewer layers of an upper blank  1000  also may include this type of “serpentine” configuration. The curved and serpentine configurations of the filament layers provide enhanced flexibility. 
     The filament materials provided in the various layers of a single upper or upper blank  1000  may be the same or different without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, the upper or upper blank and/or the individual layers thereof may have one or more of the following properties or characteristics: (a) the filament materials on all layers of an upper or upper blank may be the same material; (b) the filament material in one layer of an upper or upper blank may differ from the filament material in one or more other layers of the upper or upper blank; (c) the filament material may be different in each layer of an upper or upper blank; (d) the filaments on all layers of an upper or upper blank may be the same color; (e) the filament color in one layer of an upper or upper blank may differ from the filament color in one or more other layers of the upper or upper blank; (f) the filament colors may be different in each layer of an upper or upper blank; (g) the filament in one or more layers of an upper or upper blank may be made from a transparent or translucent material; (h) the filament in one or more layers of the upper or upper blank (and optionally in each layer of the upper or upper blank) may be made from a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane material); (i) the filament in one or more layers of the upper or upper blank (and optionally in each layer of the upper or upper blank) may be made from a material that does not substantially absorb water; (j) the filament in one or more layers of the upper or upper blank (and optionally in each layer of the upper or upper blank) may be made from a hydrophobic material; (k) the filament in one or more layers of the upper or upper blank (and optionally in each layer of the upper or upper blank) may be made from a material capable of fusing to material(s) of the other layers, e.g., in an adhesive free manner, such as via a solid deposition modeling technique; (l) the filament materials on all layers of an upper or upper blank may have the same diameter, width, and/or thickness (or other dimensions); and/or (m) the filament material in one layer of an upper or upper blank may differ in diameter, width, and/or thickness (or other dimensions) from the filament material in one or more other layers of the upper or upper blank. In some examples of this invention, the upper or upper blank (e.g., two or more layers thereof cooperatively) may produce a moiré effect, e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 3 P . 
     As described above, in at least some examples of this invention, one or more of the various upper layers (e.g., layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and/or  900 ) may be formed as a continuous path of extruded filament. For example, in some examples of this invention, the entire upper layer (e.g., as shown in each of one or more of  FIG.  3 A  (first layer  300 ),  FIG.  3 B  (second layer  350 ),  FIG.  3 D  (third layer  400 ),  FIG.  3 F  (fourth layer  500 ),  FIG.  3 H  (fifth layer  600 ),  FIG.  3 J  (sixth layer  700 ),  FIG.  3 L  (seventh layer  800 ), and  FIG.  3 N  (eighth layer  900 )) may be formed by beginning extrusion at one location of the individual upper layer and extruding material continuously (including through all necessary turns of the extruder nozzle  104 /head) until the entire layer is completely extruded (e.g., into the form shown in one or more of  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 D,  3 F,  3 H,  3 J,  3 L , and  3 N). This type of continuous extrusion path (with one start and one stop in extruding an entire layer), however, is not a requirement. Rather, in at least some examples of this invention, an individual upper layer (e.g., like those shown in  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B,  3 D,  3 F,  3 H,  3 J,  3 L, and  3 N ) may be formed in a discontinuous manner (e.g., with two or more pairs of extrusion start/stop actions per individual layer). The extrusion nozzle  104 /head may be moved between the extrusion starts and stops (while extrusion is stopped) to another desired location of the upper layer so that the extrusion path segments of the layer can begin/end at any desired locations. 
     Further,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 P  show that each individual layer  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  in this illustrated upper or upper blank  1000  includes individual path segments throughout each of the lateral rear heel portion, lateral midfoot portion, forefoot portion, medial midfoot portion, and medial rear heel portion. This is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, in accordance with some examples of this invention, an individual upper layer (e.g., one or more of  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and/or  900 ) need not extend into and/or throughout all of the noted regions. As some more specific examples, if desired: (a) one or more layers of the upper may be present in only the forefoot region of the overall upper; (b) one or more layers may be present in only the lateral midfoot region and/or medial midfoot region of the overall upper; (c) one or more layers may be present in the forefoot region and one or both of the lateral midfoot region and/or medial midfoot region of the overall upper; (d) one or more layers may be omitted at one or both of the lateral rear heel region and/or the medial rear heel region; (e) only a small amount of filament may be present in some portions or regions of an individual layer; etc. Selective inclusion of filament at less than all regions of an upper layer can allow one to selectively control properties in that region of the overall upper or upper blank (e.g., control breathability, stretchability, permeability, lock down, etc.). When one or more layers are omitted in an individual area or region, the layers of filament that are included in that individual area or region need not be extruded consecutively in the overall upper production process. For example, if desired, an individual area or region of an upper or upper blank may include the first layer  300 , the second layer  350 , the fourth layer  500 , the sixth layer  700 , and the seventh layer  800  (or any desired number and/or combination of layers, including layers having different paths from the specific examples shown in the figures). 
       FIGS.  3 A- 3 P  further show an example with upper layers laid down as filaments in a specific order, i.e., layer  300 , then layer  350 , then layer  400 , then layer  500 , then layer  600 , then layer  700 , then layer  800 , then layer  900 . The order in which layers are put down can influence the characteristics and/or properties of the overall upper or upper blank  1000 . For example, if layers with larger filament spacings are laid down closer to the upper interior and layers with smaller filament spacings are laid down closer to the upper exterior, this may enhance the overall upper&#39;s ability to shed water (or other materials) and/or resist introduction of water (or other materials) inside and/or within the upper as compared to an upper with the same layers formed in a different order with larger filament spacings located closer to the upper exterior. Changing layer orders also may affect zonal or overall performance of the upper (e.g., affect lockdown, directional stretch, breathability, permeability, etc.) By changing the layer orders, the intersections of the different layers may be altered and/or changed in locations, and thus the fusion of one layer to the other layers may be altered and/or changed to different locations and/or positions. These changes may affect overall properties, performance, and/or feel of the upper (e.g., lockdown, directional stretch, breathability, permeability, etc.). 
     As mentioned above, if desired, the upper blank  1000  or an upper component built from one or more layers of extruded filaments of the types described above may be engaged with one or more other upper components.  FIGS.  4 A through  4 C  illustrate examples in which the filament(s)  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108  of one or more layers of an extruded filament based upper component  1100  are engaged with another upper component  1110 , e.g., by an adhesive or cement  1112 . The extruded filament based upper component  1100  may be made of one or more layers of extruded filament, e.g., including one of more layers, including any one or more of the various layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and/or  900  described above. The upper component  1110  may be any desired type of upper component, including upper components as conventionally known and used in the footwear arts, such as fabrics, textiles, elastic materials, knitted components, woven components, leathers (natural or synthetic), thermoplastic materials, thermoplastic polyurethanes, other polymer materials, etc. The extruded filament based upper component  1100 : (a) may be located outside the other upper component  1110  toward the footwear exterior and away from the wearer&#39;s foot ( FIG.  4 A ); (b) may be located inside the other upper component  1110  toward the footwear interior and closer to (and optionally adjacent or in contact with) the wearer&#39;s foot ( FIG.  4 B ); and/or (c) may be both inside and outside the other upper component  1110  ( FIG.  4 C ). The additional upper component(s)  1110  may provide additional support at desired areas (e.g., a heel counter, a toe box, structural support, shape support, lace engaging support along the instep opening  1012 , structure for engaging a sole component, etc.); a soft foot contact surface (e.g., around the ankle opening  1014 , as a “tongue” member across the instep opening  1012 , etc.); support for engaging another footwear component; etc. The combined upper components  1100 / 1110  may be incorporated into an overall footwear structure, as will be described in more detail below. 
       FIGS.  5 A through  5 C , however, illustrate engagement of an extruded filament based upper component  1100  with another upper component  1120  in an adhesive free manner, by fusing (or fuse bonding) the filament(s) in the upper component  1100  directly with the material of the other upper component  1120 . Such combined upper components  1100 / 1120  may include: (a) a first upper component  1100  that includes at least a first layer formed to include a first material as a first filament  1102  (four filaments  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 , and  1108  are shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C ), optionally including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the filament, wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 3 mm wide (and in some examples, less than 2 mm wide, less than 1.5 mm wide, less than 1 mm wide, or even less than 0.75 mm wide); and (b) a second upper component  1120  including a fabric element (e.g., of any of the types described above for upper component  1110 , such as fabrics, textiles, elastic materials, thermoplastic materials, etc.) formed at least in part of a fusible material. The extruded filament based upper component  1100  may be made of one or more layers of extruded filament, e.g., including one of more layers like layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and/or  900  described above. In such structures, the fusible material of the second upper component  1120  is fused to the filaments  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 , and/or  1108  of the first upper component  1100 . If necessary or desired, heat and/or pressure may be applied to the combined upper components  1100 / 1120  to fuse the filament containing upper component  1100  to the fabric element upper component  1120 . The fusing between components  1100  and  1120  may be a result of the material of one or more filaments  1102 - 1108  polymerizing with and seamlessly joining the fusible material of the fabric element  1120 . 
       FIGS.  5 A through  5 C  illustrate examples in which the filament(s)  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108  of one or more layers of an extruded filament upper component  1100  are engaged with an upper component  1120  that includes a fusible material as part of a fabric element. The extruded filament upper component  1100 : (a) may be located outside the other upper component  1120  toward the footwear exterior and away from the wearer&#39;s foot ( FIG.  5 A ); (b) may be located inside the other upper component  1120  toward the footwear interior and closer to (and optionally adjacent or in contact with) the wearer&#39;s foot ( FIG.  5 B ); and/or (c) may be both inside and outside the other upper component  1120  ( FIG.  5 C ). The additional upper component(s)  1120  may provide additional support at desired areas (e.g., a heel counter, a toe box, structural support, shape support, lace engaging support along the instep opening  1012 , structure for engaging a sole component, etc.); a soft foot contact surface (e.g., around the ankle opening  1014 , as a “tongue” member across the instep opening  1012 , etc.); structure for engaging another footwear component; etc. The combined upper components  1100 / 1120  may be incorporated into an overall footwear structure, as will be described in more detail below. 
       FIGS.  5 D through  5 F  provide examples of manners in which a fusible material may be incorporated into a fabric element  1120 . As one example, as shown in  FIG.  5 D , a fabric element  1120  may be formed as a woven, knitted, or unwoven structure in which at least one strand (e.g., yarn) of the fabric element  1120  is formed of a fusible material compatible to fuse with the material of one or more of the filaments of upper component  1100 . In  FIG.  5 D , the yarn  1122  of one color is a traditional fabric material (e.g., made from a polyester, cotton, elastomeric material, etc.) and the yarn  1124  of the other color is made from the fusible material of the types described above for the fusible material in the filaments, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. In this arrangement, the yarn  1124  can directly fuse to the filament(s)  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108  of the filament based upper component  1100 . 
     As another option, as shown in  FIG.  5 E , a fabric element  1120  may be formed as a woven, knitted, or unwoven structure that includes at least one yarn of the fabric element structure  1120  formed of: (a) a strand  1132  made of a traditional fabric material (e.g., made from a polyester, cotton, elastomeric material, etc.) intertwined with (b) a strand  1134  made from the fusible material of the types described above for the fusible material in the filaments, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. In this arrangement, the fusible yarn strand  1134  can directly fuse to the filament(s)  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108  of the filament based upper component  1100 . 
     As yet another option,  FIG.  5 F  provides a cross sectional view of a yarn or strand that may be used to make a fabric element  1120 , e.g., as a woven, knitted, or unwoven structure. This strand or yarn is formed as a coaxial element over at least a portion of its axial length, including: (a) an inner core  1142  made of a traditional fabric material (e.g., made from a polyester, cotton, elastomeric material, etc.) coated (e.g., co-extruded or otherwise formed) with (b) an outer cover  1144  made from the fusible material of the types described above for the fusible material in the filaments, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. In this arrangement, the fusible outer cover  1144  can directly fuse to the filament(s)  1102 ,  1104 ,  1106 ,  1108  of the filament based upper component  1100 . 
       FIGS.  6 A through  6 E  illustrate an example of a manner in which a conventional fabric element (or other footwear component)  1110  and/or a fabric element  1120  including a fusible material (e.g., of the types described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  5 D- 5 F ) can be engaged with a multi-layered fusible upper component  1100  (e.g., of the types described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  1 A- 3 W ). First, an upper blank intermediate  1200  can be made including one or more layers of extruded filament formed as described above (e.g., by a solid deposition modeling technique, as a continuous path, with plural, non-intersecting path segments, etc.).  FIG.  6 A  shows an upper blank intermediate  1200  formed to include the first four layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500  of filament as described above, e.g., which can be formed in the same manners as described above. Any desired number of filament layers, having any desired filament paths and arrangements, may be provided as upper blank intermediate  1200  without departing from this invention (including one or more filament based layers and/or any individual layer and/or combination of layers described above). 
     Once the desired upper blank intermediate  1200  has been prepared including one or more filament layers (e.g., by extrusion, solid deposition modeling, etc.) on the extruder substrate  106 , a release liner  1202  may be applied, e.g., to cover a portion of the top surface of the upper blank intermediate  1200  (e.g., a portion of the first layer extending inwardly from a peripheral edge of the first layer may be covered with the release liner  1202 , such as a portion around one or both sides of the instep opening, a portion around one or both sides of the ankle opening, a portion around the bottom edge where the upper will meet a sole structure, etc.). The release liner  1202  may be made from paper, plastic, or any type of material, provided that the release liner  1202  does not become permanently fixed to the filament material(s) to be included in the upper component in the steps to follow. 
     With the release liner  1202  in place, one or more additional layers of filament may be extruded to form one or more additional layers of the upper component. For example, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , the fifth layer  600 , sixth layer  700 , seventh layer  800 , and/or the eighth layer  900  described above may be extruded onto the release liner  1202  and the upper intermediate  1200  (which may include the first layer  300 , second layer  350 , third layer  400 , and/or fourth layer  500  described above). In this illustrated example, one or more additional materials are extruded to form one or more additional layers of extruded filament, optionally including additional plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in the individual layer(s). The additional extruded filament(s) may have any of the dimensional and/or other filament characteristics described above. The additional layer extruding step(s) of this example may include: (a) applying a first portion of the additional filament layer(s) to the release liner  1202  such that the release liner  1202  extends between a first portion of the previously extruded filament layer(s) (in upper intermediate  1200 ) and the first portion of the additional layer(s) of filament and (b) fusing a second portion of the additional layer(s) of filament to a second portion of the previously extruded filament layer(s) (in upper intermediate  1200 ) at locations where the more recently extruded filament layer(s) contact the previously extruded filament layers. In this manner, the additional filament layer(s) applied after the release liner  1202  is positioned will join to (in an adhesive free manner) to the previously extruded filament layer(s) at areas away from the release liner  1202  to provide a unitary upper component (e.g., an overall upper component, like upper blank  1000  described above). 
     Once all of the desired additional filament layers are extruded and joined to the previously extruded filament layers of upper intermediate  1200 , a combined upper component  1210  and release liner  1202  combination is present, e.g., as shown in  FIG.  6 C . At this time, one or more of the upper component  1210  filament layers are located below a bottom surface of the release liner  1202  and one or more of the upper component  1210  filament layers are located above a top surface of the release liner  1202 . At this time, the upper component  1210  and release liner  1202  can be removed from the extruder substrate  106 , and the release liner  1202  can be removed from its location between the first portion of the lower filament layer(s) of the upper component  1210  (e.g., layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ) and the first portion of the upper filament layer(s) of the upper component  1210  (e.g., layers  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ). Because of the previous presence of the release liner  1202 , the first portion of the lower filament layer(s) of the upper component  1210  (e.g., layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ) will remain unfixed to the first portion of the upper filament layer(s) of the upper component  1210  (e.g., layers  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900 ) at the location where the release liner  1202  was present (although all layers  300 - 900  may be fixed together at the “second portions” thereof, where the release liner  1202  was not present). In other words, the presence and removal of the release liner  1202  forms a “pocket” between layers of the upper component  1210 . 
     At this time, as shown in  FIG.  6 D , another upper component (e.g., fabric component  1110 ,  1120  like those described above) may be placed into the “pocket” formed between layers of the upper component  1210  where the release liner  1202  was removed. The upper component  1110  could be engaged with the upper component  1210  via adhesives, as described above in conjunction with  FIG.  4 C . Alternatively, when upper component  1120  includes a fusible material (e.g., a fabric element of the types described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  5 D- 5 F ), then upper component  1120  can be engaged with the upper component  1210  in an adhesive free manner, e.g., by fusing the fusible material of the upper component  1120  with the extruded filament material(s) of the upper component  1210 . This action can place and fix the upper component  1120  between individual layers of the upper component  1210 , e.g., as shown in the cross section of  FIG.  5 C . If needed, this fusing step can include, for example, applying heat and/or pressure to the combined upper component  1120 /upper component  1210 , e.g., in the form shown in  FIG.  6 E . If necessary, the upper component  1120  (and/or 1210) can be trimmed, combined with other upper components, and/or otherwise processed, if necessary, e.g., in preparation for incorporation into a footwear structure. While  FIGS.  6 A to  6 E  show the upper component  1110 / 1120  between central layers of the filament based upper component  1210 , this is not a requirement. Rather, the upper component  1110 / 1120  may be placed between any desired filament layers of upper component  1210  without departing from this invention (e.g., between layers closer to the upper interior and/or between layers closer to the upper exterior). 
     The upper component  1110 ,  1120  may form any desired portion or proportion of the footwear upper structure without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, the upper component  1110 ,  1120  may provide or overlap with less than 50%, and in some examples, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, or even less than 10% of a total surface area of the upper component  1210  (the term “total surface area” as used herein in this context means the complete area defined within the outermost perimeter of the upper component  1210 , including open space defined between individual filaments of the upper component  1210 ). The second (e.g., fabric) upper component  1110 ,  1120  may form any desired portion of the overall upper construction, including one or more of: an instep/tongue portion of the upper, a vamp portion of the upper, a lace-engaging portion of the upper, a foot-receiving opening of the upper, a collar of the upper, a rear heel engaging portion of the upper, etc. 
       FIGS.  7 A- 7 C  illustrate an example article of footwear  2000  including an upper  2002  having at least a portion formed as a multi-layered filament type upper blank  1000  of the types described above. As shown in these figures, the upper  2002  includes the combined upper component  1110 ,  1120 /upper component  1210 , e.g., of the types described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  6 A- 6 E . The upper component  1110 ,  1120  may be combined with a filament based upper component (e.g., like upper blank  1000 ) in any desired manner, including the various manners described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  4 A- 6 E . As shown in these figures, upper component  1110 ,  1120  of this example is one or more fabric elements that extend along a lace-engaging region and an instep region of the upper  2002  (e.g., forming a “tongue” like element and/or vamp portion of the upper  2002 ), around the foot-insertion opening  2006  (e.g., to provide a comfort enhancing collar around the ankle), and down around a rear heel portion of the upper  2002  (e.g., to provide comfort at the heel). 
     Both the fabric upper component  1110 ,  1120  and the filament based upper component  1210  of this illustrated example include openings and/or other structures for engaging a shoe lace  2008 . Alternatively, if desired, only one of fabric upper component  1110 ,  1120  and the filament based upper component  1210  may include lace engaging openings or structures. As another option or alternative, if desired, the fabric upper component  1110 ,  1120  may include lace engaging openings or structures in one or more areas of the upper  2002  and the filament based upper component  1210  may include lace engaging openings or structures in one or more other areas of the upper  2002 . If desired, when the filament based upper component  1210  engages the lace  2008 , the lace  2008  may extend through openings provided in the filament based upper component  1210  between individual filaments of a multi-layered upper structure. 
     The upper component  2002  may be engaged with a sole structure  2004  in any desired manner, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., adhesives, mechanical connectors, sewn seams, etc.). Any desired type of sole structure  2004  may be provided, including one or multi-part sole structures as are known and used in the footwear arts. In some examples of this invention, the sole structure  2004  will include a lightweight foam or fluid-filled bladder structure (optionally made from a hydrophobic, water-repelling, and/or non-water absorbing material(s)). The sole structure  2004  also may include track spikes, cleats, and/or other traction enhancing elements. 
     Footwear uppers in accordance with examples of this invention, including extruded filament based upper components of the types described above (including upper blank  1000 , upper component  1210 , and/or upper  2002 ), can provide many desirable properties, particularly for athletic footwear constructions. The upper blank  1000 , upper component  1210 , and/or upper  2002  can be made very lightweight and/or breathable in view of the large number of openings between the various filaments in the layers, the thin structures of the filaments, and the relatively reduced volume of heavier materials present. As another potential advantage, as noted above, the filament(s) may be made from hydrophobic material(s) and/or material(s) that do not substantially absorb water. Thus, if the upper  2002  is exposed to wet conditions during use, the filament(s) may shed/repel the water, maintaining a lightweight condition. The ability to maintain a lightweight condition even when used in wet conditions can be further enhanced in upper structures in which any fabric based upper component(s) (e.g., component  1110 ,  1120 ) included in the upper  2002  also is/are formed (at least in part) from hydrophobic material(s) and/or material(s) that do not substantially absorb water (such as thermoplastic polyurethane materials and/or other thermoplastic materials and/or other hydrophobic and/or water repelling materials that may be provided as the fusible component, e.g., in the manners described in one or more of  FIGS.  5 D- 5 F ) and/or if the sole structure  2004  is formed (at least in part) from hydrophobic material(s) and/or material(s) that do not substantially absorb water (such as thermoplastic polyurethane materials and/or other thermoplastic materials and/or other hydrophobic and/or water repelling materials). When the upper component  1210  is formed at least in part as a multi-layered filament construction, many different colors and color combinations can be used to provide a wide range of aesthetic and design opportunities, including production of a moiré effect, e.g., as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  3 A- 3 P . 
     Also, the extruded filament type structures and production methods allow seamless transitions between upper structural features that provide different functions and/or characteristics (e.g., seamless transitions between areas providing increased support and lock down with areas providing improved flexibility; seamless changes in breathability in different areas; etc., by changing the filament sizes, spacings, materials, etc.). Moreover, a relatively uniform overall upper thickness with the multi-layered filament construction can provide varying stretch and/or breathability characteristics in different areas of the upper with a seamless, one piece, unitary construction. As another potential advantage/feature, the upper blank  1000 /upper component  1210  can be formed by the multi-layer extrusion process without producing tensile stresses to the individual filaments of the upper construction. 
     In the specific examples described above, the filament based upper component forms an upper component (such as an upper blank) that substantially covers or surrounds the wearer&#39;s foot (from the rear heel area, through the midfoot area, and to a forward toe area). Other options are possible in which the filament based upper component (e.g., having any desired number of extruded layers, including from 1 to 20 layers, and in some examples, from 2 to 16 layers, 3 to 12 layers, 4-10 layers, or even 8 layers) form one or more discrete portions of an overall upper.  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  illustrate an article of footwear  3000  having such an upper  3002  engaged with a sole structure  3004 . As shown in these figures, the upper  3002  of this example includes one or more fabric based upper components  3002   a  and one or more extruded filament based upper components  3002   b  (which may include one or more layers of extruded filaments of the types described above). The extruded filament based upper components  3002   b  of this example form a lateral side upper panel ( FIG.  8 A ) and a separate medial side upper panel ( FIG.  8 B ). These extruded filament based upper components  3002   b  may be engaged with the other upper component(s)  3002   a  in any desired manner, including any of the manners described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  4 A to  6 E  (including via adhesives and/or in an adhesive free manner). 
     As further shown in  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , in this illustrated example, both the fabric upper component  3002   a  and the filament based upper component  3002   b  include openings and/or other structures for engaging a shoe lace  3008 . Alternatively, if desired, only one of fabric upper component  3002   a  and the filament based upper component  3002   b  may include lace engaging openings or structures. As another option or alternative, if desired, the fabric upper component  3002   a  may include lace engaging openings or structures in one or more areas of the upper  3002  and the filament based upper component  3002   b  may include lace engaging openings or structures in one or more other areas of the upper  3002 . If desired, when the filament based upper component  3002   b  engages the lace  3008 , the lace  3008  may extend through openings provided in the filament based upper component  3002   b  between individual filaments of a multi-layered upper structure. 
     The upper component  3002   a  may have any desired structure and/or may be made of any desired materials without departing from this invention, including conventional structures and/or materials as are known and used in the footwear arts and/or structures as described above in conjunction with  FIGS.  5 A- 7 C  (including hydrophobic, water-repelling, and/or non-water absorbing material(s)). The sole structure  3004  may be any desired type of sole structure, including one or multi-part sole structures as are known and used in the footwear arts. In some examples of this invention, the sole structure  3004  will include a lightweight foam or fluid-filled bladder structure (optionally made from a hydrophobic, water-repelling, and/or non-water absorbing material(s)). The sole structure  3004  also may include track spikes, cleats, and/or other traction enhancing elements. 
     Even with only a portion of the upper  3002  formed by extruded filament based upper components  3002   b , enhanced breathability and/or lightweight characteristics can be realized. The extruded filament based upper components  3002   b  can be placed at any locations where enhanced breathability may be required or desired. As to weight reduction, in the example structure of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , the use of the two extruded filament based upper components  3002   b  reduces the overall weight of upper  3002  by about 24 grams as compared to a similar upper made fully with component  3002   a  (i.e., with component  3002   a  extending through the medial and lateral midfoot regions). In some examples of this invention, the filament based upper component(s)  3002   b  may form from 15% to 100% of the overall upper surface area, and in some examples, from 25% to 100%, 35% to 100%, 50% to 100%, or 60% to 100%, or even 75% to 100% of the overall upper surface area. 
     If desired, as generally shown in  FIG.  9   , when one or more of the upper layers (e.g., one or more of layers  300 ,  350 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 , and/or  900 ) are formed by filament extrusion/solid deposition modeling (e.g., forming upper blank  1000 ), a footwear strobel component (or sock liner)  1020  may be formed along with one or more of the filament layer(s) by the extrusion/solid deposition modeling technique (optionally, as part of a continuous path with one or more of the filament layers). As shown in  FIG.  9   , the strobel component  1020  may be integrally formed with the upper component  1000 , e.g., along one or more edges of the upper component  1000  (e.g., at a lateral lower perimeter edge, a medial lower perimeter edge, a forefoot edge, one or more rear heel edges, etc.). The strobel component  1020  may be formed as filaments, e.g., having any of the characteristics, features, and/or options for the filaments described above (e.g., with a grid or matrix structure, in multiple layers, with intersecting/overlapping filament path segments, etc.). Once the overall upper/strobel combination  1040  is formed, the strobel  1020  can be folded along its integral edge with the upper component  1000  and attached at its free perimeter edge  1020 P with the bottom perimeter edge  1000 P of the upper component  1000  (e.g., by adhesives, by fusing, etc.). The strobel component  1020  could be formed as two or more parts, e.g., at two or more separated locations along the upper perimeter  1000 P. 
     III. CONCLUSION 
     The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments and/or options. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the features of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. 
     For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses: 
     Clause 1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising:
         an upper component that includes:   (a) a first layer comprising a first filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   (b) a second layer comprising a second filament including second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the second filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the second layer is fused to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 2. The upper according to Clause 1, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper and/or wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper. 
     Clause 3. The upper according to Clause 2, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments are located closer together in a forefoot region of the upper as compared to in a midfoot region and/or a heel region of the upper. 
     Clause 4. The upper according to Clause 2 or 3, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments are located closer together in a forefoot region of the upper as compared to in a midfoot region and/or a heel region of the upper. 
     Clause 5. The upper according to Clause 1, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper, and wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper. 
     Clause 6. The upper according to Clause 5, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments are located closer together in a forefoot region of the upper as compared to in a midfoot region and/or a heel region of the upper. 
     Clause 7. The upper according to Clause 5 or 6, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments are located closer together in a forefoot region of the upper as compared to in a midfoot region and/or a heel region of the upper. 
     Clause 8. The upper according to Clause 1, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks and at least two valleys, and/or wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 9. The upper according to Clause 1, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments extend in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper and include a serpentine configuration having at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 10. The upper according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein the serpentine configuration is formed at least at a medial midfoot portion of the upper component. 
     Clause 11. The upper according to Clause 8 or 9, wherein the serpentine configuration is formed at least at a lateral midfoot portion of the upper component. 
     Clause 12. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the upper component includes a unitary construction in which the first layer and the second layer are fixed together only in a non-adhesive fused manner, and wherein the unitary construction of the upper component includes a medial heel portion, a medial midfoot portion, a lateral heel portion, and lateral midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion extending between the medial midfoot portion and the lateral midfoot portion. 
     Clause 13. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the upper component includes a medial side upper panel. 
     Clause 14. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the upper component includes a lateral side upper panel. 
     Clause 15. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the upper component is engaged with another upper component. 
     Clause 16. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments include at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 17. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments include at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 18. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments include at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 19. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15 or Clause 18, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments include at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 20. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19, wherein the upper component further includes a third layer comprising a third filament including third plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the third filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the third layer is fused to either or both of the first layer and to the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively. 
     Clause 21. The upper according to Clause 20, wherein the upper component further includes a fourth layer comprising a fourth filament including fourth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fourth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively. 
     Clause 22. The upper according to Clause 21, wherein the upper component further includes a fifth layer comprising a fifth filament including fifth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the fifth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fifth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively. 
     Clause 23. The upper according to Clause 22, wherein the upper component further includes a sixth layer comprising a sixth filament including sixth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the sixth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the sixth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively. 
     Clause 24. The upper according to Clause 23, wherein the upper component further includes a seventh layer comprising a seventh filament including seventh plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the seventh filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the seventh layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively. 
     Clause 25. The upper according to Clause 24, wherein the upper component further includes an eighth layer comprising an eighth filament including eighth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the eighth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the eighth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively. 
     Clause 26. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the first filament comprises a first material, wherein the second filament comprises a second material, and wherein the first material is the same as the second material. 
     Clause 27. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the first filament comprises a first material, wherein the second filament comprises a second material, and wherein the first material is different from the second material. 
     Clause 28. The upper according to Clause 26 or 27, wherein the first filament is a first color and the second filament is a second color that differs from the first color. 
     Clause 29. The upper according to Clause 26 or 27, wherein at least one of the first filament or the second filament comprises a translucent or transparent material. 
     Clause 30. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper component is made from the same material. 
     Clause 31. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper component comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. 
     Clause 32. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper component comprises a material that does not substantially absorb water. 
     Clause 33. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 25, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper component comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     Clause 34. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 33, wherein two or more layers of the upper component collectively produce a moiré effect in at least a portion of the upper. 
     Clause 35. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4 or 8 to 34, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second filament extend parallel to and partially overlap with a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first filament over a path segment length of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 36. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 34, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second filament intersect and form an angle with a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first filament. 
     Clause 37. The upper according to Clause 36, wherein the angle is within a range of 65° to 90°. 
     Clause 38. The upper according to Clause 36 or 37, wherein the plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second filament and the plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first filament cooperate to form one or more diamond shapes in a forefoot region of the upper. 
     Clause 39. The upper according to Clause 38, wherein a long axis of each of the diamond shapes extends substantially in an anterior-posterior direction of the upper. 
     Clause 40. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 39, wherein the first filament has a first thickness at a first region of the upper, wherein the first filament has a second thickness at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness. 
     Clause 41. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 39, wherein the first filament has a first diameter at a first region of the upper, wherein the first filament has a second diameter at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first diameter differs from the second diameter. 
     Clause 42. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 41, wherein the first filament has a first thickness at a first region of the upper, wherein the second filament has a second thickness at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness. 
     Clause 43. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 41, wherein the first filament has a first diameter at a first region of the upper, wherein the second filament has a second diameter at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first diameter differs from the second diameter. 
     Clause 44. The upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 43, wherein the first layer includes one or more path segments that extend along and form a perimeter of the upper. 
     Clause 45. An article of footwear, comprising:
         an upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 44; and   a sole structure engaged with the upper.       

     Clause 46. An upper blank for an article of footwear, comprising:
         a first layer comprising a first filament formed as a first path, wherein the first path of the first filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion, and wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   a second layer comprising a second filament formed as a second path, wherein the second path of the second filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion, wherein the second filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the second layer is fused to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 47. The upper blank according to Clause 46, wherein the second path overlaps the first path over at least 90% of an overall length of the second path and/or wherein the second path overlaps the first path over at least 90% of an overall length of the first path. 
     Clause 48. The upper blank according to Clause 46 or 47, wherein the first path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank and/or wherein the second path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 49. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 48, further comprising:
         a third layer comprising a third filament formed as a third path, wherein the third path of the third filament forms a third lateral rear heel portion, a third lateral midfoot portion, a third forefoot portion, a third medial midfoot portion, and a third medial rear heel portion, wherein the third filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the third layer is fused to either or both of the first layer and the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively.       

     Clause 50. The upper blank according to Clause 49, wherein the third path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 51. The upper blank according to Clause 49 or 50, wherein the third path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the third path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 52. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 49 to 51, wherein: (a) the third path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the third path, (b) the third path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the third path, (c) the third path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the third path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 53. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 49 to 52, further comprising:
         a fourth layer comprising a fourth filament formed as a fourth path, wherein the fourth path of the fourth filament forms a fourth lateral rear heel portion, a fourth lateral midfoot portion, a fourth forefoot portion, a fourth medial midfoot portion, and a fourth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fourth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fourth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively.       

     Clause 54. The upper blank according to Clause 53, wherein the fourth path overlaps the third path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fourth path and/or wherein the fourth path overlaps the third path over at least 90% of an overall length of the third path. 
     Clause 55. The upper blank according to Clause 53 or 54, wherein the fourth path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the fourth path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 56. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 53 to 55, wherein: (a) the fourth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fourth path, (b) the fourth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fourth path, (c) the fourth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the fourth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 57. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 53 to 56, further comprising:
         a fifth layer comprising a fifth filament formed as a fifth path, wherein the fifth path of the fifth filament forms a fifth lateral rear heel portion, a fifth lateral midfoot portion, a fifth forefoot portion, a fifth medial midfoot portion, and a fifth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fifth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fifth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 58. The upper blank according to Clause 57, wherein the fifth path overlaps the fourth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fifth path and/or wherein the fifth path overlaps the fourth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fourth path. 
     Clause 59. The upper blank according to Clause 57 or 58, wherein the fifth path overlaps the third path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fifth path and/or wherein the fifth path overlaps the third path over at least 90% of an overall length of the third path. 
     Clause 60. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 57 to 59, wherein the fifth path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the fifth path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 61. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 57 to 60, wherein: (a) the fifth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fifth path, (b) the fifth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fifth path, (c) the fifth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the fifth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 62. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 57 to 61, further comprising:
         a sixth layer comprising a sixth filament formed as a sixth path, wherein the sixth path of the sixth filament forms a sixth lateral rear heel portion, a sixth lateral midfoot portion, a sixth forefoot portion, a sixth medial midfoot portion, and a sixth medial rear heel portion, wherein the sixth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the sixth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 63. The upper blank according to Clause 62, wherein the sixth path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the sixth path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 64. The upper blank according to Clause 62 or 63, wherein: (a) the sixth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the sixth path, (b) the sixth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the sixth path, (c) the sixth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the fifth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 65. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 62 to 64, further comprising:
         a seventh layer comprising a seventh filament formed as a seventh path, wherein the seventh path of the seventh filament forms a seventh lateral rear heel portion, a seventh lateral midfoot portion, a seventh forefoot portion, a seventh medial midfoot portion, and a seventh medial rear heel portion, wherein the seventh filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the seventh layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 66. The upper blank according to Clause 65, wherein the seventh path overlaps the sixth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the seventh path and/or wherein the seventh path overlaps the sixth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the sixth path. 
     Clause 67. The upper blank according to Clause 65 or 66, wherein the seventh path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the seventh path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 68. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 65 to 67, wherein: (a) the seventh path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the seventh path, (b) the seventh path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the seventh path, (c) the seventh path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the seventh path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 69. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 65 to 68, further comprising:
         an eighth layer comprising an eighth filament formed as an eighth path, wherein the eighth path of the eighth filament forms an eighth lateral rear heel portion, an eighth lateral midfoot portion, an eighth forefoot portion, an eighth medial midfoot portion, and an eighth medial rear heel portion, wherein the eighth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the eighth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively.       

     Clause 70. The upper blank according to Clause 69, wherein the eighth path overlaps the seventh path over at least 90% of an overall length of the eighth path and/or wherein the eighth path overlaps the seventh path over at least 90% of an overall length of the seventh path. 
     Clause 71. The upper blank according to Clause 69 or Clause 70, wherein the eighth path overlaps the sixth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the eighth path and/or wherein the eighth path overlaps the sixth path over at least 90% of an overall length of the sixth path. 
     Clause 72. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 69 to 71, wherein the eighth path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the eighth path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 73. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 69 to 72, wherein: (a) the eighth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the eighth path, (b) the eighth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the eighth path, (c) the eighth path overlaps the first path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first path, and/or (d) the eighth path overlaps the second path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second path. 
     Clause 74. The upper blank according to Clause 46, wherein: (a) the first path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank and the second path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank or (b) the first path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank and the second path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 75. The upper blank according to Clause 46, wherein the upper blank includes a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the first path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 76. The upper blank according to Clause 75, wherein the second path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 77. The upper blank according to Clause 46, wherein the upper blank includes a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the first path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank, and wherein the second path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 78. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 77, wherein the first path of the first filament includes at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 79. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 78, wherein the second path of the second filament includes at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 80. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 77, wherein the first path of the first filament includes at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 81. The upper according to any one of Clauses 46 to 77 or Clause 80, wherein the second path of the second filament includes at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 82. An upper blank for an article of footwear, comprising:
         a first layer comprising a first filament formed as a first continuous path, wherein the first continuous path of the first filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion, and wherein the first filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   a second layer comprising a second filament formed as a second continuous path, wherein the second continuous path of the second filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion, wherein the second filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the second layer is fused to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 83. The upper blank according to Clause 82, wherein the second continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the second continuous path and/or wherein the second continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the first continuous path. 
     Clause 84. The upper blank according to Clause 82 or 83, wherein the first continuous path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank and/or wherein the second continuous path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 85. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 82 to 84, further comprising:
         a third layer comprising a third filament formed as a third continuous path, wherein the third continuous path of the third filament forms a third lateral rear heel portion, a third lateral midfoot portion, a third forefoot portion, a third medial midfoot portion, and a third medial rear heel portion, wherein the third filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the third layer is fused to either or both of the first layer and the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively.       

     Clause 86. The upper blank according to Clause 85, wherein the third continuous path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 87. The upper blank according to Clause 85 or 86, wherein the third continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the third continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the third continuous path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 88. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 85 to 87, wherein: (a) the third continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the third continuous path, (b) the third continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the third continuous path, (c) the third continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the third continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 89. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 85 to 88, further comprising:
         a fourth layer comprising a fourth filament formed as a fourth continuous path, wherein the fourth continuous path of the fourth filament forms a fourth lateral rear heel portion, a fourth lateral midfoot portion, a fourth forefoot portion, a fourth medial midfoot portion, and a fourth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fourth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fourth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively.       

     Clause 90. The upper blank according to Clause 89, wherein the fourth continuous path overlaps the third continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fourth continuous path and/or wherein the fourth continuous path overlaps the third continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the third continuous path. 
     Clause 91. The upper blank according to Clause 89 or 90, wherein the fourth continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the fourth continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fourth continuous path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 92. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 89 to 91, wherein: (a) the fourth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fourth continuous path, (b) the fourth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fourth continuous path, (c) the fourth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the fourth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 93. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 89 to 92, further comprising:
         a fifth layer comprising a fifth filament formed as a fifth continuous path, wherein the fifth continuous path of the fifth filament forms a fifth lateral rear heel portion, a fifth lateral midfoot portion, a fifth forefoot portion, a fifth medial midfoot portion, and a fifth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fifth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the fifth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 94. The upper blank according to Clause 93, wherein the fifth continuous path overlaps the fourth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fifth continuous path and/or wherein the fifth continuous path overlaps the fourth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fourth continuous path. 
     Clause 95. The upper blank according to Clause 93 or 94, wherein the fifth continuous path overlaps the third continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the fifth continuous path and/or wherein the fifth continuous path overlaps the third continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the third continuous path. 
     Clause 96. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 93 to 95, wherein the fifth continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the fifth continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the fifth continuous path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 97. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 93 to 96, wherein: (a) the fifth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fifth continuous path, (b) the fifth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the fifth continuous path, (c) the fifth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the fifth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 98. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 93 to 97, further comprising:
         a sixth layer comprising a sixth filament formed as a sixth continuous path, wherein the sixth continuous path of the sixth filament forms a sixth lateral rear heel portion, a sixth lateral midfoot portion, a sixth forefoot portion, a sixth medial midfoot portion, and a sixth medial rear heel portion, wherein the sixth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the sixth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 99. The upper blank according to Clause 98, wherein the sixth continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the sixth continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth continuous path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the sixth continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 100. The upper blank according to Clause 98 or 99, wherein: (a) the sixth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the sixth continuous path, (b) the sixth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the sixth continuous path, (c) the sixth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the fifth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 101. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 98 to 100, further comprising:
         a seventh layer comprising a seventh filament formed as a seventh continuous path, wherein the seventh continuous path of the seventh filament forms a seventh lateral rear heel portion, a seventh lateral midfoot portion, a seventh forefoot portion, a seventh medial midfoot portion, and a seventh medial rear heel portion, wherein the seventh filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the seventh layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 102. The upper blank according to Clause 101, wherein the seventh continuous path overlaps the sixth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the seventh continuous path and/or wherein the seventh continuous path overlaps the sixth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the sixth continuous path. 
     Clause 103. The upper blank according to Clause 101 or 102, wherein the seventh continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the seventh continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh continuous path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the seventh continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 104. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 101 to 103, wherein: (a) the seventh continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the seventh continuous path, (b) the seventh continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the seventh continuous path, (c) the seventh continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the seventh continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 105. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 101 to 104, further comprising:
         an eighth layer comprising an eighth filament formed as an eighth continuous path, wherein the eighth continuous path of the eighth filament forms an eighth lateral rear heel portion, an eighth lateral midfoot portion, an eighth forefoot portion, an eighth medial midfoot portion, and an eighth medial rear heel portion, wherein the eighth filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the eighth layer is fused to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively.       

     Clause 106. The upper blank according to Clause 105, wherein the eighth continuous path overlaps the seventh continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the eighth continuous path and/or wherein the eighth continuous path overlaps the seventh continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the seventh continuous path. 
     Clause 107. The upper blank according to Clause 105 or Clause 106, wherein the eighth continuous path overlaps the sixth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the eighth continuous path and/or wherein the eighth continuous path overlaps the sixth continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the sixth continuous path. 
     Clause 108. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 105 to 107, wherein the eighth continuous path defines a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the eighth continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth continuous path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the eighth continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 109. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 105 to 108, wherein: (a) the eighth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the eighth continuous path, (b) the eighth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the eighth continuous path, (c) the eighth continuous path overlaps the first continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the first continuous path, and/or (d) the eighth continuous path overlaps the second continuous path over less than 50% of an overall length of the second continuous path. 
     Clause 110. The upper blank according to Clause 82, wherein: (a) the first continuous path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank and the second continuous path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank or (b) the first continuous path extends in a substantially anterior-posterior direction of the upper blank and the second continuous path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank. 
     Clause 111. The upper blank according to Clause 82, wherein the upper blank includes a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the first continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first continuous path located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 112. The upper blank according to Clause 111, wherein the second continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second continuous path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 113. The upper blank according to Clause 82, wherein the upper blank includes a first inner edge, a first outer edge, a second inner edge, and a second outer edge, wherein an instep opening is defined between the first inner edge and the second inner edge, wherein the first continuous path extends in a substantially medio-lateral direction of the upper blank, and wherein the second continuous path includes: (a) first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge, wherein a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second continuous path located between the first inner edge and the first outer edge each extends in a serpentine configuration and has at least two peaks and at least two valleys and/or (b) second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments located between the second inner edge and the second outer edge, wherein the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second continuous path are linear and/or curved without defining plural peaks and valleys. 
     Clause 114. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 82 to 113, wherein the first continuous path of the first filament includes at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 115. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 82 to 114, wherein the second continuous path of the second filament includes at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 116. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 82 to 113, wherein the first continuous path of the first filament includes at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 117. The upper according to any one of Clauses 82 to 113 or Clause 116, wherein the second continuous path of the second filament includes at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 50 mm. 
     Clause 118. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the first filament comprises a first material, wherein the second filament comprises a second material, and wherein the first material is the same as the second material. 
     Clause 119. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the first filament comprises a first material, wherein the second filament comprises a second material, and wherein the first material is different from the second material. 
     Clause 120. The upper blank according to Clause 118 or 119, wherein the first filament is a first color and the second filament is a second color that differs from the first color. 
     Clause 121. The upper blank according to Clause 118 or 119, wherein at least one of the first filament or the second filament comprises a translucent or transparent material. 
     Clause 122. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper blank is made from the same material. 
     Clause 123. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper blank comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. 
     Clause 124. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper blank comprises a material that does not substantially absorb water. 
     Clause 125. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 117, wherein the filament in each layer of the upper blank comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     Clause 126. The upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 125, wherein two or more layers of the upper blank collectively produce a moiré effect in a least a portion of the upper blank. 
     Clause 127. An article of footwear, comprising:
         an upper formed from an upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 126; and   a sole structure engaged with the upper.       

     Clause 128. A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear, comprising:
         extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament including first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament including second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the second material includes fusing the second layer to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 129. The method according to Clause 128, wherein the step of extruding the first material includes forming the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks and at least two valleys, and/or wherein the step of extruding the second material includes forming the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments in a serpentine configuration including at least two peaks and at least two valleys. 
     Clause 130. The method according to Clause 128 or 129, wherein the step of extruding the first material includes forming the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments to include at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 first non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent first non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 131. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 130, wherein the step of extruding the second material includes forming the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments to include at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments, wherein each non-intersecting path segment of the at least 5 second non-intersecting path segments is spaced apart from each directly adjacent second non-intersecting path segments by less than 5 mm over a length dimension of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 132. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 131, further comprising:
         extruding a third material to form a third layer comprising a third extruded filament including third plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the third extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the third material includes fusing the third layer to either or both of the first layer and to the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively.       

     Clause 133. The method according to Clause 132, further comprising:
         extruding a fourth material to form a fourth layer comprising a fourth extruded filament including fourth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the fourth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fourth material includes fusing the fourth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively.       

     Clause 134. The method according to Clause 133, further comprising:
         extruding a fifth material to form a fifth layer comprising a fifth extruded filament including fifth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the fifth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fifth material includes fusing the fifth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 135. The method according to Clause 134, further comprising:
         extruding a sixth material to form a sixth layer comprising a sixth extruded filament including sixth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the sixth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the sixth material includes fusing the sixth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 136. The method according to Clause 135, further comprising:
         extruding a seventh material to form a seventh layer comprising a seventh extruded filament including seventh plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the seventh extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the seventh material includes fusing the seventh layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 137. The method according to Clause 136, further comprising:
         extruding an eighth material to form an eighth layer comprising an eighth extruded filament including eighth plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments, wherein the eighth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the eighth material includes fusing the eighth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively.       

     Clause 138. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 137, wherein the extruded and fused layers form a fused upper component, wherein at least one of the layers is extruded onto a base surface, and wherein the method further comprises:
         removing the fused upper component from the base substrate; and   engaging the fused upper component with another upper component.       

     Clause 139. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 138, wherein the materials that are extruded and fused in the extruding steps are same material. 
     Clause 140. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 138, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps differs from the material extruded in at least one of the other extruding steps. 
     Clause 141. The method according to Clause 139 or 140, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps differs in color from a color of the material extruded in at least one of the other extruding steps. 
     Clause 142. The method according to Clause 139 or 140, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps comprises a translucent or transparent material. 
     Clause 143. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 142, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. 
     Clause 144. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 142, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a material that does not substantially absorb water. 
     Clause 145. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 142, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     Clause 146. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 145, wherein two or more layers of the upper are extruded and fused into relative positions to collectively produce a moiré effect in at least a portion of the upper. 
     Clause 147. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 146, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second extruded filament extend parallel to and partially overlap with a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first extruded filament over a path segment length of at least 25 mm. 
     Clause 148. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 146, wherein a plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second extruded filament intersect and form an angle with a plurality of the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first extruded filament. 
     Clause 149. The method according to Clause 148, wherein the angle is within a range of 65° to 90°. 
     Clause 150. The method according to Clause 148 or 149, wherein the plurality of the second plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the second extruded filament and the first plural, non-intersecting, spaced apart path segments of the first extruded filament cooperate to form one or more diamond shapes in a forefoot region of the upper. 
     Clause 151. The method according to Clause 150, wherein a long axis of each of the one or more diamond shapes extends in substantially an anterior-posterior direction of the upper. 
     Clause 152. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 151, wherein the first extruded filament has a first thickness at a first region of the upper, wherein the first extruded filament has a second thickness at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness. 
     Clause 153. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 151, wherein the first extruded filament has a first diameter at a first region of the upper, wherein the first extruded filament has a second diameter at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first diameter differs from the second diameter. 
     Clause 154. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 153, wherein the first extruded filament has a first thickness at a first region of the upper, wherein the second extruded filament has a second thickness at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first thickness differs from the second thickness. 
     Clause 155. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 153, wherein the first extruded filament has a first diameter at a first region of the upper, wherein the second extruded filament has a second diameter at a second region of the upper, and wherein the first diameter differs from the second diameter. 
     Clause 156. The method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 155, wherein the step of extruding the first material includes extruding the first layer to form a perimeter of the upper. 
     Clause 157. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising:
         forming an upper according to any one of Clauses 128 to 156; and   engaging the upper with a sole structure.       

     Clause 158. A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear, comprising:
         extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament as a first path, wherein the first path of the first extruded filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion, and wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament as a second path, wherein the second path of the second extruded filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the second material includes fusing the second layer to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 159. The method according to Clause 158, wherein the step of extruding the second material includes forming the second path to overlap the first path over at least 90% of an overall length of the second path and/or forming the second path to overlap the first path over at least 90% of an overall length of the first path. 
     Clause 160. The method according to Clause 158 or 159, further comprising:
         extruding a third material to form a third layer comprising a third extruded filament as a third path, wherein the third path of the third extruded filament forms a third lateral rear heel portion, a third lateral midfoot portion, a third forefoot portion, a third medial midfoot portion, and a third medial rear heel portion, wherein the third extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the third material includes fusing the third layer to either or both of the first layer and to the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively.       

     Clause 161. The method according to Clause 160, further comprising:
         extruding a fourth material to form a fourth layer comprising a fourth extruded filament formed as a fourth path, wherein the fourth path of the fourth extruded filament forms a fourth lateral rear heel portion, a fourth lateral midfoot portion, a fourth forefoot portion, a fourth medial midfoot portion, and a fourth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fourth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fourth material includes fusing the fourth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively.       

     Clause 162. The method according to Clause 161, further comprising:
         extruding a fifth material to form a fifth layer comprising a fifth extruded filament as a fifth path, wherein the fifth path of the fifth extruded filament forms a fifth lateral rear heel portion, a fifth lateral midfoot portion, a fifth forefoot portion, a fifth medial midfoot portion, and a fifth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fifth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fifth material includes fusing the fifth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 163. The method according to Clause 162, further comprising:
         extruding a sixth material to form a sixth layer comprising a sixth extruded filament as a sixth path, wherein the sixth path of the sixth extruded filament forms a sixth lateral rear heel portion, a sixth lateral midfoot portion, a sixth forefoot portion, a sixth medial midfoot portion, and a sixth medial rear heel portion, wherein the sixth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the sixth material includes fusing the sixth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 164. The method according to Clause 163, further comprising:
         extruding a seventh material to form a seventh layer comprising a seventh extruded filament as a seventh path, wherein the seventh path of the seventh extruded filament forms a seventh lateral rear heel portion, a seventh lateral midfoot portion, a seventh forefoot portion, a seventh medial midfoot portion, and a seventh medial rear heel portion, wherein the seventh extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the seventh material includes fusing the seventh layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 165. The method according to Clause 164, further comprising:
         extruding an eighth material to form an eighth layer comprising an eighth extruded filament as an eighth path, wherein the eighth path of the eighth extruded filament forms an eighth lateral rear heel portion, an eighth lateral midfoot portion, an eighth forefoot portion, an eighth medial midfoot portion, and an eighth medial rear heel portion, wherein the eighth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the eighth material includes fusing the eighth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively.       

     Clause 166. A method of forming an upper for an article of footwear, comprising:
         extruding a first material to form a first layer comprising a first extruded filament as a first continuous path, wherein the first continuous path of the first extruded filament forms a first lateral rear heel portion, a first lateral midfoot portion, a first forefoot portion, a first medial midfoot portion, and a first medial rear heel portion, and wherein the first extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide; and   extruding a second material to form a second layer comprising a second extruded filament as a second continuous path, wherein the second continuous path of the second extruded filament forms a second lateral rear heel portion, a second lateral midfoot portion, a second forefoot portion, a second medial midfoot portion, and a second medial rear heel portion, wherein the second extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the second material includes fusing the second layer to the first layer at locations where the second layer contacts the first layer.       

     Clause 167. The method according to Clause 166, wherein the step of extruding the second material includes forming the second continuous path to overlap the first continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the second continuous path and/or forming the second continuous path to overlap the first continuous path over at least 90% of an overall length of the first continuous path. 
     Clause 168. The method according to Clause 166 or 167, further comprising:
         extruding a third material to form a third layer comprising a third extruded filament as a third continuous path, wherein the third continuous path of the third extruded filament forms a third lateral rear heel portion, a third lateral midfoot portion, a third forefoot portion, a third medial midfoot portion, and a third medial rear heel portion, wherein the third extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the third material includes fusing the third layer to either or both of the first layer and to the second layer at locations where the third layer contacts either or both of the first layer and the second layer, respectively.       

     Clause 169. The method according to Clause 168, further comprising:
         extruding a fourth material to form a fourth layer comprising a fourth extruded filament formed as a fourth continuous path, wherein the fourth continuous path of the fourth extruded filament forms a fourth lateral rear heel portion, a fourth lateral midfoot portion, a fourth forefoot portion, a fourth medial midfoot portion, and a fourth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fourth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fourth material includes fusing the fourth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer at locations where the fourth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer, respectively.       

     Clause 170. The method according to Clause 169, further comprising:
         extruding a fifth material to form a fifth layer comprising a fifth extruded filament as a fifth continuous path, wherein the fifth continuous path of the fifth extruded filament forms a fifth lateral rear heel portion, a fifth lateral midfoot portion, a fifth forefoot portion, a fifth medial midfoot portion, and a fifth medial rear heel portion, wherein the fifth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the fifth material includes fusing the fifth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer at locations where the fifth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and the fourth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 171. The method according to Clause 170, further comprising:
         extruding a sixth material to form a sixth layer comprising a sixth extruded filament as a sixth continuous path, wherein the sixth continuous path of the sixth extruded filament forms a sixth lateral rear heel portion, a sixth lateral midfoot portion, a sixth forefoot portion, a sixth medial midfoot portion, and a sixth medial rear heel portion, wherein the sixth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the sixth material includes fusing the sixth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer at locations where the sixth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 172. The method according to Clause 171, further comprising:
         extruding a seventh material to form a seventh layer comprising a seventh extruded filament as a seventh continuous path, wherein the seventh continuous path of the seventh extruded filament forms a seventh lateral rear heel portion, a seventh lateral midfoot portion, a seventh forefoot portion, a seventh medial midfoot portion, and a seventh medial rear heel portion, wherein the seventh extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the seventh material includes fusing the seventh layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer at locations where the seventh layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, and the sixth layer, respectively.       

     Clause 173. The method according to Clause 172, further comprising:
         extruding an eighth material to form an eighth layer comprising an eighth extruded filament as an eighth continuous path, wherein the eighth continuous path of the eighth extruded filament forms an eighth lateral rear heel portion, an eighth lateral midfoot portion, an eighth forefoot portion, an eighth medial midfoot portion, and an eighth medial rear heel portion, wherein the eighth extruded filament has a width dimension of less than 1 mm wide, and wherein the step of extruding the eighth material includes fusing the eighth layer to any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer at locations where the eighth layer contacts any one of or any combination of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer, respectively.       

     Clause 174. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 173, wherein the materials that are extruded and fused in the extruding steps are same material. 
     Clause 175. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 173, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps differs from the material extruded in at least one of the other extruding steps. 
     Clause 176. The method according to Clause 174 or 175, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps differs in color from a color of the material extruded in at least one of the other extruding steps. 
     Clause 177. The method according to Clause 174 or 175, wherein at least one of the materials that is extruded and fused in the extruding steps comprises a translucent or transparent material. 
     Clause 178. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 177, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material or other thermoplastic material. 
     Clause 179. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 177, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a material that does not substantially absorb water. 
     Clause 180. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 177, wherein the material that is extruded and fused in each of the extruding steps comprises a hydrophobic material. 
     Clause 181. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 180, wherein two or more layers of the upper are extruded and fused into relative positions to cooperatively produce a moiré effect in at least a portion of the upper. 
     Clause 182. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 181, wherein the extruding steps form an upper blank, and wherein the method further comprises:
         trimming the upper blank to form an upper component, and optionally, engaging the upper component with another upper component.       

     Clause 183. The method according to any one of Clauses 158 to 181, wherein the extruding steps form an upper component, and wherein the method further comprises:
         engaging the upper component with another upper component.       

     Clause 184. The method according to Clause 182 or 183, wherein the engaging step includes bonding the upper component with said another upper component by an adhesive or cement. 
     Clause 185. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising:
         forming an upper according to the method in any one of Clauses 158 to 184; and   engaging the upper with a sole structure.       

     Clause 186. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising:
         forming an upper according to any one of Clauses 1 to 44; and   engaging the upper with a sole structure.       

     Clause 187. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising:
         forming an upper blank according to any one of Clauses 46 to 126; and   engaging the upper blank with a sole structure.       

     Clause 188. An upper formed by the method according to any one of Clauses 128 to 156 or 158 to 184.