Patent Publication Number: US-10321738-B2

Title: Footwear with embroidery transition between materials

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/280,547, filed on Jan. 19, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT DOCUMENTS 
     This patent application is also related to Application No. 62/280,554, filed on Jan. 19, 2016. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to seams or joints for connecting pieces of material that can be used in apparel, footwear and the like. In an exemplary application, the present disclosure relates to the construction of uppers for shoes. Shoe uppers are typically fabricated from a plurality of different materials in order to provide different performance characteristics at different locations on the shoe. For example, it might be desirable for the shoe to be breathable near the toes to allow escape of perspiration, but more rigid at the heel to keep the shoe attached to the foot during use. Thus, a shoe might incorporate a fabric mesh panel near the toe cap and a reinforced polymer panel near the heel cap. Other materials used in footwear may be relatively flexible and tough such as those used near the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint between the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal phalanges of the toes where repeated bending occurs. Thus, a shoe might incorporate a panel made of leather, vinyl or the like at the vamp. 
     In order to accommodate the different sizes, shapes and materials used in the panels of shoe uppers, a variety of seaming and joining methods are typically used. Lap joints and butt joints have conventionally been used, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,235,694 to Wolfhard et al. More recently, footwear has incorporated smooth seams, such as those using thermoplastic seam tape as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,544,191 to Marvin et al., or seamless joints, such as those using a knitting process including forming an upper by interconnecting a series of stitches or loops as is described in U.S. Pub. No. 2012/0255201 to Little. Additionally, other uppers have been made from a unitary textile material having different stitching or weaving portions to induce different performance characteristics or different aesthetic qualities at different portions of the upper, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,347,011 to Dua et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,939 to Horton describes an edge embroidery process. U.S. Pat. Application Pub. No. 2015/0157084 to Bell et al. describes generally that embroidery stitches can be used in footwear. U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,174 to Hutchinson describes embroidery on a slipper. 
     OVERVIEW 
     The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include panels in footwear uppers that are joined at seams that are uncomfortable on the inside of the footwear and not aesthetically pleasing on the outside of the footwear. The present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem, such as by joining panels using an embroidery stitch pattern that is flatter and less abrupt than conventional joints. For example, embroidery stitch patterns can be more comfortable owing, for instance, to a flatter seam than a traditional lap joint. As another example, embroidery stitch patterns can be more aesthetic owing, for instance, to a less abrupt seam than a traditional butt joint. In particular, the embroidery described herein can provide a joint that appears to seamlessly blend upper panels of different materials, colors and textures into each other. 
     In an example, an article of footwear comprises a sole structure and an upper. The upper is connected to the sole structure to form an enclosure to at least partially receive a foot. The upper comprises a first panel forming a first portion of the upper and having a first texture, a second panel forming a second portion of the upper and having a second texture, and an embroidery area extending across portions of the first panel and the second panel and having an appearance that replicates the first texture extending into the second texture. 
     In an example, the embroidery area has an irregular edge along the second panel and a uniform edge along the first panel and the embroidery area simulates a bleeding of the first panel into the second panel. In another example, the first panel includes a matrix of features disposed on a surface of the first panel and the embroidery replicates those features on the second panel, wherein the embroidery includes a first pattern replicating the surface and a second pattern replicating the matrix of features. 
     This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a lateral side of an article of footwear having an upper with two panels joined by an embroidery stitch of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1A  showing medial and lateral sides of the upper each having an embroidery transition pattern produced by an embroidery stitch. 
         FIG. 1C  is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1A  illustrating different regions of the article of footwear. 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1B  taken along a toe-to-heel cut to show an internal foot space. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1B  taken along a medial-lateral cut to show an insole and a lining layer. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a first panel and a second panel of an upper for an article of footwear joined by an embroidery stitch. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the embroidery stitch of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment where two different embroidery patterns are provided to produce an aesthetically appealing mechanical joint that simulates a texture and appearance of one of the first and second panels. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the embroidery stitch of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment having an adhesive layer positioned over the embroidery stitch within the footwear upper. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the embroidery stitch of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment in which the first panel includes skiving to reduce its thickness at the embroidery stitch. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the embroidery stitch of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment where the first and second panels overlap with each other. 
         FIG. 8  is a front schematic view of a first panel and a second panel of an upper for an article of footwear joined by an embroidery stitch wherein the embroidery simulates surface features on both the first and second panels. 
     
    
    
     In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of article of footwear  10  having embroidery area  12 A on upper  14 , which is connected to sole structure  16 .  FIG. 1B  is a top view of article of footwear  10 , showing lateral side  18  and medial side  20  having embroidery areas  12 A and  12 B, respectively.  FIG. 1C  shows lateral side  18  of article of footwear  10  illustrating forefoot region  22 , midfoot region  24 , and heel region  26 . Sole structure  16  can include outsole  28  and midsole  30 . Upper  14  can include lace  32 , tongue  34  and collar element  36 . Upper  14  can be comprised of a plurality of panels of different or the same material, such as toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . Various panels of upper  14  can be connected to each other via embroidery area  12 A. 
     In the example shown, upper  14  includes toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  that at least partially surround a foot. Each of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  can wrap, at least partially, around medial and lateral sides of upper  14 . For example, toe panel  38  can form a vamp for footwear  10 , extending from the lateral MTP joint area of the foot, around the toe cap of footwear  10 , and to the medial MTP joint area of the foot. Likewise, heel panel  40  can form a heel counter for footwear  10 , extending from the lateral midfoot area of the foot, around the heel cap of footwear  10 , and to the medial midfoot area of the foot. Collectively, panels  38  and  40 , along with other parts of footwear  10 , form a housing when joined to sole structure  16  for at least partially enclosing the foot. Upper  14  can include apertures  42 , insole  44 , lining  46  and foot space  48 . Components of upper  14 , including tongue  34 , collar element  36 , toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 , may be formed of various materials, such as knitted, woven, natural or synthetic materials. In the example of  FIG. 1A , toe panel  38  is fabricated from a textile having a texture  50 , and heel panel  40  is smooth relative to texture  50 . For example, texture  50  can have low portions  52  and high portions  54 . Toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  can be comprised of one or more sub-panels. Each panel  38  and  40  and sub-panel of footwear  10  can be joined together using conventional stitching and seaming structures and methods. Additionally, as described herein, various panels and sub-panels can be joined using embroidery stitching that results in a pattern that can visually and structurally link the panels together. 
     Embroidery area  12 A extends across ends or edges of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  and forms a junction therebetween to mechanically interlock panels  38  and  40 , thereby reducing or eliminating the need for separate stitching that directly links panel  38  and panel  40 . Additionally, embroidery area  12 A can be shaped to provide aesthetic aspects to footwear  10 . In particular, embroidery area  12 A can have a pattern to provide a transition between the colors, textures and materials, and combinations thereof, of panels  38  and  40 . Embroidery area  12 A can have a plurality of appearances or patterns made from a plurality of different threads to match the appearance, color and shape of texture  50 . For example, embroidery area  12 A can include thread  56 A and  58 A. 
     Forefoot region  22  generally includes portions of footwear  10  corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges (the MTP joints). Midfoot region  24  generally includes portions of footwear  10  corresponding with the arch area of the foot. Heel region  26  generally corresponds with the heel area of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Lateral side  18  and medial side  20  extend through each of regions  22 - 26  in an anterior-posterior direction. Regions  22 - 26  and sides  18  and  20  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear  10 . Rather, regions  22 - 26  and sides  18  and  20  are intended to represent general areas of footwear  10  to aid in the discussion of footwear  10 . 
     Embroidery of the present disclosure, such as embroidery areas  12 A and  12 B, can be located in various places and in various orientations in each of the regions and sides of footwear  10 . It can, however, be desirable to position embroidery away from high stress points of footwear  10 . For example, it can be desirable to position embroidery away from the MTP joint to avoid stressing the embroidery threads due to the repeated bending of the foot. In the example described herein, embroidery area  12 A is located along the tarsals, posterior of the MTP joint, and embroidery area  12 B is located along the instep of the foot, posterior of the MTP joint. Embroidery can additionally or alternatively be located on the distal superior surface of toe panel  38 , on the posterior surface of heel panel  40 , on tongue  34  and other locations throughout footwear  10 . 
     Tongue  34  can be connected to toe panel  38  and can extend under lace  32  to enhance the comfort and adjustability of footwear  10 . Tongue  34  can extend between opposing portions of toe panel  38  and opposing portions of heel panel  40 . Opposing portions of heel panel  40  can be fitted with collar element  36 . Collar element  36  is located in at least heel region  26 . Collar element  36  and tongue  34  form an opening for providing an access point for a foot into the interior of upper  14 . Lace  32  extends through various lace apertures  42  and across throat area  49  of upper  14  to permit a wearer of footwear  10  to modify dimensions of upper  14  and accommodate the proportions of the foot. Lace  32  can operate in a generally conventional manner to tighten upper  14  around the foot when lace  32  is cinched, thereby shrinking the size of foot space  48  of the housing formed by panels  38  and  40 . When lace  32  is loosened, upper  14  is also loosened to enlarge the size of foot space  48  of the housing. Footwear  10  can alternatively be provided with other types of fastening systems, such as elastic, hook and loop fastener and similar systems. 
     A foot of a wearer of footwear  10  can rest on insole  44  within sole structure  16 , while upper  14  surrounds the foot to maintain the foot inserted into footwear  10 . Sole structure  16  is secured to upper  14  and extends between the foot and the ground when footwear  10  is worn. Midsole  30  is secured to lower portions of upper  14  and can be secured to upper  14  by adhesive, stitching or other suitable means. 
     Suitable materials for midsole  30  include polymer foam materials such as ethylvinylacetate or polyurethane, or any other material that compresses resiliently so as to attenuate ground reaction forces (i.e., provide cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory or athletic activities associated with a human gait or movement of the foot. 
     Insole  44  ( FIG. 1B ) can typically comprises a removable insert disposed atop midsole  30 , and can provide additional cushioning or ventilation (e.g. by including perforations). Insole  44  can be located within upper  14  and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the foot. 
     Outsole  28  is secured to a lower surface of midsole  30  and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction. Outsole  28  can be attached to the lower surface of midsole  30  by adhesive or other suitable means. Suitable materials for outsole  28  include polymers, e.g., polyether-block co-polyamide polymers (sold as Pebax® by ATOFINA Chemicals of Philadelphia, Pa.), and nylon resins such as Zytel®, sold by Dupont. Other suitable materials for outsole  28  and midsole  30  can also be used as are known in the art. Outsole  28  can include various features for providing traction, such as lugs and ribs. 
     Midsole  30  may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence motions of the foot, or midsole  30  may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber. An air bladder can comprise two plies of polymeric membrane, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,739 to Potter et al. In another example, a four-ply air bladder can be used, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,879 to Tawney et al. In yet another example, a fabric cushioning element can be used, as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,931 to Turner. The entire contents of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,802,739; 6,402,879; and 8,764,931 are hereby incorporated in their entirety by this reference for all purposes. In yet other examples, a bladder may be filled with other gases, such as nitrogen, helium or so-called dense gases such as sulfur hexafluoride, a liquid, or gel. 
     Upper  14  and sole structure  16  can be configured to enhance the comfort, appearance and performance of footwear during a variety of activities. Although the present description is written with reference to a general purpose athletic shoe, the disclosure of the present application can be applied equally to other types of footwear, such as, but not limited to, dress shoes, running shoes, leisure shoes, fashion shoes, golf shoes, football cleats, soccer shoes, baseball cleats, tennis shoes, sandals, boots, slippers and the like. Additionally, the disclosure of the present application may be used in other articles of manufacture including textiles, articles of apparel and articles of clothing. 
       FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view of article of footwear  10  of  FIG. 1B  taken along a toe-to-heel cut to show an internal foot space  48 .  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of article of footwear  10  of  FIG. 1B  taken along a medial-lateral cut to show insole  44  and lining layer  46 . A portion of lining layer  46  is broken away in  FIG. 2A  to show embroidery area  12 B on an interior side of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . 
     Upper  14  is formed from various layers including those formed by toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  that combine to provide a structure for securely and comfortably receiving a foot. Although the configuration of upper  14  may vary significantly, the various elements generally define a void within footwear  10  for receiving and securing the foot relative to sole structure  16  within foot space  48 . Additionally, upper  14  can include internal layers, such as lining layer  46 . Panels  38  and  40  form at least a portion of an exterior surface of upper  14 . Lining layer  46  forms at least a portion of an interior surface of upper  14 , i.e., the surface defining foot space  48 . 
     Panels  38  and  40  and lining layer  46  may be formed from a variety of materials (e.g., textiles, fabrics, polymer foam, leather, synthetics) that can be stitched, bonded or embroidered together. As an example, heel panel  40  can be formed of a smooth material, such as leather or a synthetic material, while toe panel  38  can be formed of a breathable material, such as a mesh, woven or knitted material. In many conventional shoes, panels of starkly contrasting materials adjoin at edges that form distinct lines. Those lines can be covered with various foxing, striping, piping or webbing, but those items themselves can leave sharply visible edge lines and add potentially undesirable thickness and stiffness to the shoe. 
     Embroidery area  12 A can be configured to provide a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing joint between toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . Embroidery area  12 A can include threads  56 A and  58 A, which can extend from the exterior E of upper  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , to the interior I of upper  14  in foot space  48 . Threads  56 A and  58 A loop back and forth between interior I and exterior E of upper  14  to interlock each of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  with each other. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic view of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  of upper  14  for article of footwear  10  joined by embroidery area  12 A. Embroidery area  12 A comprises threads  56 A and  58 A that extend through toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  to interlock the panels of upper  14  to each other. Toe panel  38  can include texturing that produces low portions  50  and high portions  52 . Threads  56 A and  58 A of embroidery area  12 A can be laid out or patterned to replicate or mimic the texturing of low portions  50  and high portions  52 . Threads  56 A can extend from first edge  60  to second edge  62 , and threads  58 A can extend from first edge  64  to second edge  66 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  are positioned in an abutting relationship such that posterior edge  68  of toe panel  38  abuts anterior edge  70  of heel panel  40 , as can additionally be seen in  FIG. 4 . Posterior edge  68  and anterior edge  70  can be joined by stitch  72 . Stitch  72  comprises an initial connection between toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  that provides immobilization between the two panels in order to allow the embroidery process to take place. In other examples, stitch  72  is omitted. Stitch  72  may comprise a single strand or fiber having a zigzag shape. In yet other examples, a stitch having a different shape or different number of strands can be used. For example, a smoothly curved stitch or a two- or three-strand stitch may be used. However, the fastening provided by stitch  72 , or its alternatives, need not provide the main securing force between panels  38  and  40  as that can be provided by embroidery area  12 A. 
     Embroidery area  12 A simultaneously provides mechanical coupling between panels  38  and  40  and a customizable, aesthetically variable appearance on upper  14 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , embroidery area  12 A comprises threads  56 A and  58 A that simulate different aspects of toe panel  38 . Threads  56 A can be patterned to mimic low regions  52  of toe panel  38  and threads  58 A can be patterned to mimic high regions  54  of toe panel  38 . Thus, embroidery area  12 A can provide a transition between panel  38  and panel  40  that softens the hard edge formed at the juncture of posterior edge  68  and anterior edge  70 . Embroidery area  12 A can also be used to provide an aesthetically pleasing transition between toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . For example, threads  58 A can stop short of the edge of threads  56 A at irregular edge  66 , and threads  56 A can continue into heel panel  40  to form irregular edge  62 . As such, embroidery area  12 A can appear to simulate a fading or tattering of heel panel  40  into toe panel  38 . 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment where threads  56 A and  58 A are positioned between an interior I and an exterior E of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . Strands  74  of thread  56 A are schematically shown extending between exterior E and interior I of upper  14 . Likewise, strands  76  are schematically shown extending between exterior E and interior I of upper  14 . Strands  74  and  76  represent a plurality of threads or strings making up each of treads  56 A and  58 A, respectively. Strands  74  and  76  can be laid down using any conventional embroidering process. The dimensions, e.g. thicknesses, of panels  38  and  40  and strands  74  and  76  are, unless otherwise specified, not drawn to scale and are exaggerated for illustrative purposes. 
     In the example shown, threads  56 A are positioned directly against major surfaces of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 , extending across edges  68  and  70 . Strands  74  of threads  56 A extend through toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  (although this is not shown in  FIG. 4  so panels  38  and  40  can be visualized within the strands). Strands  74  provide a first, shallow layer of embroidery that does not protrude far from the surfaces of panels  38  and  40 . Thus, strands  74  do not substantially thicken upper  14  to help produce a more comfortable fit. Strands  74  can substantially continuously cover the surfaces of panels  38  and  40  to provide a high level of mechanical interlocking between panels  38  and  40 , as well as providing a first texture to embroidery area  12 A. For example, strands  74  can have the same color as low portions  52  of toe panel  38  so as to extend the color of toe panel  38  into heel panel  40 . Strands  74  can form a base surface for embroidery area  12 A. 
     In the example shown, threads  58 A are positioned directly against threads  56 A along the major surfaces of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 , also extending across edges  68  and  70 . Strands  76  of threads  58 A extend through threads  56 A, panel  38  and panel  40 . Strands  76  provide a second, shallow layer of embroidery that does not protrude far from the surfaces of threads  56 A. Thus, strands  76  do not substantially thicken upper  14  to help produce a more comfortable fit. Strands  76  can only partially or intermittently cover the surfaces of threads  56 A to provide a three-dimensional texture to provide a second level of mechanical interface, as well as providing a second texture to embroidery area  12 A. For example, strands  76  can have the same color as high portions  54 , which can be different than the color of low portions  52 , of toe panel  40  so as to appear to extend the texture of toe panel  38  into heel panel  40 . Strands  76  can form a plurality of ridges or ribs along the base surface of strands  74 . The ridges or ribs can be formed in a regular pattern, such as the grid pattern depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
     Strands  74  and  76  extend beyond an exterior E of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  in order to provide a visual and tangible finish to panels  38  and  40 . In particular, strands  74  and  76  produce a three-dimensional contour that simulates texture  50  of toe panel  38 . Strands  74  and  76  can be fabricated from any material suitable for embroidering, such as cotton, nylon, polyester or the like. 
     In various examples, embroidery area  12 A can be configured to have a higher density of strands  74  and  76  in toe panel  38  as compared to the density of strands  74  and  76  in heel panel  40 . Thus, in zone Z 1  (better seen in  FIG. 3 ), which can extend along toe panel  38 , across ends  68  and  70  and into heel panel  40 , strands  74  can be uniformly or regularly distributed over panels  38  and  40 . Likewise, in zone Z 1 , strands  76  can be uniformly or regularly distributed over panels  38  and  40 . Thus, zone Z 1  not only provides a pattern that simulates texture  50  of toe panel  38 , but also provides a high level of mechanical interlocking, particularly as compared to zone Z 2 . 
     In zone Z 2 , which can extend only in heel panel  40 , the appearance of strands  74  and  76  can become non-uniform or irregular. The density of strands  74  and  76  can trail off in heel panel  40  because substantial mechanical interlocking has already been provided in zone Z 1 . Strands  74  and  76  can be configured to visually, from a color and texture standpoint, resemble toe panel  38  becoming thinner and tattered, and ultimately disintegrating at a terminal edge. For example, the ribs or ridges formed strands  76  can become only partially formed. Each of strans  74  and  76  can form a plurality of peaks and valleys along edges  62  and  66  to form irregular shapes. Thus, in the example of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , embroidery area  12 A simulates a transition resembling a gradual blending or bleeding of panels  38  and  40  into each other. In other examples, embroidery area  12 A can follow other fading patterns and transitions. 
     As mentioned above, the materials, texture and color for toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  can vary so as to provide different aesthetic effects. In one example, toe panel  38  may formed of a smooth, non-woven material such as a leather product, (e.g. natural or synthetic leather), while heel panel  40  is formed of a rough, textile material such as fabric. In one example, panels  38  and  40  can have the same color, and embroidery area  12 A can provide a transition in texture. In another example, panels  38  and  40  can be of the same texture with different colors, and embroidery area  12 A can provide a transition in color. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment having adhesive layer  78  positioned along interior I of embroidery area  12 A. Embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 5  is configured similarly as that of  FIG. 4  except adhesive layer  78  is provided to form an initial bond between toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . Adhesive layer  78  can be used in addition to or alternatively to stitch  72 . Adhesive layer  78  can facilitate the embroidery process by, for example, facilitating the pushing of strands  74  and  76  through panels  38  and  40  in a uniform manner during the embroidery process. That is, adhesive layer  78  can prevent wrinkling or bunching of panels  38  and  40  to facilitate proper orientation, alignment and insertion of needles used in the embroidery process. Any suitable adhesive may be used. For example, hot melt adhesive such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers may be used. In other examples, solvent based adhesives or polymer dispersion adhesives may be used. In one example, adhesive layer  78  can be applied after stitch  72  is formed, followed by formation of threads  56 A and  58 A over the adhesive layer. In various examples, placement and insertion of threads  56 A and  58 A can occur after the adhesive layer is set, e.g. dried or hardened. In other examples, an adhesive layer can be applied over strands  74  and  76  on the inside of panels  38  and  40  within interior I of upper  14  after the embroidery process to immobilize the joint. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment in which heel panel  40  includes skiving  80  to reduce its thickness at embroidery area  12 A. Embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 6  is configured similarly as that of  FIG. 4  except skiving  80  is provided on heel panel  40  to facilitate strands  74  and  76  of threads  56 A and  58 A passing through heel panel  40 . Skiving  80  can extend along length L to reduce initial thickness T 1  of heel panel  40  along embroidery area  12 A. Skiving length L can also be selected to extend beyond the length of embroidery area  12 A. For example, skiving  80  can extend further to the right in  FIG. 6  than does embroidery area  12 A. Skiving  80  can reduce initial thickness T 1  to reduced thickness T 2  along at least the length heel panel  40  engages embroidery area  12 A. Thickness T 2  can be selected to match the thickness of toe panel  38 . In another example, thickness T 2  can be selected based on the embroidery process, such as the length of embroidery needles. Stitch  72  and adhesive layer  78  can be used in combination with skiving  80 . Skiving  80  can be provided on heel panel  40  before the embroidery process occurs, but after heel panel  40  is cut to the shape desired or needed for the fabrication of upper  14 . 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 3  showing an embodiment where toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  overlap with each other along overlap  82 . Embroidery area  12 A of  FIG. 7  is configured similarly as that of  FIG. 4  except overlap  82  is provided between toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  to facilitate strands  74  and  76  of threads  56 A and  58 A passing therethrough and to facilitate construction of embroidery area  12 A. In some examples, particularly those where one or both of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  are thin relative to, for example, the length of embroidery needles used to produce embroidery area  12 A, toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  can be overlapped to facilitate fabrication of embroidery area  12 A. For example, it can be easier to provide stitch  72  and adhesive layer  78 , while panels  38  and  40  are overlapped rather than abutted. Overlap  82  can extend fully across embroidery area  12 A as shown in  FIG. 7  in order to allow maximum mechanical interlocking. In other examples, overlap  82  can extend a partial length of embroidery area  12 A, which can be used to manipulate the texture or appearance of embroidery area  12 A. For example, an irregularly shaped edge of toe panel  38  can be overlapped on top of heel panel  38  to provide another degree of variability in the texture and appearance of embroidery area  12 A. 
       FIG. 8  is a front schematic view of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  of upper  14  for article of footwear  10  joined by embroidery  84  wherein embroidery  84  simulates surface features  86  and  88  on each of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40 . Toe panel  38  can include decorative surface features  86 , such as an embossed or printed pattern of shapes. Likewise, heel panel  40  can include decorative surface features  88 , such as an embossed or printed pattern of shapes. In one example, surface features  86  and  88 , comprise geometric shapes, such as diamonds, squares or circles. Embroidery  84  can be provided to join toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  using a stitch pattern that replicates surface features  86  and  88 . Embroidery  84  can comprise a single layer of embroidered threads, or can comprise a plurality of layers of embroidered threads. In one particular example, heel panel  40  comprises a synthetic polymer material having surface features  88  comprising an embossed diamond pattern, toe panel  38  comprises a synthetic neoprene material having surface features  86  comprising a printed diamond pattern, and embroidery  84  comprises a single layer of an embroidered diamond pattern formed on overlapping portions of toe panel  38  and heel panel  40  to join the panels together. Edge  90  of toe panel  38  can be located so as to not intersect any of surface features  86 , and edge  92  of heel panel  40  can be located so as to not intersect any of surface features  88 . Embroidery  84  can produce only fully formed shapes matching those of surface features  86  and  88 . As such, the whole of the upper of the footwear does not include any aesthetically unappealing variations that are easily perceptible. 
     VARIOUS NOTES &amp; EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 can include or use subject matter such as an article of footwear comprising a sole structure, and an upper connected to the sole structure to form an enclosure to at least partially receive a foot, the upper comprising a first panel forming a first portion of the upper and having a first texture, a second panel forming a second portion of the upper and having a second texture, and an embroidery area extending across portions of the first panel and the second panel and having an appearance that replicates the first texture extending into the second texture. 
     Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example 1, to optionally include the first panel and the second panel being structurally joined by threads of embroidery included in the embroidery area. 
     Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2 to optionally include an embroidery area that has an irregular edge along the second panel. 
     Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 to optionally include an embroidery area that has a uniform edge along the first panel. 
     Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 to optionally include an embroidery area that simulates a tattering of the first panel into the second panel. 
     Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 3-5 to optionally include a uniform edge that is linear and an irregular edge that has a plurality of peaks and valleys. 
     Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-6 to optionally include a first panel that comprises a first material having a first roughness and a second panel that comprises a second material having a second roughness less than the first roughness. 
     Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-7 to optionally include a first material that is a textile and a second material that is a non-woven material. 
     Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-8 to optionally include a first material that is a fabric and a second material that is a leather product. 
     Example 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-9 to optionally include a first panel that includes a matrix of features disposed on a surface of the first panel and an embroidery area that replicates those features on the second panel. 
     Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-10 to optionally include an embroidery area that includes a first pattern replicating a surface and a second pattern replicating a matrix of features. 
     Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-11 to optionally include a first pattern that is a first color and a second pattern that is a second color different from the first. 
     Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-12 to optionally include first and second panels that are abutted along edges of the respective first and second panels. 
     Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-12 to optionally include first and second panels that overlap along edges of the respective first and second panels. 
     Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-14 to optionally include a lining layer extending along the embroidery area along an interior of the upper. 
     Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-5 to optionally include a stitch joining the first and second panels. 
     Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-16 to optionally include an adhesive layer disposed between the first and second panels. 
     Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-17 to optionally include an embroidery area that is located along a lateral side of the upper posterior of the MTP joint. 
     Example 19 can include or use subject matter such as an upper for an article of footwear, the upper comprising a first panel of a first material; a second panel of a second material, and an embroidery area joining the first and second panel, the embroidery area having an appearance simulating the first material extending into the second material. 
     Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Example 19, to optionally include an embroidery area that simulates a texture of the first material. 
     Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19 or 20, to optionally include an embroidery area that extends into the first panel disproportionately relative to the second panel. 
     Example 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-21 to optionally include an embroidery area that extends into the first panel over a greater surface area than the second panel. 
     Example 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-22 to optionally include an embroidery area that extends along the first panel at a uniformly linear edge and along the second panel along an irregular edge having a plurality of peaks and valleys. 
     Example 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-23 to optionally include a stitch joining the first and second panels, and an adhesive disposed along the embroidery along an interior of the upper. 
     Example 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-24 to optionally include first and second panels that are abutted at edges of each panel. 
     Example 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 19-25 to optionally include first and second panels that form at least part of an enclosure for receiving a foot, wherein the embroidery is located anterior of an MTP joint of the foot on a vamp of the upper. 
     Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
     In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of“at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.