Patent Publication Number: US-9839253-B2

Title: Last system for braiding footwear

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present embodiments relate generally to footwear and in particular to a method for making footwear and an associated system. 
     Lasts, such as footwear lasts, may be used to make footwear. A last may generally have the shape of a foot, including a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion. The last may help provide contouring for the assembled article and helps to create a desired fit. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article forming member for a braiding system. The article forming member includes a body portion, where the body portion is substantially similar in shape to a last for an article of footwear. The body portion includes a forefoot region. The article forming member also includes a flange portion, where the flange portion includes a first end and a second end. The flange portion is disposed adjacent to the forefoot region of the body portion. The article forming member further includes a cuff region, where the shape of the cuff region is substantially different from the shape of the flange portion. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a braiding system for the manufacture of a braided upper for an article of footwear including an article forming member, where the article forming member includes a body portion and a flange portion, and where the body portion comprises a cuff region. The shape of the cuff region is substantially different from the shape of the flange portion. The braiding system further includes a braiding apparatus, and the article forming member is configured to be inserted through the braiding apparatus to form the braided upper. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing a braided structure. One step includes associating an article forming member with a braiding apparatus, where the article forming member includes a body portion with a forefoot region and a heel region. The article forming member also includes a flange portion with a first end and a second end, where the first end is attached to the body portion. The braiding apparatus includes a central braiding area. A next step includes associating the article forming member with the braiding apparatus so that a first axis of the flange portion intersects the central braiding area, and moving the flange portion through the central braiding area. The first axis extends from the first end of the flange portion to the second end of the flange portion. Another step includes rotating the article forming member so that a second axis of the body portion intersects the central braiding area, and then moving the forefoot region through the central braiding area. The second axis of the body portion extends from the forefoot region to the heel region. The method thereby forms a braided structure on the article forming member. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article forming member; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom-up view of an embodiment of an article forming member; 
         FIG. 3  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article forming member; 
         FIG. 5  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; 
         FIG. 6  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; 
         FIG. 7  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; 
         FIG. 8  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; 
         FIG. 9  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system; and 
         FIG. 10  is an embodiment of an article forming member and a braiding system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose the use of an article forming member  100  for the manufacture of an article with a braided structure. One type of braided structure may be an upper for an article of footwear. In some cases, material can be applied around article forming member  100  to form an upper for an article of footwear. Concepts associated with the upper disclosed herein may be applied to a variety of athletic footwear types, including soccer shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, and golf shoes, for example. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear types. 
     Throughout the detailed description and in the claims, the term “braided structure” is used to refer to the structure created by a plurality of strands that are braided together. In the case of article forming member  100 , the component comprising a braided structure may be an upper for an article of footwear. The term “braided configuration” will be used to refer to the relative disposition of different components, including braided components, braid density, strands, laces and floating cables. 
     In different embodiments, methods of manufacturing an article using article forming member  100  can vary. In particular, the material can be shaped around article forming member  100 . In some embodiments, braiding can be used to form three-dimensional structures. The braiding system discussed below could be used for forming any type of article including uppers comprising any type of material. A “braiding system” for purposes of this description refers to a system including an article forming member  100  and a braiding machine for the purpose of forming braided structures. In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be used to conform the braided structure to the desired shape and size. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate isometric views of an embodiment of article forming member  100 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, article forming member  100  may include a body portion  102  and a flange portion  104 . In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may include various other portions to provide different shapes or sizes to article forming member  100 . In some embodiments, article forming member  100  can be used to facilitate the assembly of an article. In other embodiments, different foundational elements or solid forms may be used as article forming member  100  in the process of assembly. In some embodiments, this may include an article forming member  100  with a body portion  102  and no flange portion  104 . In some cases, a foot shaped mechanical form, such as a last for an article of footwear, may be used. In other cases, various components associated with a last may be used. 
     In different embodiments, article forming member  100  may be used to form any type of article of footwear including, but not limited to: a running shoe, a high heel shoe, a boot, a slip-on shoe, a high top shoe, a low top shoe, as well as other types of footwear. Article forming member  100  could also be associated with the manufacturing of any type of footwear used for sporting activities including, but not limited to: a basketball shoe, a soccer shoe, a football shoe, a rugby shoe, a baseball shoe as well as other types of footwear. 
     In different embodiments, the structure of article forming member  100  could vary. In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be a substantially monolithic portion. For example, article forming member  100  could comprise various portions that are integrally formed together. In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may comprise multiple distinct portions that are joined together or otherwise associated with one another. 
     In one embodiment, seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , article forming member  100  is monolithic, and includes a body portion  102  and a flange portion  104 . The term body portion  102  as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims may generally refer to an object roughly formed in the shape of a portion of a human foot. In some embodiments, body portion  102  may resemble a last. In some cases, body portion  102  may have a shape configured for manufacturing articles having a general fit and/or style. In other cases, body portion  102  may be shaped for manufacturing an article of footwear with a predetermined fit and style. 
     Flange portion  104  may be a portion of article forming member  100  that is disposed adjacent to body portion  102 . Body portion  102  and flange portion  104  may be a single piece or monolithic member comprising article forming member  100  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, body portion  102  and flange portion  104  may be distinct portions that are joined to produce article forming member  100 . In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may not include either body portion  102  or flange portion  104 . 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of article forming member  100 . In some cases, for example, a longitudinal direction  124  may extend from forefoot region  106  to heel region  110  of body portion  102 . Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of article forming member  100 . In one case, lateral direction  126  may extend between medial side  122  and lateral side  120  of article forming member  100 . Furthermore, the term “vertical” or vertical direction  128  as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both lateral direction  126  and longitudinal direction  124 , or the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. 
     The term “forward” is used to refer to the general direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the heel of the foot is facing. The term “horizontal” or as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel with longitudinal direction  124  or lateral direction  126 , and all directions in between. The term “vertical” refers to any direction substantially perpendicular to longitudinal direction  124  or lateral direction  126 , and includes vertical direction  128 . 
     The terms “top,” “upper portion,” “upper surface,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object disposed furthest from bottom surface  134  of body portion  102  and/or second end  138  of flange portion  104 . The terms “bottom,” “bottom surface”, “lower,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object disposed closest to bottom surface  134  and/or second end  138 . 
     Generally, in many cases, the term “upward” will refer to vertical direction  128  heading away from a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to vertical direction  128  heading towards a ground surface. Similarly, the term “side,” as used in this specification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, and/or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downward direction. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface. 
     Body portion  102  and flange portion  104 , as well as other components that may be associated with article forming member  100 , may be divided into various regions that are representative of the various regions of a finished article of footwear. It will be understood that these regions are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article forming member  100 , and in some cases, one or more of these regions may be overlapping. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , article forming member  100  is divided into seven general regions: a forefoot region  106 , a midfoot region  108 , a vamp region  114 , a heel region  110 , a sole region  112 , a cuff region  118 , and an ankle region  116 . Forefoot region  106  generally includes portions of footwear corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region  108  generally includes portions of footwear or component corresponding with an arch area of a foot. Vamp region  114  generally includes portions covering the front and top of a foot, extending from the toes to the area where the foot joins the ankle. Heel region  110  generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Sole region  112  generally includes the area corresponding with the sole of a foot. Sole region  112  is typically associated with the ground-engaging surface of an article of footwear. Ankle region  116  generally includes portions of footwear or component corresponding with an ankle. Cuff region  118  may be associated with the area above ankle region  116 , where the ankle joins the foot. 
     Components associated with footwear, such as article forming member  100 , may also include a lateral side  120  and a medial side  122 , which extend through each of forefoot region  106 , midfoot region  108 , and heel region  110  along body portion  102  as well as along flange portion  104 . Lateral side  120  and medial side  122  correspond with opposite sides of a component associated with the foot. More particularly, lateral side  120  corresponds with the area of the foot that faces away from a corresponding foot, and medial side  122  corresponds with the area of the foot that faces toward the corresponding foot. 
     It should be noted that the terms forefoot region  106 , midfoot region  108 , vamp region  114 , heel region  110 , sole region  112 , cuff region  118 , ankle region  116 , lateral side  120 , and medial side  122  can be applied to various individual components associated with footwear, such as an upper, a sole structure, an article of footwear, an article forming member, and/or an upper. It will be understood that forefoot region  106 , midfoot region  108 , vamp region  114 , heel region  110 , sole region  112 , cuff region  118 , and ankle region  116 , are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of the components. Likewise, lateral side  120 , and medial side  122  are intended to represent generally two sides of a component, rather than precisely demarcating the component into two halves. 
     It should be understood that any components that may be discussed as related to article forming member  100  may be similarly related to a second, complementary article forming member. The term complementary, as used through this specification, refers to the association of a left article of footwear with a right article of footwear, and vice-versa. However, in discussing the system as applied to a pair of footwear it should be understood that each article forming member may also be configured independently. Depending on the customization selected, user preferences, and other factors, complementary article forming members may not necessarily include substantially similar article forming members or identical article forming member components. 
     In addition, for purposes of clarity in this detailed description and claims, article forming member  100  may include referential terms relating to the spatial orientation of article forming member  100 . In  FIG. 1 , a first plane  154  is illustrated generally corresponding with bottom surface  134  of sole region  112 . In other words, first plane  154  may be approximately parallel with, and/or approximately coincide with, bottom surface  134 . Furthermore, a first axis  156  extending from heel region  110  to the toe area of forefoot region  106  is depicted. First axis  156  is parallel with first plane  154 . Along flange portion  104  a second axis  158  extends from first end  136  of flange portion  104  to second end  138  of flange portion  104 . In some cases, second axis  158  may be associated with a central axis of flange portion  104  that extends lengthwise through flange portion  104 . 
     Second axis  158  forms a non-zero angle with first plane  154 . In other words, second axis  158  may not be parallel with first plane  154 . Moreover, second axis  158  is seen to form a first angle  160  with first axis  156 . In different embodiments, first angle  160  may range between 0 degrees to 180 degrees. In one embodiment, first angle  160  may range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. In another embodiment, first angle  160  may range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, first angle  160  may be an obtuse angle. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , first angle  160  may be approximately 110 degrees. 
     In addition, in an exemplary embodiment, a third axis  162  extending from heel region  110  to top surface  132  of cuff region  118  is illustrated. Third axis  162  is forms a non-zero angle with first plane  154 . In other words, third axis  162  may not be parallel with first plane  154 . In one embodiment, third axis  162  forms a different angle with first plane  154  than the angle first axis  156  forms with first plane  154 . Moreover, third axis  162  is seen to form a second angle  164  with first axis  156 . In different embodiments, second angle  164  may range between 0 degrees to 180 degrees. In one embodiment, second angle  164  may range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. In another embodiment, second angle  164  may range between 60 degrees and 120 degrees. In some embodiments, second angle  164  may be less than first angle  160 . For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , second angle  164  may be approximately 85 degrees. 
     In different embodiments, the geometry of article forming member  100  and portions comprising article forming member  100  may vary. In some embodiments, some portions of article forming member  100  may correspond to a shoe last. Shoe lasts are forms, shaped like a foot, around which shoes may be shaped or assembled during their manufacture. In one embodiment, body portion  102  may generally resemble a shoe last. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , article forming member  100  includes a top surface  132 , which may be relatively flat and planar compared to other portions of article forming member  100 . In other embodiments, top surface  132  may be curved, bent, or angled in some way. In some embodiments, top surface  132  may be generally smooth, while in other embodiments, top surface  132  may be rough and/or uneven. In some embodiments, top surface  132  of cuff region  118  is substantially flat and planar. In one embodiment, when article forming member  100  is viewed from above, top surface  132  may be a generally flat surface, where the perimeter of top surface  132  includes a curved edge. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , top surface  132  has a perimeter that has a generally elliptic shape. In other embodiments, top surface  132  may have any other regular or irregular shape. 
     Furthermore, in some embodiments, different portion of article forming member  100  may have a shape generally corresponding with a similar portion of a foot. For example, in some cases, forefoot region  106  may have a geometry approximately corresponding to the geometry of the forefoot of a foot. In some cases, midfoot region  108  may have a geometry approximately corresponding to the geometry of a midfoot of a foot. In some cases, heel region  110  may have a geometry approximately corresponding to the geometry of a heel of a foot. 
     From top surface  132 , article forming member  100  may extend downward along cuff region  118  and ankle region  116 . In  FIGS. 1 and 2  cuff region  118  is a curved area. In some cases, cuff region  118  may be an approximately cylindrical area. In other embodiments, cuff region  118  may be more level or planar (e.g., cuff region  118  may include approximately planar or flat sides). In another embodiment, cuff region  118  may include any other circumference or shape. Cuff region  118  may be disposed above and adjacent to ankle region  116 , which may vary in size from cuff region  118 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , ankle region  116  is thicker and wider than cuff region  118 . Ankle region  116  may also include various additional curves that may correspond to the ankle area of a human foot. Cuff region  118  may rise above ankle region  116 , and represent the highest area extending upward from article forming member  100  in vertical direction  128 . 
     Ankle region  116  may be disposed adjacent to vamp region  114 . Vamp region  114  and ankle region  116  may share bottom surface  134  that extends along sole region  112 . In some embodiments, bottom surface  134  may be generally flat relative to other portions of article forming member  100 . Bottom surface  134  is parallel to the ground surface when article forming member  100  is oriented in an upright position. In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , vamp region  114  corresponds to the area of a human foot not directly joined to the ankle. 
     In some embodiments, vamp region  114  may extend and join flange portion  104 . Flange portion  104  may comprise various geometries, shapes, and sizes in different embodiments. In one embodiment, flange portion  104  may include two ends. A first end  136  of flange portion  104  may be joined to vamp region  114 . Second end  138  of flange portion  104  may be a free end disposed further from body portion  102  than first end  136 . First end  136  and second end  138  may be generally the same size and shape, or they may each differ in size and/or shape. 
     In some embodiments, flange portion  104  may extend outward and downward from forefoot region  106 , near an area associated with the toes. Flange portion  104  may represent the lowest area (in vertical direction  128 ) of article forming member  100 . In  FIG. 2 , second end  138  of flange portion  104  is substantially flat and planar. In other embodiments, second end  138  may be rough and/or uneven. In one embodiment, when viewed from below, second end  138  may be a generally flat surface, where the perimeter of the surface includes a curved edge (which may be convex) joined to a substantially linear edge. In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , second end  138  has a perimeter portion that includes a generally half-ellipse shape or curved edge  185 , and a perimeter portion that includes a generally straight or linear shape or straight edge  187 . 
     In different embodiments, second end  138  may be any shape or geometry, including irregular or regular shapes. In some embodiments, for example, a non-polygonal or polygonal shape may comprise second end  138 . Second end  138  may be at least partially triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, or another regular or irregular shape. In one embodiment, second end  138  may be an approximately semi-circular shape, a generally half oval shape, at least a partially elliptical shape, or another curved shape. 
     In different embodiments, article forming member  100  may comprise different sizes. In  FIG. 1 , article forming member  100  includes a first length  140 , extending in longitudinal direction  124  from the end associated with heel region  110  in body portion  102  to the opposite end associated with flange portion  104 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , first length  140  represents the maximum length of article forming member  100  in longitudinal direction  124 . Article forming member  100  also includes a first height  142 , extending in vertical direction  128 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , first height  142  represents the full height of article forming member  100  from top surface  132  to second end  138 . 
     Article forming member  100  further includes a second height  146 , extending in vertical direction  128  from top surface  132  to bottom surface  134 , and represents the full height of body portion  102 . In some embodiments, second height  146  may be selected based on the cuff height desired for the article of footwear. In addition, article forming member  100  includes a second length  144 , extending in longitudinal direction  124  from the most rearward end of article forming member  100  to the most forward end of vamp region  114 . Second length  144  represents the full length of body portion  102 . In different embodiments, second length  144  will correspond to the various range of articles of footwear that may be manufactured. For example, in some embodiments, second length  144  may range between 9 centimeters and 50 centimeters. In other embodiments, second length may range from 20 centimeters to 35 centimeters. As first length  140  includes flange portion  104 , second length  144  will be less than first length  140 . Thus, first length will typically have a greater size range. In different embodiments, first length  140  may be between 10 centimeters and 55 centimeters. In one embodiment, first length  140  may be approximately 1-6 centimeters greater than second length  144 . 
     In different embodiments, top surface  132  and flange portion  104  may also include varying sizes. In  FIG. 1 , top surface  132  can be seen to include a third length  150 , and a first width  148 . Third length  150  corresponds to the maximum length of top surface  132  in longitudinal direction  124 , and first width  148  corresponds to the maximum width of top surface  132  in lateral direction  126 . In different embodiments, the size range of third length  150  and first width  148  may be generally similar to the corresponding area of a human foot. In some embodiments, third length  150  may be similar to the length of a human ankle, and first width  148  may be similar to the width of a human ankle. 
     Flange portion  104  includes a fourth length  152 , a fifth length  202 , and a second width  200 . Fourth length  152  corresponds to the maximum length of flange portion  104  as it extends from first end  136  to second end  138  in longitudinal direction  124 . In some embodiments, fourth length  152  may be similar to second height  146 . In one embodiment, fourth length  152  may be greater than second height  146 . 
     Fifth length  202  represents the full length of second end  138  in longitudinal direction  124 , and second width  200  represents the maximum width of second end  138  in lateral direction  126 . In some embodiments, first width  148  of cuff region  118  may be less than, or more narrow than, second width  200  of flange portion  104 . In different embodiments, fifth length  202  and/or second width  200  may be adjusted depending on various factors, such as the method of manufacture, the type of braiding machine used, or other factors. 
     In different embodiments, various portions of article forming member  100  may differ substantially in size. Sizing of various portions of article forming member  100  may be configured for individual foot sizes, foot shapes, and/or requirements of the braiding machine. For example, the geometry of article forming member  100  may be adjusted to match various features of a foot that may vary from one individual to another. In some embodiments, article forming member  100  can include provisions for changing the geometry of article forming member  100  to match various protruding features of a foot of one or more individuals. For example, human structural characteristics such as bunions or heel spurs may cause a foot to protrude outwards at the toes or heel. In one embodiment, article forming member  100  can include provisions to change the geometry to include matching contours of a foot with bunions and/or heel spurs. 
     Thus, in some embodiments, as illustrated in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-10 , article forming member  100  may be highly asymmetrical. In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may be symmetrical. In one embodiment, flange portion  104  and cuff region  118  may be substantially similar, such that article forming member  100  is generally symmetrically shaped. In other embodiments, the rearward portion and the forward portion of article forming member  100  may differ in shape and size from one another. 
     In different embodiments, the material composition of article forming member  100  could vary. Some examples of different materials that may be used include, but are not limited to: plastics (including polyurethane plastics and thermoplastic polyurethane plastics), foam materials, metallic materials, composite materials (such as carbon-fiber composite materials, glass-fiber composite materials and other composite materials), wood, metal, rubber, other rigid or semi-rigid materials, as well as any other materials known in the art for use in making article forming members, lasts, casts, molds, or similar structures. Some embodiments may comprise an article forming member that is substantially monolithic, so that all portions of the article forming member have a substantially similar material composition. In other embodiments, however, some portions of an article forming member could be made of different materials from other portions of the article forming member. As one possible example, some embodiments can use different materials for constructing a medial portion and a lateral portion of the article forming member. In another embodiment, flange portion  104  may be made of a different material from body portion  102 . 
     Such a variation in materials could provide different material characteristics for the different portions and could be used, for example, to modify the rigidity characteristics of flange portion  104  relative to body portion  102  (or vice versa). The type of materials used for an article forming member may be selected according various factors including, but not limited to, desired weight, desired rigidity, desired durability, desired abrasion resistance, desired resiliency, desired grip, molding, resistance to deformation, resistance to heat, resistance to changes in pressure, or other manufacturing considerations as well as possibly other factors. 
     In one embodiment, the various features of article forming member  100  may be selected to achieve an article forming member with a relatively low overall weight. For example, at least some portions of article forming member  100  may be hollow or filled with material that is of less weight than the material comprising the outer surface of article forming member  100 . In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may be made so that the weight of article forming member  100  is equally distributed across article forming member  100 . In some embodiments, the weight distribution across article forming member  100  may be balanced and permit article forming member  100  to be more stable. 
     In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in the figures, body portion  102  and flange portion  104  may comprise an integrally formed member. In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may comprise one or more separated, or separable, portions. For example, in another embodiment, body portion  102  and/or flange portion  104  could be separate portions. In such cases, body portion  102  and/or flange portion  104  could be separately attached to portions of article forming member  100 . In still other embodiments, any two portions of an article forming member could be separable from each other. The selection of integral portions or separable portions can be made according to factors including desired material, weight, size, manufacturing considerations as well as possibly other factors. 
     Braided structures may be fabricated manually, or may be manufactured using automated braiding machinery, such as the machinery disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,252,028; 8,261,648; 5,361,674; 5,398,586; and 4,275,638, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. In some embodiments, articles of apparel and/or footwear may use one or more braided structures or configurations. In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include one or more regions that comprise a braided structure. For example, an upper may include one or more layers of a braided material. In one exemplary embodiment, a substantial majority of an upper can comprise a braided construction. 
     By using braiding, uppers for articles of footwear may be engineered with specific features tailored to a particular athletic or recreational activity. Braided uppers can be very light while conforming closely and comfortably to the wearer&#39;s feet. In some embodiments, the fit of the upper may be adjusted to provide the specific degree of tension or tightness the wearer may prefer. Braided uppers are characterized by close containment over the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Braiding can be used to form three-dimensional structures, as in the embodiments of a manufacturing sequence depicted in  FIGS. 3-10 , where a braiding system is used to braid an upper over article forming member  100 . A “braiding system” for purposes of this description refers to a system including an article forming member  100  and a braiding apparatus  300  for the purpose of forming braided structures. In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be used to conform the braided structure to a desired shape and size. Some embodiments may utilize an over braiding technique to manufacture some or all of a braided upper. For example, in some cases, an over braiding machine or apparatus may be used to form a braided upper. Specifically, in some cases, as seen in  FIG. 3 , article forming member  100  may be inserted from an entry side  316  through a central braiding area  312  of a braiding apparatus  300 , thereby allowing one or more layers of a braided material to be formed over article forming member  100 . Central braiding area  312  is the area disposed in the center of braiding apparatus  300  where braiding over article forming member  100  occurs. When braiding apparatus  300  is operating, and an object moves through braiding apparatus  300 , strands may be wrapped or wound about the parts of the object that are disposed within central braiding area  312 . After leaving central braiding area  312 , article forming member  100  emerges from an exit side  318  of braiding apparatus  300 . 
     Thus, during the braiding process, different portions and/or areas of article forming member  100  may be braided at different points in time while moving through central braiding area  312 . A “presentation area” for purposes of this description and claims is the cross-sectional area of the portion of article forming member  100  that is directly exposed to central braiding area  312 . In other words, the presentation area of a portion of article forming member  100  is the cross-sectional area of that portion in a plane defined by the central braiding area  312  (or a plane defined by braiding apparatus  300  more generally). 
     As article forming member  100  is inserted through central braiding area  312 , strands may be braided onto a peripheral contoured portion of article forming member  100  that forms the perimeter, or periphery, of an associated presentation area. Thus, the peripheral contoured portion is the particular portion or region of the outer surface of article forming member  100  that will have strands make contact, or be wrapped, disposed, and/or attached around article forming member  100  as it moves through braiding apparatus  300 . 
     In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a presentation area to a braiding apparatus with a relatively smooth peripheral contoured portion. As used herein, the term “smooth peripheral contoured portion” refers to a peripheral contoured portion that does not have any sections where the curvature changes to quickly. For example, a presentation area with a circular peripheral contoured portion would have constant curvature, which is smooth. In contrast, a presentation area with a rectangular contoured portion would include corners where the curvature changes abruptly. Providing a peripheral contoured portion that is generally rounded and/or smooth may improve performance. In some embodiments, utilization of a smooth peripheral contoured portion can improve performance as article forming member  100  moves through central braiding area  312 . As yarns  306  intersect or approach one another in central braiding area  312 , braiding apparatus  300  may perform more efficiently along a generally circular or otherwise more rounded cross-section. In contrast, peripheral contoured portions having an oblong shape with more edges for example, may require greater time and/or cost to braid. Similarly, peripheral contoured portions having shapes with relatively sharp edges may not move through central braiding area  312  as smoothly or as efficiently as peripheral contoured portions with softer and/or rounded contours. Thus, in some embodiments, the production output of braiding apparatus  300  may be improved when the geometry of a peripheral contoured portion is smoother and/or rounder, rather than portions comprising more oblong shapes. 
     In some embodiments, providing a smaller presentation area to braiding apparatus  300  as it moves through central braiding area  312  can also improve the efficiency of braiding apparatus  300  and the braiding system, as well as lower the costs of manufacture, by minimizing the waste of material. It can also decrease the expansion of central braiding area  312  that would be needed in order to permit the passage of article forming member  100  from entry side  316  to exit side  318 . Thus, minimizing presentation area can also lower the strain on components of braiding apparatus  300 . 
     As an example, referring to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of article forming member  100  is shown with six portions of article forming member  100  depicted in cross-sectional views. These cross-sectional areas are intended to represent possible presentation areas, also referred to simply as areas, that may be presented at central braiding area  312  of braiding apparatus  300 . A first area  400  in a generally vertical plane may be compared to a second area  402  along a generally horizontal plane. Both first area  400  and second area  402  correspond to cross-sectional areas of flange portion  104  of article forming member  100 . However, second area  402  is substantially smaller than first area  400 . In addition, a first peripheral contoured portion  412  of first area  400  is more oblong relative to a second peripheral contoured portion  414  of second area  402 . Since second peripheral contoured portion  414  includes fewer corners and is more rounded (i.e., less oblong) than first peripheral contoured portion  412 , it may be desirable to orient article forming member  100  so that second area  402  is presented to central braiding area  312  during the braiding process. 
     Similarly, a third area  404  in a generally vertical plane may be compared to a fourth area  406  along a generally horizontal plane. Both third area  404  and fourth area  406  correspond to cross-sectional areas of body portion  102  of article forming member  100 . However, third area  404  is smaller than fourth area  406 . In addition, the perimeter, or a third peripheral contoured portion  416  of third area  404 , is rounder relative to a fourth peripheral contoured portion  418  of fourth area  406 . 
     In addition, a fifth area  408  in a generally vertical plane may be compared to a sixth area  410  along a generally horizontal plane. Both fifth area  408  and sixth area  410  are cross-sectional areas corresponding to cuff region  118  of article forming member  100 . However, fifth area  408  is larger than sixth area  410 . Moreover, the perimeter associated with a fifth peripheral contoured portion  420  is more oblong relative to a sixth peripheral contoured portion  422  of sixth area  410 . Thus, fifth peripheral contoured portion  420  can include less rounded corners or sharper edges along its border relative to sixth peripheral contoured portion  422 . 
     In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be rotated (or re-oriented) during the braiding process to help present relatively smooth, rounded and/or small presentation areas to central braiding area  312  of braiding apparatus  300 . For example, in one embodiment, article forming member  100  may be rotated to present a rounded or circular peripheral contoured portion to braiding apparatus  300 . 
     Furthermore, as described earlier, presentation areas introduced to central braiding area  312  with peripheral contoured portions that are more rounded, or less oblong, less irregular, or with fewer corners, can improve performance of braiding apparatus  300 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , the braid areas corresponding to second area  402 , third area  404 , and sixth braid area  410  are ideal for entry into central braiding area  312 . This is in contrast to first area  400 , fourth area  406 , and fifth area  408 , which may be less desirable presentation areas. 
     One embodiment of a manufacturing process for a braided structure is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5-10 , which comprises article forming member  100  being associated with braiding apparatus  300 .  FIGS. 3 and 5-10  provide a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the use of article forming member  100  with a braiding apparatus  300  for the manufacture of a braided upper for an article of footwear. The details of this particular embodiment are discussed below. 
     Beginning with  FIG. 3 , article forming member  100  is shown disposed adjacent to braiding apparatus  300 . Generally, braiding apparatus  300  may be any machine, system and/or device that is capable of applying one or more braided layers over article forming member  100  or any type of footwear last or other form, such as an over braiding machine. For purposes of clarity, braiding apparatus  300  is shown schematically in the figures. In some embodiments, braiding apparatus  300  may comprise an outer frame portion  302 . In some embodiments, outer frame portion  302  may house one or more spools  304  of yarn  306 . It should be noted that in other embodiments, braiding apparatus  300  may employ strands composed of material other than yarn  306 , as discussed above. 
     In  FIG. 3 , article forming member  100  is oriented in a first position  308 . In first position  308 , body portion  102  of article forming member  100  is in the position an article of footwear would be when sitting in an upright position, with sole region  112  facing groundward. That is, body portion  102  is positioned as it would be when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface. Additionally, flange portion  104 , being joined to body portion  102  in the manner described with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , is oriented so that second end  138  faces substantially groundward. 
     A plurality of yarn strands  310  extend from around the inner perimeter of outer frame portion  302 . Each yarn  306  extends from spools  304  along outer frame portion  302  towards a central braiding area  312 . As discussed below, a braided upper may be formed by moving article forming member  100  through central braiding area  312 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 3 and 5-10 , article forming member  100  is moved in a forward direction  314  toward braiding apparatus  300 . In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may move along a different direction or move along multiple axes as it approaches braiding apparatus  300 , and/or as it moves through braiding apparatus  300 . Braiding apparatus may include entry side  316  and exit side  318 . As seen in  FIGS. 3 and 5-10 , entry side  316  is the side of braiding apparatus  300  that article forming member  100  approaches as braiding begins. Exit side  318  is the side of braiding apparatus  300  that article forming member  100  will move and/or protrude outward from as it undergoes the braiding process. 
     As described above, in some embodiments, various orientations or positions of article forming member  100  may be utilized as article forming member  100  is moved through central braiding area  312 . Different orientations of article forming member  100  may enhance the over braiding technique and provide greater efficiency in the production of the braided upper.  FIGS. 3 and 5-10  illustrate the use of different orientations as article forming member  100  moves through central braiding area  312 . 
     For purposes of convenience, the orientation of an article forming member relative to a braiding apparatus may be characterized according to the orientation of one or more axes of the article forming member. As used herein, an axis (e.g., a longitudinal axis) of a component is determined to be approximately perpendicular to, or approximately normal to, a surface, region or area, if an angle between the axis and the surface, region or area has a value in the range between approximately 45 degrees and 135 degrees. In some cases, an axis may be approximately perpendicular to a surface, region or area if the angle has a value in the range between approximately 75 degrees and 105 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 5 , as article forming member  100  approaches entry side  316  of braiding apparatus  300 , article forming member  100  may be disposed in a second position  500 . In second position  500 , article forming member  100  is turned approximately 180 degrees upward from a first position  308 , so that forefoot region  106  is upward of heel region  110  in vertical direction  128 . In addition, flange portion  104  is positioned so that as article forming member  100  moves in forward direction  314 , second end  138  is presented initially to braiding apparatus  300 . In some cases, first axis  156  in second position  500  extends in a generally vertical direction  128 , while second axis  158  now extends in a generally horizontal direction. In other words, second axis  158  has become approximately perpendicular to central braiding area  312 . In different embodiments, providing this type of presentation area of flange portion  104  can ensure the most rounded possible braid areas engaging with braiding apparatus  300 , as discussed above with respect to second area  402 . 
     In the step of  FIG. 5 , second end  138  of article forming member  100  has reached braiding apparatus  300  and has made contact with central braiding area  312 . At this point, yarn  306  may be applied at second end  138  of flange portion  104 . As seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as article forming member  100  moves in forward direction  314 , flange portion  104  moves through central braiding area  312  from second end  138  to first end  136 . Second position  500  provides a seventh area  502  of flange portion  104  to braiding apparatus  300 , which is similar to second area  402  as discussed with reference to  FIG. 4  above. Seventh area  502  is illustrated in an enlarged view in  FIG. 5 , representing the presentation area, or cross-sectional surface area associated with or near second end  138 . Strands  504  are shown as they wrap and/or are disposed around a peripheral contoured portion  506  of seventh area  502 . By orienting article forming member  100  in second position  500 , flange portion  104  is inserted through central braiding area  312  with a smaller and more rounded cross-sectional area than would be presented if article forming member  100  were pushed through with flange portion  104  in a different orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation). 
     A next step of an embodiment of the braiding process is shown in  FIG. 6 . Article forming member  100  has moved through braiding apparatus  300  so that first end  136  of flange portion  104  is emerging through exit side  318 . An eighth area  602  associated with first end  136  can be seen in an enlarged illustration in  FIG. 6 . Strands  504  are shown as they wrap and/or are disposed around a peripheral contoured portion  606  of eighth area  602 . In this case, eighth area  602  may be similar to seventh area  502 . In other words, in some embodiments, the presentation area of flange portion  104  may not vary significantly from first end  136  to second end  138 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , forefoot region  106  of an upper is beginning to be formed. In some embodiments, the density of the braiding can be varied by, for example, feeding forefoot region  106  of article forming member  100  through braiding apparatus  300  more slowly while forefoot region  106  is being formed (to produce a relatively higher density braid) than while midfoot region  108  is being formed (to produce a relatively lower density braid). Article forming member  100  may also be fed at an angle and/or twisted to form braided regions of varying patterns and/or configurations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the orientation of article forming member  100  can be altered during the braiding process. In some cases, the orientation of article forming member  100  can be altered through a rotation that occurs relative to specific areas along article forming member  100 . For example, in one case, the orientation of article forming member  100  may be altered around a specific pivot area. In other cases, the orientation of article forming member  100  may be changed relative to other points or areas. In one case, article forming member  100  can rotate in a generally clockwise direction  604 . The new orientation may be referred to as a third position  700 , depicted in  FIG. 7 . In third position  700 , first axis  156  extends in an approximately horizontal direction, while second axis  158  now extends in an approximately vertical direction  128 . In other words, second axis  158  has become generally perpendicular to central braiding area  312 . 
     By orienting article forming member  100  in third position  700 , body portion  102  is inserted through central braiding area  312  with a smaller and more rounded cross-sectional area than would be presented if article forming member  100  were pushed through with body portion  102  in a different orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation). As described above with respect to  FIG. 4 , providing this type of peripheral contoured portion along body portion  102  can improve efficiency of braiding apparatus  300 . 
     As article forming member  100  is in third position  700  and moves through central braiding area  312 , the peripheral contoured portions associated with forefoot region  106  and midfoot region  108  along body portion  102  can be braided. In  FIG. 7 , vamp region  114  and the corresponding areas of sole region  112  of an upper have been formed, and braiding apparatus  300  is beginning to braid ankle region  116  of the upper. Thus, as seen in  FIG. 7 , as article forming member  100  moves in forward direction  314 , vamp region  114  along with the corresponding parts of sole region  112  move through central braiding area  312 , from forefoot region  106  to midfoot region  108 . 
     In one embodiment, third position  700  provides a ninth area  702  of body portion  102  to braiding apparatus  300 , which is similar to third area  404 , discussed with reference to  FIG. 4  above. Ninth area  702  is illustrated in an enlarged view in  FIG. 7 . As article forming member  100  moves in forward direction  314 , peripheral contoured portion  706  of ninth area  702  is braided by strands  504 . Thus, third position  700  can allow article forming member  100  to be oriented whereby a relatively smaller and/or rounder presentation area along body portion  102  is braided by braiding apparatus  300 . 
     A next step of an embodiment of the braiding process is shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . Article forming member  100  may alter orientation around another pivot area. The rotation may be in a counterclockwise direction  804 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . As article forming member  100  rotates, it may be disposed for a period of time in a fourth position  800 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Both first axis  156  and second axis  158  in fourth position  800  extend in a generally diagonal direction relative to horizontal and vertical directions, and are also shown at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to central braiding area  312 . 
     Strands  504  are shown as they wrap and/or are disposed around a peripheral contoured portion  806  of tenth area  802 . Braiding continues during the rotational movement, as shown in the enlarged view of tenth area  802 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, article forming member  100  may continue translational motion during a rotation. Thus, in some embodiments, article forming member  100  may move in forward direction  314  while being rotated. 
     After the counterclockwise rotation, article forming member  100  may be disposed in a fifth position  900 , depicted in  FIG. 9 . In fifth position  900 , first axis  156  and third axis  162  extend in a generally vertical direction  128 , and second axis  158  extends in a generally horizontal direction. In other words, third axis  162  has become approximately perpendicular to central braiding area  312 . By orienting article forming member  100  in fifth position  900 , cuff region  118  of body portion  102  is inserted through central braiding area  312  with a smaller and more rounded cross-sectional area than would be presented if article forming member  100  were pushed through with cuff region  118  in a different orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation). Thus, providing this type of presentation area of cuff region  118  of body portion  102  can provide relatively more rounded peripheral contoured portions contacting braiding apparatus  300 , as discussed above with respect to sixth area  410  in  FIG. 4 . 
     As article forming member  100  is in fifth position  900  and moves in forward direction  314  through central braiding area  312 , the surface areas associated with heel region  110 , ankle region  116 , and cuff region  118  along body portion  102  can be braided. In one embodiment, fifth position  900  provides an eleventh area  902  of body portion  102  to braiding apparatus  300 , which is similar to sixth area  410  as discussed with reference to  FIG. 4 . Eleventh area  902  is illustrated in an enlarged view in  FIG. 9 , representing the surface area associated with or near top surface  132  of cuff portion  118 . As article forming member  100  moves in forward direction  314 , peripheral contoured portion  906  of eleventh area  902  is braided by strands  504 . 
     After contact of top surface  132  with central braiding area  312 , article forming member  100  may be oriented into a new position in a next step. In different embodiments, near the completion, upon completion, or after the completion of the braiding of article forming member  100 , article forming member  100  may be rotated along another pivoting area in clockwise direction  604  as seen in  FIG. 9 , and moved into a sixth position  1000 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . In sixth position  1000 , first axis  156  extends in an approximately horizontal direction, while second axis  158  extends in an approximately vertical direction  128 . In other words, first axis  156  has become generally perpendicular to central braiding area  312 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a schematic illustration of a braided upper  1002  after being manufactured in braiding apparatus  300 . In some embodiments, after the braiding process, article forming member  100  may be completely surrounded with braided material. In another embodiment, article forming member  100  may be partially surrounded by braided material. In other embodiments, article forming member  100  may also be fed through braiding apparatus  300  two or more times in order to form more complex structures (e.g., layered structures), or may alternatively be fed through two or more braiding apparatuses. In other embodiments, once the braiding process has been completed, braided upper  1002  may be removed from article forming member  100 . In some cases, one or more openings (such as a throat opening) can be cut out of the resulting over braided upper  1002  to form the final upper for use in an article of footwear. 
     In different embodiments, the braiding process may include additional steps. In one embodiment, there may be a further step of cutting or separating the braid from article forming member  100 . In another embodiment, there may be a step where article forming member  100  is fully removed from the braided structure. In some embodiments, the braided structure may be associated with other components including but not limited to a sole or trim, to form a final article. In other embodiments, the braiding process may include any process or components disclosed in Bruce et al., application Ser. No. 14/495,252, filed Sep. 24, 2014, titled “Article of Footwear With Braided Upper”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As mentioned earlier, in some embodiments, the use of an asymmetrical article forming member  100  may promote additional benefits to the braiding system. In one embodiment, as body portion  102  may provide a function similar to that of a last for an article of footwear, flange portion  104  may serve a different function in the assembly process. For example, various conveyer types may be utilized in the braiding system. Flange portion  104  may allow improved linkage to the various conveyers, in a way that does not interfere or interrupt the braided structure from forming and maintaining a smooth and unbroken braided pattern along body portion  102 . 
     The process described herein can include provisions for mounting, rotating, and/or moving article forming member  100  through braiding apparatus  300 . In some cases, article forming member  100  may be provided with a hole for receiving a post. In other cases, article forming member  100  may include a threaded post for mounting. With this arrangement, article forming member  100  can be screwed onto a stand or other support for forming an article around article forming member  100 . 
     In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be associated with a moving conveyer for translational motion through braiding apparatus  300 . In one case, article forming member  100  may be pushed through braiding apparatus  300  manually, by a linking mechanism, a linkage conveyer system, or by another apparatus. In some embodiments, article forming member  100  may be rotated through braiding apparatus  300  manually and/or through various automated processes. 
     In different embodiments, different components or articles may comprise one or more layers of braided materials. In different embodiments, these strands can be braided to form three-dimensional structures for a wide variety of applications. By changing the geometry, size, and/or other characteristics of article forming member  100 , different braided structures may be formed. Generally, these principles could be applied to the manufacture of any article that may be worn or used by consumers. Examples of articles that are configured to be worn include, but are not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts, pants, socks, hats, bags, undergarments, hairbands, as well as other articles. 
     In particular, in some embodiments, the upper of an article of footwear may comprise a plurality of strands that are braided together into a single braided construction having the overall geometry of a shoe last or foot. In different embodiments, the braided construction formed by plurality of strands may not be uniform, so that the braided configuration and/or the materials of the braided strands could vary over different regions of the upper. The structure of the plurality of strands may include structural properties such as the number of strands in the braid, the diameter of the strands, the density of the strands, and the material properties of the strands such as elasticity, rigidity, tensile strength, stretch, compressibility as well as possibly other material properties. 
     The configuration of a braided upper could vary over different regions of the structure. By incorporating regions with different braided configurations into an upper, the different regions can be configured with a variety of different properties, to improve the performance of the article of footwear and increase the comfort to the wearer. The configuration of a braided upper can be engineered by using different densities of braids in different parts of the upper, by using different braid patterns, by using floating cables to produce additional tension in specific regions, or by using different braiding materials in different regions of the upper. For example, different portions of an upper could have different braid densities and/or could be comprised of strands having different stretch or compressibility characteristics. Varying the stretch and/or compressibility characteristics of one or more portions of an upper may help to control comfort and feel at different locations. For example, increased stretch or compressibility in some locations may reduce sag and change the feel of the upper. In some cases, using highly stretchable and compressible strands in at least some portions of an upper may give those portions a sock-like feel. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.