Patent Publication Number: US-11647812-B2

Title: Article of footwear with upper having member with support arm

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is: (a) continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/624,963 filed Jun. 16, 2017, which application is (b) a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/025,394 filed Sep. 12, 2013 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,713,362 issued Jul. 25, 2017). Each of these is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to footwear and, more particularly, relates to an article of footwear with an upper having a member with a support arm. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Articles of footwear usually include an upper and a sole structure. Generally, the upper can receive the wearer&#39;s foot and secure the footwear to the foot. Also, the sole structure can provide traction for the footwear. Moreover in some embodiments, the sole structure can be resiliently compressible to provide cushioning to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     More specifically, the upper can include one or more sheet-like sections of material that define a cavity for receiving the wearer&#39;s foot. The upper can also include laces, straps, buckles, buttons, and other similar components for securing the footwear to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Also, the sole structure can include a midsole. The midsole can include resiliently compressible members, such as foam, a fluid-filled bladder, or other similar members. As such, the midsole can resiliently compress under the weight of the wearer or due to impact with a ground surface. This can help distribute the resulting loads across the sole assembly and/or attenuate the loads to provide cushioning. 
     The sole structure can additionally include an outsole. The outsole can be made from relatively high friction material such that the outsole can readily grip the ground with firm traction. The outsole can also include grooves, sipes, recesses, or other features that increase surface area of the ground engaging surface, that can channel water away from the ground engaging surface, or otherwise increase such traction for the article of footwear. 
     SUMMARY 
     An article of footwear having a medial side and a lateral side is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a sole structure. The article of footwear can further include a first member that extends away from the sole structure. The first member can at least partially define the medial side and the lateral side. Moreover, the second member can have a body, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The body can be attached to the first member such that the first member and the body cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. The body can also be attached to the sole structure. The first support arm can be attached to the first member on the medial side, and the second support arm can be attached to the first member on the lateral side. 
     Moreover, an article of footwear is disclosed that can include a sole structure and a first member that extends away from the sole structure. The first member can have a lower peripheral edge that is adjacent the sole structure. Additionally, the article of footwear can include a second member with a body and at least one support arm that extends away from the body. The body can be attached to the lower peripheral edge such that the body and the first member cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. The body can also attach to the sole structure. The at least one support arm can extend away from the sole structure, and the at least one support arm can be layered on and attached to the first member. 
     Still further, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear is disclosed. The method can include providing a first member having a lower peripheral edge. The method can also include providing a second member having a body and at least one support arm that extends away from the body. The body can define a sole engaging surface. The method can additionally include attaching the body of the second member to the lower peripheral edge such that the body and the first member cooperate to define a void that is configured to receive a foot. Additionally, the method can include layering and attaching the at least one support arm on the first member. Still further, the method can include attaching the sole structure to the sole engaging surface of the body of the second member. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the present disclosure 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 present disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure 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 present disclosure. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an article of footwear according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a lateral side view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a rear view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a section view of the article of footwear taken along the line  5 - 5  of  FIG.  3   , wherein a shoelace of the footwear is shown untied; 
         FIG.  6    is a section view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1    shown with the shoelace tied; 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view schematically illustrating manufacture of a portion of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating further manufacture of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom view schematically illustrating further manufacture of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view schematically illustrating further manufacture of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic section view of the upper of the article of  FIG.  1    shown operably coupled to a molding assembly for formation and attachment of a sole structure to the upper; and 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic section view of the upper and the molding assembly of  FIG.  12   , wherein material shown being introduced into the mold cavity for formation of the sole assembly and attachment of the sole assembly to the upper. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. As will be discussed, an article of footwear is disclosed below according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The article of footwear can be relatively lightweight. Also, the article of footwear can include a relatively small number of parts. Moreover, multiple features of the footwear can be combined into a single part. Accordingly, the footwear can be comfortable to wear. Also, the wearer is less likely to be weighed down by the footwear during running, jumping, or other ambulatory activities. Moreover, manufacturing efficiency can be increased due to the features discussed below. 
     Referring initially to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , exemplary embodiments of an article of footwear  10  are illustrated according to various teachings of the present disclosure. Although the article of footwear  10  is illustrated as an athletic shoe, it will be appreciated that the footwear  10  could be a boot, a sandal, or any other type without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     For reference purposes, the article of footwear  10  may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region  16 , a midfoot region  17 , and a heel region  18 . Forefoot region  16  can generally support forward portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region  17  can generally support middle portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including an arch area. Heel region  18  can generally support rear portions of the wearer&#39;s foot, including the heel and calcaneus bone. Footwear  10  can also include a lateral side  22  and a medial side  20 . The lateral side  22  and medial side  20  can be disposed on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis  24  of footwear  10 . The forefoot region  16  and the heel region  18  can be disposed on opposite sides of a transverse axis  26  of the footwear  10 . Also, lateral side  22  can correspond with an outside area of the wearer&#39;s foot, and medial side  20  can correspond with an inside area of the wearer&#39;s foot. Forefoot region  16 , midfoot region  17 , heel region  18 , lateral side  22 , and medial side  20  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of upper  10 . Rather, forefoot region  16 , midfoot region  17 , heel region  18 , lateral side  22 , and medial side  20  are intended to represent general areas of upper  10  to aid in the following discussion. 
     In some embodiments, the footwear  10  can have a very low total weight. As such, the footwear  10  can allow the wearer to run faster, to run longer distances with less fatigue, to jump higher, or to otherwise enhance the wearer&#39;s performance. Moreover, the footwear  10  can be sleek and can conform closely to the wearer&#39;s foot for added comfort and for aesthetic appeal. Also, the footwear  10  can include several features that provide reinforcement, robustness, and strength to the footwear  10 . Accordingly, the footwear  10  can withstand high stress and can be used over a long period of time without tearing or otherwise failing. 
     Moreover, some embodiments of the article of footwear  10  can include a part that extends continuously from one area of the footwear  10  to a different area. For example, a part can be included that extends continuously between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  22 . In additional embodiments, a part can be included that extends continuously between the forefoot region  16  and the heel region  18 . Thus, this part can interconnect two opposite areas of the article of footwear  10 . This configuration can help to reinforce the article of footwear  10  and also provide additional structure to the article of footwear  10 . This configuration can also help to provide additional support to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In some embodiments, the part can, in essence serve two functions: helping to join an upper with a sole structure, while at the same time, providing additional structural support to the upper  12 . Because this part can serve multiple functions, redundant components can be eliminated. Also, components that would otherwise be used to reinforce the footwear  10  or support the wearer&#39;s foot can be eliminated. Accordingly, the footwear  10  can be made lightweight, and yet, the footwear  10  can provide sufficient support to the wearer&#39;s foot and can be sufficiently robust. 
     Generally, the article of footwear  10  can include an upper  12  and a sole structure  14  that are attached together. The upper  12  can define a void  76  that can receive the wearer&#39;s foot, and the sole structure  14  can be disposed underneath the upper  12  and, thus, underneath the sole of the wearer&#39;s foot. As such, the sole structure  14  can provide traction, protect the sole of the wearer&#39;s foot, provide cushioning, attenuate impact forces, or provide other benefits. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 ,  2 , and  4 - 7   , the sole structure  14  will be discussed in greater detail according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the sole structure  14  can include an outsole  31 . The outsole  31  can be attached directly to the upper  12 . In other embodiments, the sole structure  14  can include a midsole between the upper  12  and the outsole  31 , and the midsole can be made from resilient materials, bladders, or other items that resiliently deform and compress to attenuate impact forces. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the article of footwear  10  shown in the illustrated embodiments does not include a midsole. Stated differently, the sole structure  14  of the footwear  10  can be “midsole-less”. 
     The outsole  31  can include one or more pads of high friction, resiliently elastic material. Also, the outsole  31  can define a ground engaging surface  35  that engages the ground, floor, running track, or other supporting surface. The ground engaging surface  35  can include grooves, ridges, sipes, projections, cleats, or other features that increase traction, that increase flexibility of the outsole  31 , or that channel water away from the outsole  31 . Moreover, the outsole  31  can define an upper engaging surface  40  that faces in an opposite direction from the ground engaging surface  35 . The upper engaging surface  40  can attach to the upper  12  as will be discussed. Still further, the outsole  31  can define a peripheral side surface  37  that extends between the upper engaging surface  40  and the ground engaging surface  35 . In some embodiments, the outsole  31  and the sole structure  14  can incorporate one or more of the features disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0068063 A1, entitled “Outsole With Stepped Projections For Article of Footwear” (U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/025,351, which was filed on Sep. 12, 2013 and lists Bryan N. Farris as the inventor), and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 7   , footwear  10  may include an upper  12 . Generally, the upper  12  can include a first member  50  and a second member  52  in some embodiments. The first member  50  and the second member  52  can be attached together and can cooperate to define a void  76  that receives the wearer&#39;s foot. When the footwear  10  is worn on a foot, the first member  50  can generally extend from the sole structure  14  and over and around the wearer&#39;s foot. In some embodiments, the first member  50  can substantially define the forefoot region  16 , the heel region  18 , the medial side  20 , and/or the lateral side  22  of the upper  12 . Also, in some embodiments, the second member  52  can extend underneath the wearer&#39;s foot. The second member  52  can function in a manner similar to a “strobel,” “strobel sock,” or “strobel member.” The second member  52  can also be attached to the sole structure  14 . More specifically, the sole structure  14  can be layered over and attached to the outsole  31  as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . In other embodiments, the sole structure  14  can include a midsole; therefore, the second member  52  can be layered over and attached to the midsole in some embodiments. 
     Some embodiments can include provisions for reinforcing the upper  12 . In some cases, these reinforcing features may be integrated with other components. In some embodiments, a reinforcing feature may be associated with second member  52 . In some cases, this reinforcing feature may be a device or component attached to second member  52 . 
     As shown in the embodiments shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , the second member  52  can include one or more portions that extend away from the sole structure  14  and that attach to the first member  50 . These portions can reinforce the first member  50  in some embodiments such that the footwear  10  is more robust. These portions can also cover certain areas of the first member  50  to provide greater comfort to the wearer&#39;s foot and/or to improve the aesthetics of the footwear  10 . The second member  52  can include portions that extend continuously between opposing areas of the first member  50  in some embodiments. As such, the second member  52  can interconnect those opposing areas of first member  50 . The second member  52  can also extend underneath the wearer&#39;s foot and can curve upward to opposing areas over the wearer&#39;s foot. As such, the second member  52  can somewhat “cradle” the wearer&#39;s foot in some embodiments. Accordingly, the second member  52  can support the wearer&#39;s foot, distribute loads across the first member  50 , and provide added comfort. 
     The first member  50  of the upper  12  will now be discussed in detail according to exemplary embodiments. As shown in  FIG.  1   , for example, the first member  50  can extend between the forefoot region  16 , the heel region  18 , the medial side  20 , and the lateral side  22  of the article of footwear  10 . The first member  50  can include an interior surface  61  that at least partially defines the void  76  within the upper  12 . The first member  50  can also include an exterior surface  63  that faces outward in an opposite direction from the interior surface  61 . 
     Also, the first member  50  can include an ankle opening  74  that is defined by a rim  72  and that provides access into and out of the internal void  76  within the upper  12 . Additionally, the first member  50  can include a throat opening  82  that extends along the longitudinal axis  24  between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  22 . The throat opening  82  can be elongate and can include a forward end  84  and a rear end  86 . The forward end  84  can be disposed in the forefoot region  16 , and the rear end  86  can be disposed adjacent the ankle opening  74 . As will be discussed, the size of the throat opening  82  can be selectively varied. For example, the width or girth of the throat opening  82  along the transverse axis  26  can be selectively changed. As such, the footwear  10  can be widened for inserting and removing the wearer&#39;s foot from the footwear  10 , and the footwear  10  can also be tightened around the wearer&#39;s foot for securing the foot within the footwear  10 . Moreover, the first member  50  can include a lower peripheral edge  54 , which is shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 , and  9   . As shown, the lower peripheral edge  54  can define an underfoot opening  33 . The lower peripheral edge  54  can extend continuously about the footwear  10  and can be disposed adjacent the sole structure  14 . As will be discussed, the second member  52  can be attached to the first member  50  along the lower peripheral edge  54 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the first member  50  can include and can be substantially assembled from a plurality of parts, pieces, panels, or other components that cooperate to define the first member  50 . It will be appreciated that the first member  50  can include any suitable number of parts. For example, the first member  50  can include a first panel  64  and a second panel  66 . The first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can be made out of a sheet of material and can have one or more three dimensionally curved surfaces. The first panel  64  can include a forward edge  41 , a rear edge  42 , and a lower edge  43  that extends between the forward edge  41  and the rear edge  42  in some embodiments. Also, the second panel  66  can include a forward edge  45 , a rear edge  46 , and a lower edge  47  that extends between the forward edge  45  and the rear edge  46  in some embodiments. The forward edge  41  of the first panel  64  can be attached to the forward edge  45  of the second panel  66  at a first seam  68  as will be discussed. Also, the rear edge  42  of the first panel  64  can be attached to the rear edge  46  of the second panel  66  at a second seam  70  as will be discussed. Thus, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first panel  64  can substantially define the medial side  20  of the upper  12 , and the second panel  66  can substantially define the lateral side  22  of the upper  12 . Moreover, when the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  are attached, the lower edge  43  of the first panel  64  and the lower edge  47  of the second panel  66  can cooperate to define the lower peripheral edge  54  of the upper  12  as shown in  FIG.  9   . 
     The first panel  64  can also include a throat edge  78  and an upper edge  44 , and the second panel  66  can include a throat edge  80  and an upper edge  48  in some embodiments as shown in  FIG.  7   . When the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  are attached, the throat edge  78  of the first panel  64  and the throat edge  80  can cooperate to define the throat opening  82  of the upper  12 . Also, the upper edge  44  of the first panel  64  and the upper edge  48  of the second panel  66  can cooperate to define the ankle opening  74  of the upper  12 . Still further, the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can cooperate to substantially define the interior surface  61  and the exterior surface  63  of the first member  50 . 
     In some embodiments, the first panel  64  and/or the second panel  66  can be made from lightweight material. For example, the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can be made from mesh-type material as represented in  FIGS.  1  and  7   . As such, the weight of the footwear  10  can be relatively low, and air can readily flow in and out of the upper  12  for added comfort. Also, in some embodiments, the first panel  64  can be made from two or more overlapping layers of material. Likewise, the second panel  66  can be made from two or more overlapping layers of material. 
     In some embodiments, first member  50  can also include a collar  88 . The collar  88  can be a strip of material that is attached to the first panel  64  and/or the second panel  66 , adjacent the ankle opening  74 . For example, the collar  88  can be folded over and attached to the upper edge  44  of the first panel  64  and the upper edge  48  of the second panel  66 . In some embodiments, the collar  88  can extend continuously from the first throat edge  78  to the second throat edge  80  so as to substantially encircle the ankle opening  74  and to define the rim  72  of the opening. The collar  88  can be attached to the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  using adhesives, stitching, fasteners, or any other suitable fixation device. 
     Moreover, the first member  50  of the upper  12  can include a tongue  90 . The tongue  90  can be disposed within throat opening  82  and can extend between the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the tongue  90  can be a sheet of material with a medial edge  124 , a lateral edge  126 , a forward edge  128 , and a rear edge  130 . The tongue  90  can also be a single panel of material that defines the medial edge  124 , the lateral edge  126 , the forward edge  128 , and the rear edge  130 . In other words, the tongue  90  can be a unitary piece of material. In other embodiments, the tongue  90  can include two or more attached pieces of material that cooperate to define the tongue  90 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the tongue  90  can extend across the throat opening  82  and can be attached to the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the tongue  90  can include one or more folds such that the tongue  90  can receive the first throat edge  78  and/or the second throat edge  80 . For example, the tongue  90  can be folded along the medial edge  124  and/or the lateral edge  126 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the tongue  90  can be folded twice along the medial edge  124  to include a first fold  116  and a second fold  118 , and the tongue  90  can also be folded twice along the lateral edge  126  to include a third fold  120  and a fourth fold  122 . Thus, as shown in the cross-section of  FIG.  5   , the tongue  90  can include a first layer  132  that extends laterally between the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80 . Moreover, the tongue  90  can include a second layer  134  and a third layer  136  that overlap the first layer  132  of the tongue  90 . As shown, the first throat edge  78  can be received between the second layer  134  and the third layer  136  of the tongue  90 . Also, the tongue  90  can include a fourth layer  138  and a fifth layer  140  that overlap the first layer  132  of the tongue  90 . As shown, the second throat edge  80  can be received between the fourth layer  138  and the fifth layer  140  of the tongue  90 . In some embodiments, the first throat edge  78  can be fixed to the second layer  134  and/or the third layer  136  of the tongue  90 . Also, the second throat edge  80  can be fixed to the fourth layer  138  and the fifth layer  140 . For example, in some embodiments, the first throat edge  78  can be attached to both the second layer  134  and the third layer  136  via adhesives, via stitching, via fasteners, or using other attachment devices. Similarly, the second throat edge  80  can be attached to both the fourth layer  138  and the fifth layer  140  via adhesives, via stitching, via fasteners, or using other attachment devices. 
     Additionally, the article of footwear  10  can include a closure member  142  or securing device that can be used to selectively secure the footwear  10  to the wearer&#39;s foot. The closure member  142  can be of any suitable type, such as shoelaces, a strap, hook-and-loop tape such as VELCRO™, buttons, snaps, buckles, hooks, or any other type of closure member  142 . 
     For example, the footwear  10  can include a shoelace  143 . The shoelace  143  can alternate between the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80  as the shoelace  143  extends between the rear end  86  and the forward end  84  of the throat opening  82 . Also, the shoelace  143  can be secured to the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80  in any suitable fashion. For example, the shoelace  143  can be received in eyelets, grommets, or loops, the shoelace  143  can be fastened around hooks, or the shoelace  143  can be attached to the first throat edge  78  and the second throat edge  80  in another way. Thus, the shoelace  143  can be tightened to make the upper  12  more narrow for securing the upper  12  to the wearer&#39;s foot. The shoelace  143  can also be loosened to make the upper  12  wider for releasing the upper  12  from the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  5   , the shoelace  143  is received within one or more eyelets. The eyelets can be formed in any suitable location on the first member  50 . For example, the eyelets can be formed within the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  in some embodiments. Also, the eyelets can be formed within the tongue  90 . Moreover, in some embodiments, the shoelace  143  can be received within a passage  151  that is partially defined by the tongue  90  and either the first panel  64  or the second panel  66  of the first member  50 . For example, a representative passage  151  is shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . The passage  151  comprises a first opening  146  formed within the second layer  134  of the tongue  90 , a second opening  148  formed within the first panel  64  of the first member  50 , and a third opening  150  formed within the third layer  136  of the tongue  90 . As shown, the first opening  146 , second opening  148 , and third opening  150  can be aligned. In other embodiments, the first opening  146 , second opening  148 , and third opening  150  can be offset. In still additional embodiments, the first opening  146 , second opening  148 , and third opening  150  can be spaced apart. A corresponding section of the shoelace  143  can be received within the passage  151  to secure the shoelace  143  to the first throat edge  78 . Accordingly, the overlapping layers created by the tongue  90  and the first panel  64  can ensure that the passage  151  is strong and robust. Thus, even if the materials used to create the first member  50  are lightweight, the shoelace  143  can be securely attached. Other passages  151  on the first member  50  can be similarly constructed along the first throat edge  78  and/or the second throat edge  80 , and the shoelace  143  can be similarly secured. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , when the shoelace  143  is untied, the throat opening  82  can be relatively wide. As such, the wearer can insert or remove a foot from the void  76  of the upper  12 . However, the shoelace  143  can be tensioned and tied as shown in  FIG.  6   . As such, the first throat edge  78  can be moved toward the second throat edge  80  the throat opening  82  can be more narrow to secure the wearer&#39;s foot within the void  76 . 
     As stated, the upper  12  can also include the second member  52 , which cooperates with the first member  50  to define the void  76  of the upper  12 . As will be discussed, the second member  52  can include one or more areas that attach to the first member  50 . These areas of the second member  52  reinforce the first member  50 . These areas can also provide additional support to the wearer&#39;s foot. Moreover, in some embodiments, the second member  52  can extend continuously between opposing areas of the first member  50  as will be discussed. Thus, the second member  52  can interconnect opposing areas of the first member  50  to distribute loads through the upper  12 . Also, the second member  52  can be configured to combine certain structural features included in traditional articles of footwear. As such, the article of footwear  10  can be assembled from fewer parts than other traditional articles of footwear. Additionally, the second member  52  can reduce the weight of the article of footwear  10  as will be discussed in detail. 
     In some embodiments, the second member  52  can be made from a sheet of material, such as leather, suede, fabric, or other material. Also, the second member  52  can include an upper surface  101  that faces away from the sole structure  14 . The second member  52  can further include a lower surface  103  that faces in an opposite direction from the upper surface  101 . The lower surface  103  can engage and attach with the sole structure  14  in some embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG.  7   , the second member  52  can include a body  55  and at least one support arm that extends from the body  55 . Also, as shown in  FIG.  11   , the arm(s) can extend upward away from the body  55  to attach to the first member  50 . The arm(s) can attach to the exterior surface  63  of the first member  50  in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the arm(s) can attach to the interior surface  61  of the first member  50 . Also, the arm(s) can attach to the medial side  20 , to the lateral side  22 , to the forefoot region  16 , and/or to the heel region  18  of the first member  50 . Additionally, two or more arms can attach to opposing sides or opposing ends of the first member  50  as will be discussed. Thus, as will be discussed, the second member  52  can reinforce the first member  50  and make the first member  50  robust. 
     In some embodiments represented in  FIG.  7   , the body  55  can be shaped to generally correspond to the shape of the lower peripheral edge  54  of the first member  50 . Also, the second member  52  can include a first arm  56 , a second arm  58 , a third arm  60 , and a fourth arm  62  that extend can extend generally away from each other and that can extend away from the body  55 . The first arm  56  can extend from the medial side  20  of the body  55 , and the second arm  58  can extend in an opposite direction from the lateral side  22  of the body  55 . Moreover, the third arm  60  can extend from the forefoot region  16  of the body  55 , and the fourth arm  62  can extend from the heel region  18  of the body  55 . 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the first arm  56  can include a first end  100  that is attached to the body  55  and a second terminal end  102  that is spaced away from the body  55 . The first arm  56  can be tapered in some embodiments such that the second terminal end  102  is wider than the first end  100 . The second arm  58  can similarly include a first end  104  and a second end  106 , and the second arm  58  can be similarly tapered. Furthermore, the third arm  60  can similarly include a first end  108  and a second end  110 , and the third arm  60  can be similarly tapered. Moreover, the fourth arm  62  can include a first end  112  and a second end  114 , and the fourth arm  62  can be tapered between the first end  112  and the second end  114 . Also, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, the second end  102  can be bulb-shaped. Likewise, the second end  106  of the second arm  58 , the second end  110  of the third arm  60 , and/or the second end  114  of the fourth arm  62  can be bulb-shaped in some embodiments. 
     The second member  52  can be attached to the first member  50  such that the body  55  covers over the underfoot opening  33  of the first member  50 . Also, in some embodiments, the body  55  can attach to the first member  50  along the lower peripheral edge  54  of the first member  50 . 
     Moreover, the first arm  56  can extend along the medial side  20  of the first panel  64  of the first member  50 . More specifically, the upper surface  101  of the first arm  56  can attach to the exterior surface  63  of the first member  50 . In some embodiments, the first arm  56  can be long enough such that the second end  102  is adjacent the third layer  136  of the tongue  90  near the throat opening  82 . Also, the first arm  56  can extend over the first member  50  such that the first arm  56  reinforces the midfoot region  17  and is substantially centered on the arch area of the wearer&#39;s foot. Accordingly, the first arm  56  can support the wearer&#39;s arch. 
     Additionally, the upper surface  101  of the second arm  58  can extend over and can attach to the exterior surface  63  along the lateral side  22  of the second panel  66  of the first member  50 . In some embodiments, the second end  106  can be spaced from the fifth layer  140  of the tongue  90  as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . Additionally, the second arm  58  can extend over the first member  50  such that the second arm  58  reinforces the midfoot region  17  and is substantially centered over the joint between the metatarsal and the phalange of the small toe of the wearer&#39;s foot. Accordingly, the second arm  58  can support this portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Furthermore, the upper surface  101  of the third arm  60  can extend over and attach to the exterior surface  63  along the forefoot region  16  of the first member  50 . In some embodiments, the third arm  60  can overlap the first seam  68  such that the first seam  68  is substantially shielded from view. Moreover, the third arm  60  can be long enough such that the second end  110  is adjacent the forward end  84  of the throat opening  82 . For example, the second end  110  of the third arm  60  can overlap the tongue  90  adjacent the forward end  84  as shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     Additionally, the upper surface  101  of the fourth arm  62  can extend over and attach to the exterior surface  63  along the heel region  18  of the first member  50 . In some embodiments, the fourth arm  62  can overlap the second seam  70  such that the second seam  70  is substantially shielded from view. Moreover, the fourth arm  62  can be long enough such that the second end  114  projects away from the rim  72  of the first member  50 . Thus, the second end  114  can act as a pull tab and can be used by the wearer when pulling on the footwear  10  onto the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Attached as such, the second member  52  can cover over and reinforce portions of the first member  50 . Areas of the first member  50  between the arms of the second member  52  can remain exposed. For example, an exposed area of the exterior surface  63  is indicated at  153  in  FIGS.  1  and  3    between the first arm  56  and the third arm  60 . 
     Additionally, it will be appreciated that the upper surface  101  of the body  55  of the second member  52  can face the wearer&#39;s foot and can partially define the void  76  within the upper  12 . Also, the body  55  can extend between and attach to both the first panel  64  and the second panel  66 . Moreover, the body  55  can extend underneath the wearer&#39;s foot, and the first arm  56 , the second arm  58 , the third arm  60 , the fourth arm  62  can wrap around the wearer&#39;s foot such that the second member  52  substantially cradles the wearer&#39;s foot. Accordingly, the second member  52  can provide significant support to the wearer&#39;s foot. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first arm  56  can have some rigidity such that the first arm  56  is biased to rotate about the first end  100  away from the void  76 . As a result, the first arm  56  can provide lift for the medial side  20  of the first member  50  away from the sole structure  14 . Stated differently, the medial side  20  can be self-supporting due to the rigidity of the first arm  56 . Likewise, the second arm  58  can have some rigidity to provide lift to the lateral side  22 , the third arm  60  can have some rigidity to provide lift to the forefoot region  16 , and the fourth arm  62  can have some rigidity to provide lift to the heel region  18 . It will be appreciated that a traditional heel counter, a toe box, or other stiffeners may not be necessary due to the second member  52 . Accordingly, the part count of the footwear  10  can be reduced for reducing weight of the footwear  10  and for increasing manufacturing efficiency. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8 - 13   , manufacture of the footwear  10  will be discussed in greater detail according to exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that the manufacturing of the footwear  10  can progress in any sequence. Also, one or more steps can be performed manually. In other embodiments, one or more steps can be performed automatically using a suitable machine, robot, or other implement. Furthermore, some steps can be combined. Moreover, some steps can be performed in sequence. Additionally, some steps can occur substantially at the same time. 
     In some embodiments, manufacture of the footwear  10  can begin by attaching the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  together. Once attached, the tongue  90  and/or the collar  88  can be attached to the first panel  64  and the second panel  66 . For example, as represented in  FIG.  8   , the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can be fit about an assembly support structure, such as a foot-shaped last  160 . The last  160  can have a predetermined size that corresponds to a particular shoe size. In other embodiments, the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can be attached without the use of a last  160 . 
     As described above, the forward edge  41  of the first panel  64  and the forward edge  45  of the second panel  66  can attach together to form the first seam  68 . The forward edge  41  and the forward edge  45  can butt up against each other to form a butt joint at the seam  68 . In other embodiments, the forward edge  41  and the forward edge  45  can overlap each other at the seam  68 . Also, the first panel  64  and the second panel  66  can be attached at the seam  68  using any suitable attachment type. For example, the seam  68  can be formed using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, or another attachment device. For example, adhesive can be applied adjacent the edge  41  and/or the edge  45 , and the edge  41  and the edge  45  can be pressed against each other until the adhesive dries. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the rear edge  42  and the rear edge  46  can attach together to form the second seam  70 . The second seam  70  can be formed in the same way as the first seam  68  in some embodiments. 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the second member  52  can be attached to the first member  50 . As mentioned and as shown in  FIG.  9   , the body  55  can be attached along the lower peripheral edge  54  of the first member  50 . The upper surface  101  of the body  55  can slightly overlap the exterior surface  63  of the first member  50  as shown in  FIG.  9   , and the upper surface  101  of the body  55  can attach to the exterior surface  63  of the first member  50 . The body  55  can attach to the first member  50  using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, or another attachment device. For example, adhesive can be applied, and the body  55  can be pressed against the lower peripheral edge  54  until the adhesive is dried. 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS.  10  and  11   , the first arm  56 , the second arm  58 , the third arm  60 , and the fourth arm  62  can be wrapped upwards to overlap the corresponding areas of the first member  50 . The first arm  56 , the second arm  58 , the third arm  60 , and the fourth arm  62  can be attached to the first member  50  using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, or another attachment device. For example, adhesive can be applied, and the first arm  56 , second arm  58 , third arm  60 , and fourth arm  62  can be pressed against the first member  50  until the adhesive dries. 
     As shown in  FIG.  11   , the tongue  90  and the collar  88  can also be attached to the first member  50  as described in detail above. The tongue  90  and collar  88  can be attached as described above with respect to the attachment of the second member  52 . Also, in some embodiments, the tongue  90  and the collar  88  can be attached before attaching the second member  52 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIGS.  12  and  13   , the sole structure  14  can be attached to the upper  12 . As described above, the upper surface  40  of the sole structure  14  can be attached to the lower surface  103  of the body  55  of the second member  52 . The upper surface  40  can also attach to portions of the first member  50  exposed from the second member  52 . The sole structure  14  can be attached in any suitable way. For example, the sole structure  14  can be attached using adhesives, stitching, fasteners, or other device. 
     In additional embodiments, the sole structure  14  can be substantially simultaneously formed and directly attached to the upper  12 . Stated differently, the sole structure  14  can be molded onto the upper  12 . In some embodiments, this process can incorporate one or more of the teachings disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,676,542, entitled “Manufacture of Footwear,” and issued Jul. 11, 1972 to Maltby, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Accordingly, the sole structure  14  can be formed using a molding assembly  162 . The molding assembly  162  can include a first mold  164  and a second mold member  166 . The upper  12 , the first mold  164 , and the second mold member  166  can cooperate to define a mold cavity  168  as shown in  FIG.  12   . Also, the molding assembly  162  can include a material supply source  170  can be in fluid communication with the mold cavity  168 . Then, as shown in  FIG.  13   , molten material  172  can flow from the supply source  170  to the mold cavity  168 . The material can then cure until the sole structure  14  is formed and the sole structure  14  is attached to the upper  12 . 
     Accordingly, the article of footwear  10  can be very lightweight. For example, the materials used to form the first member  50  can be very lightweight and breathable. Also, a traditional heel counter, a toe box, or other stiffeners may not be necessary because the second member  52  can provide ample support for the wearer&#39;s foot, can provide lift to the first member  50 , and can reinforce the first member  50 . Accordingly, the footwear  10  can enhance the wearer&#39;s running, jumping, or other ambulatory activities. Also, the footwear  10  can be manufactured in an efficient manner. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.