具体实施方式：
[0027]The embodiments include articles of footwear with tubular structures for using in applying tension through one or more regions of the article of footwear, as well as methods for printing the tubular structures onto the articles of footwear. The tubular structure may extend along an upper of the article of footwear. A tensile strand may extend through a tunnel in the tubular structure. Openings in the tubular structure may allow the tensile strand to engage with one or more secondary tensile strands, which may wrap around the tensile strand and extend away from the tubular structure to engage other structures on the upper and/or a sole structure of the article of footwear. As tension is applied along the tensile strand in the tubular structure, the tension may be transferred to the secondary tensile strands, or vice versa.
[0028]In some embodiments, secondary tensile strands (which do not extend through the tunnel of the tubular structure) may extend between two different sections of the tubular structure.
[0029]In some embodiments, the path of the tubular structure may be customized according to custom foot information about a wearer's foot. The customized path may be designed to avoid bony structures and/or provide additional support to other anatomical features (e.g., the arch). The customized path for the tubular structure could be automatically designed or manually configured through, for example, a graphical interface (e.g., a GUI).
[0030]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, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims.
[0031]Certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein in the context of various embodiments; however, the disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any specific aspect, feature, or combination thereof. For example, the structures, systems and methods disclosed in different embodiments herein can be combined with one another in various manners, and each can also be combined with the structures, systems and methods disclosed in each of the provisional applications to which this application claims priority.
[0032]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear 100. In the exemplary embodiment, article of footwear 100 has the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated into various other kinds of footwear including, but not limited to, basketball shoes, hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments, the provisions discussed herein for article of footwear 100 could be incorporated into various other kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to, slippers, sandals, high-heeled footwear, and loafers.
[0033]For purposes of clarity, the following detailed description discusses the features of article of footwear 100, also referred to simply as article 100. However, it will be understood that other embodiments may incorporate a corresponding article of footwear (e.g., a left article of footwear when article 100 is a right article of footwear) that may share some, and possibly all, of the features of article 100 described herein and shown in the figures.
[0034]The embodiments may be characterized by various directional adjectives and reference portions. These directions and reference portions may facilitate in describing the portions of an article of footwear. Moreover, these directions and reference portions may also be used in describing subcomponents of an article of footwear (e.g., directions and/or portions of a midsole structure, an outer sole structure, an upper, or any other components).
[0035]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 a component (e.g., an upper or sole component). A longitudinal direction may extend along a longitudinal axis, which itself extends between a forefoot portion and a heel portion of the component. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. A lateral direction may extend along a lateral axis, which itself extends between a medial side and a lateral side of a component. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a vertical axis, which itself is generally perpendicular to a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, a vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. Additionally, the term “inner” refers to a portion of an article disposed closer to an interior of an article, or closer to a foot when the article is worn. Likewise, the term “outer” refers to a portion of an article disposed further from the interior of the article or from the foot. Thus, for example, the inner surface of a component is disposed closer to an interior of the article than the outer surface of the component. This detailed description makes use of these directional adjectives in describing an article and various components of the article, including an upper, a midsole structure, and/or an outer sole structure.
[0036]Article 100 may be characterized by a number of different regions or portions. For example, article 100 could include a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion and an ankle portion. Moreover, components of article 100 could likewise comprise corresponding portions. Referring to FIG. 1, article 100 may be divided into forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, and heel portion 14. Forefoot portion 10 may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion 12 may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion 14 may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article 100 may also include ankle portion 15 (which may also be referred to as a cuff portion). In addition, article 100 may include lateral side 16 and medial side 18. In particular, lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may be opposing sides of article 100. Furthermore, both lateral side 16 and medial side 18 may extend through forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12, heel portion 14, and ankle portion 15.
[0037]As shown in FIG. 1, article 100 may comprise upper 102 and sole structure 110. In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 110 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, hardwood flooring, as well as other surfaces.
[0038]Sole structure 110 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional.
[0039]Upper 102 may include a variety of provisions for receiving and covering a foot, as well as securing article 100 to the foot. In some embodiments, upper 102 includes opening 114 that provides entry for the foot into an interior cavity of upper 102. In some embodiments, upper 102 may include tongue 122 that provides cushioning and support across the instep of the foot. Some embodiments may include fastening provisions, including, but not limited to, laces, cables, straps, buttons, zippers as well as any other provisions known in the art for fastening articles. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a particular tensioning system for tensioning one or more regions of upper 102 is shown, which is described in further detail below. However, other embodiments could incorporate additional and possibly separate tensioning or fastening systems, including more traditional lacing systems that may be used to close opening 114 around a foot. Moreover, for purposes of clarity, the exemplary embodiment does not include a lace, strap, or other fastening feature that might be used to fasten opening 114. It may be appreciated however that some embodiments might incorporate a lace or other similar fastening system at the throat of article 100 and/or adjacent to opening 114.
[0040]In different embodiments, upper 102 may have a variety of different configurations. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size, and/or color. For example, in the exemplary embodiment article 100 is a basketball shoe, and, therefore, upper 102 may have a high-top configuration that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In other embodiments, however, upper 102 could be configured as a low-top upper for running or other activities.
[0041]Upper 102 and sole structure 110 may be attached in any manner. Embodiments can utilize any know methods for securing a sole structure to an upper, including various lasting techniques such as board-lasting, slip-lasting, combination-lasting, or strobel-lasting techniques. In FIG. 1, bite line 125 is the location along the periphery of article 100 where upper 102 meets and/or joins to sole structure 110.
[0042]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of article of footwear 100, including various components. Referring to FIGS. 1-2, article 100 may be provided with tensioning system 130. Tensioning system 130 may further include tubular structure 140, first tensile strand 160, and plurality of secondary tensile strands 180.
[0043]As used herein, the term “tubular structure” refers to any elongated structure with length greater than width and thickness (or diameter for rounded geometries), which further includes an internal tunnel or cavity through its length. In this detailed description and in the claims, the term tubular structure is not intended to be limited to structures with rounded inner and outer cross-sectional geometries. In other words, tubular structures could have outer cross-sectional geometries that are approximately rectangular or polygonal, ovoid or other geometries that need not be circular or approximately circular. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, tubular structure 140 may generally comprise an elongated structure, which further includes tunnel 141. Tubular structure 140 may further have a cross-sectional geometry that includes rounded section 161, which faces outwardly from article 100, and flattened section 163, which is generally disposed against upper 102.
[0044]Tubular structure 140 may further include first end 142, second end 144 and intermediate portion 146 that is disposed between first end 142 and second end 144. Intermediate portion 146 need not extend the full length between first end 142 and second end 144, and may generally characterize a region or segment of tubular structure 140 between first end 142 and second end 144. Tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140 may extend continuously through the entire length of tubular structure 140, from first end 142 to second end 144. Of course, it is contemplated that in other embodiments, tunnel 141 need not extend all the way to first end 142 or second end 144 of tubular structure 140.
[0045]Tubular structure 140 may be configured with one or more openings in a surface or sidewall of tubular structure 140. In FIGS. 1-2, tubular structure 140 includes plurality of openings 150. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, opening 152, which may be representative of plurality of openings 150, is disposed in outer surface 143 of tubular structure 140. Opening 152 may further extend to tunnel 141. In other words, opening 152 extends from outer surface 143 to an inner surface 145 of tubular structure 140. It will be understood that each of the remaining openings in plurality of openings 150 may likewise extend from outer surface 143 to tunnel 141. Thus, openings 150 may provide an access point for components (such as tensile strands) to enter or exit tunnel 141. Although not shown in the Figures, first end 142 and second end 144 of tubular structure 140 may likewise include openings that allow for access to tunnel 141.
[0046]The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2 has a common orientation for openings 150 along tubular structure 140. Specifically, each of the openings 150 is generally oriented toward bite line 125 of article 100. However, as discussed further below, other opening orientations are possible, and in some embodiments, different holes could be configured with different orientations.
[0047]In different embodiments, one or more dimensions of a tubular structure, as well as the tunnel and openings formed in the tubular structure, could vary. For example, in different embodiments, the outer diameter of a tubular structure could have any value in the range between 0.1 mm and 2 cm. Likewise, the tube thickness, characterized by the distance between the outer surface and inner surface (e.g., outer surface 143 and inner surface 145) could have any value in the range between 0.5 mm and 1.8 cm. It may be appreciated that the tunnel diameter may vary in accordance with the tube thickness (i.e., the tunnel diameter is the diameter of the tubular structure minus twice the tube thickness). Moreover, the diameter and tube thickness for a tubular structure may be selected according to various factors including desired tensile strand diameter, desired flexibility of the tubular structure, desired height of the tubular structure relative to the upper as well as possibly other factors.
[0048]Additionally, the number and arrangement of openings could vary. For example, some embodiments may include only a single opening, while others could include between two and 50 openings. Still other embodiments could include more than 50 openings. The number of openings could be selected according to the number of access points to a tunnel required, as well as the desired flexibility of a tubular structure, as additional openings may increase the flexibility of the tubular structure proximate the openings. It may also be appreciated that the openings could be disposed uniformly through the tubular structure, or in any discrete groups or patterns.
[0049]The sizes of openings could vary. For example, a circumferential dimension of an opening may characterize how much of the circumference of a tubular structure that the opening covers. Some embodiments can include openings with a circumferential dimension of only a few percent of the total circumference of the tubular structure. Still other embodiments could include openings with a circumferential dimension having a value between 20 to 80 percent of the circumference of the tubular structure. For example, in other embodiments, openings could be large enough so that only a narrow section of the tubular structure connects adjacent portions of the tubular structure at the opening. An example of a component comprised of discrete tubular structures connected by relatively narrow connecting portions is shown in FIGS. 11-12 and discussed in further detail below.
[0050]A tubular structure can be configured with various physical properties. Exemplary physical properties of the tubular structure that could be varied include rigidity, strength and flexibility or elasticity. In some embodiments, for example, a tubular structure could be configured as relatively rigid with little flexibility. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, tubular structure 140 may be configured with some flexibility such that one or more portions of tubular structure 140 can undergo elastic deformation during tensioning.
[0051]Different embodiments could utilize different materials for a tubular structure. Exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, various kinds of polymers. In embodiments where a tubular structure may be formed by a 3D printing process, the tubular structure could be made of materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastics (e.g., PLA and ABS) and thermoplastic powders, high-density polyurethylene, eutectic metals, rubber, modeling clay, plasticine, RTV silicone, porcelain, metal clay, ceramic materials, plaster and photopolymers, as well as possibly other materials known for use in 3D printing. Such materials may be herein referred to as “printable materials.”
[0052]Tensioning system 130 includes first tensile strand 160 and plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. As used herein, the term “tensile strand” refers to any elongated (e.g., approximately two dimensional) element capable of transferring tension across its length. Examples of various kinds of tensile strands that could be used with the embodiments include, but are not limited to, cords, laces, wires, cables, threads, ropes, filaments, yarns as well as possibly other kinds of strands. Tensile strands may be configured with different strengths as well as different degrees of stretch or elasticity.
[0053]First tensile strand 160 may comprise a cord-like element having an approximately rounded cross section. First tensile strand 160 includes first end portion 162, second end portion 164, and intermediate portion 166. Although the length of first tensile strand 160 could vary from one embodiment to another, in an exemplary embodiment, first tensile strand 160 may be longer than tubular structure 140 so that first end portion 162 and second end portion 164 extend outwardly from first end 142 and second end 144, respectively, of tubular structure 140.
[0054]In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may include provisions to prevent either first end portion 162 or second end portion 164 from being pulled into tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140. Such an element may be herein referred to as a “catching element,” though the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 is not depicted with any catching elements. Catching elements could include knots formed in a tensile strand or other elements that clamp or tie onto the tensile strand. A catching element may generally have a cross-sectional size and/or shape that prevents the catching element from being pulled into a tubular structure. Instead, the catching element may press against the end of the tubular structure thereby allowing the other end of the tensile strand to be pulled so as to generate tension across the tensile strand.
[0055]FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of article 100 including plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes five secondary tensile strands (or just “tensile strands”). Specifically, as seen in FIGS. 2-3, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 includes second tensile strands 182, third tensile strand 183, fourth tensile strand 184, fifth tensile strand 185, and sixth tensile strand 186. In other embodiments, tensioning system 130 could include fewer than five tensile strands. In still other embodiments, tensioning system 130 could include more than five tensile strands.
[0056]Referring to FIG. 3, a representative second tensile strand 182 includes first portion 190, second portion 192, and third portion 191. Moreover, second portion 192 may be disposed between first portion 190 and third portion 194.
[0057]In different embodiments, two or more tensile strands could vary in one or more properties. In some embodiments, a first tensile strand and a second tensile strand could be substantially similar in materials and/or dimensions. In other embodiments, however, a first tensile strand and a second tensile strand could differ in material and/or dimensions. For example, the exemplary embodiment depicts first tensile strand 160 that is much longer than any of the plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. Further, as best seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, first tensile strand 160 may have a larger diameter than second tensile strand 182, which is a representative tensile strand of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180. In particular, in some embodiments, each of the tensile strands of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may have a similar diameter.
[0058]In some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 may also be made of a different material than second tensile strand 182. For example, in some embodiments, first tensile strand 160 could be made of nylon, while second tensile strand 182 could be made of a high-strength material such as Vectran. Using this combination of materials could allow for slightly more give and durability in first tensile strand 160, which may be subjected to stresses in many different directions. In other embodiments, however, first tensile strand 160 and second tensile strand 182 could be made of similar materials that impart similar physical properties including similar strength, stretch, and durability.
[0059]Optionally, in some embodiments, a tensile strand may be encased in a coating, such as a PTFE coating, that allows the tensile strand to be pulled or pushed smoothly through a tunnel and/or against a surface such as an upper with minimal resistance. It is also contemplated that in some other embodiments, some portions of plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 could be laminated, covered, or embedded within a layer of TPU or other polymer material that may help bond plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 to an upper along their length.
[0060]Referring back to FIG. 1, in the assembled article 100, tubular structure 140 extends along a contoured path on outer surface 105 of upper 102. Specifically, first end 142 of tubular structure 140 begins in heel portion 14 on medial side 18, extends through midfoot portion 12 and forefoot portion 10 on medial side 18 and then crosses to lateral side 16 at the front of article 100. From the front on lateral side 16, tubular structure 140 extends through forefoot portion 10 and midfoot portion 12, and into heel portion 14 on lateral side 16. Second end 144 is disposed in heel portion 14. For purposes of illustration, the portions of tubular structure 140 on lateral side 16 are shown in phantom in FIG. 1.
[0061]In some embodiments, tubular structure 140 may be attached to an underlying portion of upper 102. As an example, the enlarged cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 illustrates how portion 149 of outer surface 143 of tubular structure 140 may be in contact with, and attached to, upper 102. In some embodiments, tubular structure 140 may be attached to upper 102 along the entire length of tubular structure 140 (e.g., tubular structure may be continuously connected with upper 102). Thus, for example, first end 142, second end 144 and intermediate portion 146 may all be attached directly to upper 102. In other embodiments, however, tubular structure 140 could be attached to upper 102 at two or more non-continuous sections.
[0062]Generally, tubular structure 140 could be attached to upper 102 in any manner. Exemplary methods of attachment could include, but are not limited to, adhesive methods, stitching, stapling, the use of various fastening elements as well as possibly other methods. In an exemplary embodiment, tubular structure 140 could be formed by a three-dimensional printing process and formed directly onto upper 102. In such a process, tubular structure 140 could be made of a printable material capable of bonding with the surface of upper 102 during or after printing. Such an exemplary process is discussed in further detail below.
[0063]First tensile strand 160 may extend through tubular structure 140. Specifically, first tensile strand 160 may extend through tunnel 141 of tubular structure 140.
[0064]Plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may be arranged to engage with first tensile strand 160 and provide a means of transferring tension between first tensile strand 160 and one or more other regions of article 100. As best seen in FIG. 3, second portion 192 of second tensile strand 182 may wrap around or over first tensile strand 160, thereby engaging first tensile strand 160. Further, first portion 190 and third portion 191 of second tensile strand 182 may be attached to first attachment region 300 and second attachment region 302, respectively, on article 100. In other embodiments, one or more ends of second tensile strand 182 could be joined to first tensile strand 160, for example, using a knot or intermediate connector.
[0065]In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, first attachment region 300 and second attachment region 302 are regions of sole structure 110. Thus, second tensile strand 182 acts to connect first tensile strand 160 to sole structure 110. In other embodiments, however, a tensile strand could be attached to a region on upper 102. Such arrangements allow second tensile strand 182 to transfer tension between first tensile strand 160 and one or more attachment regions associated with either upper 102 or sole structure 110.
[0066]FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of article 100. Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the exemplary embodiment provides a configuration for supporting the arch of the foot. Moreover, the additional arch support provided by tensioning system 130 allows sole structure 110 to be constructed with a narrower midfoot portion 112, which may help reduce the weight of sole structure 110 and article 100.
[0067]As best seen in FIGS. 3-4, each tensile strand in plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 is anchored at, or near, bite line 125. In some embodiments, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 may be attached directly to sole structure 110. In other embodiments, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 could be attached on upper 102 at a portion of upper 102 that is attached to sole structure 110.
[0068]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an isometric view of article 100, and an enlarged view of a portion of article 100, respectively, as first tensile strand 160 is pulled to tighten article 100. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, tensioning force 400 is applied to first end portion 162 and second end portion 164 of first tensile strand 160. This results in first tensile strand 160 being pulled taut within tubular structure 140. As intermediate portion 166 of first tensile strand 160 within tubular structure 140 is pulled taut, plurality of secondary tensile strands 180 is pulled into plurality of openings 150 (e.g., second tensile strand 182 is pulled into first opening 152). Thus, tension is created across plurality of secondary tensile strands 180, between first tensile strand 160 (and tubular structure 140) and sole structure 110. This tension provides increased support to the arch of the foot on medial side 18.
[0069]Various other arrangements of secondary tensile strands are possible in other embodiments. In some embodiments, tensile strands may extend from a tubular structure to a bite line (as in FIGS. 1-6). In other embodiments, tensile strands could extend between two different portions of a tubular structure, or between two separate tubular structures. Moreover, some embodiments can be configured with a combination of tensile strands that extend to the bite line or across the upper to other portions of a tubular structure. In still other embodiments, one or more portions of a secondary tensile strand could be attached directly to a portion of an upper, using, for example, a laminate layer to bond the tensile strand to the upper, or using various kinds of welds.
[0070]FIGS. 7-9 illustrate views of another embodiment of an article of footwear 500 (also referred to as article 500) with tensioning system 530. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of article 500, while FIGS. 8-9 illustrate side views of article 500, corresponding to non-tensioned (FIG. 8) and tensioned (FIG. 9) configurations of article 500.
[0071]Article 500 may be provided with some similar provisions to article 100 of a previous embodiment. For example, article 500 includes upper 502 and sole structure 510, which are joined at bite line 525. Upper 502 and sole structure 510 could be configured in any way as discussed above for upper 102 and sole structure 110 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6.
[0072]For purposes of reference, article 500 may be associated with similar portions and/or directional terms as used in discussing article 100. For example, article 500 includes forefoot portion 410, midfoot portion 412, heel portion 414, and ankle portion 415. Further, article 500 includes lateral side 416 and medial side 418.
[0073]Article 500 further includes tensioning system 530, which may include at least some similar components to tensioning system 130 discussed above and shown in FIGS. 1-6. Specifically, tensioning system 530 includes tubular structure 540, first tensile strand 560 and plurality of secondary tensile strands 580. The tubular structure and tensile strands may have any of the properties discussed above for tubular structure 140, first tensile strand 160, and plurality of secondary tensile strands 180.
[0074]As seen in FIGS. 7-9, tubular structure 540 may be arranged on upper 502. Tubular structure 540 may include first end 542, second end 544, and various intermediate portions to be discussed in further detail below. First tensile strand 560 extends through tunnel 541 of tubular structure 540. First end portion 562 and second end portion 564 of first tensile strand 560 exit first end 542 and second end 544, respectively, of tubular structure 540.
[0075]Tubular structure 540 includes plurality of openings 550. Portions of first tensile strand 560 may extend outwardly through plurality of openings 550 and may be engaged by plurality of secondary tensile strands 580 at various portions along tubular structure 540. In contrast to the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 where secondary tensile strands were provided at a single portion of tubular structure 540, the present embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 incorporates secondary tensile strands along multiple different portions of tubular structure 540.
[0076]Tubular structure 540 has a contoured path on upper 502. Starting on lateral side 416 of heel portion 414, tubular structure 540 extends continuously on lateral side 416 through midfoot portion 412 and forefoot portion 410, around the front of upper 502, and then on medial side 418, ending in heel portion 414. The contoured path of tubular structure 540 incorporates various curved or non-linear portions that facilitate dynamic fit and comfort.
[0077]In some embodiments, portions of a tubular structure may be contoured to create dynamic support to one or more portions of a foot. For example, tubular structure 540 includes first curved portion 600 on lateral side 416 (an intermediate portion on the lateral side), which is approximately disposed through midfoot portion 412 of article 500. First curved portion 600 is seen to curve away from bite line 525. Second curved portion 602 is disposed on medial side 418 (an intermediate portion on the medial side) and similarly curves away from bite line 525. The placement and geometry of these portions may facilitate a dynamic fit for article 500, especially when used in combination with one or more secondary tensile strands.
[0078]In some embodiments, portions of a tubular structure may be contoured to enhance comfort, for example, by passing around (rather than over or through) bony regions of an upper. As used herein, the term “bony region” refers to any region or portion of an upper that is in contact with, or proximate, a bony structure of a foot when the article is worn. Exemplary bony structures in the foot include structures of the metatarsal bones,