Article and method for laser-etching stratified materials
First Claim
1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a stratified material having at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer forming an exterior of the upper, and the first layer being laser-etched to form a removed portion of the first layer that exposes the second layer.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for utilizing a laser to etch a stratified material is disclosed. The method includes providing a stratified material having at least two layers that are secured together, the layers including a first layer and a second layer. An incision is then formed in the stratified material with a laser, the incision extending through the first layer to expose the second layer. The stratified material may then be incorporated into an upper of the article of footwear, for example. By exposing portions of the second layer, properties of the second layer may be exposed in the area of the removed first layer.
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Citations
44 Claims
- 1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the upper comprising a stratified material having at least a first layer and a second layer, the first layer forming an exterior of the upper, and the first layer being laser-etched to form a removed portion of the first layer that exposes the second layer.
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12. A method for manufacturing an article of footwear, the method including steps of:
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providing a stratified material having at least two layers that are secured together, the layers including a first layer and a second layer;
forming an incision in the stratified material with a laser, the incision extending through the first layer to expose the second layer; and
incorporating the stratified material into an upper of the article of footwear. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for modifying properties of an upper for an article of footwear, the method comprising steps of:
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providing a stratified material having at least two layers that are secured together, the layers including an exterior layer and an underlying layer, the exterior layer having a first property, and the underlying layer having a second property;
removing a first portion of the exterior layer with a laser such that a second portion of the exterior layer remains secured to the underlying layer and the stratified material exhibits;
the first property in areas where the second portion of the exterior layer remains secured to the underlying layer, and the second property in areas where the first portion of the exterior layer is removed from the stratified material; and
incorporating the stratified material into an upper of the article of footwear. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29)
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30. A method for laser-etching, the method including steps of:
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providing a stratified material having a first layer and a second layer that are secured together;
forming a first incision in the stratified material with a laser, the first incision extending through the first layer to expose the second layer, and the first incision forming a first portion of the first layer and a second portion of the first layer that are segregated by the first incision; and
removing the first portion of the first layer from the stratified material such that the second portion of the first layer remains secured to the second layer. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method for manufacturing an article of footwear, the method including steps of:
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providing a stratified material having a first property at a surface of the stratified material and a second property at an interior portion of the stratified material;
forming an incision in the stratified material with a laser, the incision extending through the stratified material to expose the interior portion; and
incorporating the stratified material into an upper of the article of footwear. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44)
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Specification