Importance

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Abstract

A method of manufacturing a panel of composite material for an article of footwear is disclosed herein. The method includes stretching a resilient first layer from a resting configuration to a stretched configuration. The method further includes engaging a second layer with the first layer when the first layer is in the stretched configuration. The first and second layers are then embroidery stitched to couple the layers together. The embroidery stitching provides a stitch network forming a plurality of cell units on the composite material. In at least one embodiment, the cell units are re-entrant in shape and form an auxetic structure. After embroidery stitching the first and second layers, the first layer is released from the stretched configuration and returns to an unstretched/contracted state. When the resilient layer returns to the contracted state, bulges are formed in each of the cell units by the second layer.

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First Claim