CN110495666B

CN110495666B - Footwear comprising a cage

Info

Publication number: CN110495666B
Application number: CN201811189698.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.A.沃尔克曼; W.J.卡斯; C.A.马蒂斯
Original assignee: Wolverine Outdoors Inc
Current assignee: Gemini Asia Maile Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-16
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2022-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-12
Also published as: CN110495666A

Abstract

The present invention relates to footwear including a cage. Specifically disclosed is an article of footwear, comprising: an upper having a lacing system; a sole support plate; and a holder having a support member extending upward from the support plate so as to form a part of the bracket around and rearward of the calcaneus of the wearer. The support members are coupled with the lacing system so that when the holder is in a loaded state, the system transfers forward force of the wearer's instep against the holder through the members so that the carriage is drawn toward the calcaneus bone with the lacing system to reduce forward sliding of the foot over the support plate. The footwear may include a tensioning member coupled with the system and retractor band wrapping back around the wearer's ankle and operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened to lock the cage against the heel and tighten the band around the ankle.

Description

Footwear comprising a cage

Technical Field

The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear construction having a cage that encloses and locks a wearer's foot within the footwear.

Background

Various performance shoes (performance shoes) and hiking shoes are commercially available. Many of these shoes include an upper and a sole constructed from multiple components that are stitched, glued, or otherwise fastened to one another along the length of the footwear from heel to toe. The goal of most of these shoe constructions is to form a tight but comfortable envelope around the wearer's foot, thereby providing a stable and durable enclosure for the foot. In the case of a shoe comprising a plurality of components fastened to one another, these components can move and stretch relative to one another over time, or under the effect of significant stress. As a result, the foot within the enclosed structure of the upper may move forward a small and sometimes large amount. In some cases, where movement is significant, the toes of the foot may push hard into the toe box of the upper, thereby causing discomfort (particularly when the shoe is used to traverse downhill contours).

In an attempt to better secure the wearer's foot relative to the sole, some manufacturers produce shoes that include leather or plastic portions that extend upwardly from the arch of the sole to the laces of the footwear. The lace envelops and secures the wearer's foot such that these portions are drawn inwardly against the lateral and medial sides of the wearer's foot in the arch region, with the lace positioned over the instep of the foot. Over time, these portions may begin to pull away from the sole, such that even when the lace is tightened, they do not completely secure the foot to the sole. In addition, due to the excessive force created by the wearer's foot pushing the lace forward and pulling on these portions, these portions may stretch and/or move, thereby allowing the foot to slide forward over the sole, again causing the wearer's toes to be forced into the toe-caps and potentially causing discomfort to the wearer.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the art of producing footwear that dynamically secures a wearer's foot within the footwear and prevents the foot from sliding forward and squeezing the wearer's toes into the toe box of the footwear.

Disclosure of Invention

A footwear construction is provided, comprising: an upper having a lacing system; a sole support plate; and a holder having a support member extending upward from the support plate so as to form a part of a cradle (cradle) around and rearward of the calcaneus of the wearer. The support member may be coupled with the lacing system such that when the holder is in a loaded state, the lacing system transfers a forward force of the wearer's instep against the holder through the support member such that the carriage is drawn toward the calcaneus bone with the lacing system, thereby reducing forward sliding of the foot over the support plate.

In one embodiment, the holder and the support plate may be constructed of a common material and may be formed integrally with each other. The support panel may be rigid but flexible, and may optionally extend continuously across the full width of the footwear and along a substantial length of the footwear. In some cases, the support panel may extend from the toe to the heel and may be disposed above the sole, between the sole and the upper.

In another embodiment, the support members may include first and second support members on a lateral side of the footwear and third and fourth support members on a medial side of the footwear. The first and third members may extend outwardly from the support panel in a position forward of and/or adjacent to the calcaneus bone of the wearer. The first and third support members may be free floating relative to and/or disposed on a lateral exterior surface of the upper. The second and fourth support members may extend forward from a position behind the calcaneus bone toward the respective first and third support members.

In yet another embodiment, the second and fourth support members may include ends for coupling with ends of the first and third support members. These ends may be joined with a lacing system.

In yet another embodiment, the second support member and the fourth support member may be integrally formed as a cradle that extends around and rearward of the calcaneus bone of the wearer. Alternatively, the bracket may also be formed integrally with the support plate, and may extend upward from the rear portion of the support plate.

In even another embodiment, the support plate may not have any holes or apertures extending completely through the support plate except in a few selected locations (such as under the calcaneus bone and/or in the forefoot).

In further embodiments, the footwear may be configured such that the cage reaches the loaded state when a forward force of the instep of the wearer is presented (project) against the lacing system. The forward force is distributed between the first support member and the second support member such that tension in the second support member relative to tension in the first support member is optionally at least a 1.25:1 ratio; further optionally at least 1.5: 1; yet further optionally at least 2: 1. The respective tensions in the third and fourth support members may be distributed in a similar ratio.

In still further embodiments, the footwear may include tensioning members coupled with a lacing system that is itself coupled with the second, third, and fourth support members on opposing lateral and medial sides of the upper. The tensioning member may be operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened, thereby drawing the cage against the lateral outer surface and the medial outer surface of the upper. Tightening may also pull the lacing system toward the brackets and support members, and vice versa, thereby locking the calcaneus bone in place within the brackets between the support members on opposite sides of the upper. The support member also pulls the support panel upward to lock the instep and forefoot between the lacing system and the support panel, thereby providing a secure enclosure around the wearer's foot.

In still further embodiments, the footwear may include a retractor strap (retractor strap) that wraps back around the wearer's ankle. The retractor band may be joined with the tension member on one side of the upper and may be free floating relative to a portion of an exterior surface of the upper. The tensioning member may simultaneously tighten the retractor band around the wearer's ankle in a tightening mode to further lock the upper to the wearer's ankle.

In even further embodiments, the tensioning member may comprise a dial rotatably coupled with the base. The substrate may be fixedly secured to an exterior of a side of the upper. The retractor band may include a first end, a distal second end, and a central portion therebetween. The first end may be secured to the base and the central portion may be free floating relative to and about a rear of an ankle of the wearer. The second end of the retractor strap may be joined with a buckle (lace) or a portion of the upper on the opposite side of the upper, where the buckle is optionally also fixed and stationary relative to the upper.

The present embodiments provide footwear that can dynamically accommodate a variety of foot shapes and that can actively and securely enclose and enclose a foot disposed inside the footwear. With the cage described herein, a user may actively lock their foot with the lacing system between the lacing system and the bracket formed by the support member and/or the support plate. This may prevent the wearer's foot from sliding forward over the support plate of the footwear and subsequently reduce forcing the toes of the wearer's foot into the cuff of the footwear. Where a retractor band is included, it may also positively lock the shoe area around the wearer's ankle to provide further securing and stabilizing structure to the wearer's ankle.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of operation or the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments in various other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various alternative ways not explicitly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including/comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Furthermore, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. The use of lists should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular order or number of parts unless explicitly stated otherwise. The use of enumeration also should not be interpreted as excluding any additional steps or components from the scope of the invention that may be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a current embodiment of footwear including a cage and a lacing system;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof illustrating a retractor band associated with the lacing system;

FIG. 3 is a medial side view of the footwear;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of footwear worn by a user traversing down a slope;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cage separated from the footwear;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the footwear;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the footwear illustrating operation of the retractor band; and

fig. 10 is a rear view of the footwear.

Detailed Description

A current embodiment of footwear is illustrated in fig. 1-9 and is generally indicated at 10. Footwear 10 may include: an upper 20 having a lacing system 30; a sole support plate 40; and one or more support members 50 extending upwardly from the support plate and joined with the lacing system 30. The support member 50 may cooperatively form a portion of the cradle 80 extending around and posteriorly to the calcaneus bone C of the wearer W. Support members 50 (which may be located on the lateral and medial sides of frame or cage 60, which may include a plantar support plate and one or more support members) may cooperate with lacing system 30 such that when the frame and/or cage is in a loaded state, the lacing system transmits a forward force F1 of the wearer's instep I through support members 50 such that carriage 80 is pulled toward calcaneus C with lacing system 30. This in turn reduces the forward sliding of the foot over the support plate. This may be helpful under a variety of conditions and on a variety of terrains, for example, when a user is traversing a downward slope in a downhill direction. In such a case, since the user's foot is locked in place relative to the support member and the frame, the user's foot will not slide forward over the support plate and press the wearer's toes against the interior 28F of the cuff 28 of the upper 20.

Although the present embodiment of footwear is illustrated in the context of a hiking shoe or performance shoe, it may be incorporated into any type or style of footwear, including casual shoes, off-road shoes and boots, work boots, all terrain shoes, barefoot running shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, rubber sole canvas athletic shoes, conventional tennis shoes, walking shoes, multi-activity shoes, boots, dress shoes, or any other type of footwear or footwear component. It should also be noted that directional terms (such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer," "outwardly," "under," "over") are used to help describe the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings based on their orientation.

In addition, the terms "medial," "lateral," and "longitudinal" are used in a manner commonly used with respect to footwear. For example, when used to refer to one side of a shoe, the term "medial" refers to the medial side (i.e., the side facing the other shoe), while "lateral" refers to the lateral side. When used to refer to directions, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to a direction extending generally along the length of the shoe between the toe and heel, and the term "lateral direction" refers to a direction extending generally across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The use of directional terms should not be construed to limit the invention to any particular orientation.

Additionally, as used herein, the term "arch region" (or arch or in the foot) generally refers to that portion of the footwear or sole assembly that corresponds with the arch or foot of the wearer's foot; the term "forefoot region" (or forefoot) generally refers to that portion of footwear forward of the arch region that corresponds with the forefoot (e.g., including the ball and toes) of a wearer's foot; and the term "heel region" (or heel) generally refers to that portion of the footwear rearward of the arch region that corresponds with the heel of the wearer's foot. Forefoot region 17, arch or midfoot region 18, and heel region 19 are generally identified in fig. 3. However, it will be appreciated that the delineation of these regions may vary depending on the configuration of the sole assembly and/or the footwear.

The current embodiment of footwear 10 may include features that are positioned relative to certain bones in the foot F of the wearer W. Referring to fig. 3, the general location of some of those bones is illustrated. For example, depending on the anatomy of the wearer, the metatarsals typically extend in the forefoot region 17, and sometimes into the midfoot region 18. The cuneiform bones CB are generally disposed in the midfoot region 18 and, together with the metatarsal bones, form a portion of the instep I spanning the top of the wearer's foot F. Posterior to the cuneiform CB is the talus T, which extends above the peroneal tarsal or calcaneus C. The calcaneus bone C is sometimes referred to herein as the heel bone (heel bone) or heel of the foot F of the wearer. With further reference to fig. 3, certain support members may be located at certain positions relative to the calcaneus bone C. For example, these locations may include first and third locations FL that may be disposed on either the lateral or medial side of the foot or footwear, and generally forward of the calcaneus bone C of the wearer W. These locations may include second and fourth locations RL, which may be disposed on either the lateral or medial side of the foot or footwear, and generally adjacent to and/or at or about the rearmost portion of the calcaneus bone, optionally extending beyond the rearmost portion of the calcaneus bone. These positions may include fifth and sixth positions AL, which may be disposed on either the lateral or medial side of the foot or footwear, and generally adjacent to the lateral and medial sides of the calcaneus bone, and optionally between first or third positions FL and second or fourth positions RL.

Upper 20 may take the form of a knitted upper that is constructed, for example, from a woven or knitted technique, such as circular knitting, flat knitting, jacquard knitting, or other types of knitting. Alternatively, upper 20 may be manufactured from leather, canvas, nylon, non-woven, plastic sheet, or other suitable materials, and may include padding (not shown) or other accessories. As illustrated in fig. 1 and 6, the upper may include an ankle opening 22 and an interior void 23 enclosed by the upper. Interior void 23 may extend over cuff 28 of the upper. The cuff 28 may be configured to receive the toes TS of the wearer. Cuff 28 may extend generally toward ankle opening 22 with instep area 29 of the upper disposed therebetween.

Instep region 29 may extend over the instep I of the wearer and may optionally include a tongue 29T. The tongue may be a foldable tongue that is joined with side panels (29L) of upper 20 and extends across instep area 29. Tongue 29T may be connected to side panel 29L from cuff 28 all the way to ankle opening 22 on lateral side L of the footwear. The tongue may extend across the longitudinal axis to generally cover the instep I of the wearer's foot. The cuff may also extend upwardly to a perimeter or boundary 29P of the instep region 29, which may extend from adjacent the cuff 28 and along a medial panel 29M to the ankle opening 22. Tongue 29T may extend to this perimeter 29P and may be disposed under a portion of inner side panel 29M to close instep region 29 with tongue 29T. With this folding tongue, the instep I of the user's foot can be covered. Optionally, the folding tongue may include opposing edges 29E. The opposing edge 29E may be disposed above or below the perimeter 29P disposed on the inner side panel 29M. Alternatively, although not shown, the folding tongue 29T may be replaced with a conventional tongue extending upwardly from the cuff 28 or vamp front end (vamp) of the upper, with gaps on either side separating the tongue from the side and

medial panels

29L, 29M.

The upper may include a lower portion having a peripheral allowance (allowance) 24. The peripheral margin 24 may curve inward, extending toward the center of footwear 10 (generally from both the lateral side L and the medial side M of the footwear toward the longitudinal axis LA of the footwear). Optionally, these peripheral margins may not extend all the way towards the longitudinal axis LA.

The peripheral relief 24 may include an inner surface 24I and an outer surface 24E. The outer surface may be glued, bonded, adhered, sewn or otherwise secured to the inner surface 64 of the support panel 40 and generally connected to the frame 60. This interior surface 64 of the support panel may extend inwardly from the lateral side L to the medial side M of the footwear so as to intersect the longitudinal axis LA in doing so. The interior surface of the support panel 40 may extend across the width W of the support panel or footwear. The interior surface of the support panel may extend along the entire length EL of footwear 10. Alternatively, support panel 40 may extend continuously from lateral side L to medial side M across width W of the footwear and along length EL. In some cases, optional aperture 420 may be provided in heel region 19 of the footwear. In some cases, the holes 420 may extend through the support plate. Alternatively, other apertures 430 (fig. 8) may be provided in other areas of the plate, such as the forefoot. By extending continuously across a dimension (e.g., continuously across a width, or continuously along a length), the plates may optionally extend a majority of the width or a majority of the length, respectively. For example, there may be an aperture 430 disposed in forefoot region 17 that extends through support plate 40. The support plate then extends 51% or more of the width W in this area, such that the support plate 40 is considered to extend continuously across the width W. It will also be noted that the support panel may extend upwardly along the lower portion 24 of the upper on the lateral side L and/or medial side M of the upper 20. The support panel or portions thereof (such as edges 47) may be exposed and visible along those areas 24 of upper 20. Alternatively, the support panel edge 47 can be disposed above the uppermost portion 90U of the sole 90. The edges 47 of the support panel can be seen between the upper and the uppermost portion 90U of the sole, as shown in fig. 6. In some applications, support panel 40 may have a contrasting color relative to the upper and/or the sole to delineate its position and inclusion in footwear 10.

As mentioned above, the peripheral slack 24 shown in fig. 6 may not extend all the way from the opposing lateral side L and medial side M toward the longitudinal axis LA. Therefore, the gap 24G may be provided therebetween. This gap 24G may be filled by a portion of the sole 70, which may be disposed in the interior 23 of the footwear. The sole may have a cushioning material, such as EVA foam. This sole may rest on, and may be in contact with, interior surface 23I of upper 20. Sole 70 may include a lower surface 70L that rests adjacent to interior 23I of the upper and is optionally bonded or otherwise secured to interior 23I of the upper, and in particular, region 24I of peripheral margin 24. In some cases, the sole may include protrusions or pods 70P that protrude into gap 24G and may be disposed in the heel region. Of course, depending on the application, the lower surface of the sole 73L may include other protrusions to fit into other areas or gaps.

As shown in fig. 1, 6, 9, and 10, the upper may also include a lateral exterior surface 27L and a medial exterior surface 27M. These lateral and medial exterior surfaces may be disposed on respective lateral and medial sides of the footwear, and may extend along the full length EL of the footwear, optionally separated from one another by a longitudinal axis. As shown in fig. 10, these lateral and medial outer surfaces may extend downward and/or rearward from the instep, such as in the arch 18 and heel region 19 of the footwear. These lateral and medial exterior surfaces may also extend upward toward lacing system 30, and may include portions of a tongue 29T in instep area 29 of the upper.

As discussed above, instep region 29 may include lacing system 30. As illustrated in fig. 1, 2, and 4, lacing system 30 may include a buckle 22L directly joined with the upper (e.g., side panel 29L) and adjacent to a cuff-closer perimeter 29P of medial panel 29M. The lacing system may also include a secondary buckle 59L that is directly attached to the support member 50 of the cage and/or frame as described below. These secondary buckles 59L are not directly attached to the

outer surfaces

27L, 27M of the upper. Lace system 30 may include a tertiary lace clasp 59T, which may optionally be disposed on medial exterior surface 27M of the upper. This tertiary buckle 59T may be joined with the second base 56 itself secured to the medial exterior surface 27M of the upper, optionally adjacent the ankle opening 22. This tertiary buckle 59T and second base 56, as well as the tensioning members 35 described below, may be disposed at a common horizontal plane LI with respect to the upper and the support panel or sole.

Although shown as closed loop shoelace buckles, the shoelace buckles described herein may be in the form of tubes or c-shaped channels formed on portions of the upper or parts of the upper. Some other suitable lace guides for use herein may include the lace guides disclosed in U.S. patents 6,202,953 and 7,591,050 to Hammerslag, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Lace system 30 may further include a lace 31 that extends through a system of lace buckles as described above. This lace 31 may be continuous, and optionally may be in the form of strands, cables, solid wires, solid polymers, multi-filament layers or polymers (which may be braided, woven, twisted or otherwise constructed), tapes, cords, filaments, or a combination of any of the above. This shoelace may have an infinite length and may be combined with other shoelaces or strands. Some laces may include wires and/or synthetic materials, such as nylon, rayon, polyester, and/or polyacrylic.

As shown in fig. 1, 9, and 10, lace 31 may be disposed over instep area 29 of upper 20, generally over tongue 29T, and may extend back and forth upward toward ankle opening 22 between inner side panel 29M and side panel 29L. The lace may be staggered back and forth between the lateral and medial sides of the footwear, and may be wrapped with a lace loop or otherwise interfaced with a variety of different configurations to provide a desired movement or spatial orientation of the upper to enclose and enclose the wearer's foot disposed in foot void 23.

Lace 31 is shown coupled with tensioning members 35. This tensioning member 35 may be joined to a first base 36 which is itself joined directly to the upper. Alternatively, the first substrate may be fastened, stitched, or otherwise fastened to lateral exterior surface 27L of the upper. The substrate may be generally stationary, fixed, and/or immovable relative to the outer exterior surface 27L. Of course, depending on the application, the tension members 35 may be joined with other portions of the upper in different locations. The tensioning member may be offset to lateral side L of longitudinal axis LA, disposed adjacent ankle opening 23. Alternatively, the tensioning member 35 and/or the base 36 may overlap a portion of the tongue 29T and may be disposed in the instep region 29 of the upper. The tension members 35 disposed on the lateral side L of footwear 17 are generally out of the way when the user is walking. Thus, when so positioned, the tension members of the left footwear do not engage or rub against the right footwear or otherwise cause tripping problems.

Tensioning member 35 may be selectively adjustable such that it may extend and/or retract lace 31 of lace system 30 (of which tensioning member is a part). The action may in turn generally pull side panel 29L and medial panel 29M closer to each other, and lace 31 may be tightened relative to the lace clasp, thereby bringing instep 29 downward to snugly and securely engage instep I of the wearer's foot, locking it in place, as described below. As illustrated, tensioning member 35 may be any reel-type tensioner that winds or unwinds lace 31 onto or off of an inner or outer reel or spool relative to tensioning member 35 during retraction and extension of the lace, respectively. One suitable configuration of tension members is described in U.S. patent 6,202,953 to Hammerslag, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The tensioning member 35 may be in the form of a rotatable and/or ratchet type spool. The tension member 35 may include an external knob or control 35K. The control member 35K may be manually grasped by the user W and rotated to extend or retract the shoelace 31. Tensioning member 35 may be configured to include a clutch and/or a stop mechanism that may generally limit the tightening of the lace relative to the upper. This may prevent the lace and upper from becoming excessively or accidentally overtightened. In the case where the tensioning member 35 is a spool-type tensioner, the optional clutch may be engaged when the wearer over-rotates the control. The clutch ensures that the knob 35K no longer rotates the inner spool. This may ensure that the amount of lace that is paid out or in from the tension members 35 remains the same until adjustment is made again.

As shown in fig. 1, 3, 6, 9, and 10, lacing system 30, and in particular tensioning members 35, may be coupled with retractor bands 70. The retractor band may include a first end 71, a second distal end 72, and a central portion 73 therebetween. The first end 71 may be joined with the first substrate 36 or otherwise secured to the first substrate 36. Again, the base 36 may be fixed and stationary relative to the upper. The second end 72 may be coupled to the second base 56 and/or the tertiary buckle 59T. The central portion 73 may wrap rearwardly around the ankle portion of the footwear and be configured to wrap around the ankle a of the wearer W from the lateral side L to the medial side M (generally from the first base to the second base).

The central portion 73 of the retractor band 70 may be constructed such that it is free floating relative to a portion of the outer surface. For example, central portion 73 may extend from first end 71 or second end 72, but between those ends, central portion 73 may be free floating relative to lateral exterior surface 27L and medial exterior surface 27M and all exterior surfaces of the upper between these strap ends. This situation is illustrated in fig. 6. There, retractor band 70 (e.g., central portion 73) is spaced from

outer surfaces

27M and 27L by a respective gap G2. Alternatively, this gap may be 0 mm, depending on the application and the state of the retractor band; further alternatively may be 0.01 mm to 1 mm; yet further optionally may be 0.1 mm to 2 mm; and yet further optionally may be 1 mm to 5 mm. The retractor bands may be retained by retainers 76 around the rear portion of the heel. This retainer 76 may be in the form of a piece of material or plate that is sewn or fastened over a portion of the retractor band 70 (e.g., the central portion 73). The retainer may be free in the area spanned by the retractor band 70 so that the retractor band may move between the retainer and the exterior surface of the upper, typically sliding or moving over that exterior surface of the upper.

In operation, retractor band 70 may function with lacing system 30. This may retract lace 31 into tension members 35 as tension members 35 are rotated (e.g., as control knob 35K is rotated). This in turn results in the shoelace 31 becoming shorter overall. This advances the lace strap on one side of the upper toward the lace loop on the other side of the upper, and the support member on one side of the upper generally toward the lace system and instep area, as described below. This also pulls lacing system 30 downward toward instep region 29 and, thus, toward instep I of wearer W. Since the lace is attached to the tertiary lace buckles 59T and the tensioning members 35, and those elements are attached to the first and second bases, the retractor belts 70 are also pulled forward toward the instep area 29, and generally toward the instep I of the wearer. As a result, the gap G2 between the central portions of the retractor bands is reduced and narrowed, optionally until the inner surfaces of the retractor bands engage the outer surface of the upper. This may continue depending on the amount of lace tightening via the tensioning elements. In some cases, tensioning element 35 may be tightened such that the retractor band is pulled tightly around ankle opening 22 toward ankle a of wearer W until the ankle is locked in the footwear.

When the lacing system is tightened, the central portion 73 of retractor band 70 may slide or move relative to the exterior surface of the upper that is located below the retractor band. The first and second ends of the retractor band may remain stationary relative to the first and second substrates. The retractor bands may also move inward toward the exterior surface of the upper in direction D as shown in fig. 6, thereby generally closing gap G2 and/or reducing the size of gap G2. The lace buckles may move inwardly and/or toward longitudinal axis LE and generally toward instep area 29 or each other depending on how tight lace 31 is pulled. Thus, tensioning member 35 tightens lace 31 over instep I of the wearer, but may also simultaneously tighten retractor band 70 to lock the band and upper around ankle A of wearer W. This provides substantial entrapment (entreprister) of the wearer's foot within footwear 10. In this way, the wearer can again perform two tasks simultaneously with the tensioning element 35, namely: the wearer can pull the shoelace fasteners on the lateral and medial sides of the footwear toward each other and also pull the retractor bands tightly around the wearer's ankle, all with a single adjustment. As described below, such adjustment of the tensioning elements may also result in the lacing system interacting with the cage to provide other functions.

Referring to fig. 1, 3, 5, 6 and 10, the cage or frame 60 will be described in more detail. As shown in fig. 5, the cage or frame 60 may include a support plate 40 and may be integrally joined therewith to form an integral one-piece cage unit. The cage 60 may include support members 50 disposed on the lateral and medial sides of the footwear. Here, much of the focus will be on describing the support members on the lateral side L, and it will be appreciated that the support members on the medial side M may be very similar, if not identical. The holder 60 may include a first support member 51 extending upwardly from the support plate at a first position FL as shown in fig. 3. This position may be forward of the wearer's calcaneus bone C when the wearer's foot is in the footwear. The first support member may be free floating relative to the outer exterior surface 27L, or may be disposed on the outer exterior surface 27L. In practice, there may be a gap provided between the inner surface and the outer surface 27L of the first support member. Alternatively, this gap may be the same or similar to that mentioned above with respect to gap G2 between the retractor bands in the exterior surface of the upper. First support member 51 may extend upward toward instep region 29 and lacing system 30. The first support member 51 may include a first end 51A and a second end 51B. The first end may be generally joined to and integral with the support plate 40. The second end 51B may be disposed upwardly near the secondary buckle 59L and, as mentioned below, may be joined with the ends of other support members.

The holder 60 may include a second support member 52 disposed rearward of the first support member 51. The second support member 52 can extend upwardly from the support plate 40 from a second location RL that will be behind the calcaneus bone C of the wearer W. This second support member 52 may include a first end 52A. The first end 52A may be coupled to a portion of the bracket 80 of the holder and/or otherwise form a portion of the bracket 80 of the holder. The second end 52B may terminate rearward of the calcaneus bone C of the wearer. Alternatively, the end 52A of the second member 52 and the end 54A of the fourth member 54 may be disposed above the end 51A of the first member 51 and the end 53A of the third member 53. Second support member 52 may extend forward toward lacing system 30, instep region 29, and first support member 51. In particular, the second support member 52 may extend such that the second end 52B is joined within or adjacent to the second end 51B of the first support member. These ends may further be coupled with lacing system 30 and/or secondary shoelace buckles 59L, which are in turn coupled with shoelace 31 of lacing system 30. Alternatively, when tightening the lacing system 30 by adjusting the tensioning members 35, the pulling of the lace 31 by the corresponding eyelets in turn pulls on the secondary buckles 59L and the corresponding support members 50 on the opposite side of the holder. Thus, the tension in the lacing system is transmitted to all of the support members.

The second support member 52 may be free floating relative to the outboard outer surface, or may be disposed over the outboard outer surface. There may be a gap between the inner and outer surfaces of the second member, as mentioned above with respect to the retractor band. For example, referring to fig. 6, the second support member 52 may include a second central support portion 52C having a second inner surface disposed adjacent to, but optionally separated from, the outer side outer surface 27L via a gap G4. Again, this gap G4 may be similar in size to the retractor belt gap G2 mentioned above.

The holder may further include a fifth support member 55 extending upwardly from the support plate at a fixed position AL between the first and second positions. The attachment location AL is located adjacent to (on the lateral side and below) the calcaneus bone C of the wearer W. This fifth support member 55 may be provided between the first support member 51 and the second support member 52 on the outer side L. There may be openings or holes disposed between the first, second and third support members such that the outer surface 27L is between and exposed through those openings. Fifth support member 55 may extend from first end 55A to second end 55B. The second end 55B may be joined and integrated with the second ends 51B and 52B of the other support members. The first end 55A may extend upward from the support plate and may be integrally formed with the support plate. In some cases, this fifth support member 55 may be omitted. In other cases, it may be formed and integrated with the second support member 52 to form an extremely wide second support member.

Each of the first, second, and

third support members

51, 52, and 55 may be constructed of a material from which the unitary frame 60 is constructed. Depending on the application, this material may be an elastomer, plastic, thermoplastic, rubber, composite, leather, or other material. Generally, rigid but somewhat flexible materials may be suitable for use with the support member. Alternatively, the frame, support members, and cage as shown may take on a variety of different aesthetic configurations and designs, whether or not these features are functional.

As mentioned above, the second support member 52 may include the second center support portion 52C. The second center support portion 52C may be capable of operating in a relaxed mode and a tensioned mode, as depicted in fig. 4. Here, the user may traverse a downward slope S, where footwear 10 is generally pointed downhill. In this case, the sole 99 of the footwear, which is located beneath the cage or frame 60, engages the surface of the ramp S. A support panel 40 is positioned above the sole.

Support members

51, 52, and 55 and

corresponding support members

53, 54, and 56 on opposite sides of the footwear may be coupled with lacing system 30. The optional retractor band 70 may prevent the wearer's foot (and particularly the wearer's toes TS) from substantially reducing the distance D3 between the wearer's toes TS and the forward portion 28F of the cuff 28 to prevent the toes from being compressed under force.

As depicted in fig. 4, when a wearer traverses such a slope S downward, the instep I of the wearer exhibits a forward force F on instep area 29 of upper 20. This is transferred by the lace 31. Due to the lace 31 attached to the support members 51-56, these support members are placed under additional tension as they are pulled forward toward the instep area (i.e., they are shaped due to this tension), which may change in shape and spatial orientation. For example, the second support member 52 (in particular, the second central support portion) is initially shown in its relaxed mode prior to placing any force FF on the instep region 29, and wherein the second central support portion includes a slight curve C1. Due to the forward force FF exerted on footwear 10, the support member may transfer (translate) to a tensioned mode when the wearer's weight is applied to the slope by the footwear.

In particular, the slight curve C1 is apparent and visible in the second support member 52 when the holder is in an unloaded state via a wearer traversing a different horizontal plane than the ramp S. However, the second support member can also be operated in a tensioning mode. In this tensioning mode, the second central support portion 52C straightens to achieve the linear shape L1 when the cage is in the loaded state via a wearer riding down the ramp S. As a result, the curve C1 in the support member 52 becomes less curved or more linear to achieve a straighter or more linear shape L1 as the user traverses down the slope S. Lace system 30 is pushed by forward force F1, which in turn pulls support members 52 under the force to create tension in those members. Since the first end 52A of the support member 52 is coupled to the bracket 80 that encloses at least a portion of the calcaneus bone C of the foot of the wearer, the support member 52 absorbs this force under tension. Since the bracket is locked against the calcaneus bone C, the member 52 can stretch and reorient itself slightly relative to the exterior surface of the upper. The

other support members

51 and 55, as well as

support members

53, 55, and 56 on the medial side M of the footwear, may likewise straighten from a slightly curved configuration to a less curved or linear configuration. However, in some cases, the front-most support members (e.g., 51 and 53) do not bend or straighten as much as the second and

fourth members

52 and 54 because the

members

51 and 53 do not store or experience as much tension as the second or

fourth support members

52 or 54.

In other words, as shown in fig. 4, as user W traverses downward slope S and otherwise places forward force FF on instep region 29, this force is transferred to lacing system 30. This force FF is transmitted as tension through one or more of the first, second, and

fifth support members

51, 52, and 55 on the lateral side L and the third, fourth, and

sixth support members

53, 54, and 56 on the medial side M of the footwear. In this manner, the tension created by the forward force against the lacing system is transmitted to the secondary buckle 59L. The secondary buckle transfers tension to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth support members. Alternatively, second support member 52 and fourth support member 54 may be configured to absorb and handle a majority of the forward force FF transmitted from lacing system 30 to the cage such that the foot does not slide forward over support plate 40. For example, referring to fig. 4, cage 60 reaches a loaded state when forward force FF of instep I of the wearer is placed against instep region 29 and ultimately against footwear lacing system 30. In this loaded state, the forward force FF is more distributed to the second support member and the fourth support member. By way of example, comparing the force distributed to the first support member 51 with the second support member 52, where the tension is measured in pounds-force, the tension in the second support member may be at a ratio greater than 1:1 relative to the tension in pounds-force in the first support member. The tension in pounds force in the second support member relative to the tension in pounds force in the first support member may be at a ratio of optionally at least 1.25: 1; further optionally at least 1.5: 1; further optionally at least 2: 1; further optionally at least 2.5: 1; yet further optionally 3: at least 3: 1; and yet further optionally between 1.5:1 and 20:1 depending on the application, the slope, the weight of the wearer, and the general configuration of the support member.

With reference to fig. 4 and 5, the interaction of the support members with each other will be further described. In particular, the second support member 52 and the fourth support member 54 may cooperatively form a cradle 80 that extends around and posteriorly to the calcaneus bone C of the wearer W. The bracket second and fourth members are also joined with lacing system 30, as described above, such that when the cage is in the loaded state, lacing system 30 transfers the forward force FF of the wearer's instep I against lacing system 30 through the second and fourth support members, such that bracket 80 is drawn toward the calcaneus bone with the lacing system to reduce forward sliding of the foot over support plate 40. This in turn maintains the toes TT at a preselected distance D3 from the forwardmost portion 28F of the cuff 28. As mentioned above, this may prevent the toes from being squeezed in the cuff and slamming against the forward portion of the cuff, causing discomfort to the wearer. The bracket may extend upward from the support plate 40 and may form a portion of the support plate. The support panel extending upwardly to the cradle 80 may have a generally concave configuration well suited to receive the heel of a wearer. This portion of the support panel may extend around the rounded and bulbous rear portion of the wearer's foot (corresponding to the calcaneus bone C).

Alternatively, the support members may also decrease in distance from the exterior surface of the upper on which they are located when traversing down the incline. For example, as shown in fig. 10, the gap G4 may decrease substantially to zero when traversing a ramp downward. This is because the support members become more taut and are drawn inward in direction J toward the exterior surface of the upper.

Further optionally, the fifth and

sixth support members

55, 56 on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis LA may also form part of the carriage 80. In other cases, the bracket 80 may be formed from second and fourth members joined with another plate or piece of material that extends around the posterior portion of the calcaneus (at the posterior aspect of the calcaneus).

In operation, lacing system 30 and support member 50 may function to lock a wearer's foot in place by engaging the wearer's calcaneus bone C and instep I. In particular, when tensioning member 35 is tightened by rotating dial or control 35K, lace 31 is retracted toward member 35. This causes the laces to tighten, thereby pulling the lace buckles toward each other and toward the longitudinal axis LA. The secondary buckle 59L is pulled under tension via the shoelace 31. This pulls the support plate 40 upwards as they are joined with the first and

third support members

51, 53, so the foot is confined between the instep area 29 and the plate 40. However, the tension is also transmitted through the second support member 52 and the fourth support member 54. The tension in these support members has a horizontal (forward) component as well as an upward component. These members then pull the bracket forward under tension to engage the bracket on the posterior portion of the calcaneus bone. This in turn locks the bracket 80 around the posterior portion of the calcaneus bone C. It is further tightened so that the foot is clasped (clench) between the bracket 80 located posteriorly of the calcaneus C and the lacing system 30. With the tensioning member 35 coupled with the retractor band, as described above, the retractor band may be tightened simultaneously to grip the wearer's ankle a; again, when the foot is clamped between the instep area and the support plate, and when the calcaneus is confined in the cradle, the instep area is pulled back toward the cradle via the tightened lace.

Directional terms (such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer," and "outwardly") are used to help describe the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the drawings. The use of directional terms should not be construed to limit the invention to any particular orientation(s).

The above description is that of the current embodiment of the invention. Various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the particular elements illustrated or described with respect to those embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced with alternative elements that provide substantially the same functionality or otherwise provide for modest operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements (such as those that may currently be known to those skilled in the art) as well as alternative elements that may be developed in the future (such as those that may be considered alternatives by those skilled in the art as they are developed). Further, the disclosed embodiments include a number of features that are described consistently and that may cooperate to provide a range of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments which include all of these features or which provide all of the stated benefits, except as expressly stated in the issued claims. Any reference to a claim element in the singular (e.g., using the articles "a/an," "the," etc.) is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements such as "at least one of X, Y and Z" is intended to individually include either X, Y or Z, and any combination of X, Y and Z (e.g., X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z).

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper defining a foot void configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including an upper heel portion configured to extend around a rear portion of a calcaneus bone of the wearer, the upper including a lateral exterior surface and a medial exterior surface, the lateral exterior surface and the medial exterior surface extending upward toward a lace area;

a lacing system disposed in a lace region of the upper;

a sole comprising a plurality of lugs;

a support plate constructed of a first rigid but flexible material extending from a heel region through an arch region and into a forefoot region of the footwear;

a cage integrally joined with the support plate to form a one-piece cage unit, the cage constructed from the first material, the cage comprising:

a first support member extending upwardly from the support plate at a first location forward of the calcaneus bone of the wearer, the first support member being free-floating relative to and disposed over the lateral outer surface, the first support member extending upwardly and to a first support member end and being joined with the lacing system;

a second support member rearward of the first support member, the second support member extending upwardly from the support plate, the second support member extending forward from a second location rearward of the calcaneus of the wearer toward the first support member, the second support member including a second support member end joined with the first support member end and joined with the lacing system, the second support member being free-floating relative to and disposed over the lateral outer surface, the second support member having a second central support portion with a second inner surface disposed adjacent the lateral outer surface,

a third support member extending upwardly from the support plate at a third location forward of the calcaneus bone of the wearer, the third support member being free-floating relative to and disposed over the medial outer surface, the third support member extending upwardly to a third support member end and being joined with the lacing system,

a fourth support member rearward of the third support member, the fourth support member extending upward from the support plate, the fourth support member extending forward from a fourth location rearward of the calcaneus of the wearer toward the third support member, the fourth support member including a fourth support member end joined with the third support member end and joined with the lacing system, the fourth support member being free to float relative to and disposed over the medial outer surface, the fourth support member having a fourth central support portion with a fourth inner surface disposed adjacent the medial outer surface,

wherein the second support member and the fourth support member cooperatively form a cradle that extends around and posteriorly to the calcaneus bone of the wearer,

wherein the second and fourth support members are joined with the lacing system such that when the cage is in a loaded state, the lacing system is configured to transfer a forward force of the wearer's instep against the lacing system through the second and fourth support members such that the carriage is drawn toward the calcaneus bone with the lacing system so as to reduce forward sliding of the foot over the support plate.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1,

wherein the second core support portion is operable in a relaxed mode in which the second core support portion includes a curve when the holder is in an unloaded state via the wearer crossing a horizontal plane,

wherein when the holder is in a loaded state via the wearer passing down an inclined surface, the second central support portion is operable in a tensioned mode in which the curve of the second central support portion is straightened.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, comprising:

a fifth support member extending upwardly from the support plate at a fifth location located between the first location and the second location, the fifth location being located adjacent the calcaneus bone of the wearer, the fifth support member being joined with at least one of the first support member end and the second support member end such that tension in the lacing system is transmitted to the first support member, the second support member, and the fifth support member when the lacing system is tightened.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 3,

wherein the first support member end and the second support member end are coupled to a buckle,

wherein the shoelace buckle is coupled with a shoelace of the shoelace system.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 4,

wherein the upper includes a cuff in the forefoot region,

wherein the second support member and the fourth support member are configured to reduce movement of the wearer's foot toward the cuff when the holder is in the loaded state.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 1,

wherein, when the cage is in the loaded state, the forward force of the wearer's instep against the lacing system is distributed between the first and second support members such that tension in pounds force in the second support member is at a ratio of at least 1.25:1 relative to the tension in pounds force in the first support member.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 6,

wherein the ratio is at least 1.5: 1.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 7,

wherein the ratio is at least 2: 1.

9. The article of footwear according to claim 1,

wherein the second and fourth support members are joined via a portion of the support plate, the support plate being concave and configured to extend around a posterior portion of the calcaneus bone.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1, comprising:

a tensioning member coupled with a lace of the lace system;

a retractor band having a first end coupled to the tensioning member on the lateral outer surface, the retractor band extending over the lateral outer surface to around the medial outer surface, the retractor band being free floating relative to a portion of the lateral outer surface and a portion of the medial outer surface, the retractor band having a second end coupled to a buckle on the medial outer surface.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 10,

wherein the tensioning member is operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened, thereby drawing the cage against the lateral outer surface and the medial outer surface,

wherein the tensioning members simultaneously tighten the retractor around the ankle of the wearer in the tightening mode.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, comprising:

a tensioning member coupled with the lacing system,

a retractor band coupled with the tensioning member, the retractor band extending over the outboard outer surface to around the inboard outer surface, the retractor band being free floating relative to a portion of the outboard outer surface and a portion of the inboard outer surface,

wherein the tensioning members simultaneously tighten the retractor band around the ankle of the wearer in the tightening mode.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 1,

wherein the bracket extends downward to a heel portion of the support plate, the heel portion extending along a full width of the footwear from the lateral outer surface to the medial outer surface,

wherein the support plate extends forward to and is disposed below a cuff of the upper.

14. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper having an exterior surface;

a lacing system disposed adjacent to the outer surface;

a support panel constructed of a pliable first material extending continuously from a heel region to a forefoot region of the footwear, the support panel configured to extend under a foot of a wearer of the footwear;

a holder integrally coupled to the support plate, the holder including:

a first support member extending upwardly from the support plate at a first location forward of the calcaneus bone of the wearer,

a second support member rearward of the first support member, the second support member extending upwardly from the support plate, forward from a location behind the calcaneus bone of the wearer toward the first support member, the second support member including a second support member end joined with the first support member end and joined with the lacing system,

a third support member extending upwardly from the support plate at a third location forward of the calcaneus bone of the wearer,

a fourth support member rearward of the third support member, the fourth support member extending upwardly from the support plate, forward from a location behind the calcaneus bone of the wearer toward the third support member, the fourth support member including a fourth support member end joined with a third support member end and joined with the lacing system,

15. The article of footwear according to claim 14,

wherein the bracket extends downwardly to a heel portion of the support plate, the upper including a lateral exterior surface and a medial exterior surface, the heel portion extending from the lateral exterior surface to the medial exterior surface along a full width of the footwear,

16. The article of footwear of claim 14, comprising:

a tensioning member coupled with the lacing system,

a retractor band coupled with the tension member, the retractor band extending over the exterior surface of the upper, the retractor band being free-floating relative to a portion of the exterior surface,

wherein the tensioning member is operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened, thereby drawing the cage against the outer surface,

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, comprising:

a tensioning member including a dial rotatably coupled with a base fixedly secured to the exterior surface of the upper on a first side of the upper, the tensioning member coupled with a lace of the lace system;

a retractor band comprising a first end, a distal second end, and a central portion therebetween,

wherein the first end is secured to the substrate,

wherein the central portion is free floating relative to a portion of the outer surface,

wherein the central portion wraps rearward around an ankle of the wearer to a second, opposite side of the upper,

wherein the second end is joined with the lacing system on a second side of the upper,

wherein the tensioning member tightens the retractor band around the ankle of the wearer in the tightening mode.

18. The article of footwear according to claim 14,

19. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper having an exterior surface;

a lacing system disposed adjacent to the outer surface;

a support plate extending from a heel region to a forefoot region of the footwear, the support plate configured to extend under a foot of a wearer of the footwear;

a holder integrally coupled to the support plate, the holder including:

wherein the second support member forms part of a cradle extending around and rearwards of the calcaneus of the wearer,

wherein the second support member is joined with the lacing system such that when the cage is in a loaded state, the lacing system is configured to transfer a forward force of the wearer's instep against the lacing system through the second support member such that the carriage is drawn toward the calcaneus bone with the lacing system so as to reduce forward sliding of the foot over the support plate,

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, comprising:

wherein the first end is secured to the substrate,

wherein the second end is joined with the lacing system on an opposite side of the upper,