JP2023024319A - Footwear with alternating lacing systems - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide footwear with alternating lacing systems.SOLUTION: An article of footwear includes: (a) an upper having a tongue opening at a front portion thereof; (b) a gusseted tongue comprising a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening, and a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposing sides of the tongue panel to the upper; (c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective sides of the tongue panel to and from the upper; (d) a first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to direct a lacing over the gusseted tongue and the tongue fastener when a side of the tongue panel is fastened to the upper; and (e) a second lacing system located on the tongue panel and arranged to direct the lacing across the tongue panel and away from the tongue fastener when a side of the tongue panel is released from the upper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

field
[0001] This specification relates generally to footwear, and more specifically to footwear fastening systems.

background
[0002] Articles of footwear (e.g., boots) often include fastening systems (e.g., lacing systems, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) for tightening and securing the footwear about the foot and/or lower leg of the wearer. )including.

overview
[0003] The following Summary of the Invention is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teachings, but is not intended to define the invention.

[0004] According to some aspects, a boot for wearing on the foot and lower leg of a wearer comprises: (a) an upper having a forefoot portion for covering the front foot of the wearer; a rear portion for covering the back of the wearer's foot and lower leg; and a pair of laterally spaced side portions extending between the front and rear portion of the foot for covering opposite sides of the foot and lower leg. . A pair of side portions have corresponding front edges above the forefoot and laterally separated from each other by a tongue opening. The boot further includes (b) a gusseted tongue covering the tongue opening. The gusseted tongue includes a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of gussets attaching opposite side edges of the tongue panel to corresponding side portions of the upper. The boot further includes (c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding side edges of the tongue panel to corresponding side portions of the upper. The tongue fastener has an open configuration in which each of the side edges of the tongue panel is separated from the leading edge of the corresponding side portion by a gap and the corresponding gusset extends across the gap to widen the boot opening of the boot. and each of the side edges of the tang panel is fastened to the leading edge of the corresponding side portion and adjacent to the leading edge of the corresponding side portion to close the gap, fold the gusset, and open the boot opening. configurable between a closed configuration that retracts the The boot further includes (d) an outer lacing system on the upper outer side portion of the tongue fastener. The outer lacing system includes a pair of outer rows of race guides. Each of the outer rows adjoins the leading edge of the corresponding side portion and when the tongue fasteners are in the closed configuration, the pair of outer rows has lacing between the pair of outer rows, a gusseted tongue and a tongue fastener. configured to guide across the tool. The boot further includes (e) an inner lacing system on the tongue panel inside the tongue fastener. The inner lacing system includes a pair of inner rows of lacing guides. Each of the inner rows is attached to the tang panel adjacent to the corresponding side edge, and when the tongue fasteners are in the open configuration, the pair of inner rows have lacing between the pair of inner rows and the tang panel. It is configured to guide away from the cross tongue fastener and the gusset.

[0005] In some examples, each of the tongue fasteners includes a zipper.

[0006] In some examples, the boot further includes a lower lacing system on at least the forefoot portion of the upper, below the tongue fastener. The lower lacing system includes a pair of lower rows of lacing guides. Each of the lower rows is positioned toward a corresponding side of the upper, and the pair of lower rows are configured to guide the lower portion of the lacing across at least the forefoot and the upper portion of the lacing. are guided through either one of an inner lacing system and an outer lacing system.

[0007] In some examples, each of the inner rows of race guides includes a plurality of race-receiving openings spaced from one another along corresponding side edges of the tang panel. In some examples, the inner lacing system includes a pair of strips attached to the tongue panel. Each of the strips extends along a corresponding side edge of the tang panel and adjacent to the corresponding side edge of the tang panel, and (i) is attached to the tang panel and is spaced from one another along the side edge. and (ii) a plurality of removed portions interspersed between the attached portions and spaced apart from the tang panel to define a race receiving opening.

[0008] In some examples, the rear and side portions of the upper have a lower section that defines the quarters of the boot and an upper section that defines the rear and sides of the shaft section of the boot. A shaft section extends upwardly from the quarter to an upper peripheral edge of the upper circumscribing the boot opening. The tang panel, gusset, tang fastener, and gap extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft section.

[0009] According to some aspects, an article of footwear includes: (a) an upper having a tongue opening at the front and a foot-receiving opening at the top; (b) a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening; (c) a gusseted tongue including a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel to the upper; (d) a first lacing system on the upper, wherein the sides of the tongue panel are configured to selectively fasten and disengage corresponding sides of the upper from the upper; (e) a second lacing system on the tongue panel, configured to guide the lacing on the gusseted tongue and the tongue fastener when fastened to the tongue; and a second lacing system configured to guide the lacing across the tang panel and away from the tongue fastener when the sides of the tang panel are disengaged from the upper.

[0010] In some examples, each of the tongue fasteners includes a zipper.

[0011] In some examples, the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lacing guides attached to the upper on opposite sides of a gusseted tongue.

[0012] In some examples, the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lacing guides attached to the tongue panel. Each of the second rows adjoins a corresponding side of the tang panel and extends along a corresponding side of the tang panel.

[0013] In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first lacing system and the second lacing system. A third lacing system is configured to guide a lower portion of the lacing across the upper and away from the gusseted tongue and fasteners, the upper portion of the lacing joining the first lacing system and the second lacing. You are guided through any one of the systems. In some examples, the third lacing system includes a pair of third rows of lacing guides attached to the upper. Each of the third rows is positioned toward a corresponding side of the upper and extends along a corresponding side of the upper.

[0014] According to some aspects, an article of footwear selectively deploys (a) an upper, (b) at least one gusset in the upper, and (c) a gusset, respectively, to provide an article of footwear. (d) a first lacing system on the upper, comprising at least (e) a first lacing system configured to guide lacing across the upper and across the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener when the one gusset is folded; A second lacing system inside the system configured to guide the lacing away from the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener when the at least one gusset is deployed. Including with the lacing system.

[0015] In some examples, the at least one fastener includes a zipper.

[0016] In some examples, the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of race guides and the second lacing system includes a pair of first rows of race guides disposed between the pair of first rows. Contains 2 columns.

[0017] In some examples, the article of footwear includes a tongue panel having at least one side edge attached to the upper via at least one gusset, the first lacing system connecting the tongue panel and the at least one gusset. Located on the outside, the secondary lacing system is on the tang panel.

[0018] In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first lacing system and the second lacing system. A third lacing system is configured to guide a lower portion of the lacing across the upper and away from the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener, the upper portion of the lacing following the first lacing system. and second lacing system.

Brief description of the drawing
[0019] The drawings included herein are for purposes of illustrating various examples of the articles, systems, and methods herein and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the teachings.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary boot in a contracted configuration; [0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view as in FIG. 1 but showing the boot in a deployed configuration; [0022] Figure 2 is a front view of the boot of Figure 1; [0023] Figure 2 is a top view of the boot of Figure 1; [0024] Fig. 2 is a side view of the boot of Fig. 1;

detailed description
[0025] Various articles, systems, or processes are described below to provide example embodiments of each of the claimed inventions. The embodiments described below do not limit any of the claimed inventions, and any claimed invention may encompass articles, systems, or processes different from those described below. Any article, system, or system having all of the features of any one of the articles, systems, or processes described below, or features common to several or all of the articles, systems, or processes described below. , or process. The article, system, or process described below may not be an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any inventions disclosed in articles, systems or processes described below that are not claimed in this document may be subject to separate protection documents, e.g. Patentee does not intend to discard, abandon, or make available to the public any such invention by virtue of the disclosure in this document.

[0026] Articles of footwear, such as boots, often include fastening systems that are used to compress and tighten the boot around the foot and lower leg of the wearer to provide a secure fit. In some situations, it is possible to leave the boot partially or completely loosened and/or spread out during use (e.g., to accommodate the insertion of thicker outer garments (e.g., snow pants) into the boot). may be necessary or desirable.

[0027] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an article of footwear in the form of a boot includes an upper with one or more fasteners (eg, zippers). The one or more fasteners may expand the shaft section defining the foot-receiving boot opening of the boot for a more loose fit (e.g., permitting deployment of one or more gussets within the shaft section). can be selectively opened by One or more fasteners can be closed (eg, by folding one or more gussets) to compress the shaft section and boot opening for a tighter fit. The boot has alternating lacing systems including a first lacing system for use when the fastener is closed and a separate second lacing system for use when the fastener is open. can further include The first lacing system adjusts the tightness of the boot opening and shaft section when retracted and guides the lacing over closed fasteners, e.g. It can be used to promote a tighter, more secure fit. A second lacing system may be used to adjust the tightness of the boot opening and shaft section when the shaft section is widened and/or the lacing may remain separate from the fastener (e.g. to allow access and use of fasteners) and/or to be arranged in a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing manner. In some examples, the first lacing system can be provided on the outside of one or more fasteners to allow the lacing to be guided onto the fastener by the first lacing system; It can be called a lacing system. A second lacing system may be provided inside (and in some examples between a pair of fasteners) the first lacing system and may be referred to as an inner lacing system.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary article of footwear in the form of boot 100 is shown. Boot 100 has a sole 102 and an upper 104 joined to sole 102 . The upper 104 includes a forefoot portion 106 for covering the front foot of the wearer, a rear portion 108 opposite the forefoot portion 106 for covering the back of the wearer's foot and lower leg (including the ankle and Achilles tendon), and a forefoot portion. Extending between portion 106 and rear portion 108 are pairs of laterally spaced side portions 110a, 110b for covering opposite sides (ie, lateral and medial) of the wearer's foot and lower leg. In the illustrated example, forefoot portion 106 defines vamp section 112 and toe cap section 114 of upper 104 . The rear portion 108 and side portions 110 a , 110 b have a lower section that together define a quarter 116 of the boot 100 and an upper section that define the rear and sides of the shaft section 118 of the boot 100 . Shaft section 118 extends upwardly from quarter 116 to upper peripheral edge 120 of upper 104 . In the illustrated example, upper perimeter 120 defines the collar of boot 100 . The upper perimeter 120 circumscribes the rear and sides of a foot-receiving boot opening 122 of the boot 100 . Boot opening 122 opens to the top of boot 100 .

[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, in the example shown, the pair of side portions 110a, 110b have corresponding front edges 124a, 124b above the forefoot portion 106. As shown in FIG. Leading edges 124 a , 124 b are laterally separated from each other by a tongue opening 126 that opens to the front of upper 104 . In the example shown, the leading edges 124a, 124b and the tongue opening 126 are on the shaft section 118 of the boot 100 and extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft section 118. As shown in FIG.

In the illustrated example, boot 100 includes a gusseted tongue 128 covering tongue opening 126 . In the illustrated example, tongue 128 defines the front of shaft section 118 . In the illustrated example, the gusseted tongue 128 includes a tongue panel 130 positioned over the tongue opening 126 . In the illustrated example, the tongue panel 130 has a lower edge 132 attached to the forefoot portion 106 of the upper 104, an upper edge 134 adjacent the upper peripheral edge 120 and circumscribing the front of the boot opening 122, and a lower edge. It has a pair of side edges 136a, 136b extending laterally on each side of the tang panel 130 between 132 and an upper end 134 thereof.

[0031] With further reference to FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, the gusseted tongue 128 includes gussets 138a that attach corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of the tongue panel 130 to corresponding side portions 110a, 110b of the upper 104; 138b pairs. In the example shown, each gusset 138a, 138b includes a sheet of material extending longitudinally (as shown) along corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of tang panel 130 between lower end 132 and upper end 134. in the example shown). In the example shown, each gusset 138a, 138b corresponds to an inner edge attached to the tang panel 130 adjacent the corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130 and adjacent the leading edge 124a, 124b. It extends laterally between the outer edges attached to the side portions 110a, 110b.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, in the illustrated example, the boot 100 selectively fastens corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130 to corresponding side portions 110a, 110b of the upper 104. and a pair of tongue fasteners 144a, 144b configured to release. In the illustrated example, tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are configurable between an open configuration (shown in FIG. 2) and a closed configuration (shown in FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 2, when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, each side edge 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130 extends from the leading edge 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portion 110a, 110b to the gap 146a, 146b and corresponding gussets 138a, 138b extend across the gaps 146a, 146b to widen the boot opening 122 and shaft section 118. As shown in FIG. This can help provide a looser fit around the lower leg, for example to accommodate thicker legwear (eg, snow pants). Referring to FIG. 1, when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144 are in the closed configuration, each side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel 130 is fastened to the leading edge 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portion 110a, 110b; Adjacent thereto, the gaps 146a, 146b are closed, the corresponding gussets 138a, 138b are folded, and the boot opening 122 and shaft section 118 are contracted. This can allow for a tighter, and in some instances more secure, fit around the lower leg.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b includes a zipper. Each zipper has an outer row of mateable teeth 148 extending along the leading edge 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portion 110a, 110b and a mateable tooth extending along the corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130. inner row of teeth 150 and a slider 152 movable upwardly and downwardly along the outer and inner rows 148, 150 of teeth to open and close the zipper.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b extends along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130 from the lower edge 132 to the upper edge 134 of the tang panel 130. Extend. In the illustrated example, when the fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, each gap 146a, 146b extends along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130 from the lower edge 132 to the upper edge 134 of the tang panel 130. , and each gap 146 a , 146 b is generally V-shaped and widens upwardly and laterally toward the top edge 134 of the tang panel 130 . In the example shown, tongue panel 130, gussets 138a, 138b, tongue fasteners 144a, 144b, and gaps 146a, 146b extend along substantially the entire length of shaft section 118 of boot 100.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, in the illustrated example, an outer lacing system 154 is provided on the side portions 110a, 110b of the upper 104, outwardly of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. In the illustrated example, the outer lacing system 154 includes pairs of outer rows 156a, 156b of corresponding outer race guides 158a, 158b. The outer rows 156a, 156b are laterally spaced apart from each other, with each outer row 156a, 156b adjacent the leading edge 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portion 110a, 110b. Each outboard row 156a, 156b includes a plurality of corresponding outboard race guides 158a, 158b spaced from one another along the leading edges 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portions 110a, 110b (see also FIG. 5). In the example shown, when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the closed configuration (the gaps 146a, 146b are closed and the gussets 138a, 138b are folded), the pair of outer rows 156a, 156b are positioned between them. , lacing 159 (eg, in a cross or other lacing pattern) across the gusseted tongue 128 and tongue fasteners 144a, 144b.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, in the illustrated example, an inner lacing system 160 is provided on the tongue panel 130 inside the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. The inner lacing system 160 includes pairs of inner rows 162a, 162b of corresponding inner race guides 164a, 164b. The inner rows 162a, 162b are laterally spaced apart from each other, and each inner row 162a, 162b is attached to the tang panel 130 adjacent a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b. Each inner row 162a, 162b includes a plurality of corresponding inner race guides 164a, 164b spaced apart along corresponding side edges 136a, 136b. When the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, a pair of inner rows 162a, 162b have a lacing 159 between them that extends across the inner tongue panel 130 and away from the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b (e.g., a cross or other lacing pattern).

[0037] In the illustrated example, a lower lacing system 166 is provided on at least the forefoot portion 106 of the upper 104 below the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b and the lateral and medial lacing systems 154,160. The lower lacing system 166 includes pairs of lower rows 168a, 168b of corresponding lower race guides 170a, 170b. A pair of lower rows 168 a , 168 b are laterally spaced apart from each other, with each lower row 168 a , 168 b being positioned toward a corresponding side of upper 104 . Each lower row 168a, 168b includes a plurality of corresponding lower race guides 170a, 170b spaced from one another along at least the forefoot portion 106. As shown in FIG. The pair of lower rows 168a, 168b are configured to guide the lower portion 159a of the lacing 159 across at least the forefoot 106, and the upper portion 159b of the lacing 159 guides the medial lacing system 160 and the lateral lacing system 154. (e.g. tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in closed configuration for use with outer lacing system 154 as shown in FIG. 1 or inner lacing system 154 as shown in FIG. 2). depending on whether it is in an open configuration for 160 use). In the illustrated example, the lower lacing system 166 further includes a central race guide 172 positioned forward of and centrally between the pair of lower rows 168a, 168b of lower race guides 170a, 170b.

In the illustrated example, outer lacing system 154 , inner lacing system 160 and lower lacing system 166 are each provided on the exterior of boot 100 . In the illustrated example, outer race guides 158a, 158b, inner race guides 164a, 164b, and lower race guides 170a, 170b each include, for example, eyelets, hooks, loops, rings, openings, and/or combinations thereof. can contain.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, the inner race guides 164a, 164b include a plurality of race receiving openings 174 spaced apart along corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of the tang panel 130. As shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the inner lacing system 160 includes a pair of strips 176a, 176b attached to the tang panel 130. As shown in FIG. Each strip 176a, 176b extends along and adjacent to a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of tang panel 130 . Each strip 176a, 176b is attached to the tang panel 130 and interspersed between a plurality of attached portions 178 spaced apart along corresponding side edges 136a, 136b and the attached portions 178 of the tang panel 130. and a plurality of removed portions 180 defining race receiving openings 174 spaced apart from each other.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, in the example shown, each outer row 156a, 156b of the outer race guides 158a, 158b are spaced from each other along the leading edges 124a, 124b of the corresponding side portions 110a, 110b. and a plurality of eyelets 182 (see also FIG. 1). In the illustrated example, each outer row 156a, 156b of outer race guides 158a, 158b further includes at least one upper D-ring 184 above the plurality of eyelets 182 and adjacent the upper peripheral edge 120 (FIG. 1). see also).

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, in the illustrated example, each lower row 168a, 168b of the lower race guides 170a, 170b includes a plurality of lower D-rings 186 spaced apart along the forefoot portion 106 of the upper 104. . 5, each lower row 168a, 168b of the lower race guides 170a, 170b further includes an eyelet 188 in the illustrated example. The eyelets 188 of each lower row 168a, 168b are located behind the lower D-ring 186 of each lower row 168a, 168b (and below the outer lacing system 154 and the inner lacing system 160). In the illustrated example, the central race guide 172 of the lower lacing system 166 includes loops.

100 Boot 102 Sole 104 Upper 106 Forefoot 108 Rear Section 110a, 110b Side Section 112 Bump Section 114 Toe Cap Section 116 Quarter 118 Shaft Section 120 Upper Perimeter 122 Boot Opening 124a, 124b Front Edge 126 Tongue Opening 128 Gusset tongue 130 tongue panel 132 bottom edge 134 top edge 136a, 136b side edges 138a, 138b gussets 144a, 144b tongue fasteners 146a, 146b gap 148 outer row 150 inner row 152 slider 154 outer lacing system 156a, 156b outer row 158a, 158b Outer race guide 159 Lacing 160 Inner lacing system 162a, 162b Inner row 164a, 164b Inner race guide 166 Lower lacing system 168a, 168b Lower row 170a, 170b Lower race guide 172 Center race guide 174 Race receiving openings 176a, 176b Strips 178 Installation Removed Portion 180 Removed Portion 182 Eyelet 184 Upper D-ring 186 Lower D-ring 188 Eyelet

Claims (17)

A boot for wearing on the foot and lower leg of a wearer, comprising:
a) an upper comprising a forefoot portion for covering the front foot of the wearer; a rear portion, opposite the forefoot portion, for covering the back of the foot and the lower leg of the wearer; a pair of laterally spaced side portions for covering opposite sides of the foot and the lower leg extending between the rear portion and above the forefoot and laterally spaced apart from one another by a tongue opening; a pair of laterally spaced side portions having corresponding leading edges that meet;
b) a gusseted tongue covering said tongue opening, said tongue panel being positioned over said tongue opening, and a pair of gussets attaching opposite side edges of said tongue panel to said corresponding side portions of said upper; a gusseted tongue comprising
c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding side edges of the tongue panel to corresponding side portions of the upper, the tongue fasteners comprising: an open configuration in which each edge is separated from the leading edge of the corresponding side portion by a gap, and the corresponding gusset extends across the gap to widen the boot opening of the boot; Each of the side edges of the tang panel is fastened to the front edge of the corresponding side portion and is adjacent the front edge of the corresponding side portion to close the gap and the gusset. a pair of tongue fasteners configurable between a closed configuration that collapses and contracts the boot opening;
d) an outer lacing system on the upper outer side portion of the tongue fastener, said outer lacing system including a pair of outer rows of race guides, each of said outer rows corresponding to said side portion; and the pair of outer rows extend lacing between the pair of outer rows across the gusseted tongue and the tongue fastener when the tongue fasteners are in the closed configuration. an outer lacing system configured to guide the
e) an inner lacing system on said tang panel inside said tongue fastener, said inner lacing system including a pair of inner rows of said lacing guides, each of said inner rows extending along said corresponding side edge; adjacently attached to the tang panel and when the tongue fastener is in the open configuration, the pair of inboard rows extends between the pair of inboard rows across the lacing and across the tang panel; and an inner lacing system configured to guide away from the gusset;
including boots. 2. The boot of claim 1, wherein each of said tongue fasteners includes a zipper. Further comprising a lower lacing system on at least the forefoot portion of the upper below the tongue fastener, the lower lacing system including a pair of lower rows of the lacing guides, each of the lower rows said pair of lower rows are configured to guide said lower portion of said lacing across at least said forefoot portion, said upper portion of said lacing being positioned toward corresponding sides of said 2. The boot of claim 1, guided through one of an inner lacing system and said outer lacing system. 2. The boot of claim 1, wherein each of said inner rows of said lace guides includes a plurality of lace receiving openings spaced from one another along said corresponding side edge of said tang panel. The inner lacing system includes a pair of strips attached to the tang panel, each of the strips along and adjacent the corresponding side edge of the tang panel. extending from (i) a plurality of attached portions attached to said tang panel and spaced from each other along said side edges; and (ii) interspersed between said attached portions and spaced from said tang panel. and a plurality of removed portions defining said lace receiving openings. The rear portion and the side portions of the upper have a lower section defining a quarter of the boot and an upper section defining the rear and sides of a shaft section of the boot, the shaft section comprising the extending upwardly from a quarter to an upper peripheral edge of the upper circumscribing the boot opening, the tongue panel, the gusset, the tongue fastener, and the gap extending along substantially the entire length of the shaft section; A boot according to claim 1 . a) an upper having a tongue opening at the front and a foot receiving opening at the top;
b) a gusseted tongue including a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel to the upper;
c) selectively fastening corresponding sides of the tongue panel to and from the upper for respectively folding and unfolding the gusset to contract the foot-receiving opening and to expand the foot-receiving opening; a pair of tongue fasteners configured to release from;
d) a first lacing system on the upper, configured to guide lacing on the gusseted tongue and the tongue fastener when the sides of the tongue panel are fastened to the upper; a first lacing system, comprising:
e) a second lacing system on the tongue panel to guide the lacing across the tongue panel and away from the tongue fastener when the side of the tongue panel is disengaged from the upper; a second lacing system configured to:
Articles of footwear, including 8. The article of footwear recited in claim 7, wherein each of said tongue fasteners comprises a zipper. 8. The article of footwear recited in claim 7, wherein the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lace guides attached to the upper on opposite sides of the gusseted tongue. The second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lacing guides attached to the tang panel, each of the second rows adjoining the corresponding side of the tang panel and corresponding to the tang panel. 8. The article of footwear recited in claim 7, extending along the sides. a third lacing system on the upper below the first lacing system and the second lacing system, the third lacing system extending a lower portion of the lacing across the upper; configured to guide away from a gusseted tongue and said fastener, said upper portion of said lacing being guided through one of said first lacing system and said second lacing system; 8. The article of footwear according to claim 7. The third lacing system includes a pair of third rows of lacing guides attached to the upper, each of the third rows being positioned toward a corresponding side of the upper and correspondingly extending from the upper. 12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, extending along the side of the foot. An article of footwear,
a) an upper;
b) at least one gusset in said upper;
c) at least one of said gussets each selectively configured to expand to widen a foot-receiving opening of said article of footwear and to collapse to contract said foot-receiving opening of said article of footwear; a fastener;
d) a first lacing system on said upper for guiding lacing across said upper and across said at least one gusset and said at least one fastener when said at least one gusset is folded; a first lacing system configured to
e) a second lacing system inside said first lacing system, wherein said lacing is removed from said at least one gusset and said at least one fastener when said at least one gusset is deployed; a second lacing system configured to guide apart;
Articles of footwear, including 14. The article of footwear recited in claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a zipper. said first lacing system comprising a pair of first rows of lace guides and said second lacing system comprising a pair of second rows of said lace guides disposed between said pair of first rows; 14. The article of footwear according to claim 13. a tongue panel having at least one side edge attached to the upper through the at least one gusset, the first lacing system outwardly of the tongue panel and the at least one gusset; 14. The article of footwear recited in claim 13, wherein a lacing system is on the tang panel. (f) a third lacing system on said upper, below said first lacing system and said second lacing system, said third lacing system connecting a lower portion of said lacing to said upper; and guide away from the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener, the upper portion of the lacing being configured to either the first lacing system or the second lacing system 14. The article of footwear recited in claim 13, further comprising a third lacing system guided through one.

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