KR20010030933A - Improved tongue for footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Shoes having a single or dual pump section include a split tongue having a rear tongue portion that is firmly attached along the side to the inner pump section of the shoe. Not only the posterior tongue portion is firmly connected to the inner pump section, but the connection can be permanent or replaceable. The anterior tongue portion may be integrally formed with the anterior upper or an extension of the anterior upper or secured to one or both of the anterior and / or ump sections along the transverse edge or fixed to only one of the ump sections. have. One or both tongue portions can be formed with pockets for receiving cushion members and / or saddle members, thereby reducing pressure on the instep. The front edge of the posterior tongue portion covers the posterior edge of the anterior tongue portion in the acting position. The split tongue arrangement, in particular the arrangement in which the rear tongue portion is attached to the inner pulp section, is protected by the cushion member and / or saddle member and provides comfort while preventing the tongue from slipping on the side of the foot during use of the shoe.

Description

Improved tongue for shoes {IMPROVED TONGUE FOR FOOTWEAR}

Shoes with laces and shoes with other means for tightening vamps over longitudinal tongues extending from the instep have suffered from a chronic problem where the tongue tends to slide to the outside of the foot, at least in part due to the shape of the instep. . This problem is particularly acute in sneakers such as tennis shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes and other sports shoes where extreme pressure is repeatedly generated laterally on the instep.

As the shoe tongue slips onto the outside of the foot, straps, buckles, eyelet grommets or other fastening members tend to restrain the foot directly, causing discomfort to the wearer or even causing the possibility of injury. Also, if the tongue slips to the lateral side, the shoes tend to loosen at the wearer's foot. Sports and professional athletic shoes have especially suffered slippage of the tongue. In many cases, also in formal shoes, there is a tendency not only to cause discomfort to the wearer, especially after wearing for a moderately long time, but also to deteriorate the aesthetics of the shoe and to suffer the aforementioned slippage.

One effort made to prevent the aforementioned slip is to increase or increase the number of rows that are stitched to prevent the tendency of the tongue to bend laterally and to the slipped position described herein. Stitching attaches the tongue to the shoe's toe cap or forward upper. However, this solution was somewhat unsatisfactory in that the stitching could be increased and unsightly and could cause discomfort to the wearer of the shoe. Increasing the stiffness of the tongue is also an undesirable choice, especially due to the lack of tongue flexibility with respect to the movement of the foot in sports shoes.

Another effort made to prevent slipping of the tongue is to provide a shoe that attaches the tongue to the medial pulp section by an elastic or stretchable member that holds one single tongue in the desired working position. However, the elasticity or elasticity of the attachment member may cause the tongue to slide to the outer side of the foot during use, and thus does not solve the problem of the tongue slipping.

In addition, in an improved conventional shoe, one or a single tongue can be secured to the medial pulp section along one side of the tongue by a hook and loop fastener strip during wearing of the shoe. The anterior end of the tongue remains fixed to the anterior upper, and the posterior end of the tongue is generally detached while the shoe is released. This type of irreplaceably attaching a single tongue to a shoe is not satisfactory in that the hook and loop fastener strips tend to get caught in the wearer's stockings or socks when wearing and taking off the shoes. In addition, in this type of attachment, it is inevitable that lint or other material accumulates in the hook or loop portion, causing the tongue to detach even though the shoe has not been used. Thus, these prior art single pump tongue attachments were not satisfactory in one or the other.

The present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems by means of an improved tongue structure for a single pump and a shoe that uses a different type of fastening means between the upper and upper parts of the shoes, which can be tied with a strap. .

The present invention relates to a shoe, and provides an improved shoe structure having a tongue attached to the shoe to prevent slipping on the outer or inner side of the shoe.

1 is a perspective view of a double strap or double pump shoe illustrating a split tongue structure in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing an upper or posterior tongue portion disposed between the upper or posterior pulp section.

4 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the double strap shoes shown in FIGS.

6 is a perspective view of a single laces shoe having a tongue structure in accordance with the present invention.

7 is a perspective view generally taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8-8 of FIG. 6, showing an upper or posterior tongue portion disposed between the pulp sections.

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the shoes shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a fully semi-booted shoe having a split tongue structure according to the present invention.

The present invention relates to a shoe and provides an improved shoe structure having a tongue attached to the shoe to eliminate slipping to the outer or inner side of the shoe. The tongue of the present invention is a split tongue, the upper or rear portion of which is permanently or replaceably firmly connected to the pump.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an improved shoe comprising a shoe having an upper portion characterized by single opposing pump sections and a double pump structure, which eliminates slipping of the tongue during wearing of the shoe. A split tongue is provided to attach to the shoe. In shoes having a single pump structure, the split tongue may be configured such that the anterior portion of the tongue is secured to the anterior upper across the anterior edge of the anterior tongue portion. In such a configuration, the anterior tongue portion may also be secured to the medial pulp region. In addition, the anterior tongue portion may be integrally formed with the anterior upper or may be an extension of the anterior upper and secured to the medial pulp section. In other words, the anterior tongue portion may be formed as an extension of the front lid or as a separate piece attached to the front lid by stitching or some other means. The posterior or upper portion of the split tongue is permanently or replaceably rigidly connected to the pump, preferably the inner pump section, along one longitudinal side of the tongue portion. Thus, the tendency of the tongue to slip to the outer side of the wearer's instep is completely eliminated, and the shoe continues to maintain its intended shape and does not become loose during wearing of the shoe, which does not impair the comfort of the person wearing the shoe. .

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dual strap or dual pump shoe structure having an upper and a lower pump, wherein the lower or front tongue portion is disposed below the lower or front pump area and connected to the front lid or front upper Further provided is a tongue structure formed as an extension of the forearm or anterior upper. The anterior tongue portion can also be permanently connected to the medial anterior pump section along the side of the tongue portion. The upper or posterior tongue portion is permanently or replaceably securely connected to either the upper or posterior pump section, preferably to the medial upper pump section. This tongue arrangement also minimizes or eliminates the tendency for the tongue portion to slide outward while wearing the shoe. In a preferred arrangement of single or dual pump structures, the upper tongue portion at least partially covers the lower tongue portion. Optionally, the lower edge of the upper tongue portion may contact the upper edge of the lower tongue portion.

As used herein, “anterior tongue portion connected to the shoe” means that this anterior tongue portion is an extension of the anterior upper (but does not form an integral tongue portion in the anterior upper or forehead), or an anterior upper and / or one pump. Means to be permanently attached to. Also referred to herein as a "tightly connected" back tongue portion is that the back tongue portion is permanently stitched by a stitch (or other means provided herein or known to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure). Means that the rear tongue portion is interchangeably attached by hook and loop fastener means (or other means provided herein or known to those skilled in the art in view of the disclosure). The posterior tongue portion is firmly connected when permanently or interchangeably secured or attached to a single pump.

In another aspect of the present invention, when pressed by tying shoelaces or securing other fasteners, the base of the foot is protected by resisting and distributing the pressure caused by the laces or other shoe tightening mechanisms. A shoe structure comprising on one or both sides of a split tongue a pocket or receptacle for separably accommodating a member or cushion material layer or cushion pad characterized in being made of a material such as a thin graphite-plastic composite, which tends to Is provided. Alternatively, shoe saddles according to the invention disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat.No. 5,581,912, filed herein by reference and named footwear saddle and dated 1996, 12, 10, may be used. .

By permanently and firmly connecting the upper or posterior tongue portion to the pump, the upper or posterior tongue portion cannot be removed or replaced during normal use of the shoe and maintains the relative connection position of the tongue portion and the pump section. By replacing and firmly connecting the upper or rear tongue portion to the pump, the upper or rear tongue portion can be separated and replaced with another tongue portion, while the replaceable tongue is still firmly connected during connection. In addition, the present invention provides a shoe tongue structure that can give a shoe wearer more comfortable than the conventional tongue structure, and includes the advantages that can be easily assembled during the manufacture of the shoe and can be recognized by those skilled in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, a shoe constructed according to the invention, characterized as a sports shoe such as, for example, a tennis shoe or a race shoe and indicated entirely by the reference numeral 12, is illustrated. A shoe 12 is similar in some respects to a special athletic shoe disclosed in US Pat. No. 3,546,796 and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The shoe 12 includes a conventional sole 14 made of a material suitable for sneakers and having a bottom friction surface (not shown). The shoe 12 also includes a front upper or toe cap 16 formed of conventional materials for sneakers, and a conventional heel 18 formed by opposing upper portions or quarters 20, 22; ). Quarters 20 and 22 are joined to each other in a conventional manner to form heel 18 and are also attached to sole 14 in a conventional manner. Opposing front portions of the upper or quarters 20, 22 are formed as opposing upper or rear pump sections 24, 26. The left shoe 12 is shown by way of example and the parts of the right shoe will not be shown but will essentially have the mirror shape (left-right symmetry) of the parts shown and disclosed herein. Since the left shoe is shown as the shoe 12, the pump section 24 is an inner rear pump section and the pump section 26 is an outer rear pump section. The pump sections 24 and 26 have string receiving holes 24a and 26a (eyelets) spaced along the section in a conventional manner as shown.

The shoe 12 also includes opposing portions having lower or front pump sections 28 and 30 that are fixed to the sole 14 and cover a portion of the front upper or front lid 16, respectively, in a conventional manner. The pump sections 28, 30 extend rearward below the front edges 24b, 26b of the rear pump sections 24, 26, respectively.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe 12 is generally secured to the rear extension 34 of the front lid or front upper 16 by stitching or other means, as indicated generally by reference numeral 32 and shown. And an anterior or lower tongue portion formed as part of a forearm or anterior upper. The tongue portion 32 is suitable for being disposed under these front pump sections 28, 30 when the opposing front pump sections 28, 30 are pulled towards each other by conventional straps. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the tongue portion 32 is a layer of material as part of the front lid or front upper 16, and a suitable padding or elastic cushioning layer 35 attached thereto. It can be prepared using). The tongue portion 32 comprises a second layer of material 36 to which an inner layer 37 of padding or cushioning material is attached and which leaves at least a laminar space or pocket for accommodating the insert 38, the insert being shown herein. It may be composed of elastomer foam pads or saddles as described in Applicant's aforementioned U.S. Patent 5,581,912. The insert 38 may also be composed of a member characterized by a thin layer of graphite-plastic composite, which protects the base of the foot when deflected or pressed and provides a large area of the foot for pressure generated by a strap or other tightening mechanism. Dispensing over tends to reduce wearing discomfort for the shoe 12 wearer. Optionally, pockets or spaces formed between the cushioning layers 35 and 37 may be left empty.

The posterior transverse edge 32a of the anterior tongue portion 32 may be left open so that the foam pad or saddle 38 described above can be inserted into or detached from the tongue portion 32. The rear transverse edge 32a may be provided with a suitably releasable tightening means 40, such as a strip of hook and loop fasteners, for example, disposed between and secured between the layers of material 34, 36, respectively. This arrangement will be described in more detail with respect to the posterior portion of the split tongue of the present invention, which is further described herein in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. The material layers 34 and 36 are preferably fixed to each other and formed by stitching 39 across the front edge substantially parallel to the rear edge 32a.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the front tongue portion 32 is also preferably secured to at least the medial anterior pump section 28 by stitching 39a. The anterior tongue portion 32 may also be secured to the lateral anterior pump section 30 by stitching (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the stitching 39a. As discussed above, tongue portion 32 may be formed separately and secured to anterior upper 16 by a transverse row of stitching that closely matches the rows of stitching 39. In this regard, the front upper 16 only needs to extend sufficiently rearward beyond the stitching 39 rows so that the tongue portion 32 is secured to this front upper.

Referring further to FIGS. 1-4, the shoe or shoe 12 has a second structure similar to the tongue portion 32 and includes a second material layer 44 having a padding or cushioning layer 45 adhered to an inner surface thereof. Of the separated posterior or upper tongue portion 42. The tongue portion 42 is a material similar to the material used for the layer 44 and includes an inner material layer 46 to which the inner padding or cushioning layer 47 adheres. Between the outer material layer and the inner material layer a thin pocket is formed which receives foam pads or saddles of the type described above and is indicated with reference 49. The material layers 44 and 46 may be secured to each other by suitable adhesive or stitching 43 except for the rear transverse edge 42a. Stitching 43 preferably extends along the front transverse edge 42b and the longitudinal side edges of the opposing front tongue portions 42. As further shown in FIG. 4, the layer of material 44, 46 allows the foam pad or saddle 49 to be inserted into a pocket formed between the material layer 44, 46 and the cushion layer 45, 47. While remaining unattached to each other, the material layers 44 and 46 are preferably folded at their rear edges 44a and 46a and appropriately secured by stitching or adhesive. Optionally, releasable tightening means (or other means provided herein or known to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure), such as hook and loop fastener strips 44b, 46b, and the like, may be referred to as rear edges 44a, 46a. ) And releasably secure to one another to close the pocket and hold the foam pad or saddle 49 in the pocket formed in tongue portion 42.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, the front edge 42b of the tongue portion 42 preferably overlaps the rear edge 32a of the tongue portion 32, and also the pulp section 28 or 30. ) Can be overlapped. The tongue portion 42 is secured to the inner pump section 24 along the longitudinal side edge 42d at the stitching line 50 spaced apart from the hole 24a. Stitching line 50 may terminate in a predetermined position such that medial front pump section 28 may be received between medial rear pump section 24 and the lower edge 42b of rear tongue portion 42. The opposite side edge 42c is not attached. Accordingly, the posterior tongue portion 42 is firmly attached to the medial posterior pulp section 24 and thus resists any deflection or movement towards the outside of the foot when the shoe 12 is in use. In addition, the firm attachment of the tongue portion 42 to the pump section 24 allows the tongue portion 42 to become inseparable or to withstand stretching or other movement. Although the tongue portion 42 is permanently firmly attached to the pulp section 24 by the stitching 50, those skilled in the art will appreciate the thermal or chemical bonding of the adhesive, or tongue portion to the pulp section, depending on the material used as the component. The tongue portion 42 may be attached to the pulp section by other rigid tightening means such as, for example, or by means such as permanent and rigid fastening rivets that completely prevent deflection or movement of the tongue portion 42 towards the outside of the foot. Will recognize that. Optionally, the tongue portion 42 may be replaceably secured to the pulp section 24 by hook and loop fastener means attached to the pulp section 24 and the tongue portion 42. Preferably, the hook or loop fastener means can extend the entire length of the edge 42d, and the mating loop or hook fastener means extends the same length along the pump section 24. In this configuration, the tongue portion 42 remains secured to the pulp section 24 until the wearer replaces the tongue portion 42 with an optional tongue portion 42 of a different color, including when the shoe is loose. .

Thus, in the arrangement of double pump or double shoe 12, the split tongue portions 32, 42 retain certain advantages. The tongue portion 32 is relatively short and does not tend to deflect either side, whether formed as an extension of the front lid 16 or sewn there as a separate portion along the stitching line 39. The reason for this tendency to be deflected laterally is due to the short length of the tongue, the flatness of the anterior part of the general wearer's foot and the tongue portion 32 to be firmly attached to either or both of the tip sections 28 or 30. This is due to the stiffness of the tongue portion 32 laterally due to the fact that it can. Also, by firmly attaching the upper or posterior tongue portion 42 to the posterior pulp section 24 in the manner described above, the upper tongue portion 42 does not slide or move out of the foot when wearing shoes. The tongue portion 42 may also be attached to the outer posterior pulp section 26 of the shoe along its lateral edge 42c in one of the methods described above, instead of as the pulp section 24 as desired. However, even when positioning the attachment point of the tongue portion 42 on the outer posterior pulp section 26, this attachment point is retained by stitching the tongue portion 42 to the inner or medial posterior pulp section 24. It may be impossible to hold tongue portion 42 in the desired or normal operating position.

When shoes or shoes 12 are worn with their other shoes, the lower or front pump sections 28, 30 are attracted to each other by laces or other fastening means after the shoes are placed on the wearer's feet. As the straps are tied and the tongue portions 42 are disposed over the rear transverse edges 32a of the tongue portions 32, the tongue portions 42, 32 overlap at their edges 32a, 42b. Optionally, the tongue portions 42 are disposed adjacent to the rear transverse edge 32a of the tongue portions 32 such that the tongue portions 42, 32 contact at their edges 32a, 42b. The front edge 42b of the tongue portion 42 may be disposed above or below the rear extension of the pump section 28 and may also be disposed above or below the rear extension of the pump section 30. The edges 32a and 42b can be varied in thickness by, for example, tapering the overlapping tongue portions to minimize the thickness of the overlapping tongue portions for aesthetic appearance and comfort. The rear or upper pump sections 24, 26 are then attracted to each other by suitable tie means, such as lace 41, so that the pump sections 24, 26 fit snugly over the tongue portion 42. During use of the shoe 12, because of the structure of the tongue portions 32 and 42, these tongue portions 32 or 42 do not tend to slide out of the foot or move in any direction from their normal working position. When the wearer wishes to take off the shoes, first the rear pump sections 24 and 26 are loosened by loosening the straps pulling on each other, followed by the loose straps pulling the rear pump sections 28 and 30 to each other. If the shoe is sufficiently loosened by only loosening the straps associated with the pump sections 24 and 26, the latter step described above may not be necessary when taking off and wearing the shoe.

6 to 10, a first modified embodiment of an improved shoe according to the invention is illustrated, indicated generally by the reference numeral 52. Shoe 52 is characterized as a sneaker with sole 54 and opposing upper portions or quarters 56 and 58 connected to form heel 60. The front upper or front lid 62 is connected to the sole 54 in a conventional manner, such as quarters 56 and 58. The rear portion 63 of the front lid 62 forms an integral front tongue portion of the shoe 52. Anterior tongue portion 63 may have a pocket similar to the pocket of anterior tongue portion 32 described above. Opposite upper portions, including the pump sections 64 and 66, are suitably secured to the quarters 56, 58 or formed as part of a quarter. The pump sections 64, 66 are also secured to the sole 54 in a conventional manner such as adhesive or stitching along the flanges 65a, 65b. Each pump section 64, 66 is provided with appropriate string holes 64a, 66a, respectively, for receiving the string 41. The anterior tongue portion 63 ends at the transverse edge 63a, which is slightly rearward of the front edges 64b, 66b of the pump sections 64, 66. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, an improved split tongue is provided in the shoe, which tongue is preferably provided with one longitudinal side edge in the medial pulp section 64, for example by conventional stitching 70. A tongue portion 68 is firmly and permanently fixed along 68a). Stitching 70 may be between an edge or flange 65a and a hole 64a of the pump section secured to sole 54. As in the embodiment described above, firmly attaching the tongue portion 68 to the inner pulp section 64 completely eliminates slipping of the tongue portion 68 towards the outside of the foot. In addition, permanent attachment by stitching 70 eliminates the possibility of detachment of tongue portion 68 or entanglement of tongue portion or pulp section 64 with a wearer's stockings. As noted above, the tightening means may be adhesive bonding of the tongue portion 68 and the pulp section 64 or thermally between the pulp section 64 and the tongue portion 68 in place of or in addition to stitching. Other mechanical tightening means such as chemical bonding or riveting. Optionally, the tongue portion 68 may be replaceably secured to the pulp section 64 by hook and loop fastener means attached to the tongue portion 68 and the pulp section 64. As noted above, the posterior tongue portion 68 will remain secured in the pump section 64 until it is deliberately replaced by the wearer.

7, 8 and 9, tongue portion 68 is preferably characterized as a flexible cushioning material similar to tongue portions 32 and 42, with an outer material layer 72 having an inner cushioning layer 74. ) And an inner material layer 76, similar to this layer 72, to which a cushioning material layer or backing 78 is fixed, whereby a somewhat thin space or pocket 80 is formed between the layers of material. Is provided. Space or pocket 80 is left empty as shown in FIG. 7 or is suitable for receiving elastomeric foam pads or saddles as described above for tongue portions 32 and 42. Material layers 72 and 76 are folded at their periphery and sewn together by conventional stitching 77. The posterior transverse edge 68d of the tongue portion 68 can be left unseated and have releasable fastener means (as described above in connection with the tongue portion 32) to access the pocket 80. Can be provided. Referring briefly to FIG. 9, a saddle member 81 disposed in pocket 80 is shown, which is characterized as a relatively thin and slightly rectangular member made of a slightly elastic and rigid graphite-plastic composite, and It may act to distribute the pressure exerted by a strap or other tightening mechanism that secures the pump sections 64, 66 to each other during normal wearing of the shoe 52.

Like tongue portion 42, tongue portion 68 may be formed to facilitate a comfortable engagement with the wearer's instep. The front edge 68b of the tongue portion 68 is covered over the edge 63a or disposed adjacent to the edge 63a when the tongue portion 68 is secured to the pulp section 64 so that the edge 68b, 63a) is positioned to be in contact. Like the shoe 12, the shoe 52 is also firmly fixed to the inner pulp section 64 to prevent slipping of the tongue portion outwardly of the foot during use of a shoe, particularly used for athletic or athletic purposes. Is advantageously provided. However, if the tongue portion 68 is firmly arranged in the pump section 66 only along the opposing longitudinal side edges 68c (if it opposes only along the pump section 64) it will slide to the side of the foot. It is also possible to enjoy the advantages of the present invention with less tendency. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the left shoe 52 is illustrated as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. Complementary right shoes are constructed in substantially the same way.

With reference to FIG. 11, a second variant embodiment of the shoe according to the invention is illustrated and indicated generally by the numeral 84. The shoe 84 is shown as a right shoe and is a fully semi-boots type shoe having a sole 86 and a rear quarter 90, 92 connected to each other to form a front upper or forehead 88 and a heel 94. Is characterized. Shoe 84 further includes long, opposing upper portions that include inner and outer pump sections 96 and 97 configured substantially the same as the pump section of shoe 12. However, instead of dividing as in shoe 12, pump sections 96 and 97 are continued into one piece section. String holes 96a and 97a for receiving conventional strings (not shown) are formed along the upper edges of the pump sections 96 and 97. The shoe 84 has an anterior tongue portion 89 formed as an extension of the forearm or anterior upper 88 or stitched to the anterior upper. Tongue portion 89 has a posterior transverse edge 89a and anterior tongue portion 89 may be configured in a similar manner to tongue portion 32 or tongue portion 63.

The shoe 84 is also firmly attached to the inner pulp section 96 (preferably by conventional stitching 100) in some manner to prevent the tongue portion from moving towards the outside of the wearer's foot. And a second and posterior tongue portion 98 having a directional edge 98a. The tongue portion 98 overlaps the posterior transverse edge 89a of the front tongue portion 89 when the split tongue arrangement of the shoe 84 is in its working position as shown in FIG. 11. Optionally, the edges 89a and 98b are disposed adjacent to each other so as to contact without overlapping. The posterior tongue portion 98 further includes a longitudinal side edge 98c and a rear transverse edge 98d. The posterior tongue portion 98 may be configured substantially the same as the posterior tongue portion 42 or 68 as desired. The tongue portion 98 as shown is not attached to the pulp 97 along the edge 98c. Preferably, by attaching the tongue portion 98 only to the inner pulp section 96 in the manner described herein with respect to the tongue portions 68, 42, slippage of the tongue portion 98 is substantially eliminated. Just as tongue portion 42 and tongue portion 68 can be rigidly connected to the outer pump section, tongue portion 98 can also be firmly connected to the outer pump section 97. Tongue portion 98 may be constructed in a manner similar to tongue portion 42 or tongue portion 68.

The shoes described herein may not only be composed of conventional materials used for sneakers or running shoes and suits, for going out or for four seasons, but may also benefit from the invention described above.

Although the tongue of a shoe according to the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to be limited to the particular form of the invention, but rather such alternatives may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. , Variations and equivalents thereof.

Claims (28)

Sole, A forward upper connected to the sole to form a toe cap, Opposing vamp sections connected to the outsole, A forward tongue portion connected to the shoe, Rear tongue fitting securely connected to one of the opposing pump sections and adapted to cover the instep of the foot disposed within the shoe without slipping toward the lateral side or medial side of the foot during use. tongue portion, Fastening mean is formed in each of the opposing pump sections, so that the opposing pump sections are pulled towards each other so that the shoe is secured to the foot during use. The method of claim 1, wherein the opposing pump sections consist of a pair of opposing pump sections, Wherein the front tongue portion and the rear tongue portion are adapted to be placed together under the opposing pump sections when the opposing pump sections are secured to each other. 3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the posterior tongue portion is permanently firmly connected to one of the opposing pump sections. 4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein the posterior tongue portion is permanently firmly connected to the medial pump section of the opposing pump sections. 3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the rear tongue portion is replaceably rigidly connected to one of the opposing pump sections. 6. A shoe as set forth in claim 5 wherein said rear tongue portion is replaceably rigidly connected to an inner one of said opposing pump sections. 3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein one of the tongue portions includes means for forming a pocket for receiving one of the cushion member and the saddle member therein. 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the pocket includes an opening formed at one edge of the one tongue portion for inserting and removing one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the saddle member is a member that can act to distribute pressure exerted on the wearer's back by tightening means that secures the shoe to the wearer's foot. 8. A shoe as set forth in claim 7, wherein said one tongue portion includes closing means for releasably closing said pocket for retaining one of said cushion member and said saddle member in said pocket. The method of claim 1, wherein the opposing pump sections comprise a pair of opposing front pump sections and a pair of opposing back pump sections, The anterior tongue portion is adapted to be disposed below the opposing front pump sections when the opposing front pump sections are secured relative to each other, Said rear tongue portion being adapted to be disposed under said opposing rear pump sections when said opposing rear pump sections are secured relative to each other. 13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the posterior tongue portion is permanently rigidly connected to the rear pump section of one of the opposing rear pump sections. 14. The shoe of claim 13, wherein the posterior tongue portion is permanently rigidly connected to the medial rear pump section of the opposing rear pump sections. 13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the rear tongue portion is replaceably rigidly connected to a rear pump section of one of the opposing rear pump sections. 16. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the rear tongue portion is replaceably rigidly connected to the medial rear pump section of the opposing rear pump sections. 13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein at least one of the tongue portions comprises means for forming a pocket for receiving one of the cushion member and the saddle member therein. 18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the pocket includes an opening formed at one edge of the one tongue portion for inserting and removing one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 18. The shoe of claim 17 wherein the saddle member is a member that can act to distribute pressure exerted on the wearer's back by tightening means that secures the shoe to the wearer's foot. 18. The shoe of claim 17, wherein the one tongue portion includes closure means for releasably closing the pocket for retaining one of the cushion member and the saddle member inside the pocket. Outsole, An upper upper connected to the sole to form a front lid; A pair of opposing pump sections connected to the sole, An anterior tongue portion integral with the anterior upper, A rear tongue portion adapted to be replaceably rigidly connected to one of the opposing pump sections and adapted to cover the instep of the foot disposed in the shoe without slipping towards the outside or the inside of the foot during use, The respective opposing pump sections are provided with tightening means such that the opposing pump sections are pulled towards each other such that the shoe is secured to the foot during use. 23. The shoe of claim 22, wherein the rear tongue portion is replaceably rigidly connected to the medial rear pump section of the rear pump section. 23. The shoe of claim 22, wherein at least one of the tongue portions includes means for forming a pocket for receiving one of the cushion member and the saddle member therein. 25. The shoe of claim 24, wherein the pocket is at least partially occupied by one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 25. The shoe of claim 24, wherein the pocket includes an opening formed at one edge of the tongue portion for inserting and removing one of the cushion member and the saddle member. 25. The shoe of claim 24 wherein the saddle member is a member that can act to distribute pressure exerted on the wearer's back by tightening means securing the shoe to the wearer's foot. 25. The shoe of claim 24, wherein the tongue portion includes closing means for releasably closing the pocket for retaining one of the cushion member and the saddle member inside the pocket.