TW202239349A - Article of footwear with pivoting tongue and anchoring strap - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear has a footwear upper that includes a base layer defining a throat opening, a tongue having a forward end fixed to the base layer forward of the throat opening, and a strap having an anchored end fixed at the base layer and a securing end selectively securable at the base layer. The tongue is pivotable about the forward end between an access position and a use position, extends over and covers the throat opening in the use position, and rests against an exterior of the base layer at a medial side of the base layer and at a lateral side of the base layer in the use position. The strap crosses over an exterior of the tongue with the securing end secured at the base layer and the tongue in the use position.

Description

Article of footwear with pivoting tongue and strap

The present invention generally relates to an article of footwear having an upper with a pivoting tongue to facilitate access and a strap to hold the tongue in place for use.

Footwear typically includes a sole configured to lie under a wearer's foot and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper typically surrounds the sides and top of the foot. An upper may include a lace system, buckles or other fastening system to secure the upper around the foot. Putting on a shoe typically requires manipulating the upper to widen the ankle opening for foot entry, and then manipulating a lace or other fastening system to secure the upper around the foot. These steps may be difficult for some wearers, such as persons with limited dexterity and young children.

The present invention generally relates to an article of footwear having an upper having a pivoting tongue for ease of foot entry and configured to be easily moved over and secured to the tongue One or more straps on the body for use. The footwear is available for all sizes and is especially suitable for young children as it enables them to put on and take off their footwear independently.

In one example, an article of footwear includes a footwear upper having a base layer, a tongue, and a band. The base layer defines a throat, and the tongue has a front end secured to the base layer forward of the throat. The tongue is pivotable about the front end between an entry position and an in-use position. For example, the tongue can be configured to easily reflect (eg, fold or bend) around the front end to expose most or all of the throat in the entry location. Thus, a larger entry area is available for foot entry when the tongue is in the entry position.

The tongue extends over and covers the throat in the use position and abuts against the exterior of the base layer on an inner side of the base layer and on an outer side of the base layer. In other words, the tongue covers the top side of the throat and overlaps the basal layer on either side of the throat.

The strap has a fixed end secured to (eg, relative to, including indirectly to) the base layer. The strap has a fixable end selectively fixable at the base layer (eg, selectively fixable relative to, including indirectly fixable to, the base layer). The strap crosses over an outer portion of the tongue with the fixed end fixed at the base layer and the tongue in the use position. Thus, the strap holds the tongue in place over the foot during use.

The strap can be configured for easy fastening and release. For example, a first fastener (such as a hook and loop fastener) may be secured to the strap at the fixable end, and a second fastener may be secured to the upper opposite the side to which the strap's fixed end is secured. side. Thus, the strap can be secured only by pressing the first fastener against the second fastener, and released from the second fastener by pulling the fixable end of the strap away from the second fastener first fastener to release the strap.

In some examples, only a single strap may be selectively secured to the tongue. Other examples include a first strap and a second strap (eg, a medial strap and a lateral strap) crossing over the tongue to opposite sides of the upper, where one of the straps crosses over the other.

Other features of the article of footwear may include a tongue tab, a heel tab, knots, or reinforced leather that help reinforce the perimeter of the upper around the throat to maintain the shape of the opening for easy access, and Structure is provided at the side edge and the rear edge of the tongue. Foam cushioning on the underside of the tongue and at the collar of a heel of the upper may also be used to provide structure to maintain the size of the opening and the shape of the tongue, and to increase comfort.

The above-mentioned features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teaching will be apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teaching when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though the embodiments may be described individually in the embodiments of the figures below, single features thereof may be combined into additional embodiments.

Cross References to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/168,910, filed March 31, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like components, FIG. 1 shows an article of footwear 10 comprising a shoe having a pivotable tongue 14 and configured to enable easy donning and doffing of the shoe as described herein. Upper 12 of class 10 of two straps 16A, 16B (also referred to as fixing straps).

1 is a lateral view of article of footwear 10 showing upper 12 secured to sole structure 18 to collectively define foot-receiving cavity 20 in which foot is placed when footwear 10 is worn. Article of footwear 10 may also be referred to as footwear 10 herein. Article of footwear 10 has a forefoot region 22 , a midfoot region 24 and a heel region 26 . Heel region 26 generally corresponds to the rear of the wearer's foot (including the calcaneus), which corresponds to the size of article of footwear 10 . Forefoot region 22 generally includes the portion of article of footwear 10 that corresponds to the toes and the joints that connect the metatarsals to the phalanges of the foot. Midfoot region 24 generally corresponds with the arch region and extends from forefoot region 22 to heel region 26 . Forefoot region 22 , midfoot region 24 , and heel region 26 are used herein to describe portions of sole structure 18 and upper 12 .

FIG. 1 shows the lateral side 28 of the article of footwear 10 , and FIG. 2 shows the opposite medial side 30 of the article of footwear 10 . Lateral side 28 and medial side 30 are used herein to describe portions of sole structure 18 and upper 12 . Lateral side 28 and medial side 30 extend through each of forefoot region 22, midfoot region 24, and heel region 26, and correspond to opposite sides of article of footwear 10 that are defined by a longitudinal axis LM (as shown in FIG. shown), longitudinal axis LM may be the longitudinal midline of article of footwear 10 .

Forefoot region 22, midfoot region 24, and heel region 26 are not used to demarcate precise regions of footwear 10, but rather are used to represent general regions of article of footwear 10 for purposes of illustrative discussion. As shown in the top view of FIG. 3, article of footwear 10 is adapted for the right foot. A pair of shoes includes an article of footwear 10 , and a left footwear article that is a mirror image of article of footwear 10 . Accordingly, descriptions of footwear 10 apply equally to right and left footwear, both of which are within the scope of the present teachings.

Sole structure 18 may include any or all of an outsole, a midsole, and one or more fluid-filled or foam cushioning elements. Additionally, sole structure 18 may be equipped with nails, cleats, or other ground engaging members. In the embodiment shown in, sole structure 18 is a single sole used as the midsole and outsole, and may include outsole components in high wear areas of sole structure 18, such as forefoot outsole component 19 and heel outsole Component 21. For example, outsole components 19, 21 may comprise rubber.

Upper 12 includes a number of components that cooperate to provide comfort and support. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , upper 12 includes base layer 32 coupled to sole structure 18 at a lower extent. The base layer 32 defines a throat 34 . Base layer 32 extends in forefoot region 22 and midfoot region 24 and into heel region 26 where it is secured to heel bar 36 that surrounds and defines the rear portion of upper 12 . Base layer 32 may include, but is not limited to, a fabric such as a woven or knitted fabric. Toe guard 45 may be secured to the front of base layer 32 and may be, but is not limited to, a leather material.

A heel collar 38 is secured to the upper extent of the heel bar 36 and defines an ankle opening 40 extending rearwardly from the throat 34 (see FIG. 6 ). In other words, the throat 34 extends to (eg, merges with) the ankle opening 40 .

In FIGS. 1-3 , the tongue 14 is shown in an in-use position and the straps 16A, 16B are shown crossing over an outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 and secured relative to the base layer 32 . Straps 16A, 16B hold tongue 14 in a use position when article of footwear 10 is used for various activities, and then may be released to enable tongue 14 to pivot to an entry position, as shown and discussed in FIG. 7 .

The medial strap 16A is also referred to herein as the first strap and has a fixed end 43 secured to the sole structure 18 and/or the lower extent of the base layer 32 at the medial side 30 . Similarly, lateral strap 16B is also referred to herein as a second strap and has a fixed end 44 secured to sole structure 18 and/or to the lower extent of base layer 32 at lateral side 28 . By securing the fixed ends 43 , 44 to the sole structure 18 and/or the base layer 32 , the fixed ends 43 , 44 are thus fixed relative to the base layer 32 because they cannot move relative to the base layer 32 . The fixed ends 43, 44 are also referred to as fixed ends.

As shown in FIG. 1 , strap 16A has fixable ends 46 that are selectively fixed relative to base layer 32 . Similarly, strap 16B has a fixed end 48 that is selectively fixable relative to base layer 32 , as shown in FIG. 2 . The fixable ends 46, 48 of the straps 16A, 16B may be referred to as free ends because they are not fixed and are free to move relative to the base layer 32, tongue 14 and sole structure 18 unless they are selectively fixed. On the article of footwear 10 herein.

As used herein, an "end" of a strip 16A or 16B generally refers to an end of the strip 16A or 16B, and is not limited to but includes the absolute end of the strip 16A or 16B, such as the terminal end of the strip 16A or 16B.

As best shown in FIG. 3 , each strap 16A, 16B crosses over the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 with the fixable ends 46 , 48 fixed relative to the base layer 32 at the heel bar 36 . More specifically, the outer strap 16B is first wrapped around the tongue 14 with the fixable end 48 secured to the inner side 30 . The inner strap 16A then wraps over the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 and also wraps over the outer strap 16B with the fixable end 46 secured to the outer side 28 . Thus, a portion of the outer strap 16B is located between the inner strap 16A and the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 . Alternatively, the inner strap 16A may be wrapped over the tongue 14 first, with the fixable end 46 secured to the outer side 28 . Next, the outer strap 16B may be wrapped around the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 or a portion of the inner strap 16A, with the fixable end 48 secured to the inner side 30 . In this alternative configuration, a portion of the inner strap 16A would be located between the outer strap 16 and the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 .

Figure 4 is a plan view of an outer side 50 of the first belt 16A. Figure 5 is an European plan view of an outer side 52 of the second belt 16B. Each strap 16A, 16B tapers in width from a respective fixed end 43, 44 (also called fixed end) to a respective fixable end 46, 48 (also called free end). The wider fixation ends 43, 44 provide greater support to the foot on the lateral and medial sides 28, 30 compared to narrower straps, which can be helpful during lateral movements.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the first belt 16A of FIG. 4 . The description of the first belt 16A in FIGS. 14-16 and the alternative first belt 16AA in FIGS. 17-19 applies equally to the second belt 16B. As shown in Figure 15, a first fastener 54 is secured to the fixable end 46 of the strap 16A on the inner side 58 of the strap 16A. The first fastener 54 may also be referred to as the first strap fastener portion (or the second strap fastener portion when a similar fastener 54 is secured to the second strap 16B) and comprises a plurality of hook and loop fastener material. hook 56. Suitable materials for the hook 56 and loop 70 of the heel guard 36 are available from 3M Company at 3M Center, St. Paul, Minnesota under the trademark VELCRO ^™ .

The first band 16A includes what may be referred to as an outer layer 59 of a shoe sheath and defines the outer side 50 . Outer layer 59 may be leather or other relatively non-stretchable durable material. Additionally, the strap 16A including the outer layer 59 may be segmented and may comprise an elastic shoe strap that may be positioned between and connect the parts, as with respect to the elastic shoe strap of FIGS. 57-58 . Band 1423 and portions 1419 and 1421 of band 1416B are described. Accordingly, any of the first strap 16A, the second strap 16B, and any of the straps shown and discussed in relation to the other embodiments herein, can be configured to be relatively non-stretchable, except in the shoe strap portion for wear and tear. During this period, the fit between the upper and the foot is maintained.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the first band 16A includes an inner layer 60 that defines an inner side 58 . The first fastener 54 is secured to the inner layer 60 by sewing, heat bonding, adhesive, or other means.

A substrate layer 62 is disposed between the outer layer 59 and the inner layer 60 . As shown in FIG. 16 , outer layer 59 covers the edge of substrate layer 62 defining a ridge 64 to provide a three-dimensional effect at outer layer 59 . Substrate layer 62 adds to the overall thickness of tape 16A and may be compressed in one or more locations to help define various designs and images imprinted into outer layer 59 . The second belt 16B is configured in the same manner as the first belt 16A.

An alternative structure for the first belt 16A and the second belt 16B is represented by the alternative first belt 16AA shown in FIGS. 17-19 . An alternative outer layer 59A defines the outer side 50 . Alternative inner layer 60A may be directly affixed to outer layer 59A without substrate layer 62 of FIGS. 15-16 . For example, the outer layer 59A may be a synthetic material and the inner layer 60A may be natural leather. Outer layer 59A may be thermoformed to form ridge 64 . As with strap 16A, strap 16AA (including outer layer 59) may be sectioned and may include elastic shoe straps that may be positioned between and connect portions, as with respect to the elastic shoe straps of FIGS. 57-58. Band 1423 and portions 1419 and 1421 of band 1416B are described.

There are a plurality of loops 70 on the exterior of the heel bar 36, and the hooks 56 (as shown in FIG. 15 ) are configured to engage the loops 70 to releasably secure the free ends 46, 48 of the straps 16A, 16B. The first fastener 54, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The heel bar 36 and loop 70 are referred to as the second fastener to which the first fastener 54 is releasable. Alternatively, the first fastener 54 may be a loop material (eg, a plurality of loops) and the outer side of the heel bar 36 may be a hook material (eg, a plurality of hooks). In another alternative, both the first fastener 54 and the outer side of the heel bar 36 may include a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks, so that the first fastener 54 is releasably fixed on the heel bar 36 .

Although the embodiments herein illustrate the hook and loop material used to secure the straps 16A, 16B to the heel bars 36, as an alternative to the hooks 56 and loops 70, the free ends 46, 48 of the straps 16A, 16B The first fastener can be changed to a buckle, magnet or button, for example, the first part of the buckle or magnet is fixed to the free ends 46, 48 and the second part is fixed to the heel bar 36. The first part (or a button hole on the free ends 46, 48 of the heel bar 36, and a button on each of the outer side 28 and inner side 30). However, the hook and loop material of the first fastener 54 and heel bar 36 provides a finer adjustment fit than snaps or magnets because the spacing between the hooks and loops is minimal to allow incremental fixed position ratios of the straps 16A, 16B. More when using spacer snaps or magnets. Additionally, hook and loop fasteners can be easier for young children and those with limited dexterity to handle than other fastener types.

Heel bar 36 is also shaped to assist in proper securing of straps 16A, 16B. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 , heel bar 36 has a medial edge 36A at medial side 30 of base layer 32 that slopes upward and forward from heel region 26 to midfoot region 24. . The angle of the inside edge 36A is selected so that the lower edge 72 of the strap 16B can be aligned with the inside edge 36A, and the alignment places the strap 16B in a snug and undistorted position against the inside 30 of the base layer 32 .

Similarly, as best shown in FIGS. 1 , 6 and 7 , the heel bar 36 has a lateral edge 36B at the outer side 28 of the base layer 32 that slopes upward and forward from the heel region 26 to the midfoot region 24 . The angle of the outer edge 36B is selected so that the lower edge 74 of the strap 16A can be aligned with the outer edge 36B, and the alignment places the strap 16A in a snug and undistorted position against the outer side 28 of the base layer 32 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , with the tongue 14 in the use position and the fixable ends 46 , 48 as secured, the inner strap 16A crosses the inner edge 84 and the outer edge 86 of the tongue 14 on the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 . , the outer band 16B intersects the inner edge 84 and the outer edge 86 of the tongue 14 on the outer portion 42 of the tongue 14 . Thus, the straps 16A, 16B hold the tongue 14 in the in-use position until the wearer decides to peel the hook 56 from the loop 70 with sufficient force by lifting the ends 46, 48 off the heel bar 36. out, thereby releasing the straps 16A, 16B.

Tongue 14 has a number of features that enable it to easily pivot between the entry position of FIG. 7 and the use position of FIG. 7 . 1 to FIG. 3, and always cover the entire width of the throat 34, and rest on the outer portion 42 of the base layer 32, without wrinkling or twisting, so that each time the tongue 14 is pivoted to the use position and by the strap 16A, With 16B secured to base layer 32, tongue 14 rests comfortably on the foot.

For example, the tongue 14 has a front end 80 (best shown in FIG. 10 ) that is secured to the base layer 32 in front of the throat 34 . Although the tongue 14 is removed in FIG. 6 , the dashed line in FIG. 6 indicates the outer boundary 14A of the tongue 14 when the tongue 14 is placed in the use position. The front end 80 is fixed at the part of the outer boundary 14A of the front end 34A of the throat 34 indicated by 80A. Front end 80 may be affixed to the inside of base layer 32 (and any inner layer or layers, such as the liner), or may be affixed to exterior 82 of base layer 32 .

The inside edge 84 of the tongue 14 (as shown in FIGS. 2 , 3 and 10 ) rests on the outside 82 of the base layer 32 at the inside 30 of the base layer 32 when the tongue 14 is in the use position. Thus, as shown in a portion of the outer boundary 14A labeled 84A in FIG. 6, the inboard edge 84 extends further inboard than the inboard edge 34B of the throat 34, indicating the position of the inboard edge 84 when the tongue 14 is in the use position. .

When the tongue 14 is in the in-use position, an outside edge 86 of the tongue 14 (as shown in FIGS. superior. Accordingly, the outer edge 86 extends laterally farther than the outer edge 34C of the throat 34, as shown in a portion of the outer boundary 14A labeled 86A in FIG. .

The tongue 14 is fixed to the base layer 32 only at the front end 80 in front of the frontmost end 34A of the throat 34 . Tongue 14 includes outer layer 90 at front end 80, and optionally, inner layer 109 and lace 120 may also extend to front end 80 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Accordingly, the relatively thinner portion of the front end 80 tying the tongue 14 is particularly well-suited for pivoting because the relatively thinner outer layer 90, inner layer 109, and frenulum 120 are able to move faster than the thicker and stiffer portion of the tongue 14 during pivoting. (eg, including the foam 131 and/or edge ties 102 discussed herein) are easier to fold or bend.

The tongue 14 may be secured to the base layer 32 by a first series of stitches 92 extending through the front end 80 of the tongue 14 and sewing it to the base layer 32 in front of the throat 34 (see FIG. 11 ). A first series of stitches 92 is shown in FIG. 11 with upper 12 only partially assembled, and is represented in FIG. 3 using hidden lines. In FIGS. 10-12, portions 90A, 90B of the outer layer 90 of the tongue 14 are shown with a portion of the center seam 119 displaced and not fully sewn to each other to show the tongue tab 120A in a perspective view. When fully assembled, inner edge 90C, 90D of each portion 90B, 90A abuts along its entire length at seam 119 and stitching 118 extends along the entire length of edge 90C, 90D.

After the tongue 14 is sewn to the base layer 32 using the first series of stitches 92 , a cover 94 may be placed over the first series of stitches 92 , as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , 7 and 12 . For example, the covering 94 may be leather or another material that protects the first series of stitches 92 and flexes easily when the tongue 14 flexes or folds as it pivots.

A second series of stitches 96 is shown in FIGS. 1-3 , 7 and 12 . A second series of stitches 96 may extend through the covering 94 and base layer 32 , stitching the covering 94 and front end 80 of the tongue 14 to the base layer 32 in front of the throat 34 . The second series of stitches 96 may be placed over the first series of stitches 92, extending along the same path as the first series of stitches 92, and in addition to securing the covering 94 to the base layer 32, may also reinforce the first series of stitches. Trace 92.

Accordingly, FIGS. 10-12 show that the tongue 14 is secured by first placing the front end 80 shown in FIG. 10 on the outer portion 82 of the base layer 32 shown in FIG. To the procedure of base layer 32 . In FIG. 11 , the base layer 32 is expanded to a relatively flat position, and the securing of the tongue 14 to the base layer 32 occurs prior to securing the lower portion of the base layer 32 to the sole structure 18 . When secured to sole structure 18 , rear edges 98 , 100 of chassis layer 32 are positioned adjacent one another at heel region 26 . In FIG. 12 , the covering 94 is first placed over a first series of stitches 92 and then sewn to the base layer 32 using a second series of stitches 96 .

Although the tongue 14 is relatively thin and flexible at its front end 80 by having only the outer layer 90 (and optionally a thin inner layer 109) at the front end 80, the tongue 14 has the outer layer 90 configured to reinforce it. The characteristics of the remaining edges (such as the remaining perimeter beyond the front end 80, including edges 84, 86) such that the tongue 14 will tend to remain relatively spread or fanned out rather than fold or wrinkle at the perimeter of the tongue 14. This enables the tongue 14 to reliably extend outwardly to the inner and outer edges 34B, 34C of the throat opening 34 during use when secured as previously described. The outer layer 90 may be, for example, the same material as the base layer 32, such as a fabric.

In the article of footwear 10 embodiment, tongue edge ties 102 are secured along medial edge 84, lateral edge 86, and rear end 104 of outer layer 90 of tongue 14, as shown. 1 to 3 and 7 to 12. In the figures, for illustrative purposes, the edges 84, 86 and end 104 of the outer layer 90 are indicated to coincide with the edges of the tongue edge tie 102, since the tongue edge tie 102 can be relatively thin and tight. wrapping around the edges of the outer layer 90. In an example, tongue edge tie 102 may be nylon, polyester, leather, or the like. As shown in FIG. 8 , there may be a small gap between the edges 84 , 86 and the tongue edge tie 102 . Stitches 108 extend through tongue edge tie 102 and outer layer 90 to secure tongue edge tie 102 to outer layer 90 as shown in FIG. 8 . Stitches 108 also extend through inner layer 109 of tongue 14 and are shown in a zigzag pattern (see FIG. 1 ). Therefore, the tongue binding member 102 also covers the outer edge of the inner layer 109 . The inner layer 109 can be thinner than the outer layer 90 and can be, but is not limited to, a nylon liner.

To maintain the flexibility of the front end 80 to pivot between the entry position and the use position, the tongue edge tie 102 does not extend to the front end 80 . As shown in FIGS. 9-12 , the tongue edge tie 102 has an inboard terminal end 102A behind the front end 80 and an outboard terminal end 102B behind the front end 80 . Thus, the inner edge 84 of the outer layer 90 has an untied portion 84A exposed between the inner terminal end 102A of the tongue edge tie 102 and the front end 80 . Similarly, the outer edge 86 of the outer layer 90 has an untied portion 86A exposed between the side end 102B of the tongue edge tie 102 and the front end 80 of the tongue 14 . Even when the covering 94 is secured to the outer layer 90, at least some of the untied portions 84A, 86A may still be exposed, as best shown in FIG. 12 . When pivoted near the front end 80, the tongue 14 may tend to bend or fold at these untied portions 84A, 86A rather than being covered by the tie 102 at the edges 84, 86 and thus the tongue 14 is thicker The position pivots backward. Portions 84A, 86A of edges 84 , 86 are still relatively thinner portions of edges 84 , 86 because only outer layer 90 and inner layer 109 , not tie 102 , extend over these portions of edges 84 , 86 . The tongue edge tie 102 thus helps to control the pivoting of the tongue to a position close to the front end 80, which results in maximum exposure of the throat 34 for entry when the shoe 10 is worn.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the edge ties 110 may also be secured to the base layer 32 along the perimeter of the throat 34 at the inner edge 34B of the throat and the outer edge 34C of the throat 34 . In an example, edge tie 110 may be nylon, polyester, leather, or the like. Edge tie 110 further extends along the perimeter of ankle opening 40 and is secured to neckline 38 . It should be noted that, in plan view here, the cushioning of the collar 38 is raised inwardly under the top of the ankle opening 40 .

The edge tie 110 terminates behind the most forward end 34A of the throat 34 such that the forwardmost end 34A of the throat 34 and the front of the inner and outer edges 34B, 34C are not affected by any edge tie 110 . As shown in FIGS. 6-7 , edge tie 110 has inner terminal end 110A arranged along inner edge 34B rearwardly of forwardmost end 34A, and outer terminal end 110B arranged along outer lateral edge 34C rearwardly of forwardmost end 34A. Thus, the inner edge 34B has an untied portion 112A exposed between the inner terminal end 110A of the edge tie 110 and the forwardmost end 34A. Similarly, the side edge 34C has an untied portion 112B exposed between the outer terminal end 110B of the edge tie 110 and the forwardmost end 34A. Since the throat 34 is rounded at the intersections of the inner edge 34B and the most forward end 34A and at the intersection of the outer edge 34C and the most forward end 34A, during the pivoting of the tongue 14, there may be no knots at the unknotted portions 112A, 112B. Some bending or folding will occur. Leaving these portions 112A, 112B unfixed reduces their thickness compared to the portion with the edges 34B, 34C of the tie 110, thereby allowing greater flexibility to reduce the pivoting of the tongue 14 from the use position to The entry position, and the resistance to pivoting from the entry position to the use position.

Figures 8-9 show the construction 14 of the tongue. The outer layer 90 of the tongue 14 includes an inner portion 90A and an outer portion 90B. The inner peripheral edge 90C of the outer portion 90B is connected to the inner peripheral edge 90D of the inner portion 90A at a seam 119 by a serge line 118 . The inner portion 90A and the outer portion 90B may be mirror images of each other.

Lace 120 is disposed over and along seam 119 and is sewn to inner portion 90A and outer portion 90B using stitch 122 . Thus, the lace 120 is secured between the front end 80 of the tongue 14 and the rear end 104 of the tongue 14 along the central portion 115 of the outer layer 90 , but does not extend completely to the rear end 104 . Instead, the stitching 122 ends at the portion between the rear end 104 and the front end 80, and the tie 120 is folded to form a loop portion used as a tongue pull 120A, and is secured by a Box stitch 120B secures itself (and the underlying outer layer 90 and inner layer 109). The outer layer 90 includes the front end 80 of the tongue 14 .

Foam 131 is disposed at the inner side 132 of the outer layer 90 as shown in FIG. 8 . The foam 131 is divided into an inner foam component 131A at 30 positions inside the tongue 14 and an outer foam component 131B at 28 positions outside the tongue 14 . The inner foam component 131A and the outer foam component 131B are separated from each other by a gap 134 extending along the length of the inner side 132 of the outer layer 90 . The relatively thin and flexible inner layer 109 can extend into the gap 134 and be stitched to the outer layer 90 by stitches 118 in the gap 134 . The foam 131 is located above the throat 34 when the tongue 14 is in the use position. Providing gap 134 allows foam 131 to have greater flexibility to provide a more customized fit for the top of the foot because the two foam components 131A, 131B can be moved closer together (eg, closing gap 134) because the tongue 14 conforms to the top of the foot and the exterior of base layer 32 and is held in place by straps 16A, 16B.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the foremost edge 130C of the foam 131 is located behind the front end 80 of the tongue 14 . In other words, the outer layer 90 and the inner layer 109 extend farther forward than the foam 131 to ensure the flexibility of the front end 80 . Stitch 136 (partially visible in FIG. 7 ) secures outer layer 90 and inner layer 109 in front of stitch 108 of tongue edge tie 102 .

The tether 120 forms a tongue tab 120A that extends in a loop from a fixation location 120C disposed along the central portion 115 between the rear end 104 of the tongue and the front end 80 of the tongue 14 . As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , after the inner portion 90A and the outer portion 90B are joined at seam 119 , stitch 122 secures the lower portion of tie 120 to outer layer 90 and inner layer 109 , and the box stitch 120B is added so far below rear end 104 that the portion of tether 120 forming tongue tab 120A is not secured to outer layer 90 behind fastening location 120C.

When the tongue 14 is in the use position and the straps 16A, 16B are secured, the straps 16A, 16B are typically positioned above the secured location 120C and a portion of the tongue tab 120A is held flat below the straps 16A, 16B so that the strap 16A, 16B is held flat when the straps are released. Access to the tongue 120A is more difficult before 16A, 16B.

Additionally, by placing the fixed location 120C significantly forward of the rear end 104, pulling the tongue tab 120A a given distance will cause the tongue 14 to be closer to or at the rear end 104 than if the fixed location 120C were at the rear end 104 and the tongue The outer tab 120A pivots farther when pulled the same distance.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a strap 130 is secured to the heel bar 36 and the heel collar 38 at the rear of the heel region 26 . Strap 130 is folded and sewn or otherwise secured to itself to define heel tab 130A secured to collar 38 behind ankle opening 40 . The heel tab 130A can be used to pull the shoe 10 onto the foot when the foot is inserted into the foot receiving cavity 20 and can also be used to pull the shoe 10 onto the foot when the straps 16A, 16B are not secured and the tongue 14 is in the Pull the shoe off the foot.

FIG. 13 shows upper 12 at collar 38 in greater detail. The neckline 38 includes an outer layer 140, and the upper 12 also includes an inner layer 142 (eg, a lining) extending to the upper edge of the outer layer 140, where the upper edge is stitched to the outer layer 140 by a seam 144, which is also securely tied. 110. The inner layer 142 thus forms the inner side of the neckline 38 .

The foam 146 is disposed between the outer layer 140 and the inner layer 142 such that the foam 146 extends along the inner side 148 of the outer layer 140 of the collar 38 . The foam 146 may be thick enough so that the outer layer 140 bulges substantially outward and the inner layer 142 bulges substantially inward.

A base plate 150 may be disposed on the inside of the heel bar 36 and may be, for example, the same material as the base plate 62 of the strap 16A. The base plate 150 helps to provide structure so that the base plate 150 and the heel bar 36 function as a heel bar.

A thin layer of foam 152 may be disposed between base 150 and inner layer 142 and compressed to conform to the wearer's heel to improve the fit of article of footwear 10 . The upper edges of the heel bar 136 and the base plate 150 are folded, and the stitches 154 extend through the heel bar 36 , the base plate 150 , the foam 152 and the inner layer 142 .

20 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 210 having many of the same components of the article of footwear 10, referenced using like numerals, including base layer 32 with base layer 32 secured to front end 80 And tongue 14, first strap 16A, upper 212 of second strap 16B pivotable at front end 80 between entry and use positions. Figure 20 shows the tongue 14 in a partially open position, eg a position between the use position and the access position. The first and second straps 16A, 16B are shown unsecured, with the first strap 16A (eg, the inner strap) crossing over the tongue 14 first (eg, before the second strap 16B).

21 is a perspective view of an article of footwear 210 with the tongue 14 in the use position with the first and second straps 16A, 16B in a fixed position, but with the second strap 16B (e.g., the outer strap) crossing over the first strap 16A before the first strap 16A. Tongue 14 such that second strap 16B is disposed between tongue 14 and first strap 16A.

22 is a perspective view of an article of footwear 210 with the tongue 14 in the in-use position and the first and second straps 16A, 16B in a fixed position, but with the first strap 16A (e.g., the medial strap) crossing over before the second strap 16B. Tongue 14 such that first strap 16A is disposed between tongue 14 and second strap 16B. The wearer may choose to cross and secure straps 16A, 16B in any order, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 .

23 is a medial view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 310 having many of the same components as the article of footwear 10 and using like reference numerals, including a base layer 32 secured to a front end 80 with a base layer 32 Tongue 14 pivotable at front end 80 between entry and use positions, second strap 16B, wider first strap 316A (eg medial strap) rather than upper 312 of first strap 16A. The first and second straps 316A, 16B are shown in fixed positions covering the tongue 14 . The first strap 316A has a wider fixed end 343 . In other words, anchor end 343 extends over a longer length of medial side 30 of footwear 310, further back into midfoot region 24 than strap 16A. Thus, the strap 316A can provide greater support around the medial side 30 around the forefoot region 22 and the midfoot region 24 than the strap 16A having a narrower fixation end 43 . Additionally, a larger front outsole member 319 is provided in place of the forefoot outsole assembly 19 . Although not limited to any age group, article of footwear 310 may be configured with a subset of older wearers of footwear 16, such as preschoolers rather than toddlers, and wider strap 316A is larger in such And it stays in place under relatively high loads applied by heavier wearers on average.

FIG. 24 is a medial view of another alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 410 having many of the same components of the article of footwear 10 , referenced using like numerals, including an upper 412 with a base layer 32 , the tongue 14 secured to the base layer 32 at the front end 80 and the tongue 14 pivotable at the front end 80 between the entry and use positions, the tongue 14 being in the use position. Lace 430 defining heel tab 430A is secured only at discrete areas of heel bar 36 . Article of footwear 410 includes only a single strap 16A (eg, medial strap), with no strap 16B (eg, lateral strap) provided. Since there is no strap 16B, there is no need to provide fastener loop 70 on heel bar 36 of medial side 30 . Although not limited to any age group, footwear 410 can be configured for a subset of younger wearers, such as toddlers as opposed to preschool children, because a single strap 16A is sufficient in such smaller and lighter shoes. Stays in place under relatively low loads applied by the average wearer. Furthermore, such young wearers can more easily manipulate a single strap 16A than securing two separate straps.

FIG. 25 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 510 using only a single strap 516 . Many components of article of footwear 510 are identical to components of article of footwear 10 and are referenced using like element numbers. Footwear 510 has an upper 512 having a base layer 532, which may comprise a textile or other material. Base layer 532 extends to the rear of heel region 26 since there is no heel bar on footwear 10 . Footwear 510 includes a tongue 514 shown in an in-use position and a single securing strap 516 shown over tongue 514 and secured to base layer 532 . The strap 516 crosses the inner edge 84 and the outer edge 86 of the tongue 514 and rests on the outer portion 42 of the tongue 514 when the tongue is in the use position, as shown in the top view of FIG. 27 . Tongue 514 extends above throat 34 of FIG. 30 and lies on exterior 582 of base layer 532 at medial 30 and lateral 28 because medial and lateral edges 84, 86 of tongue 514 are further than respective edges 34B, 34C. Extend outward.

More specifically, the strap 516 crosses over the outer portion 42 of the tongue 514 from the fixed end 43 (also referred to as a fixed end) of the strap 516 fixed to the inner side 30 of the upper 512 in FIG. The fixable end 46 (also referred to as a free end) on the outer side 28 of the upper 512 . In an alternative configuration, strap 516 and upper 512 may be configured with a fixed end at lateral side 28 and an optionally fixed free end at medial side 30 .

Similar to strap 16A, first fastener 54 (as shown in FIGS. 36 and 38 ) is secured inside fixable end 46 of strap 516 . Second fastener 536 is secured at side 28 of upper 512 , for example, as shown in FIGS. 25 , 30 and 31 . The first fastener 54 is configured to be releasably secured to the second fastener 536 . For example, the first fastener 54 includes a plurality of hooks 56 (see FIG. 38 ), and the second fastener 536 includes a plurality of loops 70 (see FIG. 29 ). As discussed with respect to article of footwear 10, first fastener 54 may be a loop material (eg, loops) and second fastener 536 may be a plurality of hooks (hook material). In another alternative, both the first fastener 54 and the second fastener 536 may include a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks such that the first fastener 54 is releasably secured to the second fastener 536 .

Upper 512 includes a medial quarter overlay 537A (see FIG. 26 ) and a lateral quarter overlay 537B (see FIG. 25 ). The quarter overlays 537A, 537B may also be referred to as bead overlays, and are stitched to the base layer 532 and secured to the sole structure 18 . The fixed end 43 of the strap 516 is stitched to the inside quarter overlay 537A and may extend under the quarter overlay 537A to the sole structure 18 at the terminal edge 516A of the strap 516 shown in FIG. 28 ( Covered by the inner quarter cladding layer 537A in FIG. 26).

The second fastener 536 is secured to the outer quarter cladding 537B, such as by sewing 541 (see FIGS. 29 and 31 ) the secured end 536A of the second fastener 536 to the outer quarter cladding 537B, As discussed in more detail with respect to FIG. 29 . Quarter-covering layers 537A, 537B may be a relatively non-stretchable material, such as leather, which may be synthetic leather, or other synthetic material, such that they provide a stable fixation for strap 516 and second fastener 536, respectively. .

Referring to FIGS. 35-38 , the band 516 includes an outer layer 59A that builds the outer side 50 of the band 516 and an inner layer 60A that builds the inner side 58 of the band 516 , similar to the band 16A. The foam layer 67 is arranged between the inner layer 60A and the outer layer 59A, the substrate layer 68 is arranged inside the foam layer 67, and the inner layer 60A is arranged inside the substrate layer. Inner layer 60A, foam layer 67, outer layer 59A, and substrate layer 68 may be secured to one another by thermal bonding or adhesives, etc., using ridges 64 similar to bands 16A defined in outer layer 59A.

Fastener 54 is secured by stitching, adhesive or other means to layer 61, which may be the same material as inner layer 60A (eg, leather). Another connection layer 63 overlaps adjacent portions of the outer sides of layers 59A and 61 . Layers 61 , 63 and 59A are stitched to each other by stitches 65 . Layer 61 establishes fixable end 46 of strap 516 .

Referring to FIGS. 29 and 31 , the second fastener 536 has a fixed end 536A fixed on the base layer 532 by stitches 541 . The second fastener 536 also has a free end 536B opposite a fixed end 536A that is not fixed relative to the base layer 532 . In other words, the free end 536B can be manipulated away from the base layer 532 by, for example, pulling the free end 536B outward.

Fig. 29 shows the addition of a substrate layer 539 and an upper layer 533, such as a leather upper layer, to provide stiffness and structure to the second fastener 536, preventing the free end 536B from being folded or folded outward. The substrate layer 539 may be adhered to or otherwise secured to the backing 536C of the second fastener 536 and the upper layer 533 . A substrate layer 543 is also added on the underside of the quarter-laminate layer 537B, and may be stitched or otherwise secured thereto. The stitches 541 extend through the quarter cover layer 537B, the substrate layer 543 , the backing 536C of the second fastener 536 , the shoe layer 533 and the base layer 532 . The inner layer 142 is not shown in FIG. 29 , but tie stitches 541 may also extend through the inner layer 142 .

Tongue 514 is removed in FIG. 30 to reveal throat 34 and ankle opening 40 . Upper 512 has inner layer 142 similar to FIG. 13 , but extends upwardly beyond the upper edge of base layer 532 instead of upper 12 of article of footwear 10 for reinforcing upper 12 at such openings 34 , 40 The edges are tied 110. The upper 512 has a strip of reinforced leather 508 secured to the base layer 532 near the upper edge of the base layer 532, covering the upper edge, and extending further to cover a portion of the outer side of the inner layer 142, but below The upper edge of the inner layer 142 . The reinforced shoe 508 serves the reinforcing function of the edge ties 110 near the openings 34 , 40 . The shoe leather 508 can be secured by adhesives, thermal bonding, stitching, or other means.

Similar to edge tie 110 , medial terminus 508A and lateral terminus 508B of reinforced shoe 508 terminate behind frontmost end 34A of throat 34 . Therefore, the forwardmost end 34A does not have any reinforced shoe. The inner edge 34B has a portion 512A exposed between the inner terminal end 508A and the leading end 34A. Similarly, side edge 34C has a portion 512B exposed between outer terminal end 508B and front-most end 34A. Because the throat 34 is rounded at the intersections of the inner edge 34B and the foremost end 34A and the intersection of the outer edge 34C and the foremost end 34A, some bending or bending of the portions 512A, 512B may occur during the pivoting of the tongue 514. fold. Terminating the reinforced shoe 508 behind the portions 512A, 512B reduces their thickness compared to the portion with the reinforced shoe 508, thereby allowing greater flexibility to reduce tongue 514 self-use Resistance to position pivoting to the entry position and pivoting from the entry position to the use position.

Referring to Figures 31-33, tongue 514 is constructed from many of the same components as tongue 14, except tongue edge tie 102 is replaced by a strip of reinforcing skin 502, and inner layer 509 is similar to inner layer 109 except that it extends to outer layer 90 outside the perimeter. As shown in Figure 32, the reinforced shoe 502 covers the edges 84, 86, as well as the rear edge of the outer layer 90 and the front edge of the outer layer 90 (not shown, but under the reinforced shoe 502 in Figure 31). As shown in Figures 32 and 33, the reinforcement skin 502 extends beyond the edge of the outer layer 90, overlays and covers a portion of the outside of the inner layer 509, but terminates before the outer perimeter 511 of the inner layer 509 (e.g., does not extend beyond the inner layer 509 outside the surrounding area 511). Thus, the strip of reinforcement layer 502 is disposed along and on the outer perimeter of outer layer 90 , and on an outer side of inner layer 509 .

As shown in FIG. 33 , the inner layer 509 extends further forward than the reinforced shoe 502 and further forward than the outer layer 90 , thereby defining the front end 80 of the tongue 514 . Similar to the tongue 14, the front end 80 is positioned forward of the most front end 34A of the throat 34, for example at position 80A in FIG. 30 . The first series of stitches 92 in FIG. 34 extend only through the relatively thin inner layer 509 of the tongue 514 to secure the tongue 514 to the base layer 532 . Next, covering 94 is placed over stitches 92 and stitched to inner layer 509 and base layer 532 using a second series of stitches 96 , similar to the procedure described for tongue 14 .

The reinforced shoe 502 is used for the reinforcing function of the edge tie 102 . The tongue 514 may tend to bend or fold at the relatively thinner inner layer 509 as it pivots closer to the front end 80 rather than more rearward where the reinforced shoe 502 is disposed. Thus, reinforced shoe 502 helps control the pivotal position of tongue 514 near front end 80 to maximize exposure of throat 34 for ease of entry when shoe 510 is worn.

25 and 26, the upper 512 includes a heel strap 560 secured to the inner side 30 of the base layer 532 and the outer side 28 of the base layer 532, and extends from the inner side 30 of the base layer 532 to the base along the outer portion of the rear portion of the upper 512. Outer side 28 of layer 532, as shown in FIG. More specifically, the heel strap 560 is stitched to a lateral quarter overlay 537B (see FIG. 25 ) using stitch 562 on the lateral side 28 and to a medial quarter using stitch 564 on the medial side 30 One of the overlay layers 537A (see FIG. 26 ).

Heel strap 560 is used to hold heel region 26 of base layer 532 against the foot. Like strap 516, heel strap 560 may be a non-stretchable material, such as leather. Alternatively, in some embodiments, heel strap 560 may be elastic. As shown in FIG. 39 , the heel strap 560 includes an outer layer 561 , a thin foam layer 563 fixed inside the outer layer 561 , and a shoe leather layer 565 , such as leather material, fixed inside the foam layer 563 .

Lace 530 is stitched to base layer 532 and inner layer 142 below heel strap 560 at stitch 570, and to reinforced leather 508 and inner layer 142 above heel strap 560 at stitch 572, but at stitch 572. A portion of lace 530 is left unsewn between 570 and 572 to form an opening through which heel strap 560 extends below lace 530 as shown in FIG. 39 . Lace 530 is then folded over, forming a loop that acts as a heel tab 530A, and can be box stitched or otherwise secured to itself at location 574 to complete and close the loop.

Foam 146 is shown disposed between inner layer 142 and base layer 532 forming part of heel collar 576 . Figure 40 shows the heel neckline 576 at the medial side 30. Stitches 572 extend through base layer 532 over inner layer 142 and foam 146 and may also extend through reinforcement skin 508 , or reinforcement skin 508 may be secured to the upper edge of base layer 532 as such. A fixed end of strap 516 (not shown in FIG. 30 ) is added in FIG. 40 where it is sewn to inner quarter layer 537A using stitch 541 .

41 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 610 in a right foot configuration having many of the same elements as footwear 510, which elements are designated with the same reference numerals. Upper 612 includes a fixed forefoot strap 616 that extends over tongue 614 , which is shown with only one layer 690 serving as the outer layer comprising front end 80 . Additionally, the tongue 614 is depicted as a single element rather than two parts secured at the center seam. Tongue tab 614 does not include a tongue tab, but tongue tab 120A may be included. Secured forefoot strap 616 is secured to sole structure 18 by stitching on medial side 30 and lateral side 28 . Secured forefoot strap 616 limits pivoting of tongue 614 to the entry position shown in FIG. 41 . The entry position of FIG. 41 shows the tongue 614 pivoting and bending at the securing strap 616 rather than at the front end 80 . Strap 616 provides a secure fit for tongue 614 at the front of the foot. The fixation strap 616 may be a relatively non-stretchable material, and may be constructed of multiple layers similar to strap 516 in some embodiments, or may be a single layer of elastic material in other embodiments.

43 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 710 in a right foot configuration and having many of the same components previously discussed. Shown is an upper 712 with tongue 614 in an entered position and strap 516 unsecured. A tongue pull 720 is added and secured near the rear end of the tongue 614, but without any laces forming a loop around the tongue pull 720, the tongue pull 720 extends down to the center portion of the tongue 614 length.

44 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 810 in a left foot configuration, which has many of the same components previously discussed. An upper 812 has a reinforced shoe 722 of circular shape sewn or otherwise secured to the end of the strap forming the tongue tab 720 to secure the tongue tab 720 to the outer layer 690 of the tongue 614 . Strap 816 is similar to strap 516 except that the fixed end is secured at the inside 30 , further forward than strap 516 . For example, strap 816 may be secured to sole structure 18 rather than to the medial quarter rib. When the fixable end 746 (fastener 54 on the inside of the strap 816, not shown in FIG. 44 ) is secured to the second fastener 536, securing the fixed end further forward causes the strap 816 to slope back from the inside 30 to the outside 28, The angle is greater than band 516 .

45 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 910 in a left foot configuration having the components of article of footwear 510 but with sole structure 18 replaced by sole structure 918 . Sole structure 918 includes a front sole portion 918A composed of a first foam and a rear sole portion 918B composed of a second foam different from the first foam. For example, the first foam and the second foam may have different material properties, such as different stiffnesses, different densities, or other different properties. For example, the rear sole portion 918B may be stiffer than the front sole portion 918A to provide greater resilience for heel strikes.

46 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 1010, which is similar in all respects to article of footwear 910, except for strap 516 and lacing 120 as discussed. Strap 516 included in upper 1012 does not have connecting layer 63 , and outer side 50 of strap 516 is directly connected to layer 61 . Article of footwear 1010 may be configured in a smaller size than footwear 910 such that the length of strap 516 is smaller. For example, footwear 910 may be a typical size for a preschool child, while article of footwear 1010 may be a typical size for a toddler.

In addition, the lace 120 on the tongue 514 of the article of footwear 1010 extends forward to the base layer 532 in front of the tongue 514 at a portion 120D of the lace 120, a portion 120E bridging over the area of the front end 80 and the leather 94 , so as to avoid inhibiting the pivoting of the tongue 514 .

47 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a sole structure 1118 suitable for use with any of the articles of footwear of FIGS. 1-46 , showing a foot-facing surface 1121 . 48 is a bottom view of the sole structure 1118 of FIG. 47 showing the ground engaging surface 1123 with transverse grooves 1125, 1126 of varying width and depth (only some of which are indicated with element numbers) and longitudinal grooves 1127 of varying length. FIG. 49 shows a front view of the sole structure 1118 of a front end 1130 and FIG. 50 shows a rear view of the sole structure 1118 of a rear end 1132 .

51 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure 1118 of FIG. 47 taken at line 51-51 of FIG. 47 showing different depths of lateral grooves 1125,1126. FIG. 52 is a view of the lateral side 28 of the sole structure 1118 showing the grooves 1125 , 1126 partially covering the lateral sidewall 1140 . 53 is a view of the inner side 30 of the sole structure 1118 showing the grooves 1125, 1126 partially covering the inner side wall 1142. FIG.

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of another alternative sole structure 1218 for any article of footwear of FIGS. 1-46. Sole structure 1218 has transverse grooves 1225 and longitudinal grooves 1227 . Sole structure 1218 has a body portion 1218A that extends in each of forefoot region 22 , midfoot region 24 , and heel region 26 . Main body portion 1218A can be used as both a midsole and an outsole. Various outsole portions having different sole elements are secured to main body portion 1218A. For example, forefoot outsole portion 1218B has square tread elements located in forefoot region 22 . Spherical outsole portion 1218C is generally circular and is disposed in the area of forefoot region 22, which is generally positioned under the ball of the wearer's big toe. Spherical outsole portion 1218C has curved tread elements that together form a circular tread pattern. The first heel outsole portion 1218D has an irregular pattern of tread elements of various shapes (circles, zigzags, lines, etc.). Second heel outsole portion 1218E has tread elements in a zigzag tread pattern. The different outsole portions 1218B, 1218C, 1218D, and 1218D and their different tread elements serve both the functional purpose of providing desired levels of traction in different areas of the sole structure 1218, as well as providing aesthetic variety. Outsole portions 1218B, 1218C, 1218D, and 1218E may include a material, such as rubber, configured for durability and traction.

Fig. 55 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 1310 having many of the same components of the article of footwear 10, referenced using like numerals. FIG. 56 is a medial view of article of footwear 1310 . Article of footwear 1310 includes sole structure 1218 of FIG. 54 . The article of footwear 1310 also includes an upper 1312 having a base layer 32 . Tongue 14 is secured to base layer 32 at front end 80 of tongue 14 and is pivotable at front end 80 between entry and use positions. Additionally, upper 1312 includes first strap 16A and second strap 16B configured as described with respect to article of footwear 10 .

Referring to FIGS. 55 and 56 , footwear upper 1312 includes heel bar 1336 . Heel bar 1336 is secured to base layer 32 and defines a rear portion of footwear upper 1312 . Heel bar 1336 is similar to heel bar 36 of article of footwear 10, and heel bar 1336 includes a plurality of loops 70, and these loops 70 are used as the second fastener, fastenable end of strap 16B. The plurality of hooks 56 of the fastener 54 on the 48 is fixed on the second fastener, and also includes a plurality of loops 70 used as the second fastener, the fastener 54 on the fixable end 46 of the strap 16A A plurality of hooks are secured to the second fastener. However, the plurality of loops 70 is limited to a portion of the outer side 28 of the heel bar 1336 (shown as loops 70A in FIG. 55 ) and a portion of the inner side 30 of the heel bar 1336 (shown as loops 70B in FIG. ), rather than covering the entire exterior of the heel bar 1336, because the loop 70 covers the entire exterior 36 of the heel bar 1336.

As shown in FIG. 55 , the portion of heel bar 1336 having a plurality of loops 70A as the second fastener for securing strap 16A is configured such that loops 70 form a lower edge 1336A and an upper edge 1336B, wherein edge 1336A , 1336B is linear. The lower edge 1336A is hidden by the strap 16A in Figure 55, but is along the lower edge 74 of the strap 16A and is shown using hidden lines. Lower edge 1336A is configured similarly to lower edge 36B in FIG. 7 . Edges 1336A and 1336B slope upward and forward so that upper edge 75 of strap 16A aligns with upper edge 1336B, and lower edge 74 of strap 16A aligns with lower edge 1336A when strap 16A is in the secured position. Accordingly, the upward and forward angles of edges 1336A, 1336B are selected so that when securing strap 16A, edges 74, 75 of strap 16A are aligned with edges 1336A, 1336B and the alignment places strap 16A against base layer 32. The snug and undistorted position of the outer side 28.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 56 , the portion of heel bar 1336 having loops 70B used as second fasteners for securing strap 16B is configured such that loops 70 form a lower edge 1336C and an upper edge 1336D, wherein the edges 1336C, 1336D are linear. In Fig. 56, the lower edge 1336C is hidden by the securing strap 16B, but along the lower edge 72 of the securing strap 16B, and is shown using hidden lines. Lower edge 1336C is configured similarly to lower edge 36A in FIG. 6 . Edges 1336C and 1336D slope upward and forward so that upper edge 73 of strap 16B aligns with upper edge 1336D, and lower edge 72 of strap 16B aligns with lower edge 1336C when strap 16B is in the secured position. Accordingly, the upward and forward angles of edges 1336C, 1336D are selected so that when securing strap 16B, edges 72, 73 of strap 16B are aligned with edges 1336C, 1336D, and the alignment places strap 16B against base layer 32. The snug and undistorted position of the inner side 30 .

FIG. 57 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear 1410 having many of the same elements of the article of footwear 10 , using like reference numerals. Article of footwear 1410 includes sole structure 1218 of FIG. 54 . Article of footwear 1410 also includes an upper 1412 having a base layer 32 , tongue 14 secured to base layer 32 at front end 80 of tongue 14 and pivotable at front end 80 between entry and use positions.

Upper 1412 includes a single securing strap 1416B and an auxiliary strap 1417 . The tongue 14 is shown in the use position, and the fastening strap 1416B is shown in the fixed position, extending from the fixed end 44 (also referred to as the fixed end) of the fastening strap 1416B at the outer side 28 on the tongue 14 to the fastenable end 48 of the fastening strap 1416B, The securing strap 1416B is secured to the inner side 30 as shown in FIG. 58 . Fastener 54 (as shown in FIG. 15 ) is secured inside fixable end 48 of strap 1416B, as described herein with respect to strap 16A.

The auxiliary belt 1417 has a first fixed end 1444 and a second fixed end 1445 . First securing end 1444 is spaced apart from securing end 44 of securing strap 1416B on the same side of upper 1412 as securing end 44 . In the embodiment shown in, the securing end 44, 1444 is located on the outer side 28, and the securing strap 1416B crosses the tongue 14 and is secured to the medial side 30 of the upper 1412, as shown in FIG. In an alternative embodiment, the securing end 44 , 1444 may instead be located on the inner side 30 and the securing strap 1416B may cross over the tongue 14 and be secured on the outer side 28 .

The second fixing end 1445 of the auxiliary belt 1417 is fixed on the inside of the fixing belt 1416B between the fixable end 48 of the fixing belt 16B and the fixing end 44 of the fixing belt 1416B. Auxiliary strap 1417 extends below fixation strap 1416B, as shown in the figure. When the fixing belt 1416B is in the fixing position, 57 , 58 and the second fixing end 1445 are hidden under the fixing belt 1416B. Accordingly, the second fixed end 1445 is indicated in FIG. 58 using hidden lines. A portion of auxiliary strap 1417 is shown in FIG. 58 .

FIG. 58 shows that the fixing strap 1416B includes a first section 1419 , a second section 1421 and a shoe strap 1423 connecting the first section 1419 and the second section 1421 . The first section 1419 includes the fixed end 44 . The second section 1421 includes a fixable end 48 . First section 1419 and second section 1421 may be configured as described for straps 16A, 16AA, and 16B, with shoe strap 1423 added where indicated. Lace 1423 may be referred to as an elastic lace and is stitched to first section 1419 and second section 1421 at its opposite ends. The shoe leather 1425A covers the stitches that secure the shoe strap 1423 to the first section 1419 , which may be the same stitches that stitch the end 1445 of the auxiliary strap 1417 to the first section 1419 . Similarly, leather 1425B covers the stitches that secure lace 1423 to second section 1421 .

Figure 57 indicates that the auxiliary strap extends across the outer edge 86 of the tongue 14 when the securing strap 1416B is in the secured position. In the embodiment shown in, the fixed end 1445 is disposed on the exterior of the tongue 14, but the fixed end 1445 does not extend onto the inner edge 84 of the tongue 14 when the fixed strap 1416B is in the fixed position. However, in another embodiment, the auxiliary strap 1417 can be lengthened so that the fixed end 1445 is closer to the fixable end 48 of the fixed strap 1416B, in which case the auxiliary strap 1417 will also cross the inner edge 84 of the tongue 14 .

When wearing shoes, toddlers may sit cross-legged or tend to squat down with feet spread out. Also, it is easier for young children to pull towards the midline of the body than away from it. In view of this, the configuration of the fixing belt 1416B and the auxiliary belt 1417 makes the fixing end 44, 1444 located at the outer side 28, and the fixing end 48 is located at the inner side 30, and is in the fixed position of the fixing belt 1416B, which can make it easier for infants to fix and release the fixation Strap 1416B instead of securing fixable end 48 to outer side 28 .

Referring to FIG. 58 , footwear upper 1412 includes heel bar 1436 . Heel bar 1436 is secured to base layer 32 and defines a rear portion of footwear upper 1412 . Heel guard 1436 is similar to heel guard 36 of article of footwear 10, and heel guard 1436 includes a plurality of loops 70 that act as second fasteners, fastening elements 54 on fastenable end 48 of strap 1416B. A plurality of hooks 56 are secured to the second fastener. However, the plurality of loops 70 are limited to a portion of the inner side 30 of the heel bar 1436 rather than covering the entire heel bar 1436 because the loops 70 cover the entire heel bar 36 .

As shown in FIG. 58 , the portion of the heel bar 1436 with the plurality of loops 70 acting as second fasteners is configured such that the loops 70 form a lower edge 1436A and an upper edge 1436B, wherein the edges 1436A, 1436B is linear. In FIG. 58, the lower edge 1436A is hidden by the securing strap 1416B, but is along the lower edge 72 of the securing strap 1416B and is represented using a hidden line. Lower edge 1436A is similar to lower edge 1336C and lower edge 36A herein. Edges 1436A and 1436B slope upward and forward so that upper edge 73 of strap 1416B aligns with upper edge 1436B, and lower edge 72 of strap 1416B aligns with lower edge 1436A when strap 1416B is in the secured position. Accordingly, the upward and forward angles of edges 1436A, 1436B are selected so that when securing strap 1416B, edges 72, 73 of strap 16B are aligned with edges 1436A, 1436B and the alignment places strap 1416B against substrate layer 32. One of the inner sides 30 is in a snug and undistorted position.

The following items provide example configurations for articles of footwear disclosed herein.

Clause 1. An article of footwear comprising: a footwear upper comprising: a base layer defining a throat; a tongue having a forward end of the base layer secured in front of the throat; having a fixed end fixed to the base layer and a fixable end selectively fixable at the base layer; wherein the tongue is pivotable about the front end between an entry position and an in-use position, extending in On and covering the throat in the use position, and in the use position an inner side of the base layer and an outer side of the base layer abut against an outer side of the base layer; wherein the band crosses at On an exterior of the tongue, wherein the fixable end is fixed at the base layer and the tongue is in the use position.

Clause 2. The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein the tongue is secured to the base layer only in front of the front end of the tongue and a forward-most edge of the throat.

Clause 3. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 2, wherein the strap has a fixed end secured to one of the inner side and the outer side of the base layer; and wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a first a fastener secured to the fixable end of the strap; and a second fastener secured to the other of the inner side and the outer side of the base layer; wherein the first fastener is configured to releasably secured to the second fastener.

Clause 4. The article of footwear as in Clause 3, wherein: the first fastener includes one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops; the second fastener includes the other of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops; And the plurality of hooks are configured to be releasably secured to the plurality of loops.

Clause 5. The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the second fastener has a fixed end fixed at the base layer and a free end opposite the fixed end and not fixed at the base layer.

Clause 6. The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a quarter overlay secured to the base layer; and wherein the second fastener is secured to the quarter overlay Floor.

Clause 7. The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the second fastener is disposed at a heel region of the footwear upper.

Clause 8. The article of footwear of clause 7, wherein when the strap is secured, an upper edge of the strap is aligned with an upper edge of the second fastener and a lower edge of the strap is aligned with a lower edge of the second fastener allow.

Clause 9. The article of footwear of clause 7, the footwear upper further comprising: a heel guard secured to the base layer and defining a rear portion of the footwear upper; wherein the second fastener is disposed on the heel part of the guard strip.

Clause 10. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the strap is a first strap, the fixed end of the first strap is secured to the inner side of the base layer, and the first strap crosses the tongue A medial edge and a lateral edge of the tongue at the exterior of the tongue, wherein the fixable end of the first strap is secured to the lateral side of the base layer in the use position; wherein the footwear upper further comprises: A second belt having a fixed end fixed to the outer side of the base layer and having a fixable end selectively fixed to the inner side of the base layer; wherein the second belt crosses the tongue The inner edge and the outer edge of the tongue at the exterior, wherein the fixable end is secured at the base layer and the tongue is in the use position.

Clause 11. The article of footwear of clause 10, wherein one of the first strap and the second strap crosses the other of the first strap and the second strap such that the other of the first strap and the second strap is located between one of the first band and the second band and the outer portion of the tongue.

Clause 12. The article of footwear of clause 10, the footwear upper further comprising: a heel guard secured to the base layer and defining a rear portion of the footwear upper; a first strap fastener portion secured to the fixable end of the first strap; a second strap fastener portion secured to the fixable end of the second strap; wherein the heel bar is configured as one of a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops and wherein the first strap fastener portion and the second strap fastener portion are the other of the plurality of hooks or the plurality of loops such that the first strap fastener portion and the second strap fastener portion It is selectively securable to and releasable from the heel bar.

Clause 13. The article of footwear of clause 12, wherein: the heel bar has an outer edge on the outer side of the base layer; when the first strap is secured to the heel bar, the lower edge of the first strap is The outer edge of the heel bar is aligned.

Clause 14. The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein: the heel bar has an inner edge on the inner side of the base layer; when the second strap is secured to the heel bar, a lower edge of the second strap and The inner edge of the heel bar is aligned.

Clause 15. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, the footwear upper further comprising: an auxiliary strap having a first fastening end spaced from the fastening end of the strap and secured to a the second fixed end.

Clause 16. The article of footwear of clause 15, wherein the second fixed end is secured to an inner side of the strap between the fixable end of the strap and the fixed end of the strap.

Clause 17. The article of footwear of clause 15, wherein the auxiliary strap extends across at least one of a medial edge of the tongue and a lateral edge of the tongue when the strap is secured.

Clause 18. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the tongue comprises: an outer layer comprising the front end of the tongue; and foam disposed on an inner side of the outer layer and when the tongue Positioned above the throat when in the use position.

Clause 19. The article of footwear of clause 18, wherein a forwardmost edge of the foam is located behind the front end of the tongue.

Clause 20. The article of footwear of clause 18, wherein the foam is divided into an inner foam component at an inner side of the tongue and an outer foam component at an outer side of the tongue, the inner foam component and the The outer foam components are separated from each other by a gap extending along a length of the inner side of the outer layer of the tongue.

Clause 21. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the tongue comprises: an outer layer comprising the front end of the tongue; a tongue edge tie along an inside edge of the tongue, along An outer edge of the tongue and secured along a rear edge of the tongue; the tongue edge tie has an inner terminal rearward of the front end of the tongue and an outer terminal rearward of the front end of the tongue such that the inner edge of the tongue has an untied portion exposed between the inner terminal end of the tongue edge tie and the front end of the tongue, and the outer edge of the tongue has an untied portion exposed An untied portion between the outer terminal end to which the tongue is tied and the front end of the tongue.

Clause 22. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the tongue comprises: an outer layer; an inner layer extending further forward than the outer layer and comprising the front end of the tongue; and a strip of reinforcing leather, It is disposed along an outer perimeter of the outer layer and on an outer side of the inner layer.

Clause 23. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a first series of stitches extending across the front end of the tongue and stitching the front end forward of the throat of the base layer.

Clause 24. The article of footwear of Clause 23, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a covering disposed over the first series of stitches.

Clause 25. The article of footwear of clause 24, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a second series of stitches extending through the casing and the front end of the tongue and the casing and the tongue The front end is stitched to the base layer in front of the throat, the second series of stitches resting on and reinforcing the first series of stitches.

Clause 26. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: edge ties along a perimeter of the throat at an inner edge of the throat and at an outer side of the throat An edge is secured to the base layer, and the edge tie terminates at the rear of a front end of the throat such that the front end of the throat is free of any edge tie.

Clause 27. The article of footwear of clause 26, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a neckline defining an ankle opening extending rearwardly from the throat; and the edge tie further extends along a perimeter of the ankle opening and is secured to the neckline.

Clause 28. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a reinforced shoe skin along a perimeter of the throat on an inner side of the throat and on an outer side of the throat Affixed to the base layer, and the reinforced shoe terminates behind a front end of the throat such that the front end of the throat is free of any reinforced shoe.

Clause 29. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a neckline defining an ankle opening extending rearwardly from the throat; and foam along an outer layer of the neckline One of the medial extensions.

Clause 30. The article of footwear of Clause 29, wherein the footwear upper further includes an inner layer disposed on an inner side of the foam.

Clause 31. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a collar defining an ankle opening extending rearwardly from the throat; and a heel tab secured to the The neckline behind the ankle opening.

Clause 32. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a heel strap secured to the inner side of the base layer and the outer side of the base layer and along the The outer portion of a rear portion extends from the inner side of the base layer to the outer side of the base layer.

Clause 33. The article of footwear of Clause 32, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a lace extending along the exterior of the rear portion of the footwear upper, and wherein the heel strap extends below the lace.

Clause 34. The article of footwear of clause 32, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a medial quarter overlay disposed on the exterior of the base layer on the medial side of the base layer; and a lateral quarter an overlay disposed on the outer side of the base layer on the outer side of the base layer; wherein the heel strap is secured to the inner quarter overlay and to the outer quarter overlay Floor.

Clause 35. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a lace along one of the tongue between the front end of the tongue and a rear end of the tongue The center part is fixed.

Clause 36. The article of footwear of clause 35, wherein: the tongue includes a medial portion and a lateral portion joined to the medial portion at a seam; and the lace is disposed over and along the seam .

Clause 37. The article of footwear of clause 35, wherein the lace is formed on a tongue extending in a loop along the central portion from a fixed position disposed between the rear end of the tongue and the front end of the tongue pull ring.

Clause 38. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a tongue tab self-disposed between a rear end of the tongue and the front end of the tongue A fixed position of the outer portion of the tongue extends into a loop.

To aid and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions apply to this specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references are incorporated herein by reference.

An "article of footwear", a "article of footwear" and "shoes" may be considered both as a machine and as a manufacture. Assembling ready-to-wear articles of footwear (such as shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and discrete components of articles of footwear (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) are deemed and referred to herein as "item(s) of footwear" in singular or plural.

"A", "the", "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one of the items. There may be a plurality of these items unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless otherwise clearly stated in view of the context (including the appended patent claims), all parameter values (such as quantities or conditions) in this specification are to be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "about", regardless of "about" Whether to actually appear before the value. "About" indicates that the stated value allows for some slight imprecision (where the value is close to the exact value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by "approximately" is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then "approximately" as used herein indicates at least variation that may result from the usual methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range should be understood as all values within the specific disclosure range and further divided ranges.

The terms "comprising", "comprising" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements or components. Where feasible, the order of steps, procedures and operations may be changed and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any of" should be understood to include any possible combination of the referred items, including "any" of the referred items. The term "any of" is understood to include any possible combination of the referred items of the appended claims, including "any" of the referred items.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout the detailed description corresponding to the embodiments depicted in the figures. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "up," "down," "top," "bottom" may be used descriptively with respect to the figures and not to denote Limitations on the scope of the invention are defined.

The term "longitudinal" refers especially to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a shoe extends longitudinally between a forefoot region of the shoe and a heel region. The term "front" or "front" is used to mean, inter alia, the general direction from a heel area towards a forefoot area, and the term "rear" or "rear" is used to mean, inter alia, the opposite direction, i.e. from the forefoot area towards the shoe. Follow the direction of the area. In some cases, a component may be identified using a longitudinal axis and one of the forward and rearward longitudinal directions along the axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as a front-to-back direction or axis.

The term "transverse" especially refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a shoe extends laterally between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" especially refers to a direction generally perpendicular to one of the transverse and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where a shoe sole lies flat on a ground, the vertical direction may extend upwards from the ground. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may apply to individual components of the sole. The term "upward" especially refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a component (which may comprise an instep, a fastening zone and/or a tongue of an upper). The term "downward" especially refers to a vertical direction, opposite to an upward direction, directed towards the bottom of a component and may generally be directed towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

The "interior" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers especially to the portion of the space occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "inside" of a component means, inter alia, the side or surface that faces (or will face) the component in an assembled article of footwear or the interior of the article of footwear. "Outside" or "outer" of a component refers especially to the side or surface of the component that faces (or will face) away from the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inside of a component and the interior of the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be located between an outer side of a component and the space exterior to the assembled article of footwear. Furthermore, the terms "inwardly" and "inwardly" refer especially to a direction toward the interior of a component or an article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms "outwardly" and "outwardly" refer especially to a direction towards the interior of a component or an article of footwear, such as a shoe. The direction of the exterior of an article, such as a shoe. Additionally, the term "proximal" refers especially to a direction closer to a center of a footwear component, or a direction closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the article of footwear when worn by a user. Similarly, the term "distal" refers, inter alia, to a relative location that is farther from a center of a footwear component or from a foot when a foot is inserted into an article of footwear when worn by a user. Accordingly, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

While various embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill that within the scope of the examples, unless otherwise specifically limited, further examples and implementations feasible. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended patent claims.

While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative ways of practicing the teachings within the scope of the appended claims. All matter shown in the accompanying drawings which is intended to be contained in the above description should be construed as illustrative and exemplary of the full scope of alternative embodiments from which those of ordinary skill will recognize structural, and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise become apparent based on what is included, and are not limited to such expressly depicted and/or described embodiments.

10: Footwear Items 12: Upper 14: Tongue 16A: Inner belt 16AA: First belt 16B: Outer belt 18:Sole structure 19:Forefoot outsole assembly 20: Foot receiving cavity 21: Heel Outsole Assembly 22: Forefoot area 24: Midfoot area 26: Heel area 28: outside 30: inside 32: Base layer 34: throat 34A: front end 34B: Inside edge 34C: outside edge 36: Heel guard 36B: Outer edge 38: Heel neckline 42: external 43: fixed end 44: fixed end 45:Toe guard 46:Fixable end 48:Fixable end 50: outside 52: outside 54: First Fastener 56: hook 58: inside 59: outer layer 59A: layer 60: inner layer 60A: inner layer 61: layers 62: Substrate layer 63: layers 64: Ridge 65:stitch 67: foam layer 68: Substrate layer 70: Ring 70A: ring 72: lower edge 74: lower edge 75: upper edge 80: front end 80A: part 82: external 84: inner edge 84A: Unfixed part 86: Outer edge 86A: part 90: outer layer 90A: part 90B: part 90C: inner peripheral edge 90D: inner peripheral edge 92: First series of stitches 94: covered skin 96:Second series of stitches 98: rear edge 100: rear edge 102: Tongue edge tie 102A: Inner terminal 102B: Outer terminal 104:Backend 108:stitch 110: edge tie 110A: Inner terminal 110B: Outer terminal 112A: Unbent part 112B: Unbent part 115: central part 118:stitch 119: center seam 120: tie 120A: Tongue pull ring 120B: Box Stitch 120C: fixed position 120D: part 120E: part 122:stitch 130: Lace 130A: Heel tab 130C: Front edge 131: Foam 131A: Inner foam assembly 131B: Outer foam component 140: outer layer 142: inner layer 144: side seam 146: Foam 148: inside 150: Substrate 152: Foam 154:stitch 310: Articles of footwear 312: vamp 316A: First Belt 319: Forefoot Outsole Assembly 343: fixed end 410: Articles of footwear 412: vamp 430: Lace 430A: Heel tab 502: Reinforced shoe leather 508: Reinforced shoe leather 509: inner layer 511: Outer perimeter 512: vamp 514: Tongue 516: single fixing belt 516A: terminal edge 530: Lace 530A: Heel tab 532: basal layer 533: shoe leather layer 536:Second Fastener 536A: fixed end 536B: free end 536C: Backing 537A: Inner quarter cladding 537B: Outer quarter cladding 539: substrate layer 541:stitch 560: heel strap 561: Outer layer 562:stitch 563: foam layer 564:stitch 565: shoe leather layer 570:stitch 572:stitch 574: position 576: Heel neckline 582: external 610: Articles of footwear 612: vamp 614: Tongue 616: Fixed forefoot strap 690: outer layer 710: Articles of footwear 712: vamp 720: Tongue pull ring 722: Reinforced leather 746: Fixed end 810: Articles of footwear 816: belt 812: vamp 910: Articles of footwear 918: sole structure 918A: Front sole part 918B: Rear sole part 1010: Articles of footwear 1012: vamp 1118: sole structure 1121: Surface facing the foot 1125: outer groove 1126: Outer groove 1127: longitudinal groove 1130: front end 1132:backend 1140: Outer wall 1142: inner wall 1218: sole structure 1218A: Main part 1218B: Forefoot outsole part 1218C: spherical outsole part 1218D: first heel outsole part 1218E: Second heel outsole portion 1225: Transverse groove 1227: longitudinal groove 1310: Articles of footwear 1312: vamp 1336: Heel guard 1336A: lower edge 1336B: upper edge 1336C: lower edge 1366D: upper edge 1410: Articles of footwear 1412: vamp 1416B: Fixing strap 1417: auxiliary belt 1419: first segment 1421:Second segment 1423: shoe strap 1425A: shoe leather 1425B: shoe leather 1436: Heel guard 1436A: Lower edge 1436B: upper edge 1444: the first fixed end 1445: the second fixed end LM: vertical axis

The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only, are schematic in nature and are intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention.

Figure 1 is a lateral view of an article of footwear having an upper with a base layer, a tongue, a first strap, and a second strap, with the tongue shown in an in-use position and the straps shown crossed Over the tongue and anchored to the basal layer.

FIG. 2 is a medial view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an outer side of the first zone of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an outer side of the second belt of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 with the tongue portion of FIG. 1 removed.

7 is a lateral view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 with the strap removed and the tongue pivoted from an in-use position to an open position.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the tongue taken at line 8-8 in FIG. 9. FIG.

Figure 9 is a partially exploded view of the tongue.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a partially assembled tongue.

11 is a perspective view of the upper of FIG. 1 with the partially assembled tongue stitched at a front end to an outer layer of the base layer using a first series of stitches.

Fig. 12 is a perspective partial view of the upper of Fig. 11, wherein an overskin is stitched to the first series of stitches using a second series of stitches.

13 is taken at line 13-13 in FIG. 6 and shows a partial cross-sectional view of the upper including a heel collar in the upper.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the first belt of FIG. 4 .

15 is a cross-sectional view of the first band of FIG. 14 taken at line 15-15 in FIG. 14. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a close-up partial cross-sectional view of a free end of the first strap of FIG. 14. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the first belt of FIG. 4 .

18 is a cross-sectional view of the first strip of FIG. 17 taken at line 18-18 of FIG. 17. FIG.

Figure 19 is a close-up partial cross-sectional view of a free end of the first strap of Figure 17.

20 is an article of footwear having an upper including a base layer, a tongue, a first strap, and a second strap and showing the tongue in a partially open position with the first strap and second strap unsecured A perspective view of an alternative embodiment.

21 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 20 with the tongue in an in-use position and with the first and second straps shown crossed over the tongue and secured at the base layer.

22 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of FIG. 20 with the tongue in the use position and the first and second straps in the secured position.

Figure 23 is the inside of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a tongue in an in-use position with first and second straps crossing over the tongue and secured at a base layer view.

24 is a medial view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a tongue in an in-use position and a single strap shown crossed over the tongue and secured at the base layer.

25 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a base layer, a tongue, and a single strap, with the tongue shown in an in-use position and the strap shown crossing over On the tongue and fixed at the basal layer.

FIG. 26 is a medial view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25. FIG.

FIG. 27 is a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25 .

Figure 28 is a plan view of one of the outer sides of the belt of Figure 25.

Figure 29 is a partial cross-sectional view of the upper structure taken at line 29-29 in Figure 31.

Figure 30 is a top view of the article of footwear of Figure 25 with the tongue removed.

31 is a lateral view of the article of footwear of FIG. 25 with the single strap removed and the tongue pivoted from an in-use position to an open position.

32 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the tongue of FIG. 25 taken at line 32-32 in FIG. 33. FIG.

Figure 33 is a partially exploded view of the tongue of Figure 25.

34 is a partial perspective view of the upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 25 with the tongue partially assembled.

Figure 35 is a plan view of an embodiment of the belt of Figure 28.

FIG. 36 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the belt taken at line 36-36 of FIG. 35. FIG. .

37 is a partially exploded cross-sectional view of the belt of FIG. 35 taken at line 37-37 of FIG. 35. FIG.

FIG. 38 is a close-up partial exploded cross-sectional view of one of the free ends of the strap of FIG. 36. FIG.

39 is a cross-sectional view of the upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 31 taken at line 39-39 of FIG. 31. FIG.

40 is a cross-sectional view of the upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 30 taken at line 40-40 of FIG. 30. FIG.

41 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear in a right foot configuration showing an upper with a base layer, a tongue in an entered position, and an unsecured strap.

Fig. 42 is a perspective view of an article of footwear similar to Fig. 41 but configured for a left foot, with the tongue in an in-use position and a band shown crossing over the tongue and secured at the base layer .

43 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear showing an upper with a base layer, a tongue in an entered position, and an unsecured strap.

44 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear showing an upper having a base layer, a tongue in an in-use position, and a strap shown crossing over the tongue and secured to the base layer .

45 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a base layer, a tongue, and a single strap, with the tongue in an in-use position and the strap crossing over the tongue and fixed on the base layer.

Figure 46 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a base layer, a tongue, and a single strap, with the tongue in an in-use position and the strap crossing over the tongue and fixed on the base layer.

47 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of a sole structure for any of the articles of footwear of FIGS. 1-46.

Figure 48 is a bottom view of the sole structure of Figure 47.

Figure 49 is a front view of the sole structure of Figure 47.

Figure 50 is a rear view of the sole structure of Figure 47.

Figure 51 is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 47 taken at line 51-51 of Figure 47.

Figure 52 is a lateral view of the sole structure of Figure 47.

Figure 53 is an inside view of the sole structure of Figure 47.

54 is a bottom view of an alternate sole structure for any of the article of footwear of FIGS. 1-46.

55 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear having an upper with a tongue in an in-use position with first and second straps crossing over the tongue and secured at the base layer.

FIG. 56 is a medial view of the article of footwear of FIG. 55. FIG.

57 is a lateral view of an alternate embodiment of an article of footwear with an upper, with a tongue in an in-use position and a single securing strap shown crossed over the tongue and an auxiliary strap secured to the anchor. bring.

58 is a medial view of the article of footwear of FIG. 57 with the strap shown crossing over the tongue and secured at a base layer and the auxiliary strap extending below and secured to the strap.

10: Footwear Items

12: Upper

14: Tongue

16A: Inner belt

18:Sole structure

19:Forefoot outsole assembly

20: Foot receiving cavity

21: Heel Outsole Assembly

22: Forefoot area

24: Midfoot area

26: Heel area

28: outside

32: Base layer

36: Heel guard

36B: Outer edge

38: Heel neckline

42: external

44: fixed end

45:Toe guard

46: fixed end

52: outside

70: Ring

74: lower edge

86: Outer edge

94: covered skin

96:Second series of stitches

102: Tongue edge tie

104:Backend

108:stitch

110: edge tie

120A: Tongue pull ring

130: belt

130A: Heel tab

144: side seam

Claims (20)

An article of footwear comprising: A footwear upper comprising: a basal layer defining a throat; a tongue having a front end secured to the basal layer in front of the throat; a belt having a fixed end fixed to the base layer and a fixable end optionally fixed at the base layer; wherein the tongue is pivotable about the front end between an entry position and an in-use position, extends over and covers the throat in the in-use position, and is on an inner side of the base layer in the in-use position and an outer side of the base layer abuts against an exterior of the base layer; and Wherein the strap crosses over an outer portion of the tongue, wherein the fixable end is secured at the base layer and the tongue is in the use position. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the tongue is secured to the base layer only at the forward end of the tongue and a forwardmost edge of the throat. The article of footwear of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the strap has a fixed end secured to one of the inner side and the outer side of the base layer; and wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a first fastener secured to the fixable end of the strap; and A second fastener secured to the other of the inner side and the outer side of the base layer; wherein the first fastener is configured to be releasably secured to the second fastener. Such as the footwear article of claim 3, wherein: the first fastener includes one of a plurality of hooks and a plurality of loops; the second fastener includes the other of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops; and The plurality of hooks are configured to be releasably secured to the plurality of loops. The article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein the second fastener has a fixed end fixed at the base layer and a free end opposite to the fixed end and not fixed at the base layer. The footwear article as claimed in item 5, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a quarter cladding layer secured to the base layer; and Wherein the second fastener is fixed to the quarter cladding layer. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the second fastener is disposed at a heel region of the upper of the footwear. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein when the strap is secured, an upper edge of the strap is aligned with an upper edge of the second fastener and a lower edge of the strap is aligned with a lower edge of the second fastener allow. As the article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the upper of the footwear further includes: An auxiliary strap having a first fixed end spaced from the fixed end of the strap and a second fixed end secured to the strap. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the second fixed end is secured to an inner side of the strap between the fixable end of the strap and the fixed end of the strap. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tongue comprises: an outer layer comprising the front end of the tongue; and foam disposed at an inner side of the outer layer and positioned over the throat when the tongue is in the use position. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein a leading edge of the foam is located behind the front end of the tongue. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the foam is divided into an inner foam component at an inner side of the tongue and an outer foam component at an outer side of the tongue, the inner foam component and the The outer foam components are separated from each other by a gap extending along a length of the inner side of the outer layer of the tongue. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: A first series of stitches extending through the front end of the tongue and sewing the front end to the base layer in front of the throat. The footwear article according to claim 14, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: A cover is placed over the first series of stitches. The footwear article according to claim 15, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a second series of stitches extending through the covering and the front end of the tongue and sewing the covering and the front end of the tongue to the base layer in front of the throat, the second series Stitches are placed on and reinforce the first series of stitches. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: A heel strap secured to the inner side of the base layer and the outer side of the base layer and extending from the inner side of the base layer to the outer side of the base layer along the outer portion of a rear portion of the base layer. The footwear article according to claim 17, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: a lace extending along the exterior of the rear portion of the footwear upper, and wherein the heel strap extends beneath the lace. The footwear article according to claim 17, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: an inner quarter cladding layer disposed on the outer portion of the base layer at the inner side of the base layer; and an outer quarter cladding layer disposed on the exterior of the base layer at the outer side of the base layer; Wherein the heel strap is secured to the medial quarter of the laminate and secured to the lateral quarter of the laminate. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the footwear upper further comprises: A tongue tab extending in a loop from a fixed location on the exterior of the tongue disposed between a rear end of the tongue and the front end of the tongue.

Images