Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C7/00—Holding-devices for laces
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C1/00—Shoe lacing fastenings
  • A43C1/006—Rear lacing, i.e. with a lace placed on the back of the foot in place of, or in addition to the traditional front lace
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C9/00—Laces; Laces in general for garments made of textiles, leather, or plastics

Definitions

• Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure.
• the upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, polymer foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot.
• the upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper.
• the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter for stabilizing the heel area of the foot.
• the sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the upper and positioned between the foot and the ground.
• the sole structure often includes a midsole and an outsole.
• the midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatory activities.
• the midsole may also include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, for example.
• the midsole may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber.
• the outsole forms a ground-contacting element of the footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant rubber material that includes texturing to impart traction.
• the sole structure may also include a sockliner positioned within the void of the upper and proximal a lower surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort.
• a lacing system for an article of footwear may have a first series of lace-receiving elements extending in a longitudinal direction of the footwear.
• the lacing system may also have a second series of lace-receiving elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the footwear, the second series being spaced from the first series.
• a first lace extends through three of the lace-receiving elements of the first series and two of the lace-receiving elements of the second series.
• a second lace extends through three of the lace-receiving elements of the second series and two of the lace- receiving elements of the first series.
• a lacing system for an article of footwear may include a plurality of lace-receiving elements.
• a first lace has two first end lengths and a first central length. The first end lengths are parallel and joined to each other. The first central length is located between the first end lengths and forms a first loop. The first central length extends through a first set of the lace-receiving elements.
• a second lace has two second end lengths and a second central length. The second end lengths are parallel and joined to each other. The second central length is located between the second end lengths and forms a second loop. The second central length extends through a second set of the lace-receiving elements.
• a lacing system for an article of footwear may include a plurality of lace-receiving elements.
• the lace-receiving elements extend through a throat area of the upper and include (a) a first lace-receiving element positioned proximal to an ankle opening of the upper and (b) a second lace-receiving element that is spaced from the first lace-receiving element and positioned proximal to the ankle opening.
• a first lace extends through a portion of the lace-receiving elements, and two segments of the first lace extend through the first lace-receiving element.
• a second lace extends through another portion of the lace-receiving elements, and two segments of the second lace extend through the second lace-receiving element.
• a lacing system for an article of footwear may include a lateral series of lace-receiving elements and a medial series of lace-receiving elements.
• the lateral series is located in a lateral portion of the footwear and includes a first lateral lace-receiving element positioned proximal to an ankle opening of the upper, a second lateral lace-receiving element positioned forward of the first lateral lace-receiving element, a third lateral lace-receiving element positioned forward of the second lateral lace-receiving element, a fourth lateral lace-receiving element positioned forward of the third lateral lace-receiving element, and a fifth lateral lace-receiving element positioned forward of the fourth lateral lace-receiving element.
• a first lace extends consecutively through the first lateral lace-receiving element, the second lateral lace- receiving element, the fourth medial lace-receiving element, the fifth lateral lace-receiving element, the third medial lace-receiving element, and the first lateral lace-receiving element.
• a second lace extends consecutively through the first medial lace-receiving element, the second medial lace-receiving element, the fourth lateral lace-receiving element, the fifth medial lace- receiving element, the third lateral lace-receiving element, and the first medial lace-receiving element.
• an article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure.
• the upper may include a lacing system comprising a first series of lace-receiving elements extending in a longitudinal direction of the footwear.
• the lacing system may include a second series of lace-receiving elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the footwear.
• the second series may be spaced from and parallel to the first series.
• the lacing system may include a first lace that comprises a first lace element and a second lace element that is parallel and coextensive with the first lace element.
• the first lace may have a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end.
• the first lace element and second lace element may converge to form a unitary lace segment defining an end length of the first lace disposed adjacent to the first terminal end of the first lace.
• the first lace element of the first lace may extend through a topmost lace-receiving element of the first series of lace-receiving elements located adjacent to an ankle opening of the upper and the second lace element of the first lace may extend through a lace- receiving element of the first series of lace-receiving elements that is consecutive with the topmost lace-receiving element of the first series of lace- receiving elements.
• an article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure.
• the upper may include a lacing system comprising a first series of lace-receiving elements extending in a longitudinal direction of the footwear.
• the lacing system may include a second series of lace-receiving elements extending in the longitudinal direction of the footwear.
• the second series may be spaced from and parallel to the first series.
• the lacing system may include a first lace that comprises a first lace element and a second lace element that is parallel and coextensive with the first lace element.
• the first lace may have a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end.
• the first lace element and second lace element may be joined to form a unitary lace segment defining an end length of the first lace disposed adjacent to the first terminal end of the first lace.
• the first lace element and the second lace element of the first lace may together extend through a bottommost lace- receiving element of the first series of lace-receiving elements.
• the lacing system may include a second lace that comprises a first lace element and a second lace element that is parallel and coextensive with the second lace element.
• the second lace may have a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end.
• the first lace element and second lace element of the second lace may be joined to form a unitary lace segment defining an end length of the second lace disposed adjacent to the first terminal end of the second lace.
• the first lace element and the second lace element of the second lace may together extend through a bottommost lace-receiving element of the second series of lace-receiving elements.
• the end length of the first lace and the end length of the second lace may be designed to be tied together into a bow tie.
• a method of making a shoe lace for an article of footwear may include a step of providing a first lace element and a second lace element each having a first terminal end and a second terminal end opposite the first terminal end.
• the method may further include forming a unitary lace segment from which the first lace element and the second lace element extend, colletively forming a Y-shaped lace.
• Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article of footwear.
• Figure 2 is a top plan view of the article of footwear.
• Figure 3 is another top plan view of the article of footwear.
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear, as defined by section line 4 in Figure 3.
• Figure 5 is an exploded partial perspective view of the article of footwear.
• Figure 6 is a top plan view of a pair of laces from the article of footwear.
• Figures 7A-7E are top plan views depicting further configurations of the article of footwear.
• Figure 8 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear having a lacing configuration.
• Figure 9 is an isolated view of the connector of Figure 8 holding together the first lace and second lace.
• Figure 10 is a view of the connector of Figure 8 in an open position.
• Figure 1 1 is a view of the connector of Figure 8 with a second end length of the second lace disposed on top of the second connector portion.
• Figure 12 is a view of the connector of Figure 8 with a second end length of the first lace and a second end of the second lace both disposed on top of the second connector portion.
• Figure 13 shows the connector of Figure 8 in a closed position about the second end length of the first lace and the second end of the second lace.
• Figure 14 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear having a lacing configuration.
• Figure 15 shows an embodiment of an article of footwear having a lacing configuration.
• Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a lacing system.
• Figure 17 shows an embodiment of a Y-shaped lace.
• Figure 18 shows an embodiment of a Y-shaped lace.
• the following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a lacing system for an article of footwear.
• the article of footwear is presented as having a general configuration suitable for walking or running.
• Concepts associated with the footwear may also be applied to a variety of other athletic footwear types, including baseball shoes, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, tennis shoes, and soccer shoes, for example.
• the concepts may also be applied to footwear types that are generally considered to be non-athletic, including dress shoes, loafers, and boots.
• the concepts disclosed herein apply, therefore, to a wide variety of footwear types and are not limited to the various configurations presented herein.
• FIG. 1 An article of footwear 10 is depicted in Figure 1 as including a sole structure 20 and an upper 30. Sole structure 20 is secured to a lower area of upper 30 and extends between upper 30 and the ground. Upper 30 provides a comfortable and secure covering for a foot of a wearer. As such, the foot may be located within upper 30, which effectively secures the foot within footwear 10, and sole structure 20 extends under the foot to, for example, attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot.
• footwear 10 may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region 1 1 , a midfoot region 12, and a heel region 13.
• Forefoot region 1 1 generally includes portions of footwear 10 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.
• Midfoot region 12 generally includes portions of footwear 10 corresponding with an arch area of the foot.
• Heel region 13 generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone.
• Footwear 10 also includes a lateral side 14 and a medial side 15, which extend through each of regions 1 1 -13 and correspond with opposite sides of footwear 10. More particularly, lateral side 14 corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e.
• Sole structure 20 includes a midsole 21 , an outsole 22, and a sockliner 23.
• Midsole 21 is secured to a lower surface of upper 30 and may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities.
• a compressible polymer foam element e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam
• midsole 21 may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot, or midsole 21 may be primarily formed from a fluid-filled chamber.
• Outsole 22 is secured to a lower surface of midsole 21 and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that is textured to impart traction.
• Sockliner 23 is located within upper 30, as depicted in Figure 4, and is positioned to extend under a lower surface of the foot.
• this configuration for sole structure 20 provides an example of a sole structure that may be used in connection with upper 30, a variety of other conventional or nonconventional configurations for sole structure 20 may also be utilized. Accordingly, the structure and features of sole structure 20 or any sole structure utilized with upper 30 may vary considerably.
• Upper 30, as noted above, is secured to sole structure 20 and provides a comfortable and secure covering for a foot of a wearer.
• a majority of upper 30 is formed from a covering element 31 that defines a portion of a void 32 within upper 30.
• Void 32 is a generally hollow area of footwear 10 that has a general shape of the foot and is intended to receive the foot.
• Covering element 31 extends (a) along a portion of void 32 in lateral side 14, (b) along a portion of void 32 in medial side 15, (c) over void 32 in a forefoot region 1 1 , and (d) around void 32 in heel region 13. As such, covering element 31 effectively provides a covering for the foot.
• covering element 31 may be formed from one or more of a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, polymer foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or bonded together.
• material elements e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, polymer foam layers, leather, synthetic leather
• covering element 31 includes an exterior layer 33 and an adjacent interior layer 34 that may be formed from any of the materials noted above. Whereas exterior layer 33 forms an exterior surface of upper 30, interior layer 34 is located inward of exterior layer 32 and forms an interior surface of upper 30, collectively defining a portion of void 32. Additionally, an upper edge of covering element 31 defines an ankle opening 35 in at least heel region 13 for providing the foot with access to void 34.
• covering element 31 may include (a) one or more additional layers, such as a central foam layer, (b) a heel counter that stabilizes a heel of the foot in heel region 13, or (c) a wear-resistant toe guard located in forefoot region 1 1 .
• additional layers such as a central foam layer
• heel counter that stabilizes a heel of the foot in heel region 13
• wear-resistant toe guard located in forefoot region 1 1 .
• indicia in the form of trademarks for example, aesthetic features, and material and care information may also be secured to or printed on covering element 31 or other elements of upper 30.
• throat area 36 that is located in at least midfoot region 12. Although the extent of throat area 36 may vary depending upon the construction and style of footwear 10, throat area 36 generally extends between forefoot region 1 1 (or a forward area of midfoot region 12) and ankle opening 35, as shown in Figure 2.
• throat area 36 includes a tongue 37 that extends longitudinally (i.e. in a direction corresponding with a longitudinal axis of footwear 10 that passes through each of regions 1 1 -13) through throat area 36.
• a lower surface of tongue 37 forms a portion of void 32 and contacts the foot when footwear 10 is worn.
• tongue 37 is secured to upper 30 in a forward portion of throat area 36.
• tongue 37 may have a variety of configurations, tongue 37 may be formed from a foam material that is surrounded by an exterior textile sheath, for example.
• Upper 30 has a lacing system that includes a lateral series 40 of five lace- receiving elements 41-45, a medial series 50 of five lace-receiving elements 51 -55, a first lace 60, and a second lace 70.
• the lacing system provides a wearer with the ability to selectively modify the dimensions of upper 30. More particularly, the wearer may utilize the lacing system to (a) enlarge the dimensions of void 32 and ankle opening 35 when placing footwear 10 upon the foot and removing footwear 10 from the foot and (b) decrease the dimensions of void 32 and ankle opening 35 to tighten upper 30 around the foot.
• Lateral series 40 includes the various lace-receiving elements 41-45 and extends longitudinally through a portion of throat area 36 that generally corresponds with lateral side 14. Lace-receiving elements 41 -45 are successively positioned on upper 30.
• lace-receiving element 41 is located proximal to ankle opening 35 and rearward of the other lace-receiving elements 42-45, lace-receiving element 42 is positioned forward of lace-receiving element 41 , lace-receiving element 43 is positioned forward of lace-receiving element 42, lace-receiving element 44 is positioned forward of lace-receiving element 43, and lace-receiving element 45 is positioned forward of lace-receiving element 44 and proximal to a forward portion of throat area 36.
• Medial series 50 includes the various lace-receiving elements 51 -55 and extends longitudinally through a portion of throat area 36 that generally corresponds with medial side 15. As such, lateral series 40 and medial series 50 are spaced from each other across a portion of throat area 36 where tongue 37 is exposed. Lace-receiving elements 51-55 are successively positioned on upper 30.
• lace-receiving element 51 is located proximal to ankle opening 35 and rearward of the other lace-receiving elements 52-55, lace-receiving element 52 is positioned forward of lace- receiving element 51 , lace-receiving element 53 is positioned forward of lace- receiving element 52, lace-receiving element 54 is positioned forward of lace- receiving element 53, and lace-receiving element 55 is positioned forward of lace-receiving element 54 and proximal to a forward portion of throat area 36.
• Each of lace-receiving elements 41-45 and 51 -55 are formed as a tubular structure with an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of footwear 10.
• each of lace-receiving elements 41 -45 and 51-55 may have the configuration of a folded material element, as depicted in Figure 4, with ends that are secured between layers 33 and 34.
• one or more of lace- receiving elements 41-45 and 51-55 may be another structure that is suitable for receiving one of laces 60 and 70, such as an aperture in covering element 31 , a tubular structure, a D-ring, or a hook.
• Laces 60 and 70 may be formed from conventional materials utilized in footwear laces. Moreover, laces 60 and 70 may be formed from any of a variety of elongate and flexible elements, such as a cord, rope, twine, filament, cable, thread, or yarn, for example. Although laces 60 and 70 are depicted as having a generally circular cross-sectional shape, laces 60 and 70 may also have an elongate, compressed, or otherwise non-circular shape.
• first lace 60 extends consecutively (i.e., in order) through lace-receiving element 41 , lace-receiving element 42, lace- receiving element 54, the lace-receiving element 45, lace-receiving element 53, and again through lace-receiving element 41 .
• first lace 60 passes twice through lace-receiving element 41 , but only passes once through each of lace-receiving elements 42, 45, 53, and 54. That is, two segments (i.e., separate sections or portions) of first lace 60 extend through lace-receiving element 41 .
• first lace 60 extends through (a) two consecutive lace-receiving elements 41 and 42 of lateral series 40 and (b) two consecutive lace-receiving elements 53 and 54 of medial series 50.
• first lace 60 extends through three lace-receiving elements 41 , 42, and 45 of lateral series 40 and two lace-receiving elements 53 and 54 of medial series 50.
• Second lace 70 is routed similarly to first lace 60, but exhibits a reversed or mirror-image routing. More specifically, second lace 70 extends consecutively (i.e., in order) through lace-receiving element 51 , lace-receiving element 52, lace-receiving element 44, lace-receiving element 55, lace-receiving element 53, and again through lace-receiving element 51. Given this routing, second lace 70 passes twice through lace-receiving element 51 , but only passes once through each of lace-receiving elements 43, 44, 52, and 55.
• second lace 70 extends through lace-receiving element 51 .
• Another feature of this routing is that second lace 70 extends through (a) two consecutive lace-receiving elements 51 and 52 of medial series 50 and (b) two consecutive lace-receiving elements 43 and 44 of lateral series 40.
• second lace 70 extends through three lace-receiving elements 51 , 52, and 55 of medial series 50 and two lace-receiving elements 43 and 44 of lateral series 40.
• lateral series 40 and medial series 50 are discussed above and depicted as extending longitudinally through portions of throat area 36 that respectively correspond with lateral side 14 and medial side 15, lateral series 40 and medial series 50 may not be restricted to this configuration.
• lateral series 40 and medial series 50 may curve toward lateral side 14 or may be positioned on lateral side 14. In general, however, lateral series 40 will be positioned more toward lateral side 14 than medial series 50, and medial series 50 will be positioned more toward medial side 15 than lateral series 40.
• First lace 60 is generally formed from a single element of cord, for example, that is folded back upon itself and joined. More particularly, first lace 60 has two end lengths 61 and a central length 62. End lengths 61 are parallel and joined to each other. Although depicted as being joined with stitching, end lengths 61 may also be joined with an adhesive, thermal bonding, staples, or braiding, for example. That is, a variety of mechanical or chemical methods may be utilized to join end lengths 61 . Central length 62 forms a loop. First lace 60 also includes a terminal end 63 at the terminus or extremities of end lengths 61 that is opposite central length 62.
• Second lace 70 has a similar configuration that includes two end lengths 71 , a central length 72, and a terminal end 73.
• end lengths 61 and 71 may be tied together (or otherwise secured) or untied, as respectively depicted in Figures 2 and 3, to modify the dimensions of upper 30, whereas central lengths 62 and 72 generally pass through the various lace-receiving elements 41-45 and 51-55 in the routing discussed above.
• central length 62 passes through a set that includes lace-receiving elements 41 , 42, 45, 53, and 54 and central length 72 passes through a set that includes lace-receiving elements 43, 44, 51 , 52, and 55.
• the connector may be detachable such that the connector may be detached and reattached without damaging either the connector or a lace.
• connector 1 18 may be detachable.
• a detachable connector may be helpful when a user wants to change the look of the article of footwear by using different colored laces. Additionally, such an embodiment may also be helpful when a user wants to replace a broken lace.
• connector 1 18 is shown in Figures 8-13 as having a clamshell configuration. However, it is understood that the connector may alternatively include or be configured as other types of mechanical connectors.
• alternative connectors can be configured for user-operability to connect and disconnect lace ends, such as when replacing laces.
• Lateral series 125 of lace-receiving elements include a first lace-receiving element 102, a second lace-receiving element 103, a third lace-receiving element 104, a fourth lace-receiving element 105, a fifth lace-receiving element 106, a sixth lace-receiving element 107, and a seventh lace-receiving element 108.
• First lace-receiving element 102 may be the topmost lace- receiving element of lateral series 125 and may be located adjacent to an ankle opening of the upper and may be located adjacent to an ankle opening of the upper.
• Seventh lace-receiving element may be the bottommost lace- receiving element of lateral series 125.
• the Y-shaped laces may include an aglet on the first terminal end.
• an aglet may be disposed adjacent first terminal end 140 of first lace 1 19.
• lace 1800 may include an aglet disposed adjacent first terminal end 1808.
• first lace element 1 16 and second lace element 1 17 may be joined to form a Y-shaped lace before first lace 1 19 is purchased by the user, or the lace may be initially and integrally formed as a Y-shaped lace during manufacturing. As a result of either joining or integral formation, the first lace element and second lace element converge to form a first end length.
• aglet 162 may be included separately with a new lace.
• a user may attach aglet 162 around the second end length of first lace 1 19.
• aglet 1 19 may include a strip of material that may be wrapped around the second end length of first lace 1 19 and secured to itself by adhesive or any other mechanical or chemical methods.
• other mechanical or chemical methods may be used to join first lace element 1 16 to second lace element 1 17 along the second end length.
• an article of footwear may be sold with the type of laces shown in Figure 8 already laced through the lace-receiving elements. In some embodiments, an article of footwear may be sold with the type of laces shown in Figures 17 and 18, but the laces may not be laced through the lace- receiving elements at the time of purchase. In some embodiments, replacement laces may be sold separately from an article of footwear. In embodiments where Y-shaped laces are not yet laced through the lace- receiving elements at the time of purchase, the user may lace the unattached portions of the first lace elements and the second lace elements of the laces through the series of lace-receiving elements.
• first end lengths of first lace 1 19 and second lace 121 may be tied together (or otherwise secured) or untied to modify the dimensions of upper 100.
• the end lengths of first lace 1 19 and second lace 121 may be configured to or designed to be tied together.
• the end lengths of both laces may have a length sufficient for tying the two end lengths together to form a bow knot.
• Figure 1 shows an example of a bow knot of the type that the end lengths of both laces may be tied into.
• the remaining length of the laces that is disposed between the first end length and the second terminal end may be a length sufficient to allow the laces to be loosened when incorporated into an article of footwear.
• first fastener element 150 and second fastener element 152 are locked together, the fastener elements may be unlocked to open connector 1 18 such that first lace 1 19 and second lace 121 may be removed from connector 1 18.
• an interior surface of first connector portion 156 and second connector portion 158 may include a plurality of pins 148.
• Pins 148 may extend away from the interior surface of first connector portion 156 and second connector portion 158 such that pins 148 penetrate first lace 1 19 and second lace 121 to secure the laces within connector 1 18.
• pins 148 may be sharp enough to penetrate the laces through aglet 160 and aglet 162.
• the step of joining a portion of the first lace element to a portion of the second lace element may include thermally bonding a portion of the first lace element to a portion of the second lace element.
• the step of thermally bonding the portions of the lace elements may include applying heat and pressure to the portions of the lace elements together such that the laces melt slightly from the heat and fuse together.
• the method may include applying an aglet around the unitary lace segment defining the end length of the lace.
• the step of joining the first lace element to a portion of the second lace element may include forming a single strand lace, or lace element, and bifurcating the lace into two diverging lace segments during manufacturing of the lace.
• a knitting process may be used to form a single strand lace, or lace element, that diverges into two lace segments.
• additive printing may be used to form a single strand lace, or lace element, that diverges into two lace segments.
• Figure 14 discloses another lacing configuration for laces similar to those shown in Figure 6.
• Figure 14 shows an article of footwear 200 having an upper 202.
• Upper 202 may have a lateral series of lace-receiving elements 204 and a medial series of lace receiving elements 206 that is spaced from and parallel to the first series.
• Lateral series 204 and medial series 206 are each shown in Figure 14 as having 4 lace-receiving elements, but it is understood that lateral series 204 and medial series 206 may each have more than 4 lace-receiving elements.
• lateral series 204 and medial series 206 may each have between 4 and 30 lace-receiving elements.
• first lace 216 extending beyond first lace-receiving element 208 and second lace-receiving element 209 may be joined together to form a unitary lace segment.
• the unitary lace segment of the first lace may be tied to a unitary lace segment of the second lace to form a bow knot.
• Figure 1 shows a bow knot of the type that the unitary lace segment of the first lace and the unitary lace segment of the second lace may be tied into.
• First lace element 1530 may extend through third lace-receiving element 1514 to and through first lace-receiving element 1508.
• Second lace element 1532 may extend through fourth lace-receiving element 1515 to and through second lace-receiving element 1513.
• First lace element 1530 and second lace element 1532 may be connected by a connector (hidden from view by portion of upper 1502 along which second series 1504 is located) between fourth lace-receiving element 1515 and third lace-receiving element 1514.
• the lateral series and/or medial series of lace-receiving elements may each have any number of lace-receiving elements selected from a range of between 4 and 30 lace-receiving elements.
• An example of an embodiment in which the lateral series and the medial series each have 30 lace-receiving elements may be an embodiment in which the article of footwear is a boot.

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• 2015
  • 2015-07-28 EP EP15745132.9A patent/EP3190916B1/en active Active
  • 2015-07-28 CN CN201580048440.7A patent/CN106687003B/zh active Active
  • 2015-07-28 WO PCT/US2015/042432 patent/WO2016039879A1/en active Application Filing

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