Patent Application
20240008597
The present disclosure relates to footwear lacing systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a lacing system for footwear that longitudinally integrates the laces into the tongue of the footwear without crisscrossing them over the tongue.
Footwear lacing systems traditionally crisscross the laces as they advance longitudinally through a series of holes, eyelets, loops, or hooks on either side of the article of footwear. Oftentimes, such footwear lacing systems involve, for example, threading the laces through the bottom eyelets near the vamp of the article of footwear and then crisscrossing the laces through the remaining eyelets while progressing up along the tongue of the article of footwear. To tighten, the user pulls the ends of the laces to the desired fit and ties a simple knot to secure the excess lacing. To loosen, the user unties the knot, pulls up on the several sections of crisscrossed laces to further release the tension from the tongue, and pulls the tongue of the article of footwear away from the user, allowing a foot to be more easily removed from the footwear.
While this crisscrossing of laces allows for tightening and fit of the footwear to the user, the crisscross creates pressure across the tongue, which can create discomfort to the arch of the foot if overly tightened or, alternatively, leave excessive wiggle room that can lead to injury if left too loose. Potential permutations of lacing configurations with a standard set of six eyelets are wide-ranging, but any crisscross configuration that interweaves the laces across the tongue may create a less than ideal fit for the user.
Additionally, because the laces crisscross, a user must typically pull the laces at several eyelets, in sequence, in order to tighten, which is time consuming. Additionally, the crisscrossing obscures the tongue of the shoe that could otherwise be used to advertise shoe designers' logos. Other lacing systems of the prior are expensive. For example, a typical automatic lacing system may cost upwards of two or three hundred dollars and require further electrical charging and maintenance on the lacing system. Likewise, aftermarket, add-on lacing systems have disadvantages because they are neither designed nor tailored to the particular article of footwear to which the add-on lacing systems are applied.
Thus, there is a need for a footwear lacing system that is comparatively inexpensive, saves time in use and application, creates a superior fit around the foot by not crisscrossing the tongue, and maintains space on the tongue for advertising. The present disclosure solves these and other problems.
In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure, wherein the upper includes a footwear lacing system comprising a first panel having a plurality of first lateral receiving elements, a tongue having i) a plurality of first medial receiving elements, ii) a plurality of second medial receiving elements, iii) a first aperture, and iv) a second aperture, a second panel having a plurality of second lateral receiving elements, and a cord lock coupled to a rear side of the tongue.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements comprise a first lateral receiving element, a second lateral receiving element, a third lateral receiving element, and a fourth lateral receiving element; the plurality of second lateral receiving elements comprises a fifth lateral receiving element, a sixth lateral receiving element, a seventh lateral receiving element, and an eighth lateral receiving element; the plurality of first medial receiving elements comprises a first medial receiving element, a second medial receiving element, and a third medial receiving element; and the plurality of second medial receiving elements comprises a fourth medial receiving element, a fifth medial receiving element, and a sixth medial receiving element.
In some embodiments, the footwear lacing system comprises a first, loosened position in which the plurality of first lateral receiving elements on the first panel are adjacent to the plurality of first medial receiving elements on the tongue, and the plurality of second medial receiving elements on the tongue are adjacent to the plurality of second lateral receiving elements on the second panel.
In some embodiments, the footwear lacing system has a second, tightened position in which the plurality of first lateral receiving elements on the first panel are aligned longitudinally with the plurality of first medial receiving elements on the tongue, and the plurality of second medial receiving elements on the tongue are aligned longitudinally with the plurality of second lateral receiving elements on the second panel.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements on the first panel, the plurality of first medial receiving elements on the tongue, the plurality of second medial receiving elements on the tongue, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements on the second panel are loops.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements on the first panel, the plurality of first medial receiving elements on the tongue, the plurality of second medial receiving elements on the tongue, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements on the second panel are eyelets.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements on the first panel, the plurality of first medial receiving elements on the tongue, the plurality of second medial receiving elements on the tongue, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements on the second panel are hooks.
In some methods of use, a user would thread a first end of the lace through a cord lock, extend the lace through the first aperture on the tongue, extend the lace down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear interweaving the lace between the second lateral receiving elements and the second medial receiving elements, traverse the width of the tongue at a distal end of the tongue and extend the lace up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear interweaving the lace between the second lateral receiving elements and the second medial receiving elements, extend the lace through the second aperture on the tongue, and thread the lace again through the cord lock. It will also be appreciated that the lace may be threaded through the article of footwear first with both ends and then being subsequently passed through the cord lock.
In some methods of use, a user would thread a first end of the lace through a cord lock, extend the lace through the first aperture on the tongue, extend the lace down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear interweaving the lace sequentially between the first lateral receiving element, the first medial receiving element, the second lateral receiving element, the second medial receiving element, the third lateral receiving element, the third medial receiving element, and fourth medial receiving element, traverse the width of the tongue and extend the lace up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear interweaving the lace sequentially between the fifth lateral receiving element, the fourth medial receiving element, the sixth lateral receiving element, fifth medial receiving element, the seventh lateral receiving element, the sixth medial receiving element, and the eighth lateral receiving element, extend the lace through the second aperture on the tongue, and thread the lace again through the cord lock.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
As previously discussed, there is a need for a footwear lacing system that is comparatively inexpensive, saves time in use and application, creates a superior fit around the foot, and maintains space on the tongue for both fitment and potential advertising. The footwear lacing system disclosed herein solves these and other problems.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
The plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 are positioned longitudinally along the tongue 112 on a first side and comprise a first medial receiving element 148 at a first, proximal end, a second medial receiving element 150, and a third medial receiving element 152 at a distal end. The plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 are positioned longitudinally along the tongue 112 on a second side opposite the first, the second medial receiving elements 116 comprising a fourth medial receiving element 154 at a distal end and opposite the third medial receiving element 152, a fifth medial receiving element 156, and a sixth medial receiving element 158 at a first, proximal end and opposite the first medial receiving element 148. While the examples shown and described use eight lateral receiving elements and six medial receiving elements, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not so limited, and any number of lateral and medial receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.
In a first position, as shown in
In a second position, as shown in
However, in contrast to the prior art, the lace 130 does not cross the tongue 112. As a result, pressure from the lace 130 on the arch of the foot is avoided, resulting in a much more comfortable wearing position. Additionally, because the lace 130 does not cross the tongue 112, additional ornamentation may be placed thereon, such as brand logos or other words or designs.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are loops.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are eyelets.
In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are hooks. While examples of loops, eyelets, and hooks have been given, it will be appreciated that other receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the footwear lacing system 206 comprises a plurality of first lateral receiving elements 210 that are positioned longitudinally along a first panel 208 on a first side and extend inwardly (toward the arch of the foot), wherein the first lateral receiving elements 210 may comprise a first lateral receiving element 232 at a first, proximal end, a second lateral receiving element 234, a third lateral receiving element 236, and a fourth lateral receiving element 238 at a second, distal end. Likewise, the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 224 are positioned longitudinally along the second panel 222 on a second side opposite the first side and likewise extend inwardly (toward the arch of the foot), the second lateral receiving elements 224 comprising a fifth lateral receiving element 240 at a distal end and opposite the fourth lateral receiving element 238, a sixth lateral receiving element 242, a seventh lateral receiving element 244, and an eighth lateral receiving element 246 on a first, proximal end, and opposite first lateral receiving element 232.
The plurality of first medial receiving elements 214 are positioned longitudinally along a first side of the center portion 213 of the tongue 212 and extend outwardly (away from the arch of the foot) and comprise a first medial receiving element 248 at a first, proximal end, a second medial receiving element 250, and a third medial receiving element 252 at a distal end. The plurality of second medial receiving elements 216 are positioned longitudinally along a second side of the center portion of the tongue 212 and extend outwardly (away from the arch), the second medial receiving elements 216 comprising a fourth medial receiving element 254 at a distal end and opposite the third medial receiving element 252, a fifth medial receiving element 256, and a sixth medial receiving element 258 at a first, proximal end and opposite the first medial receiving element 248. While the examples shown and described use eight lateral receiving elements and six medial receiving elements, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not so limited, and any number of lateral and medial receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.
The first lateral receiving elements 210 are spaced so as to receive the plurality of first medial receiving elements 214 therebetween. Likewise, the second lateral receiving elements 224 are spaced so as to receive the plurality of second medial receiving elements 216 therebetween. As a result, when the lace 230 is tightened, the lace 230 aligns the receiving elements 210, 214, 216, 224 along the longitudinal length of the tongue 212. In so doing, each first medial receiving element 214 is interposed between the respective first lateral receiving elements 210 and each second medial receiving element 216 is interposed between the respective second lateral receiving elements, as shown in
In some methods of use, a user would thread a first end of the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126, extend the lace 130, 230 through the first aperture 118 on the tongue 112 or first lace positioning loop 218 on the tongue 212, extend the lace 130, 230 down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 between the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110, 210 and the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114, 214, traverse the width of the tongue 112, 212 and extend the lace 130, 230 up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 between the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124, 224 and the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116, 216, extend the lace 130, 230 through the second aperture 120 on the tongue 112 or through the second lace positioning loop 220 on the tongue 212, and thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126. As noted earlier, the cord lock 126 may also be added to both ends of the lace 130, 230 after the lace 130, 230 is threaded through the first and second apertures 118, 120 on the tongue 112 or through the first and second lace positioning loops 218, 220, respectively.
In greater detail, in some methods of use, a user would thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126, extend the lace 130, 230 through the first aperture 118 on the tongue 112 or through the first lace positioning loop 218, extend the lace 130, 230 down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 sequentially between the first lateral receiving element 132, 232, the first medial receiving element 148, 248, the second lateral receiving element 134, 234, the second medial receiving element 150, 250, the third lateral receiving element 136, 236, the third medial receiving element 152, 252, and fourth lateral receiving element 138, 238, traverse the width of the tongue 112, 212 and extend the lace 130, 230 up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 sequentially between the fifth lateral receiving element 140, 240, the fourth medial receiving element 154, 254, the sixth lateral receiving element 142, 252, the fifth medial receiving element 156, 256, the seventh lateral receiving element 144, 244, the sixth medial receiving element 158, 258, and the eighth lateral receiving element 146, 256, extend the lace 130, 230 through the second aperture 120 on the tongue 112 or through the second lace positioning loop 220 of tongue 212, and thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126.
Because the lace 130, 230 runs longitudinally along the tongue 112, 212, rather than crisscrossing like the prior art, a user is able to more easily tighten and loosen the lace 130. For example, to tighten, a user simply grasps both ends of the lace 130, 230 (which may be done with one hand) and pulls rearwardly from rear side 128 of the tongue 112, 212. Because the lace 130, 230 does not cross itself, it is not bound by itself and therefore a user need not maneuver the lace 130, 230 on the tongue 112, 212 when attempting to tighten, which overcomes limitations in the prior art. When tightened, as shown in
Additionally, because the tongue 112, 212 remains unobscured, a manufacturer may add brands, logos, graphics, or any other item to the tongue 112, 212, which allows for further promotion. The tongue 112, 212 may also remain plain, which provides a clean look to the shoe.
Accordingly, the footwear lacing system 106, 206 disclosed herein solves the need for a footwear lacing system that is comparatively inexpensive, saves time in use and application, creates a superior fit around the foot, and maintains space on the tongue for advertising.
It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/368,114, filed on Jul. 11, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63368114 | Jul 2022 | US |
