U.S. patent application number 09/776294 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for sports shoe with integral tongue and lacing system.
Invention is credited to Aveni, Michael A., Fallon, Kevin.
Application Number | 20020104233 09/776294 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25106980 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020104233 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fallon, Kevin ; et
al. |
August 8, 2002 |
Sports shoe with integral tongue and lacing system
Abstract
A sports shoe with an integral tongue and lacing system. The
shoe includes an upper which is formed of a lateral portion and a
medial portion. The medial portion extends across into the lateral
side of the shoe and is configured to be placed beneath a
longitudinal edge of the lateral portion. A plurality of eyelets or
apertures are formed in the shoe and arranged in three rows. Two of
the rows are located in the medial portion of the shoe and one row
is located in the lateral portion of the shoe. A lining is placed
on the interior surface of the medial portion such that the first
and second rows of apertures are not exposed to the interior of the
shoe. Respective pathways are defined between corresponding
apertures of the two rows of the medial portion and between the
medial portion and the adjacent lining for the accommodation of a
lace therethrough.
Inventors: |
Fallon, Kevin; (Portland,
OR) ; Aveni, Michael A.; (Lake Oswego, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRASK BRITT
P.O. BOX 2550
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
25106980 |
Appl. No.: |
09/776294 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.1 ;
36/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/0245 20130101;
A43B 23/26 20130101; A43B 5/025 20130101; A43C 11/20 20130101; A43B
5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/50.1 ;
36/54 |
International
Class: |
A43C 011/00; A43B
023/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sports shoe comprising: a sole; an upper shell attached to the
sole having a medial portion and a lateral portion, the outer shell
having three rows of apertures therethrough, a first row of
apertures being defined in the medial portion and a second and
third row of apertures being defined in the lateral portion, said
second row of apertures defining a first aperture and said third
row of apertures defining a second aperture; and a lining adjacent
an interior surface of the upper shell, the lining in association
with said upper shell defining at least one passageway there
between extending from said first aperture to said second
aperture.
2. The sports shoe of claim 1, further comprising a lacing passing
through said apertures to interconnect said lateral portion to said
medial portion.
3. The sports shoe of claim 1, wherein said second row of apertures
defines a plurality of first apertures and said third row of
apertures defines a plurality of second apertures, wherein the
association of said upper shell with said lining defines a
plurality of passageways, a respective passageway being defined
between selected pairings of first and second apertures.
4. The sports shoe of claim 3, wherein said upper shell and said
lining are secured to one another along each longitudinal edge of
at least one said passageway.
5. The sports shoe of claim 3, wherein the shoe has a heel portion,
a toe portion and a longitudinal centerline extending substantially
from a rearmost point of the heel portion to a foremost point of
the toe portion, and wherein the lateral portion includes a
longitudinal edge adjacent the third row of apertures and laterally
adjacent the longitudinal centerline.
6. The sports shoe of claim 5, wherein the medial portion extends
across the longitudinal centerline and beneath the longitudinal
edge of the lateral portion.
7. The sports shoe of claim 6, wherein the first row of apertures
is medially adjacent the longitudinal centerline.
8. The sports shoe of claim 7, wherein the second row of apertures
is located between the first row and third row and wherein the
second row of apertures includes a foremost aperture located
substantially along the longitudinal centerline.
9. The sports shoe of claim 8, further comprising a lace passing
through the first aperture, along the pathway and through the
second aperture.
10. The sports shoe of claim 9, further comprising at least one
cleat on the sole.
11. The sports shoe of claim 1, wherein said lining is attached to
the interior surface of the upper shell at least adjacent a first
side of, and substantially parallel to, the at least one
pathway.
12. The sports shoe of claim 11, wherein said lining is further
attached adjacent to the interior surface of the upper shell along
a second side of said pathway defining a channel between the outer
shell and lining from the first aperture to the second
aperture.
13. The sports shoe of claim 12, further comprising a lace
extending through said channel.
14. A sports shoe comprising: a sole; an upper shell attached to
the sole comprising: a heel portion, a toe portion, a medial
portion, and a lateral portion, the upper shell having a
longitudinal centerline extending substantially from a rearmost
point of the heel portion through a foremost point of the toe
portion, the lateral portion having a longitudinal edge located
laterally adjacent the longitudinal centerline, the medial portion
extending across the longitudinal centerline and beneath the
longitudinal edge of the lateral portion; and the upper shell
defining a first, second and a third row of apertures [through the
upper shell] positioned substantially parallel with the
longitudinal centerline and configured for receipt of a lace
therethrough, at least one of the rows of apertures being located
in the lateral portion and at least one of the rows of apertures
being located in the medial portion.
15. The sports shoe of claim 14, wherein two of the three rows of
apertures are located in the medial portion.
16. The sports shoe of claim 15, wherein the first row of apertures
is located medially adjacent the longitudinal centerline.
17. The sports shoe of claim 16, wherein the second row of
apertures includes a foremost aperture which is located
substantially along the longitudinal centerline.
18. The sports shoe of claim 14, further comprising at least one
cleat on the sole.
19. A method of configuring the lacing structure of a sports shoe
comprising: providing a shoe having a medial portion and a lateral
portion; defining a longitudinal centerline extending substantially
through a rear most point of the shoe and a foremost point of the
shoe; forming a longitudinal edge in the lateral portion adjacent
the longitudinal centerline; forming a first row of apertures in
the lateral portion adjacent the longitudinal centerline, the first
row having at least a foremost aperture and a second foremost
aperture rearwardly displaced from the foremost aperture; forming a
second row of apertures in the medial portion adjacent the
longitudinal edge and at a first distance from the longitudinal
edge, the first row having at least a foremost aperture and a
second foremost aperture rearwardly displaced from the foremost
aperture; forming a third row of apertures in the medial portion
adjacent the second row of apertures and at a second distance from
the longitudinal edge, the second distance being greater than the
first distance, the third row having at least a foremost aperture
and a second foremost aperture rearwardly displaced from the
foremost aperture; locating the foremost aperture of the first and
third rows in a linear fashion and at a defined angle with respect
to the longitudinal centerline; locating the foremost aperture of
the second row substantially along the longitudinal centerline;
locating the second foremost aperture of the first and third rows
in a linear fashion and substantially parallel with the defined
angle; and locating a second foremost aperture of the second row
forwardly from the second foremost apertures of the first and third
rows.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising locating the
foremost aperture of the second row in a linear fashion with the
foremost apertures of the first and third rows.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising placing a lining
adjacent an interior surface of the medial portion such that the
second and third row of apertures are not exposed to the interior
of the shoe.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising adhering the lining
to the interior surface of the medial portion adjacent a linear
pathway between an aperture in the second row of apertures and an
aperture in the third row of apertures.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a shoe, and more
particularly to a shoe intended for use in sporting activities.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] A conventional shoe includes a shoe upper portion that is
secured to a sole portion, e.g. a shoe upper that is secured to an
outsole. The shoe upper typically includes two upper edges which
are positioned spacedly and opposite one another to define an
opening that is positioned centrally on the upper surface of the
shoe. The opening extends in a longitudinal direction from the edge
of the throat or foot opening of the shoe towards the front or toe
area of the shoe. A row of holes or eyelets may be positioned to
extend along each of the two respective upper edges. A lacing is
conventionally passed in a predetermined configuration through the
holes to interconnect the two upper edges of the shoe upper and
secure the shoe to the wearer's foot. In conventional shoe
constructions a tongue element is positioned within the opening.
The tongue element is typically secured at its foremost edge to the
toe portion of the shoe. In use, the tongue element is positioned
intermediate the wearer's foot and the two upper edges of the shoe
upper and the associated lacing configuration.. In this position
the tongue element retains the row of holes or eyelets and the
associated lacing from contacting the wearer's foot and producing
discomfort for the user.
[0005] Certain sporting activities, such as soccer, require a
participant to forcefully bring his foot, and hence his shoe, into
a kicking contact with an object, such as a ball. Many of these
sporting activities place a premium on a participant's ability to
skillfully adjust his kicking contact with the ball to as to
control the trajectory and speed of the kicked ball. In
conventional practice, the participant oftentimes utilizes the
portion of a shoe covering the upper portion of the participant's
foot to contact the ball during the act of kicking, e.g. that
portion of the shoe proximate the medial top. In other instances
the participant may utilize the outer side of the shoe. Sport
enthusiasts, wearing conventional shoes have discovered that a
typical tongue element and lacing system often interfere with a
participant's ability to control a kicked ball. The combination of
the tongue element, the shoe upper and the lacing produce a very
uneven, irregular kicking surface on the shoe. The kicking portion
of conventional sports shoes oftentimes defines contours, ridges
and other surface irregularities which can significantly effect the
trajectory of a ball which comes into a forceful contact with those
irregularities. Furthermore, the association of the tongue element,
the shoe upper and the lacing produces a shoe thickness composed of
several layers of material. This is often the case since the shoe
in this particular region is formed of various layers including the
tongue and the medial and lateral portions of the shoe upper. The
lateral and medial portions each has an edge which is positioned to
overlap the tongue during the shoe's use. Furthermore the laces run
both between the tongue and the medial and lateral portions as well
as on top of the medial and lateral portions of the shoe upper
themselves.
[0006] This type of layered structure creates a buffer region
between the ball and the participant's foot which may adversely
effect the sensitivity of the contact participant's foot with the
ball. Due to the thick body of material interposed between the
participant's foot and the ball, the participant may not be able to
sense the movement of the ball over the shoe surface through the
body of material to a sufficient degree to obtain the optimum
"feel" of the ball. Maintenance of this "feel" is considered by
many sports enthusiasts to be a critical requirement in obtaining
optimum athletic performance. Furthermore, if a player intends to
strike a ball with a particular portion of his or her foot, and a
ridge or an unnatural contour in the shoe overlies the intended
striking portion of the player's foot, the ridge or contour of the
shoe may strike a ball sending it along a path other that which was
intended by the player.
[0007] Additionally, the typical tongue and lacing system of sports
shoes allows the tongue to shift and move during wear of the shoe.
Such shifting may include the sagging of the tongue toward the toe
section of the shoe, or it may include lateral shifting of the
tongue to one side of the shoe or another. Shifting of the tongue
often causes the shoe to be uncomfortable which at the very least
becomes distracting to the wearer of the shoe. Additionally, for
shoes intended to impact a ball, a shifting tongue can interfere
with a player's ball control as described above.
[0008] Other discomforts may also arise in shoes which utilize
standard lacing systems. For example, a standard lacing system
which runs longitudinally down the center top portion of the
wearer's foot often causes pain and discomfort when the shoe is
laced tightly for stability. This is because a number of highly
sensitive nerves are positioned in the top central portion of the
foot rendering this portion of the foot highly sensitive. Standard
lacing systems, in effect, create a pressure ridge by pulling the
edge of the medial and lateral shoe portions, as well as the
tongue, directly down onto the sensitive area of the foot. Such
pain and discomfort is again distracting and takes away from the
sporting experience.
[0009] Various constructions have been attempted to remedy the
above issues. Some attempts have been made to provide a shoe wearer
with more control and eliminate interference of the tongue and
lacing system. Other efforts have been made to increase comfort.
For example, in one type of soccer shoe, the area of the tongue
proximate the throat or foot opening may include a flap portion
that folds outward and downward to cover an area of the opening and
lacing system. The lacing, and the tied portion in particular, is
thereby covered by the flap, removing it from exposure to the ball.
The use of such a flap is thought to aid in providing a better
surface over a portion of the lacing, as well as help retain the
tongue in its original position by keeping it from sagging toward
the toe of the shoe. However, such a flap simply provides an
additional layer of material between a player's foot and the ball.
Additionally, a flapped or folded tongue does little to maintain
the tongue in its original position with regard to lateral
movement.
[0010] Another attempt to render sports shoes more comfortable
while retaining stability is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,753
to Rosenbaum et al. The Rosenbaum patent describes what is known as
a lateral lacing system. A lateral lacing system includes two rows
of eyelets which are shifted toward the lateral side of the foot.
Shifting the laces to the side of the foot inherently shifts the
pressure points created by the lacing system laterally as well.
Thus, the effectual pressure ridge is shifted away from the top of
the foot to a less sensitive area of the foot thereby increasing
comfort. Rosenbaum, implements a lateral lacing system, in part,
for accommodation of a large tongue covering a major part of the
wearer's foot and the tongue's proper attachment to the shoe. The
large tongue is designed to increase comfort in that it simulates a
smooth and soft inner shoe. However, with regard to a shoe designed
for kicking, the use of a larger tongue simply increases the amount
of material placed between the wearer's foot and the ball.
Additionally, lateral lacing systems are often inconvenient in that
it is more difficult for a wearer to lace and tie the laces at the
outside edge of the foot than it is at the top of the foot.
[0011] In view of the shortcomings in the art, it would be
advantageous to provide a sports shoe which allows a wearer to lace
the shoe from a top position while providing the comfort and
pressure relief of a lateral lacing system. It would also be
advantageous to provide such a sport shoe for impacting with a ball
wherein the amount of material formed over the foot and positioned
between the foot and the ball is reduced. In minimizing the
material placed over a wearer's foot, it would be advantageous to
configure the material to reduce unwanted surface features so as to
increase ball control for the player wearing the shoe.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with one aspect of the invention a sports shoe
is provided which includes a sole and an upper shell. The upper
shell includes a medial portion and a lateral portion. In one
embodiment three rows of apertures are formed through the upper
shell with at least one row of apertures being formed in the
lateral portion and at least one row of apertures or eyelets being
formed in the medial portion.
[0013] Additionally the shoe may be formed to define a first row of
first apertures and a second row of second apertures in the medial
portion, with a respective pathway extending between selectively
paired apertures of the first and second rows. A longitudinal edge
of the lateral portion of the shoe upper may be laterally displaced
from the center of the shoe as viewed from above. The medial
portion may then be configured to extend across the center portion
of the shoe and beneath the lateral portion forming an
underlayment. Such a shoe may additionally include cleats formed in
or attached to the sole of the shoe for enhanced traction on
various playing surfaces, especially natural grass surfaces.
[0014] In a preferred construction a lining is placed adjacent the
interior surface of the upper shell. The lining may be secured to
the upper shell, but is left unsecured along at least one region of
the interface of the lining and the shell to define a pathway which
extends from a first aperture to a second aperture.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a sports
shoe is provided which includes a sole attached to a shell. The
shell includes a heel portion, a toe portion, a medial portion and
a lateral portion. The shell is defined to have a centerline
extending substantially through the rearmost point of the heel
portion and the foremost point of the toe portion. The lateral
portion includes a longitudinal edge located laterally adjacent the
centerline. The medial portion is configured to extend across the
longitudinal centerline and beneath the longitudinal edge of the
lateral portion. Three rows of apertures or eyelets are formed in
the shell including at least one row adjacent the longitudinal edge
and at least one row in the medial portion. Additional features may
be incorporated as described herein.
[0016] A longitudinal edge may be formed in the lateral portion
which is laterally displaced from the center of the shoe as viewed
from above. The medial portion may then be configured to extend
across the center portion of the shoe and beneath the lateral
portion forming an underlayment.
[0017] Such a shoe may additionally include cleats formed in or
attached to the sole of the shoe for enhanced traction on various
playing surfaces.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a sports
shoe is provided which includes a sole attached to a shell. The
shell includes a heel portion, a toe portion, a medial portion and
a lateral portion. The shell is defined to have a centerline
extending substantially through the rearmost point of the heel
portion and the foremost point of the toe portion. The lateral
portion includes a longitudinal edge located laterally adjacent the
centerline. The medial portion is configured to extend across the
longitudinal centerline and beneath the longitudinal edge of the
lateral portion. Three rows of apertures or eyelets are formed in
the shell including at least one first row defined in the lateral
portion adjacent its longitudinal edge, at least one second row in
the medial portion and a third row in the lateral portion spacedly
positioned from the first row. Additional features may be
incorporated as described herein.
[0019] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
method of configuring the lacing structure of a sports shoe is
provided. The method includes providing a shoe having a medial
portion and a lateral portion. A longitudinal centerline is defined
to extend substantially through a rear most point of the shoe and a
foremost point of the shoe. A longitudinal edge is formed in the
lateral portion adjacent the centerline. A first row of eyelets or
apertures is formed in the lateral portion adjacent the
longitudinal edge. A second row of apertures is formed in the
medial portion at a first distance from the longitudinal edge. A
third row of apertures is formed in the medial portion at a second
distance from the longitudinal edge. The second distance is
dimensionally larger than the first distance. Each row is defined
to include at least a foremost aperture and a second foremost
aperture rearwardly displaced from the foremost aperture. The
foremost apertures of the first and third rows are located such
that they linearly aligned at a defined angle with respect to the
longitudinal centerline. The foremost aperture of the second row is
located to lie substantially along the longitudinal centerline. The
second foremost apertures of the first and third rows are linearly
aligned to be substantially parallel with the defined angle. The
second foremost aperture of the second row is located to be
forwardly displaced from the second foremost apertures of the first
and third rows. Additional apertures may be included in each row
and located in a pattern similar to that defined for the second
foremost apertures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the top portion of a prior
art sports shoe;
[0022] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the top portion of a sports
shoe according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe depicted in FIG. 1; and
[0024] FIG. 4 is sectional view of the shoe depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a typical sports shoe 10 is shown, and
in particular a sports shoe utilized for impacting a ball such as
in soccer. The shoe 10 includes an sole 12 (which may include a
midsole secured to an outsole) which is secured to an upper portion
14. The upper portion 14 is comprised of a heel portion 16, a
lateral portion 18, a medial portion 20 and a toe portion 22. The
shoe 10 further includes an opening or slit 24 which may be
U-shaped that extends centrally and in a longitudinal direction
from the edge of the throat or foot opening 26 towards the front or
toe area 22 to a leading edge 28. The opening 24 is formed by
lateral edge 30 and a medial edge 32. Laterally adjacent the
lateral edge 30 is a first row of apertures 34. Medially adjacent
the medial edge 32 is a second row of eyelets or apertures 36. The
rows of apertures 34 and 36 are configured to receive a lace 38
therethrough in a cris-crossing pattern for securing the shoe to
the user's foot. A tongue 40 is positioned within the opening 24
and lies beneath the lateral and medial edges 30 and 32 and is
secured to the leading edge 28, but remains unattached along each
of its longitudinal edges. The tongue 40 is positioned to keep the
rows of eyelets 34 and 36 and the lace 38 passing therethrough from
contacting the wearer's foot. Cleats 42 are formed in, or attached
to the sole 12 to enhance traction of the shoe 10 on various
surfaces.
[0026] In certain sports, such as soccer, where the shoe 10
contacts a ball, e.g. proximal the medial top or outer side of the
shoe, a typical tongue 40 and lacing system as described above may
interfere with a player's control of the ball. This is often the
case since the shoe 10 consists of various layers including the
tongue 40, the lateral and medial edges 30 and 32 covering the
tongue 40, and the lace 38 which runs both between the tongue 40
and the lateral and medial edges 30 and 32, as well as on top of
the medial and lateral edges 30 and 32 of the shoe upper 14. This
type of layered structure creates unwanted contours and ridges
resulting in unpredictability with regard to ball control. For
example, if a player intends to strike a ball with a particular
portion of his or her foot, and a ridge or an unnatural contour in
the shoe overlies the intended striking portion of the player's
foot, the ridge or contour of the shoe will strike a ball sending
it along a path other than that which was intended by the
player.
[0027] Additionally, the typical tongue 40 and lacing system of the
sports shoe 10 allows the tongue 40 to shift and move during wear
of the shoe 10. Such shifting may include the sagging of the tongue
toward the toe section 22 of the shoe, or it may include shifting
toward the lateral or medial side of the shoe 10. Shifting of the
tongue 40 often causes the shoe 10 to be uncomfortable which at the
very least becomes distracting to the wearer of the shoe 10.
Additionally, for shoes intended to impact a ball, a shifting
tongue can interfere with a player's ball control in a manner
similar to that which has been described above.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, a sports shoe 110 is depicted in
isometric view. The shoe 110 includes a sole portion 112 which may
include a midsole (not shown) secured to an outsole. Attached to
the sole 112 is the shoe upper 114, typically formed of supple
leather or leather-like material, and which includes various
components. The upper generally includes a counter or a heel
portion 116, a lateral/vamp portion 118 (referred to herein as the
lateral portion for convenience), a medial portion 120, and a toe
portion 122. The shoe 110 also shows a plurality of cleats 124
attached to the sole 112. However, it is noted that various aspects
of the present invention are applicable to shoes other than those
which are cleated. The use of cleats 124 allows the wearer to
obtain additional traction on playing surfaces such as grass or
artificial turf as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art. A cleatless sole, useful for indoor surfaces, e.g., artificial
turf, may also be utilized. It is noted that the shoe depicted in
FIGS. 2-4 is shown as a low-cut shoe, meaning that the portion of
the shoe upper 114 immediately adjacent the foot opening does not
extend significantly above the ankle, if at all. However, this
should not be taken as limiting the invention to the structure of a
low-cut shoe. Shoes of other configurations, e.g. high top shoes
may also be fitted with similar structure.
[0029] A centerline 126 is drawn through the shoe 110 for purposes
of reference with regard to description of the shoe 110 an its
various components. The centerline passes substantially through the
rear most point of the heel portion 116 and the foremost point of
the toe section 122.
[0030] A longitudinal edge 128 is formed in the lateral portion 118
on the lateral side of, and adjacent to the longitudinal centerline
126. The medial portion 120 extends across the centerline 126 and
beneath the longitudinal edge 128 and toward the lateral side of
the shoe 110 such that the lateral portion 118 overlays a segment
of the medial portion 120. A lace 130 is provided for securing the
shoe 110 to a player's foot.
[0031] The effect of extending the medial portion 120 and
overlapping a segment thereof with the lateral portion 118 is that
a traditional tongue is not required. Such an arrangement may be
referred to as an integral tongue, or possibly a tongue-less shoe
since the traditional tongue of a shoe is not utilized. Extending
the medial portion 18 into the lateral side of the shoe 110 allows
for an extraneous layer of material (the traditional tongue covered
by a medial edge) to be removed from the shoe 110. It is noted,
particularly with respect to a cleated shoe which may be used for
impact with a ball, such as in soccer, that the layer of extraneous
material has been eliminated on the medial and upper side of the
shoe or player's foot. It is also noted that, while impact with the
ball may take place at virtually any place on the shoe 110, the
medial and upper side of the shoe form a primary kicking surface
which receives more frequent contact with the ball than do other
surfaces. Minimization of material in this primary impact area of
the shoe serves to provide a player with an improved surface for
impact with the ball thus improving ball control. In accordance
with providing an improved primary kicking surface, the lace 130 is
preferably formed as a thin flat lace such that it may be placed
flat across the shoe upper 14 in the least obtrusive manner
possible.
[0032] By arranging the lateral portion 118 and medial portion 120
in the above described manner, a unique lacing structure may be
implemented to allow for greater stability and comfort of the shoe
110. The lacing structure additionally provides for a smoother
kicking surface across the top of the shoe 110.
[0033] The lacing structure of the shoe 110 is described with
reference to FIGS. 2 through 4. FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe
110 without the lace 130 allowing for a clearer view of the
configuration of apertures which serve as lacing eyelets. FIG. 4
depicts a cross sectional view of the shoe 110 as taken along
section the section line indicated in FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 2,
the lace 130 is secured to the shoe 110 through a plurality of
apertures or eyelets arranged in three rows 132, 134, and 136
running longitudinally along the upper portion of the shoe 110. As
utilized herein, a "row" is used to indicate a series of features
(i.e. apertures or eyelets) arranged in a generally linear fashion.
Each row of apertures 132, 134 and 136 is shown to include six
individual eyelets or apertures A-F (the individual apertures of
row 132 are labeled in FIG. 3; for purpose of clarity rows 134 and
136 are not labeled in the drawings, however, they shall be
referenced similarly herein with "A" being the aperture foremost on
the shoe, "B" being the aperture next foremost and so forth). It is
noted that, while each row is shown to have six apertures, the
number of apertures may vary depending on, for example, the size of
the shoe. Counter intuitively, the shoe uses more lace crossings
than a traditional lacing pattern, such as seen in prior art FIG.
1. Having more, rather than fewer apertures (eyelets), facilitates
the laces to be drawn tightly with less tendency to loosen during
running, kicking etc.
[0034] The first and second rows of apertures 132 and 134 are
located in the medial portion 120 of the shoe 110. The first row
132 is located medially adjacent the longitudinal centerline 126.
The second row 134 is shown to lie substantially along the
longitudinal centerline 126. However, depending on the size of a
player's foot, such as the width or instep height of the foot, the
medial portion 120 (as well as the lateral portion 118) may adjust
inwardly or outwardly to accommodate such variations. If the medial
portion 120 shifts inwardly or outwardly the rows of apertures 132
and 134 will accordingly shift with it. As such, the second row 134
may shift to one side or the other of the longitudinal centerline
126. However, since most of the adjustment will occur along the
mouth or foot opening 138 of the shoe, the foremost aperture of the
second row 134A will remain located substantially along the
longitudinal centerline 126. The third row of apertures 136 is
located in the lateral portion 118 of the shoe laterally adjacent
the longitudinal edge 128.
[0035] The pattern of the apertures according to the described
embodiment can be best seen with reference to FIG. 3. The foremost
apertures of the first and third rows, i.e. 132A and 136A, define a
line at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal
centerline 126. The line defined by apertures 132A and 134A is
shown to be substantially perpendicular to the centerline 126,
however the angle may be offset one way or another if so desired.
Aperture 134A, the foremost aperture of the second row 134, is also
shown to be aligned with apertures 132A and 136A. While such
placement of aperture 134A is preferred, it is not necessary and
may be alternatively located slightly forward or rearward of its
shown position. The remaining apertures 134B-134F of the second row
are shown to be forwardly offset from the corresponding apertures
132B-132F and 136B-136F of the first and third rows respectively.
Thus, for example, apertures 132B and 136B define a line
substantially parallel with the line of the foremost apertures 132A
and 136B, while aperture 134B is forwardly displaced from
corresponding apertures 132B and 136B. The apertures of the rows
132 and 136 are desirably spaced at approximately 5/8" to {fraction
(11/16)}" from the next adjacent aperture within the same row
(i.e., from aperture 132A to 132B). Aperture 134A is desirably
spaced approximately 1/2" to {fraction (9/16)}" from aperture 134B,
with the remaining apertures being spaced approximately 5/8" to
{fraction (11/16)}" from one another. Row 132 is desirably spaced
approximately 1/2" from row 134 (measuring the distance at a
perpendicular angle from one from row 132). While, rows 134 and 136
may have a variable distance from one another depending on the size
of the wearer's foot, aperture 134A is desirably spaced
approximately 1" from aperture 136A with aperture 136A being
approximately {fraction (5/16)}" to 3/8" from the longitudinal edge
128. Of course, these dimensions are not to be considered limiting
as they depend, at least in part, on the size of the shoe.
[0036] The path of the lace 130 can be seen with reference to FIG.
2. Starting at aperture 132A, the lace travels in one direction
beneath the medial portion 120 to aperture 134A. From aperture 134A
the lace 130 travels across the top of the medial portion 120,
beneath the longitudinal edge 128 of the lateral portion 118 and
through aperture 136B. From aperture 136B, the lace travels across
the top of the longitudinal edge 128, through aperture 134C,
beneath the medial portion 120 and back up through aperture 132C.
The lace 130 continues in a similar pattern until it has passed
through aperture 136F. Returning again to aperture 132A and
following the lace 130 in the opposite direction, lace 130 travels
across the top of the medial portion 1 18, across the top of the
longitudinal edge 129 and through aperture 136A. From aperture
136A, the lace 130 travels beneath the lateral portion 118 and
across the top of the medial portion 120 through aperture 134B.
From aperture 134B the lace travels beneath the medial portion 120
through aperture 132B, back across the medial portion, beneath the
longitudinal edge 128 and through aperture 136C. The lace continues
in a similar pattern along this direction until it passes through
aperture 132F.
[0037] The "triple" eyelet structure provides more crossings of the
lace 130 and, as such provides a more uniform lace surface than
occurs in a traditional soccer shoe, for example. Further, the
outermost row 132 of apertures in the medial portion 120 provides a
gradual adjustment of contour from the shoe surface to the lace
surface.
[0038] In reference to the path of the lace 130, it has been
described as passing beneath the medial portion 120 while traveling
from one aperture to another. As seen in FIG. 4, an additional
component helps to accomplish this without loss of comfort to the
wearer of such a shoe 110. FIG. 4 shows the overlapping
configuration of the lateral portion 118 with the medial portion
120. These components may be described generally as forming an
outer or upper shell of the shoe. A lining 140 is placed adjacent
the interior surface 120' of the medial portion. Thus, as the lace
130 passes from aperture 134E beneath the medial portion 120 and
through aperture 132E, it passes between the interior surface 120'
and the lining 140 such that it is kept from being exposed to the
interior of the shoe or the wearer's foot. The lining 140 covers
each aperture formed in the medial portion 120 of the shoe, but
remains unattached between specified apertures forming pathways
there between. It is noted that the materials used to form the
shoe, including the medial portion 120, the lateral portion 118 and
the lining 140, are formed of relatively thin material, and that
FIG. 4 has been exaggerated in this respect to render a clearer
view of individual components.
[0039] The lining 140 is preferably attached to the interior
surface adjacent to the pathways such as by stitching 142 as can be
seen if FIGS. 2 and 3. Of course the lining could be adhered to the
interior surface 120' of the shoe by other means such as adhesive
or thermal bonding. The stitching 142 serves to form channels or
tunnels 144 (seen in FIG. 4) for the lace 130 to pass through when
securing the shoe 110 to a foot and thus preferably runs
substantially parallel with the pathway of the lace as it extends
from one aperture to another between the medial portion 120 and the
lining 140. Additionally, the stitching 142 serves as a
reinforcement to the aperture by which it is located. Thus, as the
lace 130 pulls across the medial portion 118 of the shoe from an
aperture (i.e. row 132) the stitching 142 acts as a structural
support for the medial portion 120.
[0040] While the stitching 142 is shown to extend across a major
area of the medial portion 120, it is contemplated that alternative
stitching patterns may be used. Such alternatives, for example, may
include placing stitching only immediately adjacent the apertures.
Additionally, it is contemplated that the stitching may be serve as
decorative stitching if so desired.
[0041] It is noted, that while the above disclosed shoe 110 has
been shown and described as having a medial portion 120 extending
beneath a longitudinal edge 128 and having two rows of apertures
132 and 134 therein, an alternative embodiment reversing this
relationship may also be acceptable. For example, the medial
portion 120 may be configured with a longitudinal edge which
overlies the lateral portion 118. In such a case, a single row of
apertures may be located in the medial portion 120 with the second
and third rows of apertures being located in the lateral portion.
The lacing pattern would inherently be reversed as well.
[0042] The lacing structure as described herein serves to
accomplish several things. First, by lacing the shoe 110 in this
manner, the major kicking area of the shoe 110 is kept cleaner with
fewer layers of material between a player's foot and the ball in
specific areas through removal of a traditional type tongue and its
associated lace system.
[0043] Second, the layering of the lace 130, by extending one row
of apertures further from the centerline 126, tends to make a
smoother transition from the medial portion 120 to the longitudinal
edge 128 through the use of a third row of apertures and the
associated lacing pattern described herein which increases exposure
of the lace in strategic areas. The transition can be seen in the
lacing pattern which is accommodated by the additional row of
apertures. For example, viewing the lace 130 as it traverses the
medial portion 120 of the shoe from aperture 132C to 136D, it is
seen that there is only on segment of lace 130 exposed between the
first row 132 and the second row 134 (i.e., the segment of lace
from aperture 132C to the point where is passes by aperture 134D).
However, the next lace segment (i.e. continuing from the point
where the lace passes by aperture 134D to 136D) runs beneath
another lace segment (the segment passing from aperture 136C to
134D) creating a layered effect along the longitudinal edge 128.
The lacing system thus provides a single segment of lace between
rows 132 and 134, and doubled or layered segment of lace between
row 134 and the longitudinal edge 128. This lacing transition helps
to minimize the effect of the longitudinal edge 128 which would
otherwise present a discontinuity across the top of the shoe. As
noted previously, the transition adds to an improved kicking
surface by providing a smoother surface over a larger area of the
shoe 110.
[0044] Additionally, the lacing structure described herein provides
the benefits of a lateral lacing system (i.e. the laces and eyelets
placed on the lateral side of the shoe) while maintaining the
physical location of the lacing system in the central portion of
the shoe 10 making the shoe easier to tie and secure to one's foot.
The benefits of a lateral lacing are largely that the pressure of
induced by a tied shoe is carried on the side of the foot which is
a less sensitive area. The present invention allows for pressure to
be shifted and concentrated in a laterally displaced region of the
shoe, more specifically along the row of apertures or eyelets
adjacent the longitudinal edge 128 (i.e., row 136). The medial
portion 120 is pulled across the foot with the pressure be
concentrated laterally. Thus, rather than creating a pressure ridge
along the center of the foot, such as in conventional lacing
systems, the present invention shifts the pressure to a less
sensitive area while maintaining a more conventional position of
the lace 130 for tying.
[0045] Also, the described lacing structure better secures the shoe
110 to one's foot in that the lace 130, once properly laced and
tied, tends to hold in place better with the lace being in contact
with a greater overall surface area of the shoe (i.e. the lace
contacts both the interior surface 120' and the lining and is
pressed there between at numerous locations). The crossing and
overlaying structure of the lace also adds to the secureness of the
shoe once properly laced.
[0046] While the invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention
is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following appended claims.
* * * * *