U.S. patent application number 12/353204 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for closure device for shoe.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II. Invention is credited to Scott Kelley.
Application Number | 20090100708 12/353204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39187071 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090100708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelley; Scott |
April 23, 2009 |
CLOSURE DEVICE FOR SHOE
Abstract
The present invention provides a fitted, supportive, comfortable
shoe upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced
strap capable of rapid adjustment in multiple planes of
movement.
Inventors: |
Kelley; Scott; (Torrance,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kleinberg & Lerner, LLP
Suite 1080, 2049 Century Park East
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
Manhattan Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
39187071 |
Appl. No.: |
12/353204 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11532332 |
Sep 15, 2006 |
|
|
|
12353204 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/54 ;
36/50.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/1493
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/54 ;
36/50.1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/26 20060101
A43B023/26; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00 |
Claims
1. A closure device for a shoe upper, the closure device
comprising: a strap fixedly attached at each end to the shoe upper;
a receiving point fixedly attached to the shoe upper; and a
fastening mechanism attached to the strap and adapted to fasten to
the receiving point.
2. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fastening
mechanism is slidably attached to the strap.
3. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein a ring is
attached to the strap and the fastening mechanism is attached to
the ring.
4. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shoe upper
has a tongue and each end of the strap is fixedly attached to the
shoe upper at locations that are each at least adjacent to the
tongue.
5. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shoe upper
has a u-shaped portion and each end of the strap is fixedly
attached to the shoe upper at locations that are each at least
adjacent to the u-shaped portion.
6. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the closure
device further comprises a plurality of ring means through which
the strap is threaded, the fastening mechanism is slidably attached
to the strap, and at least one ring means is attached to the
lateral side of the shoe upper.
7. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the closure
device further comprises a plurality of ring means through which
the strap is threaded, the fastening mechanism is slidably attached
to the strap, and at least one ring means is attached to the medial
side of the shoe upper.
8. A closure device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the closure
device further comprises a plurality of ring means through which
the strap is threaded, the fastening mechanism is slidably attached
to the strap, at least one ring means is attached to the lateral
side of the shoe upper, and at least one ring means is attached to
the medial side of the shoe upper.
9. A closure device for a shoe upper, the closure device
comprising: a strap fixedly attached at each end to the shoe upper;
a plurality of ring means through which the strap is threaded; a
receiving point fixedly attached to the shoe upper; and a fastening
mechanism attached to the strap and adapted to fasten to the
receiving point.
10. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein the fastening
mechanism is slidably attached to the strap.
11. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein a ring is
attached to the strap and the fastening mechanism is attached to
the ring.
12. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least one
ring means is attached to the lateral side of the shoe upper.
13. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein at least one
ring means is attached to the medial side of the shoe upper.
14. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein the shoe upper
has a tongue and each end of the strap is fixedly attached to the
shoe upper at locations that are each at least adjacent to the
tongue.
15. A closure device as set forth in claim 9 wherein the shoe upper
has a u-shaped portion and each end of the strap is fixedly
attached to the shoe upper at locations that are each at least
adjacent to the u-shaped portion.
16. A closure device for a shoe upper having a tongue, the closure
device comprising: a strap fixedly attached at each end to the shoe
upper; a plurality of ring means through which the strap is
threaded; and a fastening mechanism attached to the strap and
adapted to fasten to a receiving point on the shoe upper.
17. A closure device as set forth in claim 16 wherein the fastening
mechanism is slidably attached to the strap.
18. A closure device as set forth in claim 16 wherein at least one
ring means is attached to the lateral side of the shoe upper at a
location adjacent to the tongue.
19. A closure device as set forth in claim 16 wherein at least one
ring means is attached to the medial side of the shoe upper at a
location adjacent to the tongue.
20. A closure device as set forth in claim 16 wherein the fastening
mechanism is slidably attached to the strap, at least one ring
means is attached to the lateral side of the shoe upper at a
location adjacent to the tongue, and at least one ring means is
attached to the medial side of the shoe upper at a location
adjacent to the tongue.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to footwear, more particularly
to a laceless shoe upper closure device with adjustability.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The modern consumer of sport footwear expects a comfortable,
supportive, functional, tastefully ornamented product. Footwear
designers have responded with products combining new materials and
performance engineering features. The adoption of alternative
closure mechanisms to the conventional shoe lace has lead to the
use of straps, buckles, and other innovations to adapt the shoe
upper to the individual end users foot and to allow for quicker
fitting and removing of a shoe. The present invention relates to a
laceless shoe upper closure device capable of being adjusted to
better fit the end users foot.
[0005] Prior art closure mechanisms have included the conventional
shoe lace system, multi-strap devices, and other variants. Attempts
have been made to improve the closure mechanisms by using an
adjustable, single strap design, closure device.
[0006] The conventional shoe lace has been used for fastening the
shoe upper for numerous years with great success. The use of
multiple holes found in the eyerow has allowed for adjustability of
the shoe upper to fit the end users foot leading to a comfortable
fit. The disadvantage of the conventional shoe lace is that it
requires an excessive amount of time for adjustment. The shoe laces
need to be individually loosed for removal of the shoe and
individually fastened starting from the bottom of the shoe eyerow
to the top when lacing the shoe upper. Furthermore, if at any given
time the shoe upper needs to be adjusted for better comfort, all
laces, above the point at which the adjustment must be made, must
be unfastened to adequately reach the point of adjustment, and
refastened after the adjustment is made. In addition the shoe lace
system has a tendency to unfasten itself as the knot is
inadvertently undone. Often this shortcoming is relieved by
fastening a double knot, which further adds to the time and effort
necessary if the user wants to make an adjustment to the shoe
upper, and during fastening and removal of the shoe.
[0007] The prior art strap device shoes incorporate the use of
multiple independent straps positioned horizontally across the
upper of the shoe allowing for the end user to insert the user's
foot into the shoe with the straps in the relaxed or open position.
Once the foot is inserted, the independent straps are fitted
individually to encompass the foot in a comfortable and supportive
shoe. The prior art strap device shoe is hindered by the fact that
the end user has to adjust multiple straps in order to get the
precise fit most comfortable to the end user. The adjustment of the
straps, although far more efficient than shoe laces, requires
additional time and constant readjustment to maintain the level of
comfort and support required in an athletic shoe. Furthermore, the
placement of the straps in the horizontal position limits the plane
of adjustability in the straps to a uni-dimensional horizontal
plane. The human foot is by far one of the most distinct and
non-homologated features of the human body. As such, the demand to
provide a shoe capable of adjustment in multiple planes is a
necessity in providing support and comfort.
[0008] The present invention aims to provide a shoe upper closure
device consisting of one interlaced strap capable of adjustment in
at least two-planes. The use of a single strap allows the end user
to adjust, fasten and remove the shoe much more effectively and
efficiently. The interlaced strap connected to adjustable d-rings
ensures the end users foot is sufficiently supported in the shoe
and held into place in at least two planes, leading to a
supportive, comfortable housing for the athletic foot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is the object of the present invention to provide a shoe
upper with a laceless closure device comprising one interlaced
strap capable of adjustment in multiple planes of movement.
[0010] In accordance with this object and others which will be
described and which will become apparent, a preferred exemplary
embodiment of a shoe upper in accordance with the present invention
includes a shoe upper with an interlaced strap, d-ring attachments
and a fastening mechanism.
[0011] The interlaced strap is attached to the medial portion of
the shoe upper adjacent to the lower portion of the shoe tongue,
hereinafter referred as the lower fixed point. The interlaced strap
has a second medial attachment point at the upper portion of the
shoe adjacent to the tongue, hereinafter referred as the upper
fixed point. The shoe upper contains a lateral d-ring and a medial
d-ring offset from one another in the vertical plane. Both d-rings
are fastened to the shoe upper and allow the interlaced strap to
move freely.
[0012] From the lower fixed point the interlaced strap weaves
through the lateral d-ring across the lower portion of the tongue
of the shoe upper, thereabout the interlaced strap moves across the
mid-section of the tongue to the medial d-ring, and finally
attaching to the medial portion of the shoe upper at the upper
affixed point. An adjustable d-ring is positioned on the interlaced
strap between the medial d-ring and upper attachment point. A
fastening mechanism is attached to the adjustable d-ring. The
adjustable d-ring can move freely along the interlaced strap
between the medial d-ring and upper fixed point. The fastening
mechanism, which may be comprised of Velcro, adjustable buttons, a
click-lock mechanism or any other suitable fastening mechanism, is
matted to a receiving portion of the fastening mechanism at the
upper lateral portion of the shoe upper adjacent to the tongue.
[0013] The adjustability of the interlaced strap at each d-ring
attachment point allows for a multitude to varying fitments
accommodating the end users foot. The placement of the d-rings,
lower fixed point, upper fixed point and fastening mechanism
receiving portion adjacent to the tongue assures the greatest
degree of adjustability in the upper of the shoe while maintaining
the structural integrity and supportive element of the shoe.
[0014] Closure of the shoe is accomplished by pulling upward upon
the fastening member. The d-ring attached to the fastening member
allows for the even distribution of force on the interlaced strap
allowing the strap to tighten evenly throughout the shoe upper. The
medial d-ring and lateral d-ring further distribute the force
applied when the user pulls up on the fastening member evenly on
the lower and mid-section of the shoe upper. The upper portion of
the shoe upper remains taut as the fastening member is brought
across the tongue of the shoe from the medial to lateral portion of
the shoe, while maintaining force upon the fastening mechanism.
While retaining even force, the fastening member is attached to the
fastening member receiving portion which maintains the snug,
supportive, and comfortable function of the closure device.
[0015] The closure route established by the interlaced strap
commences at the lower fixed point where the interlaced strap is
permanently attached to the shoe upper. The interlaced strap wraps
across the shoe tongue to the lateral d-ring. Thereafter the
interlaced strap wraps across the mid-section of the tongue to the
medial d-ring, and once again across the tongue to the fastening
mechanism which has been attached to the fastening mechanism
receiving portion. The interlaced strap crosses the upper portion
of the tongue for the forth time to thereby apply force across the
top of the shoe upper assuring a snug, secure housing for the
wearer's foot.
[0016] The position of the second and third crossing of the shoe
tongue by the interlaced strap is designed to evenly disperse the
force of the interlaced strap across the wearer's foot effectively
providing the greatest amount of support. The fastening member and
respective fastening member receiving portion is capable of quick
adjustment and re-adjustment leading to a supportive shoe that has
the capability of adjustment with minimal time and effort.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numbers and
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a top view of the shoe upper with the interlaced
strap in the open position, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a medial side elevational view of the shoe upper
with the interlaced strap in the open position.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of the shoe
upper with the interlaced strap in the closed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The invention will now be described with reference to FIG.
1, which illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of a
shoe upper portion in accordance with the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 1, a shoe upper 30 has a u-shaped member 36 and a
tongue 50 spanning below the u-shaped member 36. In a conventional
shoe the u-shaped member 36 would have an eyerow which would
contain numerous openings for the passage of shoe laces. The
present invention contains an interlaced strap 32 positioned to
encompass the u-shaped member 36. The interlaced strap 32 is
connected at the bottom of the u-shaped member 36 at the lower
fixed point 34 found on the medial side of the shoe upper 30. The
interlaced strap 32 crosses the unshaped member 36 to the lateral
d-ring 40 across the tongue 50, back across the tongue 50 to the
medial d-ring 42, through the adjustable d-ring 44 and attaches to
the shoe upper at the upper fixed point 38.
[0022] With further reference to FIG. 1, the adjustable d-ring 44
is attached to the fastening mechanism 46, which attaches to the
lateral side of the shoe upper 30 at the fastening mechanism
receiving point 48.
[0023] With additional reference to FIG. 1, the lateral d-ring 40,
medial d-ring 42, and adjustable d-ring 44 are freely adjustable
allowing the interlaced strap 32 to be fitted to the individual
wearer's foot.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 2, the medial side elevated view of
the shoe upper 30 shows the interlaced strap 32 in the open
position, depicting the fastening mechanism 46 attached to the
adjustable d-ring 44, the interlaced strap running through the
medial d-ring 42, across the u-shaped member 36 and tongue 50 of
the shoe upper 30. The lower fixed point 34 and upper fixed point
38 are permanently attached to the medial side of the shoe upper
30.
[0025] With further reference to FIG. 2, the adjustable d-ring 44
can be seen permanently attached to the fastening mechanism 46, and
the interlaced strap 32 is connected to the adjustable d-ring 44
which is capable of free movement along the interlaced strap 32
between the medial d-ring 42 and upper affixed point 38.
[0026] FIG. 3 shows the partial view of the front perspective of
the shoe upper 30 with the interlaced strap 32 in the closed
position. The lateral d-ring 40, medial d-ring 42, and adjustable
d-ring 44 have additional friction placed upon them due to the
configuration of the interlaced strap 32 in the closed position.
The fastening mechanism 46 has been matted to the fastening
mechanism receiving point 48 creating the taut, supportive cocoon
for the end user's foot.
[0027] With further reference to FIG. 3, the shoe upper 30 has a
unshaped member 36 and a tongue 50, which is supportively
encompassed by the interlaced strap 32 to provide a snug supportive
covering for the wearer's foot. The interlaced strap 32 is
connected at the bottom of the u-shaped member 36 at the lower
fixed point 34, on the medial side of the shoe upper 30. The
interlaced strap 32 crosses the u-shaped member 36 to the lateral
d-ring 40 across the u-shaped member 36. The interlaced strap 32
then continues back across the u-shaped member 36 to the medial
d-ring 42, and through the adjustable d-ring 44 which is
permanently connected to the fastening mechanism 46.
[0028] In accordance with the preset invention, the shoe is closed
by pulling upon the fastening mechanism 46 to establish a snug,
supportive, comfortable housing for the wearer's foot. The lateral
d-ring 40, medial d-ring 42, and adjustable d-ring 44 are freely
adjustable allowing for the even distribution of pressure, applied
by pulling the fastening mechanism 46, across the u-shaped member
36 and tongue 50 of the shoe upper 30. The position of the lateral
d-ring 40, medial d-ring 42, and adjustable d-ring 44 in the open
position is such that minimal friction is exerted upon the d-ring
pulley's allowing for ease of movement of the interlaced strap 32.
While force is maintained upon the fastening mechanism 46,
retaining the snug, supportive, comfortable housing, the fastening
mechanism 46 is directed towards the fastening mechanism receiving
portion 48. By pulling on the fastening mechanism 46, the user
increases the amount of force on the lateral d-ring 40, medial
d-ring 42, and adjustable d-ring 44, thereby maintaining the
interlaced strap 32 taut, and attaching the fastening mechanism 46
to the fastening mechanism receiving portion 48.
[0029] While the foregoing detailed description sets forth
exemplary embodiments of a shoe upper portion in accordance with
the present invention, it is to be understood that the above
description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed
invention. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the embodiment
discussed above and the virtually infinite embodiments that are not
mentioned could easily be within the scope and spirit of the
present invention. Thus, the present invention is to be limited
only by the claims as set forth below.
* * * * *