U.S. patent application number 12/498169 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-06 for shoe with retractable lace guard.
Invention is credited to Junko Harada, Makoto Tsuchiya, Kenn Ueda.
Application Number | 20110000105 12/498169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43411846 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110000105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ueda; Kenn ; et al. |
January 6, 2011 |
Shoe with Retractable Lace Guard
Abstract
A shoe comprising a retractable lace protector for protecting
the laces thereon. The lace protector has a deployed and a stowed
position. In a deployed position, the lace protector can be
disposed in a substantially parallel manner and adjacent to the
upper side of the tongue of the shoe and in a substantially
overlying manner to the laces thereof. In a stowed position, the
lace protector can be disposed in a substantially parallel manner
and adjacent to the lower side of the tongue of the shoe. The shoe
can further comprise one or more fastening elements to detachably
affix the lace protector in one or both of the deployed position
and the stowed position. The shoe can further comprise a lace guard
pocket for storing the lace protector in the stowed position.
Inventors: |
Ueda; Kenn; (US) ;
Tsuchiya; Makoto; (US) ; Harada; Junko;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP;5200 BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA
600 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., SUITE 5200
ATLANTA
GA
30308-2216
US
|
Family ID: |
43411846 |
Appl. No.: |
12/498169 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 ;
36/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0031 20130101;
A43B 5/00 20130101; A43B 23/26 20130101; A43B 1/0081 20130101; A43C
7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/132 ;
36/54 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 23/26 20060101 A43B023/26 |
Claims
1. An athletic shoe comprising: a sole; an upper attached to the
sole for housing the foot of a user; a tongue with a first end, a
second end, an inner side, and an outer side, the second end of the
tongue attached to the upper; a lace guard, for protecting a set of
laces on an athletic shoe, hingeably attached to the first end of
the tongue such that in a deployed position the lace guard is
disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the outer side
of the tongue and in a stowed position the lace guard is disposed
adjacent to and substantially parallel to the inner side of the
tongue; and a lace guard pocket for housing the lace guard in the
stowed position.
2. The athletic shoe of claim 1, the lace guard pocket disposed on
the inner side of the tongue.
3. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the inner side and the
outer side of the tongue are separate pieces attached to form the
lace guard pocket therebetween.
4. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a first
fastening element and a second fastening element for removably
attaching the lace guard to the outer side of the tongue in the
deployed position.
5. The athletic shoe of claim 4, the first and second fastening
elements further comprising a hook and loop material.
6. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a first
fastening element and a third fastening element for removably
attaching the lace guard to the lace guard pocket in the stowed
position.
7. The athletic shoe of claim 6, the third fastening element
further comprising a hook and loop material.
8. An athletic shoe comprising: a sole; an upper attached to the
sole for housing the foot of a user; a tongue with a first end, a
second end, an inner side, and an outer side, the second end of the
tongue attached to the upper; a lace guard for protecting a set of
laces on an athletic shoe and hingeably attached to the first end
of the tongue, the lace guard moveable between a first position and
a second position, such that in the first position the lace guard
is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the outer
side of the tongue and in the second position the lace guard is
disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the inner side
of the tongue; a lace guard pocket disposed on the inner side of
the tongue for housing the lace guard in the second position; a
first fastening element disposed on a second side of the lace
guard; a second fastening element connectable to the first
fastening element and disposed proximate the upper side of the
tongue for detachably affixing the lace guard in the first
position; and a third fastening means connectable to the first
fastening means and disposed proximate the lower side of the tongue
for detachably affixing the lace guard in the second position.
9. The athletic shoe of claim 8, the lace guard further comprising
a first attachment arm and a second attachment arm for hingeably
attaching the lace guard to the first end of the tongue.
10. The athletic shoe of claim 9, the first attachment arm and the
second attachment arm further comprising a cutout.
11. The athletic shoe of claim 10, wherein the cutout has
substantially the same profile as the first end of the tongue.
12. The athletic shoe of claim 8, the first, second, and third
fastening elements further comprising a hook and loop material.
13. The athletic shoe of claim 8, the third fastening element
disposed inside the lace guard pocket.
14. A method for providing an athletic shoe comprising: providing a
sole; providing an upper for housing a foot of a user; providing a
tongue with a first end, a second end, an inner side, and an outer
side; providing a lace guard for protecting a set of laces on the
shoe; providing a lace guard pocket for housing the lace guard in a
second position; attaching the upper to the sole; attaching the
second end of the tongue to the upper; hingeably attaching the lace
guard to the first end of the tongue such that in a first position
the lace guard is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel
to the outer side of the tongue and in a second position the lace
guard is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the
inner side of the tongue; and attaching the lace guard pocket to
the inner side of the tongue for housing the lace guard in the
second position.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a first
fastening element; providing a second fastening element; attaching
the first fastening element to a second side of the lace guard; and
attaching a second fastening element to the outer side of the
tongue for detachably affixing the lace guard to the outer side of
the tongue in the first position.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: providing a first
fastening element; providing a third fastening element; attaching
the first fastening element to a second side of the lace guard; and
attaching a third fastening element to the lower side of the tongue
for detachably affixing the lace guard to the lower side of the
tongue in the second position.
17. The method of claim 15, the first fastening element and the
second fastening element further comprising a hook and loop
material.
18. The method of claim 16, the third fastening element disposed
inside the lace guard pocket.
19. The method of claim 14, the lace guard further comprising one
or more attachment arms for hingeably attaching the lace guard to
the first end of the tongue.
20. The method of claim 14, the lace guard further comprising a
rigid material for protecting the foot of a user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a shoe with a device for
protecting the laces thereon, and in particular, to an athletic
shoe with a device for protecting the laces that can be retracted
and stowed inside the shoe when not in use.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Numerous factors have led the worldwide market for athletic
shoes to become a multi-billion dollar industry. So profitable and
prolific are athletic shoes that a specific type of shoe exists for
nearly every sport on the planet. These shoes vary widely in their
materials and features to tailor their performance characteristics
to, among other things, the demands of specific sports, playing
surfaces, and/or the ball or object used.
[0005] For instance, to increase traction in soft ground, or
otherwise low traction conditions, cleats have been developed.
Cleats are athletic shoes that have studs or projections molded or
screwed into the sole of the shoe. Cleats tend to dig into soft
soil and provide extra traction by decreasing the surface area of
the sole that is in contact with the ground, thus increasing the
surface pressure exerted thereon. Due to this increased surface
pressure, the soles of cleats tend to be molded from a rigid
material, such as hard plastic, to protect the user's foot from the
equal and opposite upward pressure exerted by the cleat.
[0006] On the other hand, basketball shoes tend to have relatively
smooth rubber soles with extended, or high-top, uppers. The smooth
rubber sole provides excellent traction on the smooth hardwood
surface of a basketball court. Rather than using a conventional
low-top upper that ends just below the ankle of the user,
basketball shoes tend to have uppers and laces that extend several
inches above the user's ankle. This can help provide extra support
to counteract the high traction levels available; and can prevent
injuries, such as twisted, sprained, or broken ankles.
[0007] Some athletic shoes, especially those used in sports played
on dirt, or partially dirt, fields, include a lace guard. The lace
guard has conventionally been a flap provided on the upper end of
the tongue, i.e., the end of the tongue not attached to the shoe,
which can be folded up to allow the user to tie the shoe, and then
flipped down to cover and protect the laces of the shoe. This can
protect the laces of the shoe from, for example, mud, dirt, and
water. This can be particularly useful when, for example, a
baseball runner slides into base. Protecting the laces can extend
the life of the laces and generally provides a more pleasant
experience for the user.
[0008] There are players, however, who prefer shoes without lace
guards. Lace guards can, for example, flap when the user is
running, which some users find distracting. For instance, baseball
players who specialize in stealing bases tend to prefer shoes
without lace guards because the lace guards can flap during the
sprint from one base to another. Other users simply prefer the
aesthetics of a shoe without a lace guard or prefer not to have to
lift the flap to tie their shoes.
[0009] Conventionally, therefore, users that prefer not have a lace
guard have been forced to pick shoes that are manufactured without
lace guards, or to remove the lace guards from shoes that are.
Unfortunately, this means that some users are limited to those
shoes without lace guards regardless of how well the shoes with
lace guards may fit or perform. On the other hand, users may simply
choose, for example, to cut the lace guard off with a pair of
scissors. Unfortunately, this can have an adverse effect on the
life, performance, and aesthetics of the shoe.
[0010] What is needed, therefore, is a shoe with a lace guard that
can be used in the conventional manner, i.e., to cover the laces of
the shoe during use, yet stowed in an unobtrusive fashion when so
desired. The lace guard should be easily affixable in either a
deployed or a stowed position. Additionally, the lace guard should
be a simple and cost-effective solution to this common problem.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates generally to a shoe with a
retractable lace guard for protecting the laces of the shoe during
use. The lace guard can be used in a deployed position, in which
the lace guard is parallel to and adjacent an outer portion of a
tongue on the shoe. In other embodiments, the lace guard can be
moved to a stowed position, in which the lace guard is
substantially parallel to and adjacent an inner portion of the
tongue of the shoe. In some embodiments, the present invention can
also include a lace guard pocket for storing the lace guard in the
stowed position. In some embodiments, the lace guard pocket can be
located on the inside of the tongue. In other embodiments, the
inside and the outside of the tongue can be formed from separate
pieces and attached such that they form the lace guard pocket.
[0012] In some embodiments, the present invention can be an
athletic shoe with a sole, an upper attached to the sole for
housing the foot of a user, a tongue with a first end, a second
end, an inner side, and an outer side, the second end of the tongue
attached to the upper, a lace guard, for protecting a set of laces
on an athletic shoe, hingeably attached to the first end of the
tongue such that in a deployed position the lace guard is disposed
adjacent to and substantially parallel to the outer side of the
tongue and in a stowed position the lace guard is disposed adjacent
to and substantially parallel to the inner side of the tongue, and
a lace guard pocket for housing the lace guard in the stowed
position.
[0013] In other embodiments, the lace guard pocket can be disposed
on the inner side of the tongue. In some embodiments, the inner
side and the outer side of the tongue can be separate pieces
attached to form the lace guard pocket. In an exemplary embodiment,
the shoe can have a first fastening element and a second fastening
element for removably attaching the lace guard to the outer side of
the tongue in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the first
and second fastening elements can be made of a hook and loop
material. In other embodiments, the shoe can further include a
first fastening element and a third fastening element for removably
attaching the lace guard to the lace guard pocket in the stowed
position. In an exemplary embodiment, the third fastening element
can comprise a hook and loop material.
[0014] In some embodiments, the present invention can be an
athletic shoe comprising a sole, an upper attached to the sole for
housing the foot of a user, a tongue with a first end, a second
end, an inner side, and an outer side, the second end of the tongue
attached to the upper, a lace guard for protecting a set of laces
on an athletic shoe and hingeably attached to the first end of the
tongue, the lace guard moveable between a first position and a
second position, such that in the first position the lace guard is
disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the outer side
of the tongue and in the second position the lace guard is disposed
adjacent to and substantially parallel to the inner side of the
tongue, a lace guard pocket disposed on the inner side of the
tongue for housing the lace guard in the second position, a first
fastening element disposed on a second side of the lace guard, a
second fastening element connectable to the first fastening element
and disposed proximate the upper side of the tongue for detachably
affixing the lace guard in the first position, and a third
fastening means connectable to the first fastening means and
disposed proximate the lower side of the tongue for detachably
affixing the lace guard in the second position.
[0015] In still other embodiments, the lace guard can have a first
attachment arm and a second attachment arm for hingeably attaching
the lace guard to the first end of the tongue. In still other
embodiments, the first attachment arm and the second attachment arm
can also have a cutout. In some embodiments, the cutout can have
substantially the same profile as the first end of the tongue. In
an exemplary embodiment, the first, second, and third fastening
elements can be made from a hook and loop material. In still other
embodiments, the third fastening element can be disposed inside the
lace guard pocket.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the present invention can be a
method for providing an athletic shoe comprising providing a sole,
providing an upper for housing a foot of a user, providing a tongue
with a first end, a second end, an inner side, and an outer side,
providing a lace guard for protecting a set of laces on the shoe,
providing a lace guard pocket for housing the lace guard in a
second position, attaching the upper to the sole, attaching the
second end of the tongue to the upper, hingeably attaching the lace
guard to the first end of the tongue such that in a first position
the lace guard is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel
to the outer side of the tongue and in a second position the lace
guard is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the
inner side of the tongue, and attaching the lace guard pocket to
the inner side of the tongue for housing the lace guard in the
second position.
[0017] In some embodiments, the present invention can also be a
method further comprising providing a first fastening element,
providing a second fastening element, attaching the first fastening
element to a second side of the lace guard, and attaching a second
fastening element to the outer side of the tongue for detachably
affixing the lace guard to the outer side of the tongue in the
first position. In still other embodiments, the present invention
can further be a method comprising, providing a first fastening
element, providing a third fastening element, attaching the first
fastening element to a second side of the lace guard, and attaching
a third fastening element to the lower side of the tongue for
detachably affixing the lace guard to the lower side of the tongue
in the second position.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first fastening element and the
second fastening element can comprise a hook and loop material. In
an exemplary embodiment, the third fastening element can be
disposed inside the lace guard pocket. In still other embodiments,
the lace guard can have one or more attachment arms for hingeably
attaching the lace guard to the first end of the tongue. In yet
another embodiment, the lace guard further comprising a rigid
material for protecting the foot of the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective, front view of a shoe with
a device for protecting laces, shown in a deployed position, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective, front view of a shoe with
the device for protecting laces, in an upright position to show a
second side of the device, in accordance with some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective, rear view of a shoe with
the device for protecting laces, in an upright position to
illustrate a lace guard pocket disposed on an inner side of a
tongue of the shoe, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective, rear view of a shoe with
the device for protecting laces, in a stowed position, in
accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
features of embodiments of the invention, they are explained
hereinafter with reference to implementations in illustrative
embodiments. Embodiments of the invention are described in the
context of a shoe with a retractable lace guard, and in particular,
to an athletic shoe with a retractable lace guard. Additionally,
embodiments of the invention relate to a method for providing such
a shoe.
[0024] Embodiments of the invention, however, are not solely
limited to use with athletic shoes. Rather, embodiments of the
invention can be used whenever protection for laces on shoes and/or
boots is needed or desired. The present invention may also be used
on, for example and not limitation, work boots to prevent dirt from
soiling and wearing the laces thereon.
[0025] The material described hereinafter as making up the various
elements of the present invention are intended to be illustrative
and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the
same or a similar function as the materials described herein are
intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such
other materials not described herein can include, but are not
limited to, materials that are developed after the time of the
development of the invention, for example.
[0026] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several
views, the present invention of FIG. 1 is a shoe 100 that provides
a device for protection of laces 112 thereon. In some embodiments,
the shoe 100 can comprise a sole 105, an upper 110, laces 112, and
a tongue 115. The tongue 115 of the shoe can further comprise a
first end 125, a second end 120, an outer side 130, and an inner
side (not shown.) In some embodiments, the sole 105 can be attached
to the lower portion of the upper 110. The second end 120 of the
tongue 115 can then be affixed to the upper 110 in the conventional
manner. In some embodiments, the shoe 100 can further comprise a
lace guard 140. Is some embodiments, the lace guard 140 can be
hingeably affixed to the first end 125 of the tongue 115.
[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the lace guard 140
can have a deployed position. So, for example, in the deployed
position, the lace guard 140 can be disposed in a substantially
adjacent and parallel manner to the outer side 130 of the tongue
115 such that the laces 112 of the shoe 100 are disposed between
the lace guard 140 and the tongue 115. This can provide a covering
for the laces 112 of the shoe 100 and can prevent them from
becoming, for example, dirty or wet. This can make the laces 112
easier to tie and can extend lace 112 life.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the lace guard
140 can comprise a first attachment arm 245 and a second attachment
arm 250. In additional embodiments, the attachment arms 245, 250
can further comprise a cut-out 247 to enable the lace guard 140 to
lay substantially flat on the tongue 115 of the shoe 100. In some
embodiments, the cut-out 247 can be a semi-circle. In other
contemplated embodiments, the lace guard 140 can attach directly to
the tongue 115 obviating the need for the attachment arms 245,
250.
[0029] In still other embodiments, the lace guard 140 can further
comprise a first fastening element 260 located on a second side 244
of the lace guard 140. In additional embodiments, the outer side
130 of the tongue 115 can further comprise a second fastening
element 265. See FIG. 2. This can enable the lace guard 140 to be
removably secured to the outer side 130 of the tongue 115 of the
shoe 100. In other words, when the lace guard 140 is in the
deployed position, i.e. parallel to and adjacent the outer side 130
of the tongue 115, the lace guard 140 can be detachably affixed to
the tongue 115 by detachably connecting the first fastener 260 to
the second fastener 265. This can prevent the lace guard 140 from
flopping or otherwise interfering with the use of the shoe 100.
[0030] In some embodiments, the inner side 335 of the tongue 115
can further comprise a lace guard pocket 355. See, FIG. 3. The lace
guard pocket 355 can provide a convenient storage location for the
lace guard 140 when the lace guard 140 is in the stowed position.
In some embodiments, the lace guard pocket 355 can present a smooth
surface to the user on the inner side 335 of the tongue 115 when
the lace guard 140 is in the stowed position. In some embodiments,
the lace guard pocket 355 can present substantially the same
profile as the lace guard 140 for improved fit. In other
embodiments, the lace guard pocket 355 can be a simple rectangular
pocket, though additional configurations are contemplated.
[0031] In other embodiments, shown in FIG. 4, the lace guard 140
can have a stowed position. In the stowed position, the lace guard
140 can be disposed in a substantially adjacent and parallel manner
to the inner side 335 of the tongue 115. In this configuration, the
shoe 100 can have substantially the same look, fit, and feel of a
shoe 100 without a lace guard 140. This can enable the shoe 100 to
perform in substantially the same manner as a shoe 100 without a
lace guard 140.
[0032] In still other embodiments, the lace guard pocket 355 can
further comprise a third fastening element 470 located on the
inside of the lace guard pocket 355. When the lace guard 140 is in
the stowed position, i.e., parallel to and adjacent the inner side
335 of the tongue 115, the lace guard can be inserted into the lace
guard pocket 355 and detachably affixed thereto utilizing the first
fastening element 260 and the third fastening element 470. This can
secure the lace guard 140 in the stowed position and prevent the
lace guard 140 from interfering with the performance of the shoe
100. The fastening elements 260, 265, 470 can be, for example and
not limitation, hook and loop, hook and eye, buttons, snaps,
magnets, buckles, or zippers.
[0033] So, for example and not limitation, the user who desires a
lace guard 140 can insert a foot into the shoe 100, place the lace
guard 140 in a substantially vertical position, and tie the laces
112. See, FIG. 3. The user can then flip the lace guard 140 down
into the deployed position, see, FIG. 1, and secure the lace guard
140 to the outer side 130 of the tongue 115 using the first and
second fastening elements 260, 265. In this position the lace guard
140 is secured from unwanted movement and protects the laces
112.
[0034] On the other hand, a user who prefers not to use the lace
guard 140 can simply fold the lace guard 140 over and toward the
inner side 335 of the tongue 115. See, FIG. 4. In some embodiments,
the user can then place the lace guard 140 into the lace guard
pocket 355 for convenient stowage. In still other embodiments, the
user can further secure the lace guard 140 in the lace guard pocket
using the first and third fastening elements 260, 470. In this
position, the shoe 100 performs substantially the same as a shoe
without a lace guard 140.
[0035] In still other embodiments, the lace guard pocket 355 can be
disposed inside, rather than on, the tongue 115 of the shoe 100. In
other words, in some embodiments, the outer side 130 and the inner
side 335 of the tongue 115 can be separate pieces sewn, or other
wise attached, to form a pocket inside the tongue 115 with an
opening on the first end 125 of the tongue 115. This can enable the
user to insert the lace guard 140 into the pocket formed by the
outer side 130 and the inner side 335 of the tongue 115. For some
players, this can be a more desirable because it can provide a
smooth surface on the inner side 335 of the tongue 115, and thus
can present a smooth surface to the top of the player's foot. In
some embodiments, the lace guard pocket 355 can further comprise a
fastening element 470 to retain the lace guard 140 in the lace
guard pocket 355.
[0036] Embodiments of the present invention can enable the shoe 100
to be used with the lace guard 140 in the deployed (FIG. 1) or
stowed position (FIG. 4) depending on user preferences and/or
conditions. In some embodiments, the lace guard 140 and/or
attachment arms 245, 250 can be manufactured from substantially the
same materials as those used for the shoe 100. In other
embodiments, the lace guard 140, and/or attachment arms 245, 250,
can be manufactured from different materials to suit a specific
application.
[0037] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth
in the foregoing description, together with details of structure
and function. While the invention has been disclosed in several
forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
modifications, additions, and deletions, especially in matters of
shape, size, materials, and arrangement of parts, can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention and its equivalents as set forth in the following claims.
Therefore, other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested
by the teachings herein are particularly reserved as they fall
within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.
* * * * *