U.S. patent application number 14/069813 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-05 for articles of footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wolverine World Wide, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Wolverine World Wide, Inc.. Invention is credited to Marc R. Loverin, Craig M. Wojcieszak.
Application Number | 20150033583 14/069813 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52426339 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150033583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Loverin; Marc R. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2015 |
ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined
with the outsole, the upper having an exterior surface. A panel is
joined with the upper, the panel being foldable about an axis
between a first position and a second position. A first indicia
element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a
second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in
the second position.
Inventors: |
Loverin; Marc R.; (Scituate,
MA) ; Wojcieszak; Craig M.; (Medford, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. |
Rockford |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
Rockford
MI
|
Family ID: |
52426339 |
Appl. No.: |
14/069813 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61862339 |
Aug 5, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/06 20130101;
A43C 11/24 20130101; A43B 1/0054 20130101; A43B 3/24 20130101; A43B
3/0078 20130101; A43C 11/1493 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/100 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/24 20060101
A43B003/24 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; an upper joined
with the outsole, the upper including an exterior surface; and a
strap joined with the upper and having a panel foldable about an
axis between a first position and a second position, wherein a
first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first
position, wherein a second, different indicia element is exposed
when the panel is in the second position.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel conceals
the second indicia element when in the first position, and wherein
the panel conceals the first indicia when in the second
position.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the panel includes a
fastener to releasably maintain the panel in at least one of the
first and second positions.
4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper defines a
foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot and an exterior
surface, the exterior surface having a curved contour, and wherein
the strap is disposed over the curved exterior surface and is
configured to secure the foot within the foot void.
5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the panel comprises
a first stationary portion, a first pivoting portion, a second
stationary portion, and a second pivoting portion, wherein the
first and second stationary portions are adjacent to one another
and are joined with the strap, and the first and second pivoting
portions are disposed back-to-back and are pivotable between the
first and second positions.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface
of the upper has a curved contour, and wherein the strap and panel
are disposed over the curved exterior surface and follow the curved
contour, wherein the panel is urged to either the first position or
the second position due to the curved contour.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein the upper includes a
vamp, a heel counter, a toe box, and a tongue, and the panel is
joined with the upper on a curved exterior surface of one of the
strap, vamp, heel counter, toe box, and tongue.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the panel is
foldable about the axis and the axis is perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.
9. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the strap is
releasably fastened to the upper by one of a hook and loop
fastener, a buckle, a snap, a magnet, and a friction device.
10. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes
a plurality of panels having a plurality of indicia elements,
wherein the plurality of panels are foldable about the axis in a
booklet-style configuration.
11. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes
a plurality of panels having a plurality of indicia elements,
wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a folded accordion
configuration.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel is curved
in a direction between medial and lateral portions of the
upper.
13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis is located
a predetermined distance below an upper extremity of the tongue or
the upper and is curved to follow a curved contour of the exterior
surface.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein in at least one of
the first and second positions, the panel is folded upward, away
from the outsole, and is biased by the curved axis such that the
panel remains folded upward during normal activity of the wearer,
without engaging an ankle of the wearer.
15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein in the other of
the first and second positions, the panel is folded downward,
toward the outsole, and is biased by the curved axis such that the
panel remains folded down during normal activity as performed by
the wearer.
16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis is curved
to follow a curved contour of the exterior surface so that when the
panel is in the first position or the second position the axis
being curved forces the panel into a curved shape.
17. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; an upper joined
with the outsole, the upper defining a foot void adapted to receive
a wearer's foot, the upper including an exterior surface having a
curved contour; and a strap joined with the upper adjacent the
curved contour and having a panel, the panel pivotable about an
axis and urged to either a first position or a second position due
to the attachment of the strap to the curved contour, wherein a
first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first
position, wherein a second indicia element is exposed when the
panel is in the second position, wherein the axis follows the
curved contour and is generally curved.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the panel conceals
the second indicia element when in the first position, and wherein
the panel conceals the first indicia when in the second
position.
19. An article of footwear comprising: an outsole; an upper joined
with the outsole, the upper defining a foot void adapted to receive
a wearer's foot, the upper including an exterior surface having a
curved contour; and a strap joined with the upper adjacent the
curved contour and having a panel, the panel pivotable about an
axis between a first position and a second position and including a
first edge and a second edge, wherein the panel exposes a first
indicia element in the first position, while concealing a second
indicia element in the first position, wherein the panel exposes a
second, different indicia element in the second position, while
concealing the first indicia in the second position, wherein the
axis follows the curved contour and is curved, wherein the panel is
of a first curved configuration from the first edge to the second
edge in the first position, wherein the panel is of a second curved
configuration from the first edge to the second edge in the second
position, wherein the panel moves through an intermediary position
as it transitions to at least one of the first position and the
second position, wherein the panel is urged to achieve at least one
of the first curved configuration and the second curved
configuration as it moves through the intermediary position,
whereby the panel snaps into either the first curved configuration
or the second curved configuration in the first position and in the
second position, respectively, generally following the curved
contour of the exterior surface in the first position and the
second position.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the upper includes
a plurality of panels and the plurality of panels are foldable in
at least one of a booklet-style configuration and an accordion
configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This present invention relates to articles of footwear, and
more particularly to an upper assembly that is selectively
alterable to offer different visual effects.
[0002] There are a variety of footwear that include features that
are able to be modified to change the aesthetics of the footwear.
For example, there are certain women's shoes, including vamps that
are adapted to accept a separate, supplemental panel. The
supplemental panel also can be removed and replaced with another
panel to provide different coloration, designs or the like to those
shoes.
[0003] There also are shoes and sandals that include a reversible
panel which is linked via a cord to an upper construction. The
panel can include a front side and a reverse side. The panel can be
swiveled about the cord to selectively expose either the front side
or the reverse side to provide a desired visual coloration, design
or image. This construction can provide variety to the user and
enable them to select a particular design depending on their
disposition at the time.
[0004] While the above can enable a user, such as a child, to
modify the appearance of footwear, there remains room for
improvement in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A footwear and upper assembly are provided including a panel
or strap joined with the upper, where the panel or strap is
selectively moveable to expose a first indicia element, while
concealing a second indicia element, or to expose a second indicia
element, while concealing the first indicia element.
[0006] In one embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper
joined with the outsole. The upper includes an exterior surface. A
panel is joined with the upper. The panel is foldable about an axis
between a first position and a second position. A first indicia
element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a
second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in
the second position.
[0007] In another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an
upper joined with the outsole. The upper defines a foot void that
is adapted to receive a wearer's foot. The upper has an exterior
surface with a curved contour. The upper also includes a panel
joined with the upper adjacent the curved contour of the exterior
surface. The panel is pivotable about an axis which follows the
curved contour, and is generally curved itself. Additionally, the
panel is urged to either a first position or a second position due
to the attachment of the panel to the curved contour. A first
indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position,
and a second indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the
second position.
[0008] In still another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole
and an upper joined with the outsole. The upper includes an
exterior surface having a curved contour, and a panel is joined
with the upper adjacent the curved contour. The panel has a first
edge and a second edge and is pivotable about an axis between a
first position and a second position. The axis follows the curved
contour of the upper and is curved itself. The panel exposes a
first indicia element in the first position, while concealing a
second indicia element in the first position, and exposes a second,
different indicia element in the second position, while concealing
the first indicia in the second position.
[0009] In even another embodiment, the panel is of a first curved
configuration from the first edge to the second edge when in the
first position, and is of a second curved configuration from the
first edge to the second edge when in the second position. The
panel moves through an intermediary position as it transitions to
at least one of the first position and the second position and is
urged to achieve at least one of the first curved configuration and
the second curved configuration as it moves through the
intermediary position. The panel snaps into either the first curved
configuration or the second curved configuration in the first
position and in the second position, respectively, generally
following the curved contour of the exterior surface in the first
position and the second position.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly defines a
foot void and includes a lateral panel and a medial panel. The
lateral panel defines a first slot, and the medial panel defines a
second slot, where the first and second slots are disposed on
opposing sides of the footwear. The upper assembly also includes a
closure strap that extends through the first slot and the second
slot. The strap is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot
within the foot void. The strap is slidably moveable relative to
the first and second slots to a first position and to a second,
different position.
[0011] In still a further embodiment, a first indicia element is
exposed when the strap is in the first position, and a second,
different indicia element in exposed when the strap is in the
second position. The strap includes a first end and a second end
configured so that either the first end is secured to the medial
panel when the first indicia element is exposed, or the second end
is secured to the lateral panel when the second indicia element is
exposed.
[0012] In yet a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly
includes a vamp, a lateral quarter panel, a medial quarter panel,
and a strap. The lateral quarter panel defines a first slot and is
joined with the vamp. The medial quarter panel defines a second
slot and is joined with the vamp. The first and second slots are
disposed on opposing sides of the footwear. The strap extends
through the first slot and the second slot and is configured to
snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void. The strap is
slidably moveable relative to the first and second slots to a first
position and to a second, different position.
[0013] In even a further embodiment, a first indicia element is
exposed when the strap is in the first position, and a second,
different indicia element in exposed when the strap is in the
second position. The strap includes a first end, a second end, and
a center portion between the first and second ends. The first end
includes a first closure device, the second end includes a second
closure device, the center portion includes a third closure device,
the lateral quarter panel includes a fourth closure device, and the
medial quarter panel includes a fifth closure device. In the first
position, the first closure device is secured to the third closure
device to secure the first end to the center portion, and the
second closure device is secured to the fourth closure device to
secure the second end to the lateral quarter panel. In the second
position, the second closure device is secured to the third closure
device to secure the second end to the center portion, and the
first closure device is secured to the fifth closure device to
secure the first end to the medial quarter panel.
[0014] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or
being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed
herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and
"comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items
listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional
items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in
the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly in accordance with a current embodiment, and illustrating
a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is
exposed;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating
the panel in an intermediate position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating
the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is
exposed;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly in accordance with a first alternative embodiment, and
illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia
element is exposed;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate
position;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position
where a second indicia element is exposed;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly in accordance with a second alternative embodiment, and
illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia
element is exposed;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate
position;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position
where a second indicia element is exposed;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly in accordance with a third alternative embodiment, and
illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia
element is exposed;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate
position;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position
where a second indicia element is exposed;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment, and
illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia
element is exposed;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate
position;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth
alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position
where a second indicia element is exposed;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly including multiple panels in accordance with a fifth
alternative embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of footwear including a heel
counter of the upper assembly having a panel in accordance with a
sixth alternative embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly including panels folded accordion-style in accordance with
a seventh alternative embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper
assembly having a closure strap in accordance with a eighth
alternative embodiment;
[0034] FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a
first direction;
[0035] FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating an intermediate position of
the closure strap;
[0036] FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating a first position of the
closure strap where a first indicia element is exposed;
[0037] FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a
second direction;
[0038] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating a second intermediate position
of the closure strap; and
[0039] FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth
alternative embodiment, illustrating a second position of the
closure strap where a second indicia element is exposed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
[0040] An article of footwear in accordance with a current
embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. The
article of footwear 10 generally includes an upper assembly 12
joined with an outsole 14. The upper assembly 12 and the outsole 14
together define a foot void 16 configured to securely and
comfortably hold a human foot. The foot is received through a foot
opening 17 defined by the upper assembly 12. The upper assembly 12
and the outsole 14 each have a corresponding forefoot portion, a
heel portion, a lateral portion, and a medial portion.
[0041] Although the embodiments are illustrated in the context of a
children's athletic or play shoe, it may be incorporated into other
adolescent or adult shoes, and any type or style of footwear,
including shoes, boots and sandals. It should be noted that
directional terms, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top,"
"bottom," "upper," "lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer" and
"outwardly," are used to assist in describing the invention based
on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations.
Further, the terms "medial," "lateral" and "longitudinal" are used
in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. For
example, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term
"medial" refers to the inward side (i.e. the side facing the other
shoe) and "lateral" refers to the outward side. When used in
referring to a direction, the term "longitudinal direction" refers
to a direction generally extending along the length of the shoe
between toe and heel, and the term "lateral direction" refers to a
direction generally extending across the width of the shoe between
the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The use of directional
terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any
specific orientations.
[0042] For purposes of disclosure, the embodiments are described in
the context of the footwear 10 including the outsole 14. The upper
assembly 12, may, however, be combined with any type or style of
sole construction capable of being suitably joined with the upper
assembly 12. The upper assembly 12 of the illustrated embodiment
includes an upper 18 including an exterior surface having a curved
contour, the upper 18 formed from one or more layers of material
that are shaped to form an enclosure of roughly the size and shape
of a wearer's foot, defining the foot void 16. The upper 18
includes medial and lateral side or quarters 20, 22 in a spaced
relationship disposed on opposite sides of the footwear and the
wearer's foot, and a contoured vamp 24 that closes a portion of the
top of the upper 18. Foxing and other trim or extra material may be
added to the upper 18 as desired for functional or aesthetic
reasons. In this embodiment, the upper 18 includes a tongue 26 to
facilitate fitting and removal of the article of footwear 10 on the
wearer's foot. The tongue 26 and outsole 14 generally are
conventional and therefore will not be described in detail herein.
Additionally, the upper 18 may include a heel counter 19. The heel
counter 19 may be a generally conventional heel counter configured
to provide control and stability to the wearer's heel.
[0043] The upper 18 includes a closure strap 28 that is disposed
over the curved exterior surface of the upper 18 and configured to
snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void 16. The strap 28
has a first end 30 attached to one of the medial quarter 20 or the
lateral quarter 22 of the upper assembly 12 near the foot opening
17. The strap 28 also includes a free second end 32 that is
releasably securable to the other of the lateral and medial
quarters 20, 22 (that is, the opposite side) of the upper 18. The
second end 32 of the strap 28 may be releasably securable to the
opposite lateral or medial quarter 20, 22 by a mating releasable
fastener, such as hook and loop fasteners (for example, Velcro.RTM.
fasteners), a buckle, snaps, magnets, a friction device, or any
other suitable device capable of temporarily fastening one footwear
component to another. One side of the mating releasable fastener is
located on each of the second end 32 of the strap 28 and the
opposite lateral or medial quarter 20, 22.
[0044] The strap 28 also includes a decorative panel 40 that is
foldable/pivotable between a first position A, shown in FIG. 1, and
a second, different position B, shown in FIG. 3. The terms fold,
pivot, and flip are used herein to describe the action of
repositioning or moving the panel 40 from one position to expose or
conceal one or more indicia elements, to another position to expose
or conceal one or more other indicia elements. When folded, the
panel 40 is bent over upon itself along a fold line or crease. When
pivoted, at least a portion of the panel 40 rotates or turns about
an axis or point. Further, the action of folding may be considered
a specific form of pivoting with respect to the footwear described
herein. Optionally, the panel 40 is positioned on the strap 28 or
the tongue 26 and is located a predetermined distance below the
upper extremity of the tongue 26 or the uppermost portion of the
upper 18 so that the panel 40 does not engage an ankle of the
wearer as the wearer engages in activity, such as running, walking,
or crawling.
[0045] The panel 40 is made up of a first stationary portion 42, a
first pivoting portion 44, a second stationary portion 46, and a
second pivoting portion 48. In the illustrated example, the first
stationary and pivoting portions 42, 44 are generally halves of a
rectangular piece of material. It should be understood, however,
that the piece of material may have a shape other than a rectangle,
and may be effectively split into portions other than halves.
Likewise, the second stationary and pivoting portions 46, 48 are
generally halves of a second rectangular piece of material. The
stationary portions 42, 46 are positioned adjacent and in alignment
with one another, and optionally are joined with the strap 28. Of
course, the stationary and pivoting portions can be joined with
other elements of the footwear as desired. The stationary portions
42, 46 can be joined with the strap 28 by stitching, adhesive, or
any other suitable means. Additionally, the stationary portions,
42, 46 are arranged such that the pivoting portions 44, 48 are
aligned back-to-back. The pivoting portions 44, 48 are secured
together and define a panel portion 50 that is pivotable about an
axis 51 between the first and second positions A and B. The
pivoting portions 44, 48 can be secured together via stitching,
adhesive, or any other suitable means. In the illustrated example,
the axis 51 or fold line is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
LA, shown in FIG. 2, and is formed by the lower edge of the panel
portion 50 where the pivoting portions 44, 48 transition to the
stationary portions 42, 46.
[0046] The panel 40 includes a first indicia element 52 and a
second indicia element 54. The first indicia element 52 is visible
when the panel portion 50 is flipped, pivoted, moved, or
transitioned to the first position A, and the second indicia
element 54 is visible when the panel portion 50 is flipped to the
second position B. In the illustrated example, the first indicia
element 52 is illustrated simply as a square and the second indicia
element 54 is illustrated simply as a circle. It should be
understood that any desirable graphic, word, phrasing, image, etc.
may be used as the indicia forming or in relationship to an indicia
element. Further, as is perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, portions of
the indicia may extend across both the first stationary and
pivoting portions 42, 44, and the second stationary and pivoting
portions 46, 48, each portion 42-48 forming a fraction of the
respective indicia. Of course, it should also be understood that
the entire indicia may be contained entirely on any one of the
portions.
[0047] With the described panel 40 configuration, the panel portion
50 can be pivoted, as illustrated by arrow C in FIG. 2, between the
first and second positions A and B, to reveal one of the first and
second indicia elements 52, 54. Accordingly, when flipped to the
first position A, the panel portion 50 covers the second stationary
portion 46, and together the first stationary portion 42 and the
panel portion 50 reveal the first indicia element 52. Oppositely,
when flipped to the second position B, the panel portion 50 covers
the first stationary portion 42, and together the second stationary
portion 46 and the panel portion 50 reveal the second indicia
element 54. In the illustrated example, the panel portion 50 is
flipped up (away from the outsole) or down (toward the
outsole).
[0048] The pivoting of a member about an arcuate axis creates a
biasing force by causing the pivot axis to straighten at the base
of the pivoting member, thereby urging the member to a position
where the axis is again arcuate. In the illustrated embodiment, the
non-rigid strap 28 conforms to the curved exterior surface of the
upper 18, and the panel 40, being joined with the upper 18 adjacent
the curved contour, is also curved in a direction between the
medial and lateral portions of the upper 18. Further, the pivot
axis 51 follows the curved contour and is also generally curved
about the longitudinal axis LA. Stated differently, the pivot axis
is curved downward such that the center is the highest point, and
the medial and lateral ends are the lowest points. The curvature of
the panel 40 provides a bias when moving the panel portion 50, for
example by flipping it, thereby urging the panel portion 50 to one
of the first or second positions A or B due to the attachment of
the panel 40 to the curved contour. Moreover, the greater the
degree of curvature, the greater the bias toward one of the first
or second positions A or B. Additionally, the panel portion 50 may
include a fastener 56 to releasably maintain the panel portion 50
in either of the first or second positions A or B. It is
contemplated that the fastener 56 may be in the form of a magnet,
hook and loop, or any other suitable type fastener.
[0049] This phenomenon of creating a bias when pivoting a member
about an arcuate axis can be described in another manner. For
example, the panel 40 is joined with the upper 18 adjacent the
curved contour of the exterior surface and is pivotable about the
axis 51, between first position A and second position B.
Additionally, the panel 40 includes a first edge 40a and a second
edge 40b, as shown in FIG. 1. In the first position A, shown in
FIG. 1, the panel is of a first curved configuration from the first
edge 40a to the second edge 40b. Referring now to FIG. 3, the panel
40 is of a second curved configuration from the first edge 40a to
the second edge 40b when in the second position B. The first curved
configuration can be described as having a concave form when
considering the shape of the upper surface of the panel 40 relative
to the longitudinal axis LA. Conversely, the second curved
configuration can be described as having a convex form when
considering the shape of that same upper surface of the panel 40
when in the second position B. In the second position B, the upper
surface of the panel 40 is folded in half, upon itself. In this
arrangement, the second curved configuration is convex relative to
the longitudinal axis LA. Further, when the panel 40 moves through
an intermediary position, as shown in FIG. 2, as it transitions to
one of the first and second positions A and B, the panel 40 is
urged to achieve at least one of the first and second curved
configurations. As such, the panel 40 snaps into either the first
curved configuration or the second curved configuration in the
first position A and in the second position B, respectively,
generally following the curved contour of the exterior surface in
the first position A and the second position B. Additionally, this
urging or bias retains the panel 40 in the user-selected position
and the panel portion 50 remains either up or down, in either the
first or second positions A or B, during normal activity as
performed by the wearer.
[0050] Alternately, it should be noted that a user may release the
strap 28 from the fastener on the lateral or medial quarter 20, 22
before pivoting the panel portion 50 from one position to the
other. The released strap 28 can be straightened, thereby removing
the curvature and bias from the pivot axis 51. The panel portion 50
may be flipped to the desired position, and the strap 28 may then
be again secured to the fastener on the lateral or medial quarter
20, 22, returning the curvature and bias to the pivot axis 51 and
the panel portion 50.
[0051] A first alternative embodiment of the footwear is
illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and generally designated 110. This first
alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment above with a
few exceptions. For example, the strap 128 includes at least two
layers: a first layer 170 having a void, recess, or cutout 172, the
first layer including an integral panel portion 150, and a second
layer 176 positioned behind the first layer 170. The panel portion
150 has a first side 178 and a second side 180 and is pivotable
between the first and second positions A and B.
[0052] As shown, a lower portion of the first indicia element 152
is included on the first layer 170. Additionally, an upper portion
of the second indicia element 154 is included on the second layer
176 and is positioned within the cutout 172. When in the first
position A, as shown in FIG. 4, the first side 178 of the panel
portion 150 and the first layer 170 together expose or illustrate
the entire first indicia element 152. Additionally, in the first
position A, the panel portion 150 conceals the second indicia
element 154. In the second position B, as shown in FIG. 6, together
the second side 180 of the panel portion 150 and the second layer
176 of the strap 128 reveal the second indicia element 154 and
conceal the first indicia element 152. Accordingly, in the second
position B, the first layer 170 and the second layer 176 are
aligned such that the respective portions of the second indicia
element 154 are aligned. As discussed above with respect to other
embodiments herein, the panel portion 150 is biased toward one of
the first and second positions A and B by way of its attachment to
the upper assembly and/or the construction of the curved pivot axis
151.
[0053] A second alternative embodiment of the footwear is
illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 and generally designated 210. This second
alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above with a
few exceptions. For example, the strap 228 is made of two layers:
the first layer 270 having a void 272, and the second layer 276
positioned behind the first layer 270. A panel 240 is joined atop
the first layer 270 of the strap 228. The panel 240 includes a
stationary portion 242 and a pivoting portion that defines a panel
portion 250. The panel portion 250 has a first side 278 and a
second side 280 and is pivotable between the first and second
positions A and B.
[0054] As shown, the first indicia element 252 is provided across
both the stationary portion 242 of the panel 240 and the first side
278 of the panel portion 250. Thus, when in the first position A as
shown in FIG. 7, the stationary portion 242 and panel portion 250
show the first indicia element 252. An upper portion of the second
indicia element 254 is included on the second layer 276 and
positioned within the void 272. Therefore, in the second position
B, as shown in FIG. 9, together the second side 280 of the panel
portion 250 and the second layer 276 of the strap 228 reveal the
second indicia element 254. Accordingly, in the second position B,
the first layer 270 and the second layer 276 are aligned such that
the portions of the second indicia element 254 are aligned. As
discussed above with respect to other embodiments herein, the panel
portion 250 is biased toward one of the first and second positions
A and B by the curved pivot axis 251.
[0055] A third alternative embodiment of the footwear is
illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and generally designated 410. This third
alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above with a
few exceptions. For example, the panel 440 is similar in
construction and functionality to the panel 40 of FIGS. 1-3, except
that the stationary portion 442 of panel 440 extends along
substantially the entire length of the strap 428, from a medial
side 420 of the shoe to the lateral side 422 of the shoe. The
pivoting portion 444 can be integral with the panel 440 and
disposed on a lower edge of the stationary portion 442. The
stationary portion 442 transitions to the pivoting portion 444
along the pivot axis 451. Optionally, the panel 440 can be
primarily in the central third or half of the strap, generally
centered over the tongue 426.
[0056] A fourth alternative embodiment of the footwear is
illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 and generally designated 510. This
fourth alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above
with a few exceptions. For example, the alternate strap 528
includes a panel 540 made up of a stationary portion 542 and a
pivoting portion 544. The stationary portion 542 can be of
substantially the same dimensions as the strap 528. The pivoting
portion 544 can be integral with the panel 540 and disposed on a
lower edge of the stationary portion 542. The stationary portion
542 transitions to the pivoting portion 544 along the pivot axis
551. Optionally, pivoting portion 544 can be folded over part or
all of the stationary portion 542 when in the first position A as
shown in FIG. 13. A first indicia element 552 can be included on a
first side 578 of the pivoting portion 544, and a second indicia
element 554 can be included on a second side 580 of the pivoting
portion 544. When the pivoting portion 544 is folded up about the
pivot axis 551 to a first position A, a first indicia element 552
is visible, and a second indicia element 554 is concealed. When the
pivoting portion 544 is folded down about the pivot axis 551 to a
second position B, the second indicia element 554 is visible, and
the first indicia element 552 is concealed. In this second position
B, the pivoting portion 544 extends below the strap 528 and the
second indicia element 554 may extend across both the second side
580 of the pivoting portion 544 and the previously concealed
portion of the stationary portion 542. Of course, it should be
understood that the pivoting portion 544 may be formed of a
separate piece of material and can be joined with the strap 528 or
panel 540 by stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable means.
Additionally, the strap 528 and the panel 540 may be formed by a
single layer of material such that the panel 540 functions as the
strap 528.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 16 an fifth alternative embodiment of
footwear 10' including an alternate upper 18' having multiple
panels 40' is illustrated. The alternative panel may include
multiple panel portions 50' that are foldable about the axis 51' in
a booklet-style configuration. This fifth alternative embodiment
enables multiple indicia elements 52', 54' to be included with the
footwear 10'. The illustrated example includes three panel portions
50', however, it should be understood that substantially any number
of panel portions 50' may be included.
[0058] Generally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the
panel is disposed on the vamp portion of the upper, and more
specifically on the closure strap of the upper. Optionally, the
panel may be positioned on substantially any curved surface of the
upper. For example, the panel may be joined with the upper on a
curved exterior surface of any one or all of the vamp, the heel
counter, and the toe box. Referring to FIG. 17, implementation of a
sixth alternative embodiment of the footwear 10'' with an alternate
panel 50'' is shown positioned on the heel counter 19''. It should
be noted that the panel may be positioned on the alternate
locations in addition to, or instead of, the previously described
embodiments. In other words, a single panel may be positioned on
any one of the vamp, heel counter, or toe box; or multiple panels
may be positioned on any combination of these locations. For
example, an alternate panel may be positioned atop the toe box such
that its pivot axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and the
alternate panel portion flips between medial and lateral sides of
the footwear.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 18, a seventh alternative embodiment
of footwear 10''' including an alternate upper 18''' having
multiple panel portions 50''' is illustrated. The alternative
multiple panel portions 50' may be folded in an accordion-style
booklet configuration. This seventh alternative embodiment enables
multiple indicia elements 52''', 54''', 55' to be included with the
footwear 10'''. The panel portions 50'' may be pulled away from
their biased position A or B, and the arrangement of the panel
portions 50''' may be altered to display different indicia elements
or combinations of indicia elements. In other words, the panel
portions 50'' may be stacked in a different arrangement to reveal
different indicia. As with the other embodiments disclosed herein,
the curved axis of the panel portions creates a bias, which urges
the panel portions to any one of the selected positions in which
the axis is again curved.
[0060] In any of the embodiments described herein, the strap and
panel may be formed of multiple layers of material. Examples of
material that may be used include polyurethane, thermoplastic
polyurethane, synthetic fabric, hook or loop, or any other suitable
material.
[0061] Optionally, substantially the entire strap can be backed
with either a hook layer or loop layer. In this case, in addition
to corresponding hook or loop material disposed on the lateral
and/or medial quarters 20, 22, hook or loop material may also be
included on the upper surface of the tongue 26. In this manner, the
strap secures the tongue 26 in place, as well as secure a wearer's
foot within the foot void 16.
[0062] In an eighth alternative embodiment, an article of footwear
is illustrated in FIGS. 19-21C and generally designated 310. In
this eighth alternative embodiment, the footwear 310 includes an
upper 318 that has medial quarter panel 320 defining a first slot
334 and a lateral quarter panel 322 defining a second slot 336. The
medial and lateral side or quarter panels 320, 322 and the first
and second slots 334, 336 are in spaced relationship and are
disposed on opposing sides of a wearer's foot. The upper 318 may
also include a vamp 324 contoured to fit the shape of the foot, and
the medial and lateral quarter panels 320, 322 are joined with the
vamp 324. Additionally, the upper 318 includes a strap 328 that
extends through the first slot 334 and the second slot 336 through
the lateral and medial quarter panels 320, 322, respectively. The
strap 328 is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the
foot void 316.
[0063] The strap 328 is moveable, in either of generally opposing
lateral directions, relative to the first and second slots 334, 336
between a first position A shown in FIG. 20C, and a second,
different position B shown in FIG. 21C. Optionally, in this
movement, the strap slides relative to the side panels and/or the
slots. The strap 328 includes a first end 330, a second end 332,
and a center portion 333 disposed between the first and second ends
330, 332. The first end 330 includes a first closure device 338,
the second end 332 includes a second closure device 342, and the
center portion 333 includes a third closure device 342.
Additionally, the lateral quarter panel 322 includes a fourth
closure device 344, and the medial quarter panel 320 includes a
fifth closure device 346. It is contemplated that the closure
devices 338-346 may be in the form of complementary hook and loop
type fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or any other suitable type of
fasteners.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 20C and 21C, a first indicia element 352
and a second, different indicia element 354 are shown. The first
indicia element 352 is located on the first end 330 of the strap
328, on a side of the strap 328 opposite the first closure device
338. Similarly, the second indicia element 354 is located on the
second end 332 of the strap 328, on a side of the strap 328
opposite the second closure device 340. The upper 318 and strap 328
are configured such that the first indicia element 352 is exposed
when the strap 328 is in the first position A, and the second
indicia element 354 in exposed when the strap 328 is in the second
position B.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 20A-C, in the first position A, the
strap 328 is slid toward the medial quarter panel 320, as indicated
by arrow X in FIG. 20A. The first end 330 is folded over a top of
the lateral quarter panel 322 toward the center portion 342, as
indicated by arrow Y shown in FIG. 20B. The first closure device
338 is secured to the third closure device 333 on the center
portion 342 such that the first end 330 of the strap 328 is secured
to the center portion 342. The second end 332 is folded overtop the
medial quarter panel 320, as indicated by arrow Z shown in FIG.
20C. The second closure device 340 is secured to the fourth closure
device 344 located on the lateral quarter panel 322 such that the
second end 332 of the strap 328 is secured to the lateral quarter
panel 322. In this configuration of first position A, the first
indicia element 352 is exposed and the second indicia element 354
is concealed.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 21A-C, in the second position B, the
strap 328 is slid toward the lateral quarter panel 322, as
indicated by arrow X shown in FIG. 21A. The second end 332 is
folded over a top of the medial quarter panel 320 toward the center
portion 342, as indicated by arrow Y shown in FIG. 21B. The second
closure device 340 is secured to the third closure device 333 on
the center portion 342 such that the second end 332 of the strap
328 is secured to the center portion 342. The first end 330 is
folded overtop the lateral quarter panel 322, as indicated by arrow
Z shown in FIG. 21C. The first closure device 338 is secured to the
fifth closure device 346 located on the medial quarter panel 320
such that the first end 330 of the strap 328 is secured to the
medial quarter panel 320. In this configuration of second position
B, the second indicia element 354 is exposed and the first indicia
element 352 is concealed.
[0067] Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, a
foot may be received through the foot opening and the closure strap
may be pulled over the upper to snugly secure the wearer's foot
within the foot void. The wearer may then select which indicia
element he or she wishes to be visible. If the opposite indicia
element is desired, the panel may be easily pivoted about the axis
to the opposite position, thereby exposing the desired indicia
element and concealing the undesired indicia element.
[0068] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-21C, a
foot may be received through the foot opening, and the closure
strap may be shifted in either of the generally lateral opposing
directions. The strap may be shifted relative to the slots. One end
of the strap may then be folded over top of the quarter panel and
secured to the center portion of the strap. The opposite end of the
strap may then be folded overtop the center portion and secured to
the opposite quarter panel. This configuration reveals one indicia
element and conceals the other. If the user desires the opposite
indicia element, the strap may be shifted in the opposite lateral
direction. The opposite end of the strap may be first secured to
the center portion, and the remaining end of the strap may be
secured to the opposite quarter panel. This opposite configuration
reveals the desired indicia element while concealing the undesired
indicia element.
[0069] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
* * * * *