U.S. patent application number 17/330690 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-02 for upper including dynamic supports.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gjermund Haugbro.
Application Number | 20210368940 17/330690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005638286 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210368940 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haugbro; Gjermund |
December 2, 2021 |
UPPER INCLUDING DYNAMIC SUPPORTS
Abstract
An upper for an article of footwear includes an upper body
having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The
upper body defines a throat between the first side and the second
side. Further, the upper body defines an opening extending through
the second side. The upper includes a lace extending across the
throat between the first side and the second side. The upper
further includes a dynamic support coupled to the upper body at the
first side. The dynamic support extends across the throat from the
first side to the second side. The dynamic support extends through
the opening formed in the second side. The lace is attached to the
dynamic support at the second side to apply tension on the dynamic
support toward the second side when the lace is tightened.
Inventors: |
Haugbro; Gjermund;
(Beaverton, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
1000005638286 |
Appl. No.: |
17/330690 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63032493 |
May 29, 2020 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 23/0235 20130101;
A43B 23/027 20130101; A43C 5/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; A43C 5/00 20060101 A43C005/00 |
Claims
1. An upper for an article of footwear, comprising: an upper body
having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the
upper body defining a throat between the first side and the second
side, and the upper body defining an opening extending through the
second side; a lace extending across the throat between the first
side and the second side; a dynamic support coupled to the upper
body at the first side, the dynamic support extending across the
throat from the first side to the second side, and the dynamic
support extending through the opening formed in the second side;
and wherein the lace is attached to the dynamic support at the
second side to apply tension on the dynamic support toward the
second side when the lace is tightened.
2. The upper of claim 1, wherein the dynamic support is a first
dynamic support, the upper further includes a second dynamic
support coupled to the second side, the second dynamic support
extends across the throat from the second side to the first side,
the opening is a first opening, the upper body defines a second
opening extending through the first side, the second dynamic
support extends through the second opening formed in the first
side, and the lace is attached to the second dynamic support at the
first side to apply tension on the second dynamic support toward
the first side when the lace is tightened.
3. The upper of claim 1, wherein the dynamic support is attached to
the upper body at a bite line of the article of footwear.
4. The upper of claim 3, wherein the dynamic support includes a
first support end and a second support end opposite the first
support end, the first support end is attached to the upper body at
the bite line of the article of footwear, the second support end
defines a loop configured to receive the lace, and the loop
receives the lace to apply tension on the dynamic support toward
the second side when the lace is tightened.
5. The upper of claim 1, wherein the upper body includes an outer
layer and an inner layer coupled to the outer layer, and the
dynamic support is disposed between the inner layer and the outer
layer.
6. The upper of claim 5, wherein the opening extends through the
outer layer of the upper body.
7. The upper of claim 6, wherein the upper body defines a first
plurality of eyelets and a second plurality of eyelets, the first
plurality of eyelets is disposed on the first side, the second
plurality of eyelets is disposed on the second side, the first
plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets extend
through the outer layer, the first plurality of eyelets and the
second plurality of eyelets are sized to receive the lace, the lace
extends across the throat and through the first plurality of
eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets, the first plurality of
eyelets is aligned along a first eyelet axis, and the second
plurality of eyelets is aligned along a second eyelet axis.
8. The upper of claim 7, wherein the opening is spaced apart from
the second eyelet axis along a transverse direction.
9. The upper of claim 8, wherein the opening is larger than each of
the first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of
eyelets.
10. The upper of claim 1, wherein the dynamic support is a first
dynamic support, the upper further includes a second dynamic
support coupled to the second side, the second dynamic support
extends across the throat from the second side to the first side,
the opening is a first opening, the upper body defines a second
opening extending through the first side, the second dynamic
support extends through the second opening formed in the first
side, the lace is attached to the second dynamic support at the
first side to apply tension on the second dynamic support toward
the first side when the lace is tightened, each of the first
dynamic support and the second dynamic support includes a first
support end and a second support end opposite the first support
end, the first support end is attached to the upper body at a bite
line of the article of footwear, the second support end defines a
loop configured to receive the lace, and the loop receives the lace
to apply tension on each of the first dynamic support and the
second dynamic support toward the second side and the first side,
respectively, when the lace is tightened.
11. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper
coupled to the sole structure, the article of footwear having a
bite line at an interface of the sole structure and the upper,
wherein the upper includes: an upper body having a first side and a
second side opposite the first side, the upper body defining a
throat between the first side and the second side, and the upper
body defining an opening extending through the second side; a lace
extending across the throat between the first side and the second
side; a dynamic support coupled to the upper body at the first
side, the dynamic support extending across the throat from the
first side to the second side, and the dynamic support extending
through the opening formed in the second side; and wherein the lace
is attached to the dynamic support at the second side to apply
tension on the dynamic support toward the second side when the lace
is tightened.
12. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the dynamic
support is a first dynamic support, the upper further includes a
second dynamic support coupled to the second side, the second
dynamic support extends across the throat from the second side to
the first side, the opening is a first opening, the upper body
defines a second opening extending through the first side, the
second dynamic support extends through the second opening formed in
the first side, and the lace is attached to the second dynamic
support at the first side to apply tension on the second dynamic
support toward the first side when the lace is tightened.
13. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the dynamic
support is attached to the upper body at the bite line of the
article of footwear.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the dynamic
support includes a first support end and a second support end
opposite the first support end, the first support end is attached
to the upper body at the bite line of the article of footwear, the
second support end defines a loop configured to receive the lace,
and the loop receives the lace to apply tension on the dynamic
support toward the first side when the lace is tightened.
15. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the upper body
includes an outer layer and an inner layer coupled to the outer
layer, and the dynamic support is disposed between the inner layer
and the outer layer.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the opening
extends through the outer layer of the upper body.
17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the upper body
defines a first plurality of eyelets and a second plurality of
eyelets, the first plurality of eyelets is disposed on the first
side, the second plurality of eyelets is disposed on the second
side, the first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of
eyelets extend through the outer layer, the first plurality of
eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets are sized to receive
the lace, the lace extends across the throat and through the first
plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets, the first
plurality of eyelets is aligned along a first eyelet axis, and the
second plurality of eyelets is aligned along a second eyelet
axis.
18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the opening is
spaced apart from the second eyelet axis along a transverse
direction.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the opening is
larger than each of the first plurality of eyelets and the second
plurality of eyelets.
20. The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the dynamic
support is a first dynamic support, the upper further includes a
second dynamic support coupled to the second side, the second
dynamic support extends across the throat from the second side to
the first side, the opening is a first opening, the upper body
defines a second opening extending through the first side, the
second dynamic support extends through the second opening formed in
the first side, the lace is attached to the second dynamic support
at the first side to apply tension on the second dynamic support
toward the second side when the lace is tightened, each of the
first dynamic support and the second dynamic support includes a
first support end and a second support end opposite the first
support end, the first support end is attached to the upper body at
the bite line of the article of footwear, and the second support
end defines a loop configured to receive the lace, and the loop
receives the lace to apply tension on each of the first dynamic
support and the second dynamic support toward the first side and
the second side, respectively, when the lace is tightened.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, the
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/032,493 filed on May 29,
2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present teachings generally relate to an upper for an
article of footwear and, more particularly, to a footwear upper
with dynamic supports.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section provides background information related to the
present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.
[0004] Articles of footwear include an upper and a sole structure.
The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive,
secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may
cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit
of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper,
proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole
structure.
[0005] Sole structures include a layered arrangement extending
between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole
structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and
traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from
rubber or other materials that impart durability and
wear-resistance, as well as enhancing traction with the ground
surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole
disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides
cushioning for the foot and is at least partially formed from a
polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied
load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The
midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the
outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to
conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole
structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a
sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of
the upper.
[0006] The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot is known to
absorb energy as it flexes through dorsiflexion during running
movements. As the foot does not move through plantarflexion until
the foot is pushing off of a ground surface, the MTP joint returns
little of the energy it absorbs to the running movement and, thus,
is the source of an energy drain during running movements.
Embedding flat and rigid plates having longitudinal stiffness
within a sole structure increases the overall stiffness
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic, medial side view of an article of
footwear.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic, lateral side view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic, top view of the article of footwear
of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic, bottom view of the article of
footwear of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic, perspective top, lateral view of a
portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic, perspective top, medial view of a
portion of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the upper of the article
of footwear shown in FIG. 1, depicted in a flat configuration.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic, top view of an outer layer of the
upper of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, depicted in a
flat configuration.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic, top view of the outer layer and the
dynamic supports of the upper of the article of footwear as shown
in FIG. 1, depicted in a flat configuration.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic, top view of the outer layer disposed
over an inner layer of the upper of the article of footwear shown
in FIG. 1, depicted in a flat configuration.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a schematic, medial side view of an article of
footwear including a plurality of dynamic supports.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a schematic, lateral side view of an article of
footwear of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present disclosure describes an article of footwear,
and, in particular, a unique closure system for an article of
footwear. This closure system provides dynamic supports and/or
straps that aid in securing the article of footwear to the foot of
the user. While the present figures illustrate a cleated article of
footwear, e.g. a shoe that may be used in the sport of baseball or
football, in other embodiments, the present closure system may
similarly be used with basketball shoes, running shoes, or any
other type of footwear where dynamic or more regionally controlled
support is desired.
[0021] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the article of
footwear includes an upper with one or more dynamic supports that
are anchored or rigidly secured to the article of footwear on
opposite medial and/or lateral sides of the throat/wearer's foot.
During use, the wearer inserts his foot into the void of the upper.
The dynamic supports then extend from their respective anchor point
across the throat and are drawn back toward their anchor point
using a tension applied to the support by a lace. In many
embodiments, the dynamic support passes through an opening in the
upper on the opposite side, such that tensioning the lace applies a
corresponding tension to the dynamic support on the anchored side,
and further applies a tension to the upper opposite of the anchored
side. Providing the dynamic support separate from the upper enables
a more customized and/or regional fit that may adapt to different
foot shapes/structures. Furthermore, because each of the dynamic
supports is connected across the throat of the upper, tightening
the lace causes the throat to partially close, thereby drawing
together opposite sides of the upper.
[0022] The features and advantages of the present teachings are
readily apparent from the following detailed description of the
modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings.
[0023] Example configurations will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully
convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in
the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of
specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough
understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific
details need not be employed, that example configurations may be
embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and
the example configurations should not be construed to limit the
scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be appreciated that the
present technology may employ only a single dynamic support
anchored on a single side of the article of footwear, it may employ
a pair of dynamic supports, with each support being anchored on an
opposite side of the article of footwear, and/or it may include a
plurality of dynamic supports on one or both sides of the article
of footwear.
[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be
limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and
"the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and
therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations,
elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or
addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,
elements, components, and/or groups thereof The method steps,
processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed
as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an
order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be
employed.
[0025] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on,"
"engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to"
another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged,
connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or
intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an
element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged
to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly
coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening
elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the
relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like
fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term
"and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the
associated listed items.
[0026] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to
describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or
sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be
only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or
section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as
"first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a
sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a
first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below
could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or
section without departing from the teachings of the example
configurations.
[0027] The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are
inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features,
steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, steps,
operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes,
and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or
alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification,
the term "or" includes any one and all combinations of the
associated listed items. The term "any of" is understood to include
any possible combination of referenced items, including "any one
of" the referenced items. The term "any of" is understood to
include any possible combination of referenced claims of the
appended claims, including "any one of" the referenced claims.
[0028] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may
be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to
the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upward",
"downward", "top", "bottom", etc., may be used descriptively
relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the
scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.
[0029] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending
along a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal
direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot
region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term
"forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to the general direction
from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term
"rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite
direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the
heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a
longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal
direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may
also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.
[0030] The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending along
a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an
article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial
side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis
may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a
mediolateral direction or axis.
[0031] The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally
perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For
example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a
ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground
surface upward. It will be understood that each of these
directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a
sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to the
vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which
may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an
upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical
direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the
bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of
a sole structure of an article of footwear.
[0032] The "interior" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe,
refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer's foot
when the article of footwear is worn. The "inner side" of a
component refers to the side or surface of the component that is
(or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or
article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The "outer
side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of
the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior
of the article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. In
some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a
component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear.
Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a
component and the space external to the assembled article of
footwear. Further, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the
direction toward the interior of the component or article of
footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly"
refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or
article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term
"proximal" refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a
footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is
inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user.
Likewise, the term "distal" refers to a relative position that is
further away from a center of the footwear component or is further
from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as
it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be
understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative
spatial positions.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an article of footwear 10 may
include an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 coupled to the upper
100. The sole structure 200 may include, for example, an outsole
202 that is configured to come into contact with a ground surface.
In cases where sole structure 200 comprises the outsole 202, the
sole structure 200 may be attached to any other component of a sole
structure (such as a midsole or insole). In other cases, sole
structure 200 may be attached directly to the upper 100 of the
article of footwear 10 to enhance the structural integrity of the
article of footwear 10. The outsole 202 may include a sole plate
204 and one or more traction elements 206, such as cleats,
protruding from the sole plate 204 to enhance traction. One or more
of the traction elements 206 may directly protrude from the sole
plate 204 to enhance the structural integrity of the sole structure
200. The article of footwear 10 has a bite line 12 at an interface
of the sole structure 200 and the upper 100. Thus, the sole
structure 200 is coupled to the upper 100 along the bite line 12.
The bite line 12 may extend along the entire outer periphery of the
article of footwear 10.
[0034] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the sole structure 200 may
include the midsole 208 connected to the outsole 202 to enhance
shock absorbing properties of the sole structure 200. The sole
structure 200 may additionally include an insole disposed over the
midsole 208 to provide cushioning for the wearer of the article of
footwear 10. The midsole 208 may be coupled to the upper 100 with
stitching 210 or another suitable coupling.
[0035] Returning to FIGS. 1-4, components of the upper 100 may be
divided into a forefoot portion 102, a midfoot portion 104, and a
heel portion 106. The forefoot portion 102 may be generally
associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with
the phalanges. The midfoot portion 104 is disposed between the
forefoot portion 102 and the heel portion 106 and may be generally
associated with the arch of a foot. The heel portion 106 may be
generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the
calcaneus bone. In addition, the upper 100 may include a lateral
side 108 and a medial side 110. In particular, the lateral side 108
and the medial side 110 may be opposing sides of the upper 100.
Furthermore, both the lateral side 108 and the medial side 110 may
extend through the forefoot portion 102, the midfoot portion 104
and the heel portion 106. The upper 100 defines a void 101
configured and sized to receive a foot of a footwear wearer.
[0036] It will be understood that the forefoot portion 102, the
midfoot portion 104 and the heel portion 106 are only intended for
purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise
regions of the upper 100. The lateral side 108 and the medial side
110 are intended to represent generally two sides of the upper 100,
rather than precisely demarcating the upper 100 into two halves. In
addition, the forefoot portion 102, the midfoot portion 104, and
the heel portion 106, as well as the lateral side 108 and the
medial side 110, may also be applied to individual components of
the upper 100 and the sole structure 200, such as a sockliner, the
midsole 208 (FIGS. 5 and 6) or another component of the sole
structure 200.
[0037] The upper 100 includes an upper body 112 having a layered
configuration as discussed below. The upper 100 defines a throat
114 and an ankle opening 116 extending thought the upper body 112.
The ankle opening 116 allows a user to insert his foot into the
article of footwear 10. The throat 114 may partially receive a
tongue 118 of the upper 100. The tongue 118 is coupled to the upper
body 112. The upper body 112 has a first side 120 (which
corresponds with the lateral side 108 of the upper 100) and a
second side 122 (which corresponds to the medial side 110 of the
upper 100). The second side 122 is opposite the first side 120. The
throat 114 defined by the upper body 112 is disposed between the
first side 120 and the second side 122.
[0038] The upper 100 includes at least one lace 124 extending
across the throat 114 between the first side 120 and the second
side 122 of the upper body 112. While the figures show a single
lace 124 to minimize part count, it is envisioned that the upper
100 may include more than one lace 124. The upper body 112 defines
a first plurality of eyelets 126 and a second plurality of eyelets
128 each configured to receive the lace 124 The first plurality of
eyelets 126 is disposed on the first side 120. The second plurality
of eyelets 128 is disposed on the second side 122. The first
plurality of eyelets 126 and the second plurality of eyelets 128
extend through the upper body 112 to receive the lace 124.
Accordingly, each of the first plurality of eyelets 126 and the
second plurality of eyelets 128 are sized to receive the lace 124.
The lace 124 extends across the throat 114 and through the first
plurality of eyelets 126 and the second plurality of eyelets 128.
For example, the lace 124 may be arranged in a zig-zag
configuration while extending through the first plurality of
eyelets 126 and the second plurality of eyelets 128. The first
plurality of eyelets 126 is aligned along a first eyelet axis EX1,
and the second plurality of eyelets 128 is aligned along a second
eyelet axis EX2. Accordingly, the first eyelet axis EX1 interests
all of the first plurality of eyelets 126, and the second eyelet
axis EX2 intersects all of the second plurality of eyelets 128.
[0039] With reference to FIGS. 7-10, the upper 100 further includes
a first dynamic support 130 and a second dynamic support 132 each
coupled to the upper body 112. The first dynamic support 130 is
coupled to the upper body 112 at the first side 120, whereas the
second dynamic support 132 is coupled to the upper body 112 at the
second side 122. Specifically, each of the first dynamic support
130 and the second dynamic support 132 is attached to the upper
body 112 at the bite line 12 of the article of footwear 10, but on
opposite sides (i.e., the first side 120 and the second side 122,
respectively) of the upper body 112. . The first dynamic support
130 and/or the second dynamic support 132 may be configured as
dynamic straps fixed to the upper body 112 at the bite line 12.
Each of the first dynamic support 130 and the second dynamic
support 132 extends across the throat 114 to tighten the upper 100
when the lace 124 is tightened as described below. Specifically,
the first dynamic support 130 extends across the throat 114 from
the first side 120 to the second side 122 of the upper body 112,
and the second dynamic support 132 extends across the throat 114
from the second side 122 to the first side 120 of the upper body
112.
[0040] The upper body 112 defines a first opening 134 extending
though the second side 122 of the upper 100. Further, the upper 100
defines a second opening 136 extending through the first side 120
of the upper 100. The first dynamic support 130 extends through the
first opening 134 formed in the second side 122 of the upper 100,
and the second dynamic support 132 extends through the second
opening 136 formed in the first side 120 of the upper 100. The lace
124 is attached to the first dynamic support 130 at the second side
122 of the upper body 112 to apply tension on the first dynamic
support 130 when the lace 124 is tightened. Likewise, the lace 124
is attached to the second dynamic support 132 at the first side 120
to apply tension on the second dynamic support 132 when the lace
124 is tightened. Accordingly, tightening the lace 124 causes the
first side 120 and the second side 122 of the upper body 112 to
move toward each other, thereby tightening the upper 100 around the
foot of the wearer. No portion of the lace 124 extends through the
first opening 134 or the second opening 136.
[0041] The upper body 112 may be partly or wholly made of a first
material, and the each of the first dynamic support 130 and the
second dynamic support 132 may be partly or wholly made of a second
material. The tensile strength of the second material may be
greater than the tensile strength of the first material in order to
effectively pull the first side 120 and the second side 122 of the
upper body 112 toward each other when the lace 124 is tightened. As
a non-limiting example, the second material may be between ten
percent (10%) and twenty-five percent (25%) greater than the
tensile strength of the first material to effectively pull the
first side 120 and the second side 122 of the upper body 112 toward
each other when the lace 124 is tightened without damaging the
upper body 112.
[0042] Each of the first dynamic supports 130 and the second
dynamic support 132 includes a first support end 138 and a second
support end 140 opposite to the first support end 138. The first
support end 138 of the first dynamic support 130 and the second
dynamic support 132 is attached to the upper body 112 at the bite
line 12 of the article of footwear 10 to enhance the structural
integrity of the connection between the upper body 112 and each of
the first dynamic support 130 and the second dynamic support 132.
The second support end 140 of each of the first dynamic support 130
and the second dynamic support 132 defines a loop 142 (which is
also shown in FIG. 6) configured, sized, and shaped to receive the
lace 124. The lace 124 is sized to slide through the loop 142,
thereby allowing the lace 124 to apply tension of the first dynamic
support 130 and the second dynamic support 132 as the lace 124 is
tightened. In particular, tightening the lace 124 causes the lace
124 to simultaneously apply tension: (a) on the first dynamic
support 130 toward the second side 122; and (b) on the second
dynamic support 132 toward the first side 120. As a consequence,
the upper 100 is tightened and secured around a foot of the
footwear wearer.
[0043] With reference to FIGS. 7-10, the upper body 112 may have a
layered configuration. In particular, the upper body 112 may
include an outer layer 144 and an inner layer 146 coupled to the
outer layer 144. The outer layer 144 is farther from the void 101
than the inner layer 146. Each of the first dynamic support 130 and
the second dynamic support 132 is disposed between the outer layer
144 and the inner layer 146 to securely couple the first dynamic
support 130 and the second dynamic support 132 to the upper body
112.
[0044] Each of the first plurality of eyelets 126, the second
plurality of eyelets 128, the first opening 134, and the second
opening 136 extend solely through the outer layer 144 (as shown in
FIG. 8) to facilitate manufacturing of the upper body 112. The
first opening 134 is spaced apart from the second eyelet axis EX2
along a transverse direction LD, and the second opening 136 is
spaced apart from the first eyelet axis EX1 along the transverse
direction LD to facilitate at least partial closure of the throat
114 when the lace 124 is tightened. The first opening 134 is spaced
apart from the second opening 136 along a longitudinal direction LG
to facilitate at least partial closure of the throat 114 when the
lace 124 is tightened. Each of the first opening 134 and the second
opening 136 is larger than each of the first plurality of eyelets
126 and the second plurality of eyelets 128 to allow the loops 142
to be inserted in the first opening 134 and the second opening 136.
Each of the first dynamic support 130 and the second dynamic
support 132 has a substantially triangular shape to maximize the
area of the first dynamic support 130 and the second dynamic
support 132 that is attached at the bite line 12 of the article of
footwear 10 while allowing the loops 142 to be inserted into the
first opening 134 and the second opening 136.
[0045] During use, the wearer may insert his foot into the void 101
of the upper 100. Then, the laces 124 are tightened. As a result,
the lace 124 applies tension on the first dynamic support 130
toward the second side 122 and on the second dynamic support 132
toward the first side 120. Because each of the first dynamic
support 130 and the second dynamic support 132 is connected across
the throats 114 between the first side 120 and the second side 122
of the upper body 112, tightening the lace 124 causes the throat
114 to partially close, thereby moving the first side 120 and the
second side 122 of the upper body 112 toward each other. As a
consequence, the upper 100 is tightened around the wearer's
foot.
[0046] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the structure and
function of the article of footwear 10 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is
substantially identical to the article of footwear 10 described
above with respect to FIGS. 1-10, except for the features described
below. In the depicted embodiment, the article of footwear 10
includes a plurality of first dynamic supports 130 and a plurality
of second dynamic supports 132 coupled to the upper body 112. Each
of the plurality of first dynamic supports 130 is coupled to the
upper body 112 at the first side 120, whereas each of the plurality
of second dynamic supports 132 is coupled to the upper body 112 at
the second side 122. Each of the plurality of first dynamic
supports 130 and the plurality of the second dynamic supports 132
extends across the throat 114 to tighten the upper 100 when the
lace 124 is tightened. Specifically, each of the plurality first
dynamic supports 130 extends across the throat 114 from the first
side 120 to the second side 122 of the upper body 112, and each of
the plurality of second dynamic supports 132 extends across the
throat 114 from the second side 122 to the first side 120 of the
upper body 112.
[0047] The plurality of first dynamic supports 130 may include a
first forefoot dynamic support 130a, a first midfoot dynamic
support 130b, and a first heel dynamic support 130c. The first
forefoot dynamic support 130a is attached to the upper body 112 at
the forefoot portion 102. The second midfoot dynamic support 130b
is attached to the upper body 112 at the midfoot portion 104. The
first heel dynamic support 130c is attached to the upper body 112
at the heel portion 106. While each of the plurality of first
dynamic supports 130 has a substantially triangular shape, it is
contemplated that the first dynamic supports 130 do not necessarily
have a substantially triangular shape. As a non-limiting example,
one or more of the plurality of first dynamic supports 130 may have
a center void portion 131. Further, one or more of the first
dynamic supports 130 may overlap each other to minimize the space
occupied by the first dynamic supports 130.
[0048] The plurality of second dynamic supports 132 may include a
second forefoot dynamic support 132a, a second midfoot dynamic
support 132b, and a second heel dynamic support 132c. The second
forefoot dynamic support 130a is attached to the upper body 112 at
the forefoot portion 102. The second midfoot dynamic support 130a
is attached to the upper body 112 at the midfoot portion 104. The
second heel dynamic support 130c is attached to the upper body 112
at the heel portion 106. Although each of the plurality of second
dynamic supports 132 has a substantially triangular shape, it is
envisioned that the second dynamic supports 132 do not necessarily
have a triangular shape. As a non-limiting example, one or more of
the plurality of second dynamic supports 132 may have a center void
portion 133. Further, one or more of the second dynamic supports
132 may overlap each other to minimize the space occupied by the
second dynamic supports 132.
[0049] Clause 1: An upper for an article of footwear includes an
upper body having a first side and a second side opposite the first
side. The upper body defines a throat between the first side and
the second side. Further, the upper body defines an opening
extending through the second side. The upper includes a lace
extending across the throat between the first side and the second
side. The upper further includes a dynamic support coupled to the
upper body at the first side. The dynamic support extends across
the throat from the first side to the second side. The dynamic
support extends through the opening formed in the second side. The
lace is attached to the dynamic support at the second side to apply
tension on the dynamic support toward the second side when the lace
is tightened.
[0050] Clause 2: The upper according to Clause 1, wherein the
dynamic support is considered to be a first dynamic support. The
upper further includes a second dynamic support coupled to the
second side. The second dynamic support extends across the throat
from the second side to the first side. The opening is a first
opening. The upper body defines a second opening extending through
the first side. The second dynamic support extends through the
second opening formed in the first side. The lace is attached to
the second dynamic support at the first side to apply tension on
the second dynamic support toward the first side when the lace is
tightened.
[0051] Clause 3: The upper according to Clause 1 and/or Clause 2,
wherein the dynamic support is attached to the upper body at a bite
line of the article of footwear.
[0052] Clause 4: The upper according to Clause 1, 2, and/or 3,
wherein the dynamic support includes a first support and a second
support end opposite the first support end. The first support end
is attached to the upper body at the bite line of the article of
footwear. The second support end defines a loop configured to
receive the lace. The loop receives the lace to apply tension on
the dynamic support toward the second side when the lace is
tightened.
[0053] Clause 5: The upper according to any of Clause 1, 2, 3,
and/or 4, wherein the upper body includes an outer layer and an
inner layer coupled to the outer layer. The dynamic support is
disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer.
[0054] Clause 6: The upper according to any of Clause 1, 2, 3, 4,
and/or 5, wherein the opening extends through the outer layer of
the upper body.
[0055] Clause 7: The upper according to any of Clause 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, and/or 6, wherein the upper body defines a first plurality of
eyelets and a second plurality of eyelets. The first plurality of
eyelets is disposed on the first side. The second plurality of
eyelets is disposed on the second side. The first plurality of
eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets extend through the
upper body. The first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality
of eyelets are sized to receive the lace. The lace extends across
the throat and through the first plurality of eyelets and the
second plurality of eyelets. The first plurality of eyelets is
aligned along a first eyelet axis, and the second plurality of
eyelets is aligned along a second eyelet axis.
[0056] Clause 8: The upper according to any of Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, and/or 7, wherein the opening is spaced apart from the second
eyelet axis along a transverse direction.
[0057] Clause 9: The upper according to any of Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, and/or 8, wherein the opening is larger than each of the
first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets.
[0058] Clause 10: The upper according to any of Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, and/or 9, wherein the dynamic support is a first
dynamic support. The upper further includes a second dynamic
support coupled to the second side. The second dynamic support
extends across the throat from the second side to the first side.
The opening is a first opening, the upper body defines a second
opening extending through the first side. The second dynamic
support extends through the second opening formed in the first
side. The lace is attached to the second dynamic support at the
first side to apply tension on the second dynamic support toward
the first side when the lace is tightened. Each of the first
dynamic support and the second dynamic support includes a first
support end and a second support end opposite the first support
end. The first support end is attached to the upper body at a bite
line of the article of footwear. The second support end defines a
loop configured to receive the lace. The loop receives the lace to
apply tension on each of the first dynamic support and the second
dynamic support toward the second side and the first side,
respectively, when the lace is tightened.
[0059] Clause 11: An article of footwear includes a sole structure
and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The article of footwear
has a bite line at an interface of the sole structure and the
upper. The upper includes an upper body having a first side and a
second side opposite the first side. The upper body defines a
throat between the first side and the second side. The upper body
defines an opening extending through the second side. The upper
further includes a lace extending across the throat between the
first side and the second side. Also, the upper includes a dynamic
support coupled to the upper body at the first side. The dynamic
support extends across the throat from the first side to the second
side. The dynamic support extends through the opening formed in the
second side. The lace is attached to the dynamic support at the
second side to apply tension on the dynamic support toward the
second side when the lace is tightened.
[0060] Clause 12: The article of footwear according to Clause 11,
wherein the dynamic support is a first dynamic support. The upper
further includes a second dynamic support coupled to the second
side. The second dynamic support extends across the throat from the
second side to the first side, the opening is a first opening. The
upper body defines a second opening extending through the first
side. The second dynamic support extends through the second opening
formed in the first side. The lace is attached to the second
dynamic support at the first side to apply tension on the second
dynamic support toward the first side when the lace is
tightened.
[0061] Clause 13: The article of footwear according to any of
Clause 11 and/or 12, wherein the dynamic support is attached to the
upper body at the bite line of the article of footwear.
[0062] Clause 14: The article of footwear according to any of
Clauses 11, 12, and/or 13, wherein the dynamic support includes a
first support end and a second support end opposite the first
support end. The first support end is attached to the upper body at
the bite line of the article of footwear. The second support end
defines a loop configured to receive the lace. The loop receives
the lace to apply tension on the dynamic support toward the second
side when the lace is tightened.
[0063] Clause 15: The article of footwear according to any of the
Clauses 11, 12, 13, and/or 14, wherein the upper body includes an
outer layer and an inner layer coupled to the outer layer. The
dynamic support is disposed between the inner layer and the outer
layer.
[0064] Clause 16: The article of footwear according to any of
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, and/or 15, wherein the opening extends
through the outer layer of the upper body.
[0065] Clause 17: The article of footwear according to any of
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and/or 16, wherein the upper body
defines a first plurality of eyelets and a second plurality of
eyelets. The first plurality of eyelets is disposed on the first
side. The second plurality of eyelets is disposed on the second
side. The first plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of
eyelets extend through the upper body. The first plurality of
eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets are sized to receive
the lace. The lace extends across the throat and through the first
plurality of eyelets and the second plurality of eyelets. The first
plurality of eyelets is aligned along a first eyelet axis. The
second plurality of eyelets is aligned along a second eyelet
axis.
[0066] Clause 18: The article of footwear according to any of
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and/or 17, wherein the opening is
spaced apart from the second eyelet axis along a transverse
direction.
[0067] Clause 19: The article of footwear according to any of
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and/or 18, wherein the opening
is larger than each of the first plurality of eyelets and the
second plurality of eyelets.
[0068] Clause 20: The article of footwear according to any of the
Clauses 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and/or 19, wherein the
dynamic support is considered to be a first dynamic support. The
upper further includes a second dynamic support coupled to the
second side. The second dynamic support extends across the throat
from the second side to the first side. The opening is considered
to be a first opening. The upper body defines a second opening
extending through the first side. The second dynamic support
extends through the second opening formed in the first side. The
lace is attached to the second dynamic support at the first side to
apply tension on the second dynamic support toward the first side
when the lace is tightened. Each of the first dynamic support and
the second dynamic support includes a first support end and a
second support end opposite the first support end. The first
support end is attached to the upper body at the bite line of the
article of footwear. The second support end defines a loop
configured to receive the lace. The loop receives the lace to apply
tension on each of the first dynamic support and the second dynamic
support toward the second side and the first side, respectively,
when the lace is tightened.
[0069] While various embodiments have been described, the
description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting. It
will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many
more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within
the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be
used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or
element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.
Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in
light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various
modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the
attached claims.
[0070] While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the
present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar
with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various
alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are
within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and
exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an
ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by,
structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise
rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as
limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described
embodiments.
* * * * *