FOOTWEAR LACING SYSTEM

Abstract

An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure, wherein the upper includes a footwear lacing system having a first panel with a plurality of first lateral receiving elements, a tongue having a plurality of first medial receiving elements, a plurality of second medial receiving elements, a first aperture, a second aperture, a second panel having a plurality of second lateral receiving elements, and a cord lock coupled to a rear side of the tongue. A user may thread the laces through a cord lock, interweaving the laces sequentially between a plurality of medial and lateral receiving elements and tighten the lacing system to longitudinally align the receiving elements without any laces traversing the tongue of the footwear, thereby saving time in use, optimizing shoe fit, relieving potential discomfort, and exposing the tongue of the shoe for placement of shoe designers' logos.

Claims

1. A shoe lacing system, comprising: a first panel comprising a plurality of first lateral receiving elements extending in an inwardly direction; a second panel comprising a plurality of second lateral receiving elements extending in an inwardly direction; and a tongue, comprising: a plurality of first medial receiving elements extending in an outwardly direction; a plurality of second medial receiving elements extending in an outwardly direction; wherein each of the first medial receiving elements is configured to be interposed between respective first lateral receiving elements and each of the second medial receiving elements is configured to be interposed between respective second lateral receiving elements.

2. The shoe lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a cord lock.

3. The shoe lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a distal lace positioning receiver.

4. The shoe lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a center portion.

5. The shoe lacing system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of first medial receiving elements from the center portion and the plurality of second medial receiving elements extend from the center portion.

6. The shoe lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a first aperture and a second aperture at a first, proximal end of the tongue.

7. The shoe lacing system of claim 1, further comprising a first lace positioning loop and a second lace positioning loop at a first, proximal end of the tongue.

8. A shoe lacing system, comprising: a first panel comprising a plurality of first lateral receiving elements extending in an inwardly direction; a second panel comprising a plurality of second lateral receiving elements extending in an inwardly direction; a tongue, comprising: a plurality of first medial receiving elements extending in an outwardly direction, each of the first medial receiving elements longitudinally offset from the first lateral receiving elements; a plurality of second medial receiving elements extending in an outwardly direction, each of the second medial receiving elements longitudinally offset from the second lateral receiving elements; a lace; and a cord lock; wherein in a first position: each of the first medial receiving elements is not interposed between the first lateral receiving elements, and each of the second medial receiving elements is not interposed between the second lateral receiving elements; and wherein in a second position: each of the first medial receiving elements is interposed between respective first lateral receiving elements, and each of the second medial receiving elements is interposed between respective second lateral receiving elements.

9. The shoe lacing system of claim 8, further comprising a distal lace positioning receiver.

10. The shoe lacing system of claim 8, further comprising a center portion.

11. The shoe lacing system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of first medial receiving elements from the center portion and the plurality of second medial receiving elements extend from the center portion.

12. The shoe lacing system of claim 8, further comprising a first aperture and a second aperture at a first, proximal end of the tongue.

13. The shoe lacing system of claim 8, further comprising a first lace positioning loop and a second lace positioning loop at a first, proximal end of the tongue.

14. A method of using a shoe lacing system, comprising: threading a lace through a cord lock; extending the lace down a longitudinal axis of an article of footwear; interweaving the lace sequentially from a first lateral receiving element to a first medial receiving element, to a second lateral receiving element to a second medial receiving element to a third lateral receiving element to a third medial receiving element and to a fourth lateral receiving element; traversing the width of the tongue with the lace and extending it up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear by interweaving the lace sequentially from a fifth lateral receiving element to a fourth medial receiving element to a sixth lateral receiving element to a fifth medial receiving element to a seventh lateral receiving element and to a sixth medial receiving element to an eighth lateral receiving element; and tightening the lace by pulling rearwardly.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising before extending the lace down the longitudinal axis, threading the lace through a first aperture on a first end of the tongue.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising before traversing the width of the tongue, threading the lace through a distal lace positioning receiver.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising securing the lace with a cord lock.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein when the lace is tightened, each medial receiving element is interposed between respective lateral receiving elements.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the lace is tightened by pulling rearwardly on the lace with one hand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top perspective view of a footwear lacing system in a first position;

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front, top perspective view of a footwear lacing system in a second position;

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear, top perspective view of a cord lock of a footwear lacing system; and

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a front, top perspective view of a footwear lacing system in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the invention is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, various embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0021] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0022] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0023] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] The term coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0025] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, etc.).

[0026] As previously discussed, there is a need for a footwear lacing system that is comparatively inexpensive, saves time in use and application, creates a superior fit around the foot, and maintains space on the tongue for both fitment and potential advertising. The footwear lacing system disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, an article of footwear 100 comprises an upper 102 and a sole structure 104, wherein the upper 102 includes a footwear lacing system 106 comprising a first panel 108 having a plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on a first side, a tongue 112 having a plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on a first side, a plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on a second side, a first aperture 118 on a first side, a second aperture 120 on a second side, a second panel 122 having a plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on a second side, a cord lock 126 (FIG. 3) on a rear side 128 of the tongue 112, and lace 130.

[0028] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1-2, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 are positioned longitudinally along the first panel 108 on a first side, wherein the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 may comprise a first lateral receiving element 132 at a first, proximal end, a second lateral receiving element 134, a third lateral receiving element 136, and a fourth lateral receiving element 138 at a second, distal end. Likewise, the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 are positioned longitudinally along the second panel 122 on a second side opposite the first, the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 comprising a fifth lateral receiving element 140 at a distal end and opposite the fourth lateral receiving element 138, a sixth lateral receiving element 142, a seventh lateral receiving element 144, and an eighth lateral receiving element 146 on a first, proximal end opposite first lateral receiving element 132.

[0029] The plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 are positioned longitudinally along the tongue 112 on a first side and comprise a first medial receiving element 148 at a first, proximal end, a second medial receiving element 150, and a third medial receiving element 152 at a distal end. The plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 are positioned longitudinally along the tongue 112 on a second side opposite the first, the second medial receiving elements 116 comprising a fourth medial receiving element 154 at a distal end and opposite the third medial receiving element 152, a fifth medial receiving element 156, and a sixth medial receiving element 158 at a first, proximal end and opposite the first medial receiving element 148. While the examples shown and described use eight lateral receiving elements and six medial receiving elements, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not so limited, and any number of lateral and medial receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.

[0030] In a first position, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108 are offset and not longitudinally aligned or interposed between the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112. Likewise, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112 are offset and not longitudinally aligned or interposed between the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122. In this configuration, the lace 130 is loose, allowing a user to more easily lift the tongue 112 and insert or remove a foot into the article of footwear 100.

[0031] In a second position, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108 are aligned longitudinally with the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112. In this position, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 are each, respectively, at least each partially interposed between the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110. In this configuration, the lace 130 is able to extend in a substantially straight line from the first, proximal end of the tongue 112 to the second, distal end of the tongue 112. Likewise, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the second side of the tongue 112 are aligned longitudinally with, and are each at least partially interposed between, the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122. The lace 130 is able to extend through the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 in substantially a straight line before passing into the second aperture 120. In this configuration, the tongue 112, first panel 108, and second panel 122 are tightened to a user's foot.

[0032] However, in contrast to the prior art, the lace 130 does not cross the tongue 112. As a result, pressure from the lace 130 on the arch of the foot is avoided, resulting in a much more comfortable wearing position. Additionally, because the lace 130 does not cross the tongue 112, additional ornamentation may be placed thereon, such as brand logos or other words or designs.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are loops.

[0034] In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are eyelets.

[0035] In some embodiments, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110 on the first panel 108, the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114 on the tongue 112, the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116 on the tongue 112, and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124 on the second panel 122 are hooks. While examples of loops, eyelets, and hooks have been given, it will be appreciated that other receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.

[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, an article of footwear 200 comprises an upper 202 and a sole structure 104, wherein the upper 202 includes a footwear lacing system 206 comprising a first panel 208 having a plurality of first lateral receiving elements 210 on a first side, each first lateral receiving element 210 extending in an first, inwardly direction, a tongue 212 having a center portion 213, the center portion 213 comprising a plurality of first medial receiving elements 214 extending from a first side in a second, outwardly direction (opposite the first, inwardly direction), a plurality of second medial receiving elements 216 extending from a second side in an outwardly direction (opposite the first medial receiving elements 214), a first lace positioning loop 218 on a first side of a first, proximal end of the tongue 212, a second lace positioning loop 220 on a second side of the first, proximal end of the tongue 212, a second panel 222 having a plurality of second lateral receiving elements 224 extending from a second side in an inwardly direction, the cord lock 126 (FIG. 3) on the rear side 128 (FIG. 3) of the tongue 212, and a lace 230.

[0037] In some embodiments, the footwear lacing system 206 comprises a plurality of first lateral receiving elements 210 that are positioned longitudinally along a first panel 208 on a first side and extend inwardly (toward the arch of the foot), wherein the first lateral receiving elements 210 may comprise a first lateral receiving element 232 at a first, proximal end, a second lateral receiving element 234, a third lateral receiving element 236, and a fourth lateral receiving element 238 at a second, distal end. Likewise, the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 224 are positioned longitudinally along the second panel 222 on a second side opposite the first side and likewise extend inwardly (toward the arch of the foot), the second lateral receiving elements 224 comprising a fifth lateral receiving element 240 at a distal end and opposite the fourth lateral receiving element 238, a sixth lateral receiving element 242, a seventh lateral receiving element 244, and an eighth lateral receiving element 246 on a first, proximal end, and opposite first lateral receiving element 232.

[0038] The plurality of first medial receiving elements 214 are positioned longitudinally along a first side of the center portion 213 of the tongue 212 and extend outwardly (away from the arch of the foot) and comprise a first medial receiving element 248 at a first, proximal end, a second medial receiving element 250, and a third medial receiving element 252 at a distal end. The plurality of second medial receiving elements 216 are positioned longitudinally along a second side of the center portion of the tongue 212 and extend outwardly (away from the arch), the second medial receiving elements 216 comprising a fourth medial receiving element 254 at a distal end and opposite the third medial receiving element 252, a fifth medial receiving element 256, and a sixth medial receiving element 258 at a first, proximal end and opposite the first medial receiving element 248. While the examples shown and described use eight lateral receiving elements and six medial receiving elements, it will be appreciated that the disclosure is not so limited, and any number of lateral and medial receiving elements may be used without departing herefrom.

[0039] The first lateral receiving elements 210 are spaced so as to receive the plurality of first medial receiving elements 214 therebetween. Likewise, the second lateral receiving elements 224 are spaced so as to receive the plurality of second medial receiving elements 216 therebetween. As a result, when the lace 230 is tightened, the lace 230 aligns the receiving elements 210, 214, 216, 224 along the longitudinal length of the tongue 212. In so doing, each first medial receiving element 214 is interposed between the respective first lateral receiving elements 210 and each second medial receiving element 216 is interposed between the respective second lateral receiving elements, as shown in FIG. 4. Additionally, a distal lace positioning receiver 260 may be used to keep the lace 230 in position at the distal end of the tongue 212.

[0040] In some methods of use, a user would thread a first end of the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126, extend the lace 130, 230 through the first aperture 118 on the tongue 112 or first lace positioning loop 218 on the tongue 212, extend the lace 130, 230 down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 between the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110, 210 and the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114, 214, traverse the width of the tongue 112, 212 and extend the lace 130, 230 up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 between the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124, 224 and the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116, 216, extend the lace 130, 230 through the second aperture 120 on the tongue 112 or through the second lace positioning loop 220 on the tongue 212, and thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126. As noted earlier, the cord lock 126 may also be added to both ends of the lace 130, 230 after the lace 130, 230 is threaded through the first and second apertures 118, 120 on the tongue 112 or through the first and second lace positioning loops 218, 220, respectively.

[0041] In greater detail, in some methods of use, a user would thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126, extend the lace 130, 230 through the first aperture 118 on the tongue 112 or through the first lace positioning loop 218, extend the lace 130, 230 down the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 sequentially between the first lateral receiving element 132, 232, the first medial receiving element 148, 248, the second lateral receiving element 134, 234, the second medial receiving element 150, 250, the third lateral receiving element 136, 236, the third medial receiving element 152, 252, and fourth lateral receiving element 138, 238, traverse the width of the tongue 112, 212 and extend the lace 130, 230 up the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear 100, 200 interweaving the lace 130, 230 sequentially between the fifth lateral receiving element 140, 240, the fourth medial receiving element 154, 254, the sixth lateral receiving element 142, 252, the fifth medial receiving element 156, 256, the seventh lateral receiving element 144, 244, the sixth medial receiving element 158, 258, and the eighth lateral receiving element 146, 256, extend the lace 130, 230 through the second aperture 120 on the tongue 112 or through the second lace positioning loop 220 of tongue 212, and thread the lace 130, 230 through the cord lock 126.

[0042] Because the lace 130, 230 runs longitudinally along the tongue 112, 212, rather than crisscrossing like the prior art, a user is able to more easily tighten and loosen the lace 130. For example, to tighten, a user simply grasps both ends of the lace 130, 230 (which may be done with one hand) and pulls rearwardly from rear side 128 of the tongue 112, 212. Because the lace 130, 230 does not cross itself, it is not bound by itself and therefore a user need not maneuver the lace 130, 230 on the tongue 112, 212 when attempting to tighten, which overcomes limitations in the prior art. When tightened, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the plurality of first lateral receiving elements 110, 210 align with the plurality of first medial receiving elements 114, 214 and the plurality of second lateral receiving elements 124, 224 align with the plurality of second medial receiving elements 116, 216, allowing for ease of tightening and loosening. The user may actuate the cord lock 126 and position it against the rear side 128 of the tongue 112, 212 to thereby secure the lace 130, 230 in the desired position without need of tying knots. To release, a user simply actuates the cord lock 126 to release the lace 130, 230 and may extend the tongue 112, 212 away from a user, which pulls the lace 130, 230 and thereby loosens the tongue 112, 212 on the user's foot and allows them to withdraw their foot.

[0043] Additionally, because the tongue 112, 212 remains unobscured, a manufacturer may add brands, logos, graphics, or any other item to the tongue 112, 212, which allows for further promotion. The tongue 112, 212 may also remain plain, which provides a clean look to the shoe.

[0044] Accordingly, the footwear lacing system 106, 206 disclosed herein solves the need for a footwear lacing system that is comparatively inexpensive, saves time in use and application, creates a superior fit around the foot, and maintains space on the tongue for advertising.

[0045] It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.