Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080201986 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING REMOVABLE EYELET PORTION - An article of footwear is configured so that a child or other wearer may easily insert his or her foot into the article of footwear without tying laces while maintaining the look of a laced article of footwear. A lateral portion of the eyelet region partially surrounding the vamp is removably attached to the upper, such as with a hook-and-loop system, to allow the width of the vamp to be manipulated. The medial portion of the eyelet region is fixedly attached to the upper so that the rubbing together of the medial sides of the feet to not unintentionally disengage the medial portion from the upper. The lateral portion of the eyelet region rotates on a hinge formed in the eyelet region. Laces are fixedly attached to the eyelet region. A gore strap is optionally provided for more secure wear. | 08-28-2008 |
20080216351 | Shoe with lacing system - A shoe has a quick-tighten lacing system with a shoelace partially wound around lacing control elements in a pair of rows between an ankle opening and a toe. The lacing system has one or two locking elements for enabling a quick tightening of the shoelace. | 09-11-2008 |
20080229613 | Comfortable Shoe - This invention consists of separating a portion of the upper of a shoe, and this separated area may open or close by simply operating the band that is connected to the top area of the separated area. Therefore, it is easy to put on or off the shoe very comfortably. | 09-25-2008 |
20080235987 | Footwear Having Removable Attachment-Point Strip - Provided are, among other things, an item of footwear that includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole, with the upper including a left strip and a right strip, each having a plurality of attachment points for use in tightening the upper, and with the entire left strip and the entire right strip capable of being quickly and easily detached from and reattached to the upper. | 10-02-2008 |
20080244928 | Shoe, particularly sport or leisure shoe - The invention relates to a shoe, especially for sport or leisure, comprising an upper, a sole and a lacing device having at least one clamping strip passing through a space arranged at the level of the sole and a clamping element. The clamping element is attached, on the one hand, to a first end of the clamping strip and, on the other hand, to a holding zone placed at the rear of the shoe. The second end of the clamping strip, passing through the clamping element comprises an attachment device on the upper, allowing the fixing of the strip. Cooperation exists between the clamping strip, the clamping element and the holding zone causing tensing of the upper at the level of the instep and the articulation above the heel. | 10-09-2008 |
20080250667 | Strap System with Integrated Eyelet - An article of footwear including two fastening systems is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a strap and a lacing system. The strap and the lacing system may all be configured to adjust or tighten the article of footwear to a wearer's foot along different regions. The strap and the lacing system are linked to improve the conformability of the article of footwear to a wearer's foot. Additionally, the link provides more control on the degree of tightening applied to a wearer's foot. | 10-16-2008 |
20080295359 | Shoe with detachable and flexible heel strap - A shoe manufactured from a moldable foam material having a heel strap formed of a flexible and elastic material. The heel strap has a first end which is fixedly attached to an interior outer side of an upper portion of shoe. The heel strap also has a second end which is removeably attachable to an exterior outer side of the upper portion of the shoe though use of a Velcro loop arrangement and a cooperating Velcro hook arrangement which are attached each to one of the exterior outer side of the upper portion of the shoe and the second end of the heel strap. | 12-04-2008 |
20080307673 | Automated tightening shoe - An automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction. | 12-18-2008 |
20080313925 | Crazy strangs - The present invention was created for the purpose of allowing individuals to make a casual pair of shoes unique and trendy. The fashion laces do not require tying and are made exclusively for shoes that have eyelets for shoe laces. The laces are strung through the eyelets on the shoe that provides the wearer with the ability to customize the fitting of the shoe. The laces are especially designed to accommodate the open shoe style trend, but are versatile enough for the wearer to wear loose shoes that you can slip on or off the foot, thus allowing for a more comfortable fit, or the wearer can use a smaller size lace, thus allowing for more tension to be applied for a more snug fit. | 12-25-2008 |
20090025256 | DUAL ZIPPER BOOT CONSTRUCTION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A dual zipper boot construction provides an enhanced comfort-fit for a user and a ready adaptation of the boot to a variety different calf shapes without stressing the boot stitching. A first full-length zipper allows the users to easily slide the boot on while a second mid-length zipper is in an open condition thereby providing additional space. Securing the first full-length zipper secures the boot in position. After the boot is secured in position, the user zips the second mid-length zipper to an optimal comfort-fit position on their calf. Optional elastomeric bridges between the zipper edges of the mid-length zipper allow the boot to accommodate partially zipped uses without disclosing the user's calf and while providing an enhanced style appearance. | 01-29-2009 |
20090100706 | HEEL SHOE FOR SQUATTING EXERCISES - An elevated heel sole exercising device for securely receiving the heel portion of a user's shoe, comprising a sole member, an upper member, a means for providing grip to the user's shoe, a means for providing traction to the device during use and a means for securing the user's shoes in place. The upper member comprises a heel-bed, heel counter and a band having elastic and a non elastic portions and extending from the heel counter such that it wraps around the ankle of the user. The sole member has sufficient length and thickness such that the forefoot portion of the user's shoe is elevated off the ground when the user's shoe is received. The bottom section of the sole member is broader than the top section to provide better balance to the user. | 04-23-2009 |
20090100707 | APPARATUS FOR FASTENING A SHOE - A fastening apparatus for a shoe including an adjustable gap with two sides and a fastener with two elements, wherein one fastener element is attached to the first side of the adjustable gap. At least one lace is threaded through holes along the two sides of the adjustable gap, and two ends of the lace are fastened together between the second fastening element and the second side of the adjustable gap. The lace is threaded at one end through an opening in the second fastener element and forms at least one lace segment that extends from the second fastener element to the second side of the adjustable gap, and at least one lace segment extends from the second side of the adjustable gap to the first side of the adjustable gap. The two ends of the at least one lace may be fastened together by a knot. For tightening the shoe, the second fastener element is pulled towards the first side of the adjustable gap, and is attached to the first fastener element for keeping the shoe fastened. | 04-23-2009 |
20090126227 | ADJUSTABLE SLIDING EYELET FOR FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear comprising a sliding eyelet apparatus comprising a flexible track comprising at least one groove and at least one track, and a lace carrier comprising a lever comprising at least one tooth to engage said groove, a spring; and a slider comprising a rail to engage said flexible track. | 05-21-2009 |
20090188130 | Slip On Athleisure Shoe - A construction of an oxford type, lace up athleisure shoe enables the shoe to be slipped on the wearers foot and held securely on the foot without the need for lacing on the shoe. This provides the shoe with the appearance of a lace up shoe that is worn without lacing. | 07-30-2009 |
20090205221 | TIGHTENING DEVICE FOR SIMPLIFYING THE TIGHTENING AND LOOSENING OF SHOE LACES - There is provided a tightening device for tightening a plurality of lace sections on a shoe. The tightening device includes an elongate member having means for engaging with the plurality of lace sections. The tightening device includes a retaining means for rotatably retaining the elongate member and for interposing between the plurality of lace sections and the shoe. The tightening device includes a lever extending from the elongate member for rotating the elongate member from a first position where the plurality of lace sections are slidably engageable with the elongate member to a second position where the lever causes the plurality of lace sections to fixedly engage around the elongate member and thereby tighten the plurality of lace sections on the shoe. The lever is connectable to the retaining means when the elongate member is in the second position. | 08-20-2009 |
20090272007 | Automatic Lacing System - An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper. | 11-05-2009 |
20100107442 | Article of Footwear Comprising a Plurality of Strips - An article of footwear comprising a plurality of strips is disclosed. The connections between continuous portions of the article can be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures disposed in one or more continuous portions. One continuous portion may include a tongue portion of an article. The attachment of the tongue portion to a front of an article may be strengthened by weaving a plurality of strips through apertures. | 05-06-2010 |
20100192411 | DEVICE FOR LOCKING FLEXIBLE STRANDS - A locking device for at least one strand, including a first portion and a second portion. The device includes an articulation which connects the portions to one another, the first portion having a first locking zone and a first biasing zone, the second portion having a second locking zone and a second biasing zone, the articulation enabling the locking zones to come relatively closer together when the biasing zones move away from one another, and vice versa, the locking device further including a primary guide which retains each strand between the locking zones, as well as an elastic mechanism which biases the locking zones toward one another. | 08-05-2010 |
20100205832 | SHOE HAVING LACE FITTING STRUCTURE - A shoe having a lace fitting structure of the present invention includes, as its primary components, a first side panel | 08-19-2010 |
20100287791 | Shoelace Locker and Shoe with the Same - A shoelace locker used in a shoe is provided, which comprises a base portion, a neck portion extending from one end of the base portion and an arm portion extending from the neck portion towards the other end of the base portion. A receiving hole is defined by the arm portion, neck portion and base portion collectively. A stop portion protrudes from a distal end of the arm portion and extends to the base portion. The stop portion and the base portion define together therebetween an opening communicating with the receiving hole and lower than the receiving hole. The height of the opening is designed such that the shoelace can be pressed against the opening elastically, thereby getting the shoelace pressed and then located in the receiving hole through the opening. The shoelace can be secured to the shoelace locker conveniently due to formation of a neck-narrowed construction between the opening of the shoelace locker and receiving hole. Also provided are a shoe with the shoelace locker, and a shoe which incorporates a shoelace locker, a shoelace and a shoelace adjustment controller. | 11-18-2010 |
20100313445 | SECURING MECHANISMS FOR ARTICLES - Articles of footwear often have securing mechanisms that allow wearers to adjust the size of the ankle opening so that wearers may be able to easily insert and remove their foot. Such securing mechanisms may have various physical characteristics. Many wearers are interested in changing the appearance of the articles that they use and wear. The disclosed securing mechanism permits a wearer to change its physical or aesthetic appearance to suit the wearer's changing fashion needs. Such changes in physical and aesthetic appearance may include changes to colors, logos, textures, images, and any other desirable physical or aesthetic characteristics. | 12-16-2010 |
20110047820 | Girthwise adjustable laced shoe construction - A laced shoe construction providing improved means for adjusting the effective girth of a shoe to the foot therein, particularly along lower side edges thereof. | 03-03-2011 |
20110047821 | Means of lacing shoes - A laced shoe construction providing improved means for securing the girthwise adjustment of the shoe lacing means without the need of adjusting a conventional bow-knot or other equivalent lace end connecting means. | 03-03-2011 |
20110088283 | FOOTWEAR WITH IMPROVED TIGHTENING OF UPPER - An article of footwear including a sole, an upper, a first tightening device for tightening the lateral portion and the medial potion of the article of footwear, as well as a second tightening device for tightening a rear portion. The second tightening device includes a linkage, such as a lace, the linkage including a first inextensible portion and an elastic mechanism, the first inextensible portion extending along the rear portion, as well as along at least one of the lateral and medial portions, the elastic mechanism biasing the first inextensible portion in a direction reducing the length of the linkage, the article of footwear further including a reversible immobilization mechanism for immobilizing the inextensible portion with respect to the upper. | 04-21-2011 |
20110099843 | Device for Tightening Shoelace - Disclosed is a device for tightening a shoelace, the device comprising a shoe main body formed with an opening and a tongue finishing an inside of the opening; a shoelace connecting opposite sides of the opening; a handle connected to at least one of shoelaces connecting the opposite sides of the opening; and a hook formed in rear of the shoe main body and holding the shoelace pulled by the handle. | 05-05-2011 |
20110107619 | Removable Eyelet Outer Rings for Footwear - An eyelet outer ring assembly for use with footwear having a base member and various sized, shaped, and ornamentally designed detachable outer eyelet ring with attachment means permanently connected to either base member and/or outer eyelet ring that are detachably secured. Base member and/or eyelet outer ring attachment means protrude partially or fully through eyelet holes of footwear. Each outer eyelet ring may contain functional grooved configurations to accommodate various fastening tool's prong or prongs and may be placed in an ornamentally desired manner. A fastening tool with a handle is used to create torque for fastening said base member and outer eyelet ring. In desirable instances, the fastening tool's prong or prongs are made of or coated with material that is durable but will not harm or scratch said eyelet assemblies. | 05-12-2011 |
20110113648 | FOOTWEAR WHICH IMPROVES FOOT SUPPORT - An article of footwear including a sole, an upper, and a device for reversibly tightening the upper, the upper including an envelope and a reinforcement which at least partially covers the envelope, the reinforcement including at least one lateral branch and at least one medial branch, each branch extending transversely from a proximal end located by at the sole to a distal end, the tightening device including at least one lateral linking point and at least one medial linking point, each secured to the upper, and a mechanism for biasing the connection points in a direction to reversible tighten the upper. The envelope is flexible, at least one connection point is located on a branch of the reinforcement, and at least one branch is adhesively bonded to the envelope for at least part of its length. | 05-19-2011 |
20110179671 | RECONFIGURABLE FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear has hooks which may be attached to the inner and outer peripheral edge of the sole (e.g., two or more on each side) to secure different strap or upper covering options. The footwear (shoe/sandal) is only functional when the straps/upper covering are attached to the sole of the shoe/sandal via the hooks. The design of the hook provides a securing method to removably connect the straps to the sole of the shoe/sandal. | 07-28-2011 |
20110197471 | FOOTWEAR TENSIONING SYSTEM - A footwear includes an outer member, an inner lining, an instep member, and a lace. The outer member defines an outer surface of the footwear. The inner lining is positioned within the outer member. The instep member extends across an instep portion of the inner lining. The instep member can be positioned between the outer member and the inner lining or embedded within the inner lining. The lace is coupled to the instep member and to the outer member. Applying a tension force to the lace causes the instep member to apply a force against the instep portion of the inner lining, thereby applying an instep force against an instep portion of a user's foot that is positioned in the footwear. The instep force against the user's foot holds the user's foot against a bottom and rear portion of the footwear. | 08-18-2011 |
20110225843 | GUIDES FOR LACING SYSTEMS - Lacing systems are disclosed for use with footwear or other articles. The lacing system can comprises flexible webbing lace guides. In some embodiments, a lace guide can include a first lace guide element and a second lace guide element. The lace can pass through the first and second lace guides consecutively on the first side of the article before crossing to the opposing side of the article. The first and second lace guide elements can be angled towards each other to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide elements. In some embodiments, the lace guide can have a central portion that is less flexible than the end portions so as to reduce the occurrence of sharp turns in the lace path through the lace guide when tension is applied to the lace. | 09-22-2011 |
20110258876 | Cable Tightening System For An Article of Footwear - A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided. | 10-27-2011 |
20110258877 | GOLF SHOE CLOSING DEVICE - Disclosed is a foot covering closure mechanism that converts any laced shoe to a design that requires no bending down, sitting or use of the hands to put on or take off ones shoes. The new and unique device utilizes rolling motion actuation for ease of use. Polymeric components for reliability in hostile environments, water seals to keep feet dry and adaptable fastening hardware and exterior color for compatibility with the wide variety of shoes available to the public. Other features make the mechanism easily operated by action of the opposite foot. | 10-27-2011 |
20110308108 | FOOT SUPPORT ARTICLE - An article of footwear includes an outer shell, an inner layer positioned inside of the outer shell, and at least one tensioning member engaging the inner layer. The inner layer configured to surround and conform to at least a portion of a human foot. The at least one tensioning member includes a portion that extends to the outside of the outer shell, wherein the portion that extends to the position that is outside of the outer shell is configured to enable tightening and loosening of the at least one tensioning member. | 12-22-2011 |
20120000091 | LACE GUIDE - The disclosure relates to lacing systems for tightening a shoe or other article. Some embodiments include a lace guide that includes a lace channel that is disposed below a portion of the shoe such that the lace channel is hidden from view, and an exposed end piece that is positioned on the exterior of the article such that the end piece is visible during use. The end piece can be generally bell-shaped and can provide a curved sliding surface for a lace to slide on when being tightened or loosened. | 01-05-2012 |
20120005923 | Automatic Lacing System - An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper. | 01-12-2012 |
20120017469 | FOOTWEAR - The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace ( | 01-26-2012 |
20120036736 | BOOT WITH BOOTLACE CLAMPING - The invention relates to a boot ( | 02-16-2012 |
20120079741 | Footwear with Internal Harness - An article of footwear may include one or more harnesses to restrain a wearer foot from transverse movement within an upper during a rapid sideways maneuver. One harness may be located in a lateral forefoot region. Another harness may be located in medial region and may include a midfoot and/or a hindfoot region. | 04-05-2012 |
20120117819 | Releasable fastening system for footwear - A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear. | 05-17-2012 |
20120117820 | RELEASABLE FASTENER SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR - A releasable fastening system for footwear features a plurality of fastening clips. Each fastening clip includes an elongate, longitudinally elastic strap and a pair of opposing hooks secured to respective ends of the strap. The opposing hooks of each slip releasably engage a respective pair of positionally corresponding eyelets on opposing flaps of the footwear. This secures the clip to the footwear to extend across the tongue. Each clip is releasably connected to an opposing pair of positionally corresponding eyelets and thereby secured to the footwear to pull the flaps together and tighten the footwear. | 05-17-2012 |
20120124863 | Article of Footwear with Tongue Having Holes - An article of footwear includes a tongue. The tongue includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a central portion, a top portion and an upper perimeter portion. The lateral portion, the central portion and the upper perimeter portion include holes. The top portion and medial portion are substantially solid portions without holes. Each portion of the tongue corresponds to a different pressure zone along a foot in order to provide differential cushioning and support against pressure applied by a fastening system. | 05-24-2012 |
20120174437 | LACING CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR AN OBJECT - A closure system for an object having a first portion with first eyelets and a second portion with second eyelets includes a first lace that is resiliently flexible. The first lace is operable to extend continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets to define a first bridge portion and a second bridge portion of the first lace. The first bridge portion is defined between the plurality of first eyelets, and the second bridge portion is defined between the plurality of second eyelets. Additionally, the closure system includes a second lace that is substantially inelastic. The second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion to secure the first and second portions of the object together. | 07-12-2012 |
20120174438 | BELT AND/OR BUCKLE ASSEMBLY - Buckle type attachment elements, such as for belts, watch bands, or the like, and/or for securing or fastening elements (e.g., for footwear, handbags, briefcases, containers, or other objects) may be produced in a manner that generates minimal waste materials, without the use of metal or mechanical hardware type connectors, from completely recyclable materials, without the need for molding, without the use of plastics, and/or without the use of adhesives or cements. Such buckle elements may include a buckle portion and a tongue portion formed from the same material. In some structures, the tongue portion may be made from a part cut out to form the buckle portion. In other structures, the tongue portion may be formed by cutting slits into a base substrate that also makes up the buckle portion. Final products and methods of making such products also are described. | 07-12-2012 |
20120240428 | SPORTS SHOE - This invention relates to a sports shoe ( | 09-27-2012 |
20120240429 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A FLAT KNIT UPPER CONSTRUCTION OR OTHER UPPER CONSTRUCTION - An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion. | 09-27-2012 |
20120246972 | Clip-on Shoe Strap - An architecture is presented that provides a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device comprises a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a first attachment device is secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device is secured to the second end of the strap. Typically, the attachment devices comprises a clip, a hook, a button, a snap or a hook and loop fastener that attaches to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device, which positions the strap over the top of a user's foot. Furthermore, the attachment devices of the shoe strap device are removably secured to an inside or outside of the shoe. Once the attachment devices are secured to both sides of the shoe, the strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot. | 10-04-2012 |
20130019500 | Article Of Footwear Having An Upper With Cord Elements - The embodiments relate to an article of footwear and method of manufacturing that includes a first layer and a second layer configured to form a plurality of tunnels configured to receive a cord system. The manufacturing includes steps of placing a first layer, placing a cord on the first layer, securing the cord on the first layer, placing a second layer on the first layer and the cord, attaching the second layer to the first layer, and detaching the cord from the first layer. When the cord is secured with a thread, the thread may be removed by dissolving or cutting. The attaching of the second layer to the first layer can be completed by stitching or thermal welding, for example. | 01-24-2013 |
20130019501 | Folded Loop Fastening System For An Article Of Footwear - A lacing element for a fastening system of an article of footwear is formed using a continuous strip of material that is folded across itself in a series of different directions to produce a plurality of folded loops. A first group of exposed folded loops form eyestays for a lace, with each eyestay being formed by a trailing edge of one exposed loop and a leading edge of an adjacent exposed loop. The trailing edge and the leading edge are formed by folded regions in the continuous strip of material that are points of contact for the lace. A second group of secured folded loops are disposed below the exposed loops and are used to attach the lacing element to an upper of the article of footwear. | 01-24-2013 |
20130086814 | SHOE WITH EXCHANGEABLE UPPER - An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages. | 04-11-2013 |
20130111782 | HIDDEN SHOELACE HOLE STRUCTURE - A hidden shoelace hole structure includes a main strap and a hole strap. The main strap is in a flat-strip shape and sewn on a vamp. The hole strap is in a flat-strip shape and sewn at one side of main strap. The hole strap has a plurality of lateral holes which are spaced in an equidistant or non-equidistant length for insertion of a shoelace. The present invention provides a hidden effect for the holes. | 05-09-2013 |
20130139408 | SHOE WITH MULTIPLE SELECTABLE VAMPS - In accordance with the invention, a shoe for supporting and protecting the heel, sole and toes of a human foot has a base comprising a forward portion terminating at a toe end. The forward portion being configured and dimensioned to support the sole and toes of the foot of a user. The rear portion terminates at a heel end. The rear portion is configured and dimensioned to support the fleshy undersurface of the heel of the foot of the user. The shoe comprises a pair of elongated channels defined in the forward portion of the base, a vamp configured to overlie the instep of the user, and a pair of elongated channel-engaging members secured to the vamp, each of the channel engaging members being configured to slide into and mate with a respective elongated channel. | 06-06-2013 |
20130145652 | Knitted Footwear Component With An Inlaid Ankle Strand - An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position. | 06-13-2013 |
20130239436 | SHOE STRAPPING SYSTEM - A strapping system for a dance shoe includes at least one elongated strap having first and second ends connected with the shoe upper at opposite sides thereof. At least one strap end is removably connected with the upper via a fastening assembly including a fastener. A plurality of connectors is provided in longitudinally spaced relation on the upper so that the strap fastener may be connected with a selected connector to adjust the strap and comfortably retain the shoe on the foot of the wearer. | 09-19-2013 |
20130269210 | SHOE CLOSURE DEVICE - A shoe closure that includes a flexible elongated tubular member having a central section, a first and second end regions connected to the central section, the second end region distal to the first end region, the flexible elongated tubular member having a first flexibility characteristic. The shoe closure also includes end members connected to the flexible elongated tubular member and located proximate to the respective first and second ends of the flexible elongated tubular member, the end members projecting inward toward the central interior section, the end members having a second flexibility characteristic, wherein the first flexibility characteristic is greater than the second flexibility characteristic. | 10-17-2013 |
20130318820 | FOOTWEAR - The present invention provides footwear that is very easy to tighten. One end of a shoelace ( | 12-05-2013 |
20140007457 | Zipper Lace - The Zipper Lace is an innovative zipper design used as a shoelace for footwear. It provides a method for securing a foot in the housing of footwear, especially athletic footwear, which may loosen thus creating a potentially hazardous condition for athletes. The Zipper Lace is designed as a closure system for holding the foot in the foot-housing member using the existing eyelet design of footwear. It is flexible and can be threaded through the eyelets of existing shoes instead of standard fabric laces. The zipper design allows the wearer to firmly secure the foot to the shoe housing. Instead of tying cloth shoelaces to maintain a secure fit and comfort, the Zipper Lace employs a fastening means which is used to lock both ends of the Zipper Lace in place. This combined with the natural locking of the Zipper Laces, secures the footwear. | 01-09-2014 |
20140020263 | DEVICE FOR CONNECTING UP LACES - A device for connecting up two string ends, having a base element and at least one locking element which are hinged and can be click-fitted together. The base element has at least one opening for introducing the string ends and passing them through, and an insertion groove for each string end. Each insertion groove has a way, for example barb elements, for preventing the string end from sliding in said insertion groove. The locking element has a pressure part which is configured to cooperate with the respective insertion groove in such a manner that the string end is pressed into said insertion groove and remains pressed into said insertion groove after the base element and locking element have been click-fitted together. | 01-23-2014 |
20140026440 | Automatic Lacing System - An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper. | 01-30-2014 |
20140047736 | Modified Boot - Articles of footwear, such as for example combat boots or the like, can include one or more features that facilitate use of such articles of footwear by a wearer who has suffered an injury to a lower extremity. The injury can include amputation or loss of at least part of the wearer's original lower extremity or, optionally, a weakening of the lower extremity in a manner that requires the wearer to use an external brace. Both prosthetic devices and external braces can present difficulties to a wearer in using a conventional combat boot or other article of footwear. Implementations described herein include addition of a second opening apparatus to allow the open end of a shaft of a combat boot or other article of footwear to be increased in size to accommodate a bulkier lower extremity. | 02-20-2014 |
20140068968 | Knitted Component With Adjustable Inlaid Strand For An Article Of Footwear - An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. The knitted component includes a knit element and an inlaid strand formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element. The inlaid strand extends through the knit element. A portion of the inlaid strand may extend into the heel region and may be external to the heel region. Pulling on the external portion may tension the inlaid strand. | 03-13-2014 |
20140137432 | Lace-Tying System - A lace-tying system with two components through which both sides of a lace are laced is disclosed. The first component can slide down the lace to tighten the article of footwear or up the lace to loosen the article of footwear. After the first component is pushed down to the article of footwear top to tighten the article of footwear, the second component is attached to the first component using a fastener, thus forming a double bow with the portions of the lace between the first component and the second component. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137433 | Footwear Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component With Collar And Throat Portions - An article of footwear may include an upper having a knitted component formed of unitary knit construction. The knitted component includes a collar portion and a throat portion. The collar portion has a cylindrical configuration and the throat portion extends outward from the collar portion. In some configurations, the collar portion and the throat portion form (a) a first area of an exterior surface of the upper and (b) a first area of an interior surface of the upper. The upper may also include a cover component secured to the knitted component and forming (a) a second area of the exterior surface of the upper and (b) a second area of the interior surface of the upper. | 05-22-2014 |
20140150292 | Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component - An article of footwear may have an upper with a knitted component. Alone or in combination, the knitted component may include regions with different degrees of stretch-resistance; the knitted component forms a collar with a half-gauge knit; the upper includes a strand with sections that are inlaid within the knitted component, and the sections are positioned immediately adjacent to each other; the strand forms a plurality of loops, pairs of the loops are positioned immediately adjacent to each other and configured to receive a lace; and the knitted component includes a thermoplastic polymer material, and the strand is unbonded to the thermoplastic polymer material. | 06-05-2014 |
20140157624 | COVERING DEVICE FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - The invention relates to a cover to be positioned against the upper of a shoe that includes a sole assembly and an upper, the cover comprising:
| 06-12-2014 |
20140196312 | LACING CORD AND SHOES USING THE SAME - A lacing cord is used in an article to be laced that includes shoes, clothing and bags. The lacing cord basically includes a core wire and at least one protruding part. The core wire includes at least one wire member. The at least one protruding part is provided to a peripheral section of the core wire so as to intersect with an axial direction of the core wire and to protrude radially outward from the peripheral section of the core wire. | 07-17-2014 |
20140259761 | Footwear Lacing System - A lacing system for footwear of a type having a pair of spaced-apart flaps that are pulled together by tightening a lace includes a plurality of lace-receiving elements which are attachable to the flaps at multiple locations which allows the user to tailor the location of the lace-receiving elements to obtain a comfortable fit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290095 | Lacing Closure System For An Object - An object includes a body with a first portion having first eyelets and a second portion having second eyelets. The body includes a first surface and a second surface that face in opposite directions. The first surface includes an opening into a void that is defined between the first surface and the second surface. A first lace extends continuously through the plurality of first eyelets and continuously through the plurality of second eyelets. The first lace has a first bridge portion defined between a first pair of the first eyelets and a second bridge portion defined between a second pair of the second eyelets. The first lace includes an end that passes through the opening to be disposed within the void. A second lace engages both the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion. | 10-02-2014 |
20140325873 | FOOTWEAR LACING SYSTEM - A lacing system for footwear of a type having a pair of spaced-apart flaps that are pulled together by tightening a lace includes a plurality of lace-receiving elements which are attachable to the flaps at multiple locations which allows the user to tailor the location of the lace-receiving elements to obtain a comfortable fit. | 11-06-2014 |
20140338223 | Single Pull and Double Pull Fit Adjustment System for Shoes - A system for securing shoes to the feet utilizing a one or two pull fit adjustment set of straps. The embodiments utilize a number of straps, some variable in length, positioned at select points across and around the top and sides of the shoe. At least one strap in the system provides an adjustable length whereby all straps may be drawn together to tighten the shoe, preferably in both a horizontal and a vertical direction across the profile of the shoe. The system utilizes a variety of strong, lightweight, nylon buckles, strips, anchor loops, permitting attachment and motion of the adjustment straps over the top and sides of the shoe. Included are three-point attachment embodiments, as well as two-point attachment embodiments, most with a one pull adjustment structure. Most embodiments are on the medial side of the shoe although some may be implemented on the lateral side. | 11-20-2014 |
20140352173 | METHOD OF KNITTING A KNITTED COMPONENT FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component. | 12-04-2014 |
20140360047 | Automatic Lacing System - An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper. | 12-11-2014 |
20150059206 | GUIDES AND COMPONENTS FOR CLOSURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREFOR - According to an embodiment, a component for attachment to an article includes an upper component that is made of a thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature and a flange member that is molded onto the upper component and made of a thermoplastic elastomer material having a second melting temperature that is lower than the first melting temperature of the upper component. The flange member extends laterally from a bottom end of the upper component so that a bottom surface of the flange member is flush with or positioned axially below a bottom surface of the upper component. The melting temperature of the thermoplastic elastomer material enables the flange member to be directly coupled to the article via heat welding and the like without substantially affecting the upper component. | 03-05-2015 |
20150289594 | Footwear Having Motorized Adjustment System and Removable Midsole - An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer and a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper, the sole structure including a ground-contacting outer member and a removable midsole. The footwear may further include a motorized tensioning system including a power source, a control unit, a tensile member, and a motorized tightening device, the motorized tightening device being attached to an outer surface of the upper, and the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. In addition, the power source and the control unit of the tensioning system may be configured to be removably disposed in the removable midsole. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289595 | Footwear Having Motorized Adjustment System and Elastic Upper - An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot of a wearer, the upper including one or more elastic portions and one or more substantially inelastic portions. The footwear may further include a plurality of lace receiving members fixedly attached to an outer surface of the upper on the inelastic portions of the upper. Also, the footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper. In addition, the footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a motorized tightening device and a tensile member extending through the plurality of lace receiving members, the tightening device being configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear by drawing two or more of the plurality of lace receiving members closer to one another. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289596 | Footwear Having Coverable Motorized Adjustment System - An article of footwear may include a motorized tensioning system including a tensile member and a motorized tightening device attached to an outer surface of the article of footwear, the tightening device configured to apply tension in the tensile member to adjust the size of an internal void defined by the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a tightening device cover configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear over the tightening device. | 10-15-2015 |
20160044987 | LACE GUIDE FOR FOOTWEAR - Articles of footwear (e.g., soft snowboard boots) that include low-profile lace guides that may provide closer and/or tighter wrapping of the quarters about the tongue are disclosed. The lace guide may have a lace channel adapted to guide a force from the lace upon tightening to provide leverage on the lace guide such that the edge of a quarter dives toward the tongue upon tightening of the lace. The lace guide may have a dogleg-shaped region such that a portion of the centerline running through an intermediate portion of the lace channel is disposed at a first height and a portion of the centerline running through the first end portion of the lace channel is disposed at a second height that is different from the first height. The lace guide may extend along a substantial length of a quarter, and thus, it may be beneficial for a single lace guide to have three or more openings configured to receive the lace. The lace guide may be configured and arranged on an article of footwear to protect the edges of the footwear quarters. The lace guide may also include one or more flex zones that increase the flexibility of the lace guide, and thus, the flexibility of the article of footwear. | 02-18-2016 |
20160058128 | Shoe Lace Securing Device - The present invention is a device positionable over the top of a shoe and over a wearer's instep to allows shoe laces of ones shoes to be secured in place. This device includes a lower piece that feeds under ones laces and contours to the shoe and instep to a tight fit to allow the appearance of being a natural part of one's shoes. A top piece or flap of this device that is connected to the lower piece folds overtop of the laces once placed in and is the secured to the lower piece to hold the laces in place. | 03-03-2016 |
20160081432 | DECORATIVE LOCKING DEVICE FOR A SHOELACE - A one-piece locking device for a shoelace. The locking device includes a top portion hingeably connected to a bottom portion proximate a first end of the top and bottom portions. A shoelace coupling opening is located on a bottom surface of the bottom portion. A hook and latch mechanism is formed by a hook and latch, one each of which is disposed proximate a second end of the top and bottom portions. One or more shoelace clamping bars are located on a bottom surface of the top portion and a top surface of the bottom portion which together serve to clamp and retain a shoelace. The top portion also includes one or more openings configured for interconnecting with one or more corresponding protrusions on the bottom surface of a decorative element or RFID type chip. The decorative element is selectable by a user to provide visual decoration of the locking device. | 03-24-2016 |
20160081433 | LACING SYSTEM FOR SHOE - A lacing system for a shoe is disclosed. The lacing system for a shoe, according to the present invention, is a lacing system utilized for tying purposes so as to be coupled to string lacing eyelets of a dress shoe or a sneaker such that a shoe is firmly worn on the foot, and the lacing system for a shoe comprises: a body having elasticity; and hook portions which are respectively formed on both end portions of the body, and which are fastened by being inserted into the string coupling holes. Accordingly, the hook portions formed on both ends of the elastic body are coupled by being inserted and hooked into the string lacing eyelets when a dress shoe or a sneaker is worn such that the body is firmly fastened so as to prevent untying. | 03-24-2016 |
20160088899 | ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR UPPER INCORPORATING A TEXTILE COMPONENT WITH TENSILE ELEMENTS - The present embodiments provide an upper. The upper includes a textile component. The textile component of the upper includes a textile element and a tensile element. The tensile element defines a first segment disposed on a first side of the upper. The first segment of the tensile element is configured to attach the securement device to the textile element on the first side of the upper. The tensile element further includes a second segment that is disposed proximate the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The second segment is fixed relative to the lower portion of the upper on the second side. The tensile element further includes an intermediate segment that extends continuously from the first segment, across the heel region, to the second segment. | 03-31-2016 |
20160088902 | Footwear Incorporating Looped Tensile Strand Elements - A tensile strand element for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tensile strand element includes one or more tensile strands secured at their endpoints between the sole and upper of an article of footwear, creating one or more looped portions. The unsecured looped portions may extend into the fastening region of the footwear and engage with a fastening system to tighten the footwear upper snugly against a wearer's foot to provide added support. | 03-31-2016 |
20160095387 | Spacer Textile Material With Channels Having Multiple Tensile Strands - A spacer textile material having at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located together between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material, where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. The tensile strands may be disposed in the spacer textile material together or they may separate into different portions of the spacer textile. Further, the spacer textile material having channels with multiple tensile strands may be incorporated into an article of footwear. | 04-07-2016 |
20160095388 | Spacer Textile Material With Tensile Strands That Intersect - A spacer textile material has at least a portion of multiple tensile strands located between a first layer and a second layer of the spacer textile material where the first layer and second layer have been joined together to form channels in which the tensile strands move freely. In one or more locations, a first tensile strand and a second tensile overlap at an intersection region. Further, the spacer textile material may be incorporated into an article of footwear. | 04-07-2016 |
20160120264 | STRAP SECURING SYSTEM, E.G., FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR AND OTHER FOOT-RECEIVING DEVICES - Strap type securing systems, e.g., for footwear or other foot-receiving devices, include a strap support with a slot located between its opposite ends. A slot reinforcement may be provided, e.g., adjacent at least some portions of the slot edge, corners, and/or ends, to prevent the strap support from tearing and/or to provide a stable base for receiving strap tensioning force. A strap includes a first portion that extends along an interior surface of the strap support, a second portion that extends through the slot and around the slot reinforcement, and a third portion that extends beyond the slot reinforcement and toward a free end of the strap. The slot and the strap may be structured and oriented such that when the third strap portion is in an unfolded or untwisted condition, a portion of the strap support is sandwiched between the first and third strap portions. | 05-05-2016 |
20160143396 | Lacing System With Guide Elements - An article of footwear with various types of guide elements is disclosed. The article of footwear provides a set of tensile elements that can be moved through the guide elements to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The tensile elements may be routed through a guide element associated with the upper that can provide compressive strength and support. | 05-26-2016 |
20160168774 | Nonwoven Material, Method Of Making Same, And Articles Incorporating The Nonwoven Material | 06-16-2016 |
20160374433 | Article With Adjustable Rearward Covering Portion - An article of footwear includes an upper with a forward covering portion and a rearward covering portion. The rearward covering portion can be adjusted between an open configuration for receiving a foot and a closed configuration for covering the foot. In the open configuration the rearward covering portion is approximately flat, while in the closed configuration the rearward covering portion has a three-dimensional shape. The rearward covering portion may be folded vertically between the open configuration and the closed configuration. A tensioning member can be used to control the configuration of the rearward covering portion. | 12-29-2016 |
20170231325 | Lacing System for Shoes and Shoe Manufactured with Said Lacing System | 08-17-2017 |
20190142112 | HINGED REMOVABLE FOOTWEAR TONGUE | 05-16-2019 |
20220132979 | UPPER COMPONENT FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration. | 05-05-2022 |
20220132995 | EYELET FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - An eyelet for an article of footwear includes an eyelet body configured to slidably couple a first string to a second string. The eyelet body defines a first arc-shaped aperture and an opposing, second arc-shaped aperture. The first arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the first string, and the second arc-shaped aperture is configured to slidably receive the second string. The eyelet may be disposed over (but not necessarily attached to) an upper of an article of footwear. | 05-05-2022 |
20220132997 | SECURING MECHANISMS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR - An article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and a securing mechanism. The upper comprises a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral side, and a medial side, and is coupled to the sole structure. The securing mechanism is fixedly attached to the upper and comprises a forefoot portion and a heel lock element. The heel lock element has a first and a second end and extends from the lateral side of the upper, passes around the heel region of the upper, and extends to the medial side of the upper. The heel lock element comprises a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the upper and is configured such that tensioning the securing band adjusts the heel segment of the main portion relative to a wearer's heel. | 05-05-2022 |