Footwear article with a closed system

Abstract

This disclosure relates to footwear including a closure system that enables a wearer to quickly and easily fasten the closure system. The closure system can include a primary strap and a secondary strap disposed on opposite sides of the footwear, where the secondary strap is releasably attached to the primary strap at one end, and the primary strap is releasably attached to the shoe upper at one end. The closure system allows the secondary strap to be selectively attached to the primary strap before the wearer inserts a foot into the footwear article, such that the footwear article is configured to be secured to the foot by simultaneously securing both the primary strap and the secondary strap when the releasable attachment region of the primary strap is attached to the releasable attachment region located on the shoe upper.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 954,927, filed on December 30, 2019. The entire disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present technology relates to footwear having a closure system that can be easily fastened. Background Art

[0004] Traditional footwear is typically fastened with shoelaces. The process of tying shoelaces can sometimes be time - consuming and difficult for some people. A closure system simpler than shoelaces may be beneficial for disabled individuals and children. Additionally, in some sporting events, users may need to quickly transition from one type of footwear to another in a short period of time, such as when transitioning from the cycling portion of a triathlon to the running portion. In these situations, athletes may waste valuable time tying and fastening traditional footwear. Moreover, such shoelaces are prone to untying or loosening (especially during athletic activities). Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The following detailed description will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent the same or similar elements in all the various views in which they occur. Also, the reader should note that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

[0006] Figure 1 A side perspective view of a footwear article with a closure system in a closed position, illustrating aspects of the present disclosure;

[0007] Figure 2 A top view of a footwear article with a closure system in a closed position, illustrating aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0008] Figure 3 A top view of a footwear article with a closure system in an open position, illustrating aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0009] The following description of various examples of footwear structures and closure systems in accordance with the present disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. The various example structures and environments in which aspects of the technology can be practiced are shown in the drawings in an illustrative manner. It should be understood that other structures and environments can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and structural and functional modifications can be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods.

[0010] The following terms are used in this specification and, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, these terms have the meanings provided below.

[0011] As used herein, the term "footwear" refers to any type of clothing for the foot, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, thongs, flip - flops, mules, bedroom shoes, slippers, sport - specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes or rugby shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross - training shoes, dance shoes, etc.).

[0012] As used herein, the term "substantially parallel" means that a first line, segment, plane, edge, surface, etc. is approximately (within 5% in this case) equidistant from another line, plane, edge, surface, etc. over at least 50% of the length of the first line, segment or edge or over at least 50% of the area of the plane or surface, etc. In some instances, two such lines, segments or edges may be considered "substantially parallel" if one such line, segment or edge is approximately equidistant (±5%) from another corresponding line, segment or edge over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90% or even at least 95% of the length of either of the two lines, segments or edges being considered. Additionally, two planes or surfaces may be considered "substantially parallel" if one plane or surface is approximately equidistant (±5%) from another corresponding plane or surface over at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 85%, at least 90% or even at least 95% of the surface area of either of the two planes or surfaces being considered.

[0013] As used herein, the term "a plurality" refers to any number greater than one, which, as needed, can be up to an infinite number, either separately or in combination.

[0014] As used herein, the term "fixed end" refers to the end portion of a strap, where the end portion is joined to the sole structure and / or upper by techniques such as stapling, adhesives, bonding agents, etc., and where separation of the joining member cannot be achieved without causing structural damage to at least one of the joining member and / or the overall footwear structure.

[0015] As used herein, the term "free end" refers to the end portion of a strap, where the end portion is not permanently attached to the sole structure and / or upper. The "end portion" can be defined as the end length of the strap within the range of 0% to 20% of the overall length of the strap. In some instances, the "end portion" can include the outermost 101.6 mm (4 inches) of the strap.

[0016] As used herein, the term "proximate" means close to or adjacent to an object. For example, if a portion of a first object is within 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) of at least some portions of a second object, the first object may be defined as "proximate" to the second object.

[0017] Various structures and parameters of a footwear article and its sole structure are described based on the "sole length" parameter L. The sole length L can be found under unloaded conditions (e.g., no weight is applied thereto other than the weight of other components of the footwear article and / or sole structure) when the footwear article and / or sole structure is oriented on a horizontal support surface on its ground-facing surface. Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP perpendicular to the horizontal support surface are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) position and the foremost toe (FT) position of the footwear article and / or sole structure. The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented as far apart from each other as possible while still contacting the rearmost heel RH and the foremost toe FT positions. The direct distance between these vertical planes VP corresponds to the length (e.g., longitudinal length) L of the footwear article and / or sole structure. The positions of various footwear components are described in this specification based on their respective positions along the length L, which is measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. Along the length L, the rearmost heel position is at position 0L, and the foremost toe position is at position 1L. The mid-position along the length L is represented by a fractional position along the length L (e.g., 0.25L), which is measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. Note Figure 1 。

[0018] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "strip", "strip member", and "strip sub-member" as used herein refer to a strip of material having a width dimension ("W") that is significantly greater than the thickness dimension ("T"). In some example structures, a "strip" or "strip portion" may also have a length dimension ("L") that is significantly greater than the width dimension W. As some more specific examples, a "strip" or "strip member" according to at least some examples of the present invention may have one or more of the following: (a) a width-to-thickness ratio ("W / T") of at least 5 over at least 75% of its length, (b) an absolute width dimension W of at least 10 mm over at least 75% of its length, (c) an absolute thickness dimension T of less than 3 mm over at least 75% of its length, and / or (d) an absolute length dimension L that is at least 2.5 times its widest width dimension. A "strip", "strip member", or "strip sub-member" can be connected to or integrally formed with another element or component that is not a "strip", "strip member", or "strip sub-member".

[0019] As some more specific examples, the "strip" or "strip member" according to at least some examples of the present invention may have one or more of the following:

[0020] a. The W / T ratio is at least 7.5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20 or at least 25 over at least 75% of the strip length; in some examples, these W / T ratio ranges will be provided over at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% of the strip length;

[0021] b. The W / T ratio is in the range of 5 to 50, in the range of 7.5 to 48, or in the range of 10 to 45 over at least 75% of the strip length; in some examples, these W / T ratio ranges will be provided over at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% of the strip length;

[0022] c. The absolute thickness dimension T is less than 2.5 mm or less than 2 mm over at least 75% of the strip length; in some examples, these thickness dimension T ranges will be provided over at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% of the strip length;

[0023] d. The absolute width dimension W is at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm or at least 18 mm over at least 75% of the strip length; in some examples, these width dimension ranges will be provided over at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% of the strip length;

[0024] e. The absolute width dimension W is in the range of 8 to 75 mm, and in some examples, in the range of 10 to 65 mm or in the range of 12 to 60 mm over at least 75% of the strip length; in some examples, these absolute strip width dimension W ranges will be provided over at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% or even 100% of the strip length;

[0025] f. The absolute strip length L in length is at least 5 times or at least 7 times the widest width dimension W of the strip;

[0026] To determine the W / T ratio as described above, the width and thickness dimensions are measured at a common location on the strap structure. The strap length dimension L can be the dimension measured from: (a) the location where one end of the strap is secured to the upper or sole structure (e.g., the location where the strap emerges from between the upper and sole structures) and (b) the free end of the strap. The strap thickness dimension T at a given point is measured as the direct distance (shortest distance) between the first major surface and the second major surface of the strap at that point. The strap width dimension W at a given point is measured as the direct distance (shortest distance) from one side edge of the strap to its opposite side edge at that point. These measurements are made with the strap or strap portion held taut but not under significant tension (e.g., less than 0.5 kg of tension).

[0027] Although a "strap", "strap member", or "strap sub-member" can be stretchable or non-stretchable, in the illustrated examples, the strap, strap member, and strap sub-member are stretchable. As used in the context of this document, the term "non-stretchable" or "non-stretchable" means that a "strap", "strap member", or "strap sub-member" stretches less than 5% of its unloaded longitudinal length under a tension of 10 kg.

[0028] I. General Description of Aspects of the Present Disclosure

[0029] As described above, footwear articles and closure systems according to aspects of the present technology can be well-suited for use in footwear used in athletic endeavors where a wearer may need to quickly change footwear. In other examples, these closure systems can also be well-suited for use in footwear used by children or others who may have difficulty using traditional closure systems such as shoelaces. Such closure systems can be well-suited for any type of footwear.

[0030] At least some aspects of the present disclosure relate to an article of footwear that includes a sole structure; an upper attached to the sole structure, where the upper includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a dorsal opening located between the first side and the second side and partially separating the first side from the second side; and a closure system. The closure system can include a main strap having a first fixed end, a first free end, and a main strap member extending between the first fixed end and the first free end, where the first fixed end is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper at the first side of the upper. The main strap member can extend continuously in such a manner that: (a) starting from the first fixed end, (b) across the dorsal opening, (c) through a first aperture defined through the second side of the upper and located near the dorsal opening, and (d) across the dorsal opening, and the first free end of the main strap can be releasably attached to the first side of the upper at a location posterior to the location where the first fixed end is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper. The closure system can further include a secondary strap having a second fixed end, a second free end, and a secondary strap member extending between the second fixed end and the second free end, where the second fixed end is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper at the second side of the upper and at a location posterior to the first aperture, and where the second free end of the secondary strap is releasably attached to the main strap at a location more proximate to the first free end than to the first fixed end.

[0031] Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to a footwear article having a closure system, where a main strap includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, where the first side of the main strap has a first releasable attachment region and the second side of the main strap has a second releasable attachment region. A first free end of the main strap releasably attached to the first side of the upper can engage an upper releasable attachment region extending along the first side of the upper using the first releasable attachment region. A secondary strap of the closure system can have a third releasable attachment region, where a second free end of the secondary strap is releasably attached to the main strap by engaging the second releasable attachment region of the main strap with the third releasable attachment region. The second free end of the secondary strap can be releasably fixed to the main strap at a plurality of positions along the length of the second releasable attachment region of the main strap. A main strap member can include a portion having a plurality of main strap sub-members, where each of the main strap sub-members is attached to at least one of a sole structure or an upper at the first side of the upper to form a first fixed end of the main strap. In some instances, a second hole can be defined on a second side of the upper proximate to the first hole, where the first hole receives one of the plurality of main strap sub-members and the second hole receives another of the plurality of main strap sub-members. The closure system can further include a gripping member, e.g., a gripping member including two fixed ends and an elongate member, the two fixed ends being attached to the main strap proximate to the first free end, the elongate member extending between the two fixed ends such that an opening is formed between the elongate member and the main strap. In some instances, the first side of the footwear can be the inner side of the footwear article and the second side can be the outer side of the footwear article. However, in other instances, the first side can be the outer side of the footwear article and the second side can be the inner side of the footwear article.

[0032] Yet other aspects of the present disclosure relate to an article of footwear that includes a sole structure; an upper connected to the sole structure, where the upper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side; and a closure system. The closure system can include a main strap having a first end, a second end, and a main strap member extending between the first end and the second end. The main strap member can include a first portion that includes a first releasable attachment area and a second releasable attachment area disposed on opposite surfaces of the main strap member. The first portion of the main strap member can be located closer to the first end than to the second end. The main strap member can also include a second portion, where the second portion includes a plurality of main strap sub-members, where the plurality of main strap sub-members extend to the second end and are secured to the outer side of the article of footwear. The first releasable attachment area can be releasably secured to an upper attachment area on the outer side of the article of footwear. The closure system can also have a secondary strap that includes a free end, a fixed end on the inner side of the article of footwear, and a secondary strap member extending between the fixed end and the free end. The secondary strap member can have a third releasable attachment area, where the third releasable attachment area is releasably attached to the second releasable attachment area of the main strap. The third releasable attachment area can releasably engage the second releasable attachment area of the main strap member such that the secondary strap can be releasably attached to the main strap at a plurality of positions along the length of the second releasable attachment area, e.g., to allow a user to control the fit and tightness of the secondary strap. The second releasable attachment area and the third releasable attachment area can form a hook-and-loop fastener. In some instances, the plurality of main strap sub-members can extend through a plurality of holes on the inner side of the article of footwear such that each of the plurality of holes receives one of the plurality of main strap sub-members. The plurality of main strap sub-members can include a first strap member and a second strap member, where the first strap member and the second strap member are generally parallel to each other. Additionally, the width of each main strap sub-member can be less than the width of the first portion of the main strap member. Before a wearer inserts a foot into the article of footwear, the secondary strap can be selectively mated to and / or attached to the main strap such that the article of footwear is configured to be secured to the foot by simultaneously securing the main strap and the secondary strap when the first releasable attachment area of the main strap is attached to the upper attachment area.

[0033] Yet other aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a footwear article that includes a sole structure; an upper attached to the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a dorsal opening and a first releasable attachment region located on an outer side of the upper; and a closure system. The closure system has a main strap that also includes a first portion having: (a) a second releasable attachment region near a free end of the main strap, and (b) a third releasable attachment region disposed on an opposite side of the main strap from the second releasable attachment region at a location near the free end of the main strap. The main strap also has a second portion that includes a plurality of main strap sub-members, wherein each main strap sub-member of the plurality of main strap sub-members has a fixed end and a second end, the fixed end being attached to the outer side of the upper near the dorsal opening, the second end being attached to the first portion of the main strap, and wherein each main strap sub-member extends continuously in such a manner that: (a) starting from its fixed end, (b) crossing a centerline of the upper, and (c) passing through a hole on an inner side of the upper near the dorsal opening. The closure system may also include a gripping member disposed at the free end of the main strap, wherein the gripping member includes an opening defined between the gripping member and the free end of the main strap. A secondary strap may have a fixed end, a fourth releasable attachment region, and a free end on an inner side of the footwear article, wherein the second releasable attachment region releasably engages the first releasable attachment region at a plurality of positions along a length of the first releasable attachment region, and wherein the fourth releasable attachment region releasably engages the third releasable attachment region at a plurality of positions along a length of the third releasable attachment region. Additionally, prior to a wearer inserting a foot into the footwear article, the secondary strap may be selectively attached to the main strap such that the footwear article is configured to be secured to the foot in a single strap attachment action by securing both the main strap and the secondary strap simultaneously when the second releasable attachment region of the main strap is attached to the first releasable attachment region of the upper.

[0034] A general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements is given in certain instances of the technology provided above. The following is a more detailed description of specific example sole structures, footwear articles, and / or methods according to the present disclosure.

[0035] II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE FOOTWEAR ARTICLES, SOLE STRUCTURES, AND OTHER COMPONENTS / FEATURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASPECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0036] Various examples of footwear articles and closure systems in accordance with aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following discussion.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3Illustrated is a footwear article 100 that includes a sole structure 102 to which an upper 104 is attached. The upper 104 and the sole structure 102 can be joined together in any desired manner, including in a manner commonly known and used in the footwear art (such as by one or more of adhesives or bonding agents, stapling or stitching, mechanical connectors, etc.).

[0038] The sole structure 102 can generally be positioned between the wearer's foot and the ground. The sole structure 102 can be made of any desired material and / or in any desired configuration and / or manner without departing from the technology. In some examples, the sole structure 102 can include an outsole, a midsole, a one-piece sole, and / or one or more of any number of additional components associated with conventional soles. The components of the sole structure 102 can have structures and / or configurations similar to those used in footwear products commercially available from Nike, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon (Beaverton, OR) and / or other manufacturers, including conventional structures and configurations known and used in the art.

[0039] The upper 104 (which can be formed from one or more parts) potentially, together with the sole structure 102, defines a foot-receiving cavity 106 for receiving the wearer's foot. The bottom of the upper 104 can include a strobel or other component joined to or integrally formed with another part of the upper 104. The upper 104 can also include other components. For example, the upper 104 can include: a tongue member that spans the dorsal region of the foot and is positioned to mitigate the feel of the closure system of the footwear on the wearer's foot; a closure system as described in more detail below; a heel stabilizer; a toe box; etc. Additionally or alternatively, the upper 104 can include a "sock-like" upper component, for example, that is made of fabric and is configured to fit closely to the wearer's foot like a conventional sock.

[0040] The upper 104 can be made of any desired material and / or in any desired configuration and / or manner without departing from the technology. As some more specific examples, all or at least a portion of the upper 104 (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper 104) can be formed as a woven textile component, a knitted textile component, another textile component, a natural leather component, a synthetic leather component, a polymer component (such as TPU, etc.), etc. The components of the upper 104 can have structures and / or configurations similar to those used in footwear products commercially available from Nike, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon and / or other manufacturers, including conventional structures and configurations known and used in the art.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper 104 and the footwear article 100 according to at least some examples of the present technology may include a fused layer of upper material, such as an upper of the type that includes upper materials joined by heat fusion or other bonding materials, such as an upper in a footwear product commercially available from Nike, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. As yet additional examples, uppers of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 7,347,011 and / or No. 8,429,835 may be used without departing from the present technology (each of U.S. Patent No. 7,347,011 and No. 8,429,835 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0042] The footwear article 100 may also include an inner side 108 and an outer side 110 disposed opposite the inner side 108, and a dorsal opening 112 may be located between the inner side 108 and the outer side 110 and may partially separate the inner side 108 from the outer side 110. The footwear article may also have a heel region 114 proximate the wearer's heel and a forefoot region 116 proximate the wearer's toes. The footwear article 100 may also include a closure system 118 having a main strap 120 and a secondary strap 150. The secondary strap 150 may be fixedly attached to a side of the footwear 100 opposite the fixed attachment of the main strap 120 and may be releasably attached to the main strap 120 such that a user can fasten the closure system 118 by attaching the main strap 120 to one of the upper 104 or the sole structure 102. Thus, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, when the main strap 120 is attached to the footwear 100 at its free end 124, the closure system 118 may have a closed or fastened position, and as Figure 3 shown, when the main strap 120 is not attached to the footwear 100 at its free end 124 and the secondary strap 150 is not attached to the main strap 120, the closure system 118 may have an open or loose position. Optionally, when the closure system 118 is in the open or loose position, the secondary strap 150 may remain engaged with the main strap 120.

[0043] The main strap 120 may have a fixed end 122, a free end 124, and a main strap member 125 extending between the fixed end 122 and the free end 124. The fixed end 122 may be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 at the outer side 110 of the footwear 100. The fixed end 122 may be closer to the forefoot tip FT position than the rearmost heel RH position. For example, the fixed end 122 may be located along the footwear 100 at a position forward of 0.5L, or forward of 0.6L, or even forward of 0.7L. The main strap 120 may also include a first surface 126 and a second surface 128 opposite the first surface 126. The first surface 126 of the main strap 120 may include a first releasable attachment area 134, while the second surface 128 of the main strap 120 may have a second releasable attachment area 136. Additionally, the main strap 120 may have a first portion closer to the free end 124 and a second portion closer to the fixed end 122, the first portion including both the releasable attachment areas 134, 136, and the second portion may include a plurality of main strap sub-members 130.

[0044] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the main strap 120 may extend continuously from the fixed end 122 across the instep opening 112 and through a hole 117 that extends through the upper 104 near the instep opening 112 on the side of the footwear 100 opposite the fixed end 122. In some instances, the hole 117 may form an elongated shape, and the hole 117 may be located at a position rearward of the fixed end 122 of the main strap 120. For example, in some instances, the hole 117 may be positioned along the upper 104 at a position within the range of 0.5L to 0.7L. The main strap 120 may then extend from the hole 117 across the instep opening 112 toward the opposite side of the footwear 100. The first releasable attachment area 134 near the free end 124 of the main strap 120 may be releasably attached to an upper releasable attachment area 132 on the same side of the upper 104 as the fixed end 122. The upper releasable attachment area 132 may be located at a position rearward (toward the heel region 114) of the position of the fixed end 122 of the main strap 120. In some configurations, the upper releasable attachment area 132 may be located near the opening of the foot receiving cavity 106 and extend around a portion of the opening, while in other configurations, the upper releasable attachment area 132 may extend away from the instep opening 112 and form an acute angle with the sole structure 102.

[0045] The closed system 118 may also include a secondary strap 150 having a fixed end 152, a free end 154, and a secondary strap member 156 extending between the fixed end 152 and the free end 154. The fixed end 152 may be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 at the inner side 108 of the upper 104. The fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 may be located at a position posterior to the aperture 117. For example, in some instances, the fixed end 152 may be positioned along the footwear 100 within a range of 0.15L to 0.45L. In some instances, the fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 may be located near the opening of the foot receiving cavity 106 and extend around a portion of the opening, while in other instances, the fixed end 152 may extend away from the instep opening 112 and form an acute angle with the sole structure 102.

[0046] The secondary strap 150 may also include a first surface 158 and a second surface 160 opposite the first surface 158. The first surface 158 may include a releasable attachment region 162, wherein the releasable attachment region 162 on the free end 154 of the secondary strap 150 may be releasably attached to the second releasable attachment region 136 of the primary strap 120 at multiple positions along the length of the second releasable attachment region 136. In this way, the user can adjust the fit of the footwear 100 by moving the attachment position of the secondary strap 150 to the primary strap 120. In some cases, prior to the wearer inserting their foot into the footwear article 100, the secondary strap 150 may be selectively attached to the primary strap 120 such that the footwear article 100 can be configured to be fixed to the foot by simultaneously securing the primary strap 120 and the secondary strap 150 when the first releasable attachment region 134 of the primary strap is attached to the upper releasable attachment region 132.

[0047] In another alternative instance, the fixed ends 122, 152 of the respective straps 120, 150 may be attached on opposite sides of the footwear 100. If desired, the footwear 100 may include apertures 117 disposed on both sides of the footwear 100 such that the primary strap 120 may extend across the instep opening 112 multiple times. For example, the primary strap 120 may extend across the instep opening 112 an even number of times (i.e., 4, 6, etc.) such that the free end 124 and the fixed end 122 are releasably attached to the upper releasable attachment region 132 on the same side.

[0048] Alternatively, if desired, the closure system 118 can be arranged as described above, except in the case where the closure system 118 can be arranged such that the fixed ends 122, 152 of the main strap 120 and the secondary strap 150 are disposed on opposite sides of the footwear 100 (different from the above example). For example, the fixed end 122 of the main strap 120 can be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 at the inner side 108 of the footwear 100, and the fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 can be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 on the outer side 110 of the footwear 100.

[0049] As another alternative, if desired, the closure system 118 can be arranged as described above, except that the closure system 118 can be arranged such that the fixed ends 122, 152 of the main strap 120 and the secondary strap 150 are located on the same side of the footwear 100. For example, the fixed end 122 of the main strap 120 can be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 at the inner side 108 or the outer side 110 of the footwear 100, and the fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 can be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 on the same side of the footwear 100 as the fixed end 122. In this exemplary configuration, the main strap 120 can cross the instep opening 112 multiple times, where the main strap 120 extends through apertures 117 disposed on both sides of the instep opening 112. For example, the main strap 120 can extend across the instep opening 112 an odd number of times (i.e., 3, 5, etc.), such that the free end 124 is releasably attached to a releasable attachment region 132 of the upper on the side of the footwear 100 opposite the fixed end 122. In this instance, the fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 can extend across a portion of the instep opening 112 from the same side of the footwear 100 and be releasably attached to the main strap 120.

[0050] As yet another alternative, if desired, the closure system 118 can be arranged as described above, except that the closure system 118 can be arranged such that the fixed ends 122, 152 of the main strap 120 and the secondary strap 150 are located on the same side of the footwear 100, and the main strap 120 only extends across the instep opening 112 once and then is attached to a releasable attachment region 132 of the upper on the side of the footwear 100 opposite the fixed end 122. The fixed end 152 of the secondary strap 150 can extend across a portion of the instep opening 112 from the same side of the footwear 100 and be releasably attached to the main strap 120. Additionally, in this instance, the main strap 120 may or may not extend through the apertures 117.

[0051] As described above, in some instances, the main strap 120 may have a second portion that may include a plurality of main strap sub-members 130, where each of the main strap sub-members 130 may be attached to at least one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 at the outer side 110 of the upper 104 to form a fixed end 122 of the main strap 120. In some exemplary configurations, each of the main strap sub-members may be generally parallel to one another, while in other exemplary configurations, the main strap sub-members 130 may diverge from one another or converge toward one another. This convergence or divergence may begin at the fixed end 122 or at the location where the sub-member 130 is connected to the first portion of the main strap 120. These strap sub-members 130 may help to provide personalized and localized tensioning elements to provide an optimal fit around the wearer's foot. The width of each main strap sub-member 130 may be less than the width of the first portion of the main strap member. In other instances, the plurality of main strap sub-members 130 may include at least 3 sub-members 130, at least 4 sub-members, or more than 4 sub-members 130. Additionally, the aperture 117 may include a plurality of apertures 117 to accommodate the plurality of strap sub-members 130. For example, as Figures 1 to 3 shown in the exemplary configuration of, the aperture 117 may include a first aperture and a second aperture defined on the inner side 108 of the upper 104 in close proximity to one another, where each aperture accommodates one of the plurality of main strap sub-members 130. Alternatively, the aperture 117 may accommodate more than one of the plurality of main strap sub-members 130.

[0052] As another potential feature, the closure system 118 may include a grip member 138. The grip member 138 may have a variety of different configurations. As an example, the grip member 138 may include two fixed ends 140, 142 and an elongate member 144, the two fixed ends 140, 142 being attached to the main strap 120 near the free end 124, the elongate member 144 extending between the two fixed ends 140, 142 such that an opening 146 is formed between the elongate member 144 and the main strap 120. In some instances, the grip member 138 may be an opening within the main strap 120 near the free end 124, where the width of the opening is sufficient to accommodate the finger or thumb of the wearer, thereby providing the wearer with an easy means of gripping the main strap 120 and quickly attaching it to the surface of the releasable attachment region 132 of the upper. As another option, the grip member 138 may be a tab attached to the free end 124 of the main strap 120 that allows the wearer to easily grip the tab and quickly attach the main strap 120 to the releasable attachment region 132 of the upper.

[0053] The strips 120, 150 can be formed from a stretchable material having isotropic properties, where the material can have similar elastic properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions. In other example configurations, the strips 120, 150 can be formed from a stretchable material having anisotropic properties, where the material can have different elastic properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions. In different example configurations, the plurality of strips 120, 150 can be made of any suitable material that provides sufficient support while still allowing some stretchability, including but not limited to: polymers, rubbers, plastics, elastomeric materials, and other materials. Additionally, the main strip 120 can be formed of different materials such that a first portion of the main strip 120 is formed of a different material than a second portion of the main strip 120. Alternatively, the strips 120, 150 can be formed from a non-stretchable material.

[0054] The connections of the releasable attachment regions 136, 162 and the connections of the releasable attachment regions 132, 134 can each form a hook-and-loop type fastener (i.e., ). The use of a hook-and-loop type fastener on the releasable attachment regions 132, 134, 136, 162 allows for connection anywhere along the length of the releasable attachment regions 132, 134, 136, 162 to provide flexibility in adjusting the position, thereby giving the wearer multiple attachment options. Alternatively, the releasable attachment regions 132, 134, 136, 162 can include different releasable attachment methods. For example, the releasable attachment regions 132, 134 and 136, 162 can include a plurality of discrete releasable complementary fastener components, such as snap fasteners, buttons, hook-and-eye fasteners (or loops), or other releasable fasteners known to those skilled in the art.

[0055] The apertures 117 described herein can be openings extending through the upper 104, where the openings can be reinforced with or without eyelets or other opening reinforcement structures. In some instances, the aperture 117 can be formed by a loop or other receiving member that can be attached to one of the sole structure 102 or the upper 104 to allow the main strip 120 to extend through the aperture 117 and change its extension direction by rotating within or against the aperture 117.

[0056] As described above, the closure system 118 can enable a wearer to place their foot into the footwear 100 and then quickly and easily fasten the closure system 118. The closure system 118 provides the wearer with multiple ways to utilize the system. One method can be that the wearer pre-sets the secondary strap 150 onto the primary strap 120. In this method, the wearer can insert his / her foot into the footwear 100 and then attach the primary strap 120 to the vamp releasable attachment region 132 to find the optimal position of the primary strap 120. Then, the wearer can attach the releasable attachment region 162 of the secondary strap 150 to the second releasable attachment region 136 of the primary strap 120 to find the optimal position of the secondary strap 150 on the primary strap 120. Next, the wearer can loosen the primary strap 120 from the vamp releasable attachment region 132 while keeping the secondary strap 150 attached to the primary strap 120 and remove his / her foot from the footwear 100. The wearer can keep the straps 120, 150 in this pre-set and engaged state (i.e., engage the secondary strap 150 with the primary strap) such that when the wearer needs to wear the footwear 100, the closure system 118 is fastened or secured by simultaneously securing the primary strap 120 and the secondary strap 150 when the first releasable attachment region 134 of the primary strap 120 is attached to the vamp releasable attachment region 132. This particular pre-set method can be particularly useful if the wearer has to quickly put on the footwear and fasten it (such as in a transition area of a triathlon). Alternatively, the wearer can insert his / her foot into the footwear 100 and attach the first releasable attachment region 134 of the primary strap 120 to the vamp releasable attachment region 132 on the vamp and then attach the releasable attachment region 162 of the secondary strap 150 to the second releasable attachment region 136 of the primary strap 120.

[0057] III. Conclusion

[0058] The present technology disclosed above and in the drawings refers to various example structures. However, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the present technology without limiting the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A footwear article, comprising: a sole structure; an upper connected to the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a dorsal opening located between the first side and the second side and partially separating the first side from the second side; and a closure system, the closure system comprising: a main strap having a first fixed end, a first free end, and a main strap member extending between the first fixed end and the first free end, wherein the first fixed end is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper at the first side of the upper, and wherein the main strap member extends continuously in such a way that: (a) starting from the first fixed end, (b) crossing the dorsal opening, (c) passing through a first hole defined through the second side of the upper near the dorsal opening, and (d) crossing the dorsal opening, and wherein the first free end of the main strap is releasably attached to the first side of the upper at a position posterior to the position where the first fixed end is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper; and a secondary strap having a second fixed end, a second free end, and a secondary strap member extending between the second fixed end and the second free end, wherein the second fixed end is attached to the upper at the second side of the upper and at a position posterior to the first hole, wherein the second fixed end is located near an opening of a foot receiving cavity of the footwear article and extends around a portion of the opening, and wherein the second free end of the secondary strap is releasably attached to the main strap at a position closer to the first free end than the first fixed end.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the main strap includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the main strap has a first releasable attachment area and the second side of the main strap has a second releasable attachment area.

3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the first free end of the main strap releasably attached to the first side of the upper includes the first releasable attachment area, and the first releasable attachment area engages an upper releasable attachment area extending along the first side of the upper.

4. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein the secondary strap has a third releasable attachment area, and wherein the second free end of the secondary strap releasably attached to the main strap includes the third releasable attachment area engaging the second releasable attachment area of the main strap.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein the second free end of the secondary strap is capable of being releasably fixed to the main strap at a plurality of positions along the length of the main strap.

6. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the main strap member includes a portion having a plurality of main strap sub-members, and each of the main strap sub-members is attached to at least one of the sole structure or the upper at the first side of the upper to form the first fixed end of the main strap.

7. The footwear article according to claim 6, wherein a second hole is defined on the second side of the upper near the first hole, wherein the first hole receives one of the plurality of main strap sub-members and the second hole receives another of the plurality of main strap sub-members.

8. The footwear article according to claim 1, further comprising a gripping member having two fixed ends and an elongate member, the two fixed ends being attached to the main strap near the first free end, the elongate member extending between the two fixed ends, thereby forming an opening between the elongate member and the main strap.

9. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the first side is the inner side of the footwear article and the second side is the outer side of the footwear article.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the first side is the outer side of the footwear article and the second side is the inner side of the footwear article.

11. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure; an upper connected to the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a closure system, the closure system comprising: a main strap having a first end, a second end, and a main strap member extending between the first end and the second end, the main strap member including a first portion having a first releasable attachment area and a second releasable attachment area disposed on opposite surfaces of the main strap member, wherein the first portion of the main strap member is located closer to the first end than the second end, the main strap member further including a second portion, wherein the second portion includes a plurality of main strap sub-members, and the plurality of main strap sub-members extend to the second end and are fixed to the outer side of the footwear article, wherein the first releasable attachment area is releasably fixed to an upper attachment area on the outer side of the footwear article, and a secondary strap having a free end, a fixed end on the inner side of the footwear article, and a secondary strap member extending between the fixed end and the free end, wherein the fixed end is located near an opening of the foot receiving cavity of the footwear article and extends around a portion of the opening, wherein the secondary strap member has a third releasable attachment area, and wherein the third releasable attachment area is releasably attached to the second releasable attachment area of the main strap.

12. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the third releasable attachment region releasably engages the second releasable attachment region of the main strap member such that the secondary strap is releasably attachable to the main strap at a plurality of positions along the length of the second releasable attachment region.

13. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the width of each main strap sub-member is less than the width of the first portion of the main strap member.

14. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the second releasable attachment region and the third releasable attachment region form a hook-and-loop fastener.

15. The footwear article according to claim 11, further comprising a grasping member having two fixed ends and an elongate member, the two fixed ends being attached near the first end of the main strap, the elongate member extending between the fixed ends of the grasping member so as to form an opening between the elongate member and the main strap.

16. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of main strap sub-members extend through a plurality of holes on the medial side of the footwear article such that each of the plurality of holes receives one of the plurality of main strap sub-members.

17. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of main strap sub-members include a first strap member and a second strap member, and wherein the first strap member and the second strap member are generally parallel to each other.

18. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein the secondary strap is selectively attached to the main strap before the wearer inserts a foot into the footwear article such that the footwear article is configured to be secured to the foot by securing both the main strap and the secondary strap simultaneously when the first releasable attachment region of the main strap is attached to the vamp attachment region.

19. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure; a vamp connected to the sole structure, wherein the vamp includes a dorsum opening and a first releasable attachment region located on the outer side of the vamp; a closure system, the closure system including: a main strap, the main strap including: a first portion, the first portion including: a second releasable attachment region near the free end of the main strap, a third releasable attachment region disposed on a side of the main strap opposite the second releasable attachment region near the free end of the main strap, a second portion, the second portion including: a plurality of main strap sub-members, wherein each of the plurality of main strap sub-members has a fixed end and a second end, the fixed end being attached to the outer side of the vamp near the dorsum opening, the second end being attached to the first portion of the main strap, and wherein each main strap sub-member extends in such a manner that: (a) starting from its fixed end, (b) across the centerline of the vamp, and (c) through a hole on the medial side of the vamp near the dorsum opening. A grasping member disposed at the free end of the main strip, wherein the grasping member includes an opening defined within the grasping member or between the grasping member and the free end of the main strip; and A secondary strip having a fixed end located on the inner side of the footwear article, a fourth releasable attachment region, wherein the fixed end of the secondary strip is located adjacent to and extends around a portion of an opening of a foot receiving cavity of the footwear article, and a free end; and Wherein the second releasable attachment region releasably engages the first releasable attachment region at a plurality of locations along the length of the first releasable attachment region, and wherein the fourth releasable attachment region releasably engages the third releasable attachment region at a plurality of locations along the length of the third releasable attachment region.

20. The footwear article according to claim 19, wherein prior to a wearer inserting a foot into the footwear article, the secondary strip is selectively attached to the main strip such that the footwear article is configured to be secured to the foot by simultaneously securing the main strip and the secondary strip when the second releasable attachment region of the main strip is attached to the first releasable attachment region of the upper.

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