Article of footwear with collar riser

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a collar riser that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that facilitates donning to a raised state that secures a wearer's foot during wear. The collar riser can be arranged at various locations in the article of footwear, such as above or below a strobel. The collar riser can be coupled to the article of footwear using various connectors. The article of footwear can have other features, such as an ankle collar, that are configured in a manner that cooperates with the collar riser.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application filed on December 27, 2019, with application number 201980092475.9 and invention title "Footwear with Collar Lifter". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a footwear product with a collar lifter. Background Technology

[0003] Some footwear articles include an ankle collar that is manipulated when the footwear is worn. For example, the ankle collar can be pressed down toward the sole as the wearer's foot slides into the upper. Furthermore, some of these footwear articles include a collar lifter operable to move the ankle collar from a pressed or lowered state to an elevated state. An example of one type of collar lifter is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,820,527, and examples of other collar lifters are described in U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0110292 and U.S. Patent Publication 2018 / 0289109. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Some of the subjects described in this disclosure are referenced in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0005] Figure 1 A side view of a footwear article according to one aspect of this disclosure is depicted.

[0006] Figure 2 One aspect of this disclosure is described Figure 1 A top view of footwear products.

[0007] Figures 3A to 3C Another footwear article having a collar lifter is depicted according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0008] Figures 4A to 4C Another footwear article with an alternative collar lifter is depicted according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 5A Footwear articles that are at least partially decomposed according to one aspect of this disclosure are described.

[0010] Figure 5B Different connectors according to one aspect of this disclosure are described for attaching various parts of a collar lifter to the upper of a shoe.

[0011] Figure 6A Another footwear article is depicted as being at least partially decomposed according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6B One aspect of this disclosure is described Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of a portion of a footwear product, wherein the footwear product is at least partially assembled.

[0013] Figures 7A to 7C Alternative outer and inner material layers for the upper are depicted according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a footwear article according to one aspect of this disclosure is depicted.

[0015] Figures 9A to 9D Various alternative collar lifters according to one aspect of this disclosure are described.

[0016] Figures 10A to 10C Various alternative soles are described according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10D One aspect of this disclosure is described Figure 10C The image shows a cross-sectional view of the shoe sole.

[0018] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Another alternative footwear product according to one aspect of this disclosure is described. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To meet statutory requirements, the subject matter is described in detail and specifically throughout the specification. The aspects described throughout the specification are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements equivalent to those described herein and combined with other current or future technologies. Upon reading this disclosure, alternative aspects may become apparent to those skilled in the art practicing in relation to the described aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by the claims and is within the scope of the claims.

[0020] The subject matter described in this specification generally relates to a footwear article that can slide on with minimal adjustment required by one hand or without adjustment, including associated manufacturing methods. In some aspects, the footwear article may include a collar lifter that moves the ankle collar from a lowered state to an elevated state.

[0021] Before describing the accompanying drawings in more detail, some additional explanations will now be provided regarding certain terms that may be used in this disclosure.

[0022] The terms “an,” “a,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the items. When such terms are used, multiple such items may exist unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Unless explicitly or clearly stated otherwise in the context (including the appended claims), all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (numerically close to exact; close to or quite close to the value; approximately). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not understood in that ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates a variation that can be caused by ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a scope shall be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope. All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0023] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of the stated feature, step, operation, element, or component, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used herein, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0024] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” and “bottom” may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and not to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0025] As may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the length of the extending component is directed. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region. The terms "forward" or "front" are used to refer to a general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, while the terms "backward" or "rear" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified as having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the front-back direction or axis.

[0026] As may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims, the term "lateral" refers to the direction in which the width of the extending part is directed. For example, the lateral direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as the outer direction or axis, or the middle outer direction or axis.

[0027] As may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction substantially perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, when the sole is laid flat on the ground, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upwards" or "upwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downwards" or "downwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the bottom of a part, opposite to the upward direction, and can generally refer to the bottom of the sole structure of a footwear article.

[0028] The “interior” of a footwear product (e.g., a shoe) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer’s foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of a component in an assembled footwear product that faces (or will face) the interior of the component or footwear product. The “outer side” or “outer side” of a component refers to the side or surface of a component in an assembled shoe that is oriented away from (or will face) the interior of the shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side and the interior of a component in an assembled footwear product. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of a component and the exterior of the assembled footwear product. Furthermore, the terms “inward” and “inner” should refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or footwear product (e.g., a shoe), and the terms “outward” and “outer” should refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear product (e.g., a shoe). Additionally, the term “proximal” refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear product while the user is wearing it. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position of the foot when it is inserted into the footwear, which is farther from the center of the footwear component or farther from the foot. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0029] To aid in the explanation and understanding of aspects of this specification, please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following describes the elements of a typical footwear article 10, which may include a tongue reinforcement. Figure 1 The outer side of footwear 10 is depicted, and Figure 2 The top of the footwear article is depicted. When describing the various figures mentioned in this disclosure, the same reference numerals denote the same parts in all views.

[0030] Footwear article 10 includes at least two main elements, including a sole structure 12 and an upper 14. When footwear article 10 is worn (as intended on the foot), the sole structure 12 is generally located near the sole surface of the foot (i.e., the bottom of the foot). The sole structure 12 protects the bottom of the foot, and furthermore, it can reduce ground reaction forces, absorb energy, provide traction, and control foot movements, such as pronation and supination. The upper 14 is coupled to the sole structure 12 and, together with the sole structure 12, forms a foot receiving cavity 16. That is, while the sole structure 12 generally surrounds the bottom of the foot, the upper 14 extends over and at least partially covers the top portion of the foot (i.e., the top or instep) and secures the footwear article 10 to the foot. The upper 14 includes a foot insertion opening 18 through which the foot is positioned in the foot receiving cavity 16 when the footwear article 10 is put on.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, footwear article 10 may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, a heel region 24, and an ankle region 26. The forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, and heel region 24 extend through the sole structure 12 and the upper 14. The ankle region 26 is located within a portion of the upper 14. The forefoot region 20 generally includes the portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the toe and the joints connecting the metatarsals and phalanges. The midfoot region 22 generally includes the portion of footwear article 10 corresponding to the arch and instep of the foot. The heel region 24 corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot and includes the calcaneus. The ankle region 26 corresponds to the ankle. The forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, heel region 24, and ankle region 26 are not intended to define precise areas of footwear article 10, but rather to represent general areas of footwear article 10 to aid in understanding various aspects of this specification. Additionally, portions of footwear article may be described using these general areas in relative terms. For example, the first structure can be described as being more oriented toward the heel than the second structure, in which case the second structure would be more oriented toward the forefoot and closer to the forefoot.

[0032] Footwear product 10 also has an inner side 28 (in) Figure 2 In the middle of the label and in Figure 1 (not visible in the middle) and the outer 30 (in the middle) Figure 2 In the middle of the label and in Figure 1(See image). The medial side 28 and lateral side 30 extend through each of the forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, heel region 24, and ankle region 26, and correspond to opposite sides of the footwear article 10, each falling on opposite sides of the longitudinal midline reference plane 29 of the footwear article 10, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the longitudinal midline reference plane 29 may pass through the foremost and rearmost points of the sole structure. Therefore, the medial side 29 is considered to be opposite the lateral side 30. Generally, the lateral side corresponds to the outer region of the foot (i.e., the surface facing away from the other foot), and the medial side corresponds to the inner region of the foot (i.e., the surface facing the other foot). On the other hand, the footwear article includes a fore portion 33 and a rear portion 35, which fall on opposite sides of the lateral midline reference plane 31 of the footwear article 10. The lateral midline reference plane 31 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal midline reference plane 29 and the ground plane, and is evenly spaced between the foremost and rearmost points of the footwear article 10. In addition, these terms can also be used to describe the relative positions of different structures. For example, a first structure that is closer to the inner part of a footwear product can be described as the inner side of a second structure that is closer to the outer area and further out.

[0033] When describing footwear, the relative terms "bottom" and "top" can also be used. For example, the top part usually corresponds to the upper part that faces closer to the head when a person's foot is flat on a level surface and the person is standing upright, while the bottom part usually corresponds to the lower part that faces further away from the head and is closer to the ground.

[0034] The sole structure 12 can be made of various materials and can include various elements. For example, the sole structure 12 may include a midsole 32 and an outsole 34. The midsole 32 may be formed of a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam) that reduces ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other activities. In other aspects, the midsole 32 may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, regulators, or other elements that further reduce forces, enhance stability, or influence foot movement. The midsole 32 may be a single piece or may be multiple components integrated into a single unit. In some aspects, the midsole 32 may be integrated with the outsole 34. The outsole 34 may be a single piece or may be several outsole components and may be formed of an abrasion-resistant rubber material that may be textured to provide traction and / or may include traction elements such as treads or anti-slip blocks attached to the midsole 32. Outsole 34 can extend the entire length and width of the sole or only partially across the length and / or width.

[0035] The upper 14 can be made of various materials and can include various features. For example, the upper 14 can be made of leather, textiles, or other synthetic or natural materials. Furthermore, the upper 14 can be knitted textiles, woven fabrics, braided fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, laminated fabrics, or any combination thereof. The upper 14 can have various material properties related to breathability, stretchability, flexibility, wicking, and water resistance.

[0036] The upper 14 typically includes a portion that overlaps with and connects to the sole structure 12, and the junction of this connection may be referred to as a strobel. Additionally, the upper 14 may include a strobel, which comprises a panel of material extending from the upper 14 and across at least a portion of the foot-facing surface of the sole structure 12, and the strobel is used to hold the upper 14 onto the last when the sole structure 12 is attached to the upper 14. In other words, the sole structure 12 integrated into the footwear article 10 includes a foot-facing surface, and in some cases, the upper 14 may include a panel (referred to as the strobel) extending inward from near the strobel region and at least partially covering the foot-facing surface. In this case, the strobel is positioned under the foot when the footwear article is worn. The strobel may be covered by an insole or other material layer.

[0037] The upper 14 includes other features. For example, the upper 14 includes an ankle collar 36 that forms a periphery around at least a portion of the foot insertion opening 18. Additionally, the upper 14 includes a throat 38 that generally extends from the ankle collar 36 and forms a periphery along at least one or more sides of the elongated opening 40. A tongue 42 is located within the elongated opening 40, and the size of the elongated opening 40 can be adjusted using various closure systems. For example, Figure 1 The illustration shows a lace-up 44, and other closure systems may include elastic bands, hook-and-loop straps, zippers, buckles, etc. The position of the tongue 42 and the connection of the closure system can be adjusted to change the size of the foot insertion opening and the elongated opening, for example, by making the opening larger when the footwear is put on or taken off and by making the opening smaller when the footwear is secured to the foot. The tongue 42 may include separate components attached to the upper at one or more locations, or alternatively, the tongue may be an integral area of ​​the upper. Other aspects of the elongated opening 40 (which may also be referred to as the forefoot opening) may be omitted, and alternatively, the inner and outer sides of the upper converge and are continuous over the area that conventionally includes the elongated opening 40.

[0038] Footwear article 10 may include athletic shoes, such as those that can be worn while running or walking, and the description of footwear article 10 (including information about...) Figure 1 and Figure 2The described elements can also be applied to other types of shoes, such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, American football shoes, soccer shoes, casual shoes or loafers, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, hiking boots, etc.

[0039] Already described Figure 1 and Figure 2 For reference now Figures 3A to 3C and Figures 4A to 4C To describe some other aspects of this disclosure. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 3C Each of the figures depicts a footwear article 310, which includes an upper 314 attached to a sole 312, and the upper 314 includes a heel region 324 and an ankle region 326 having an ankle collar 336. The ankle collar 336 can be in a lowered state (e.g., Figure 3C (as shown) and elevated state (such as) Figure 3A and Figure 3B The ankle collar 336 moves between the two positions (as shown). In the lowered state, the ankle collar 336 is positioned closer to the sole 312, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 336 is positioned further away from the sole 312. Similarly, the footwear article 410 includes an upper 414 attached to the sole 412, and the upper 414 includes a heel region 424 and an ankle region 426 having the ankle collar 436.

[0040] Furthermore, footwear article 310 includes a collar lifter 350, which is attached to the upper 314 near the heel region 324 and / or the ankle region 326 and operable to move the ankle collar 336 from a lowered state to an elevated state. More specifically, the collar lifter 350 includes a portion positioned in the heel region 324 and extending upward into the ankle region 326. As previously mentioned, there is not necessarily a precise depiction between the heel region 324 and the ankle region 326; rather, describing the positioning of the collar lifter 350 relative to these regions is one way of describing the collar lifter 350 extending from a lower portion closer to the sole to an upper portion closer to the ankle collar 336. Regarding the attachment of the collar lifter 350 to the upper 314 near the heel region 324 and / or the ankle region 326, this attachment can take various forms. For example, the collar lifter 350 may be attached to the upper in the heel region 324, attached to the ankle collar 336 in the ankle region 326, or any and all combinations thereof. The collar lifter 350 is an example of a collar lifter operable to move the ankle collar from a lowered state to an elevated state, and as will be described in other parts of this disclosure, the collar lifter may include, in addition to... Figures 3A to 3C One or more alternative structures besides those described herein. For example, Figures 4A to 4CA footwear article 410 is depicted having a collar lifter 450, which is operable to lift the ankle collar 436 from a lowered state (e.g., Figure 4C ) Move to an elevated state (e.g., Figure 4A and Figure 4B It also has a different structure from the collar lifter 350.

[0041] For illustrative purposes, uppers 314 and 414 are indicated by dashed lines, and the collar lifter can be positioned relative to the upper in various locations. For example, the collar lifter can be at least partially, and possibly entirely, attached between the outer layer and the lining in the heel area, ankle area, ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. On the other hand, the collar lifter can be at least partially exposed and positioned on the outer or outer surface of the upper. On another hand, at least a portion of the collar lifter can be positioned on the foot-facing surface inside the lining. On yet another hand, the collar lifter can be positioned on the outer surface of the footwear and can be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by means of a winglet, heat fusion, adhesive, stitching, or other fastener.

[0042] Collar lifters (such as collar lifters 350 and 450) may include various elements. In one aspect, a collar lifter includes an inner lever arm, an outer lever arm, and a central connecting strap that connects the inner lever arm to the outer lever arm and is located in the heel portion of the ankle collar. In another aspect, each lever arm is attached to a base that remains stationary relative to the lever arm when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state and when the lever arm is deformed. The base may be part of a footwear article, such as part of a sole or upper. Additionally, the base may be one or more other anchors directly or indirectly attached to the sole, the sole itself, or any combination thereof. US 9,820,527 describes one or more collar lifters, some of which may be referred to as deformable members or deformable members (with or without a base), and the entire disclosure of US 9,820,527 is incorporated herein by reference. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least some of the deformable members described in US 9,820,527 include an inner lever arm, an outer lever arm, and a central connecting band connecting the inner lever arm to the outer lever arm. In other instances, US 2018 / 0110292 and US 2018 / 0289109 each describe several other collar lifters, some of which are referred to as control levers (with or without a base), and the entire disclosure of US 2018 / 0110292 and US 2018 / 0289109 is incorporated herein by reference. According to one aspect of this disclosure, at least some of the control levers described in US 2018 / 0110292 and US 2018 / 0289109 include an inner lever arm, an outer lever arm, and a central connecting band connecting the inner lever arm to the outer lever arm.

[0043] Each of the collar lifters 350 and 450 shown depicts an example of an inner lever arm 352 and 452, respectively. Additionally, each of the collar lifters 350 and 450 shown depicts an example of an outer lever arm 354 and 454, and a central connecting strap 356 and 456, respectively. Furthermore, lever arms 352 and 354 are attached to a base 358, and lever arms 452 and 454 are attached to a base 458 having a different structure than base 358. Base 358 is attached to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 312, and base 358 may be a part of the outsole, a part of the midsole, a part of the insole, a part of the sole fabric, a plate or sheet laminated between any of these soles, or any combination thereof. Base 358 may include a rigid portion or segment to which lever arms 352 and 354 are anchored. Figures 4A to 4CDifferent aspects are depicted, in which base 458 may be attached to a portion of the upper (e.g., the main heel), a portion of the midsole sidewall, or any combination thereof, and base 458 is wrapped around the back of the footwear article, which is the opposite of extending through the insole in the manner described with respect to base 358.

[0044] The inner lever arm, outer lever arm, and central connecting band can be a single continuum, such that there is no clear boundary between the inner lever arm, outer lever arm, and central connecting band. For example, the inner and outer arms, as well as the central connecting band, can be molded, cast, 3D printed, or otherwise formed as a single integral unit. In other respects, the inner and outer lever arms can be discrete, separate, and distinct elongated components, which are connected to the central connecting band, for example, by mechanical or chemical coupling, friction fit, sleeve, or other connection methods.

[0045] Having generally described some structural elements of the collar lifter, some operational aspects of the collar lifter will now be described. As briefly described above, the collar lifter moves the ankle collar from a lowered state to an elevated state. More specifically, at least a portion of the medial lever arm, lateral lever arm, center connecting strap, or any combination thereof is attached to a portion of the upper. In one aspect, the center connecting strap may be attached near the heel portion of the ankle collar. For example, as described in other parts of this disclosure, the center connecting strap may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by adhesive, connecting flaps, heat fusion, stitching, etc. Thus, when the ankle collar moves to a lowered state closer to the sole, the medial and lateral lever arms deform to a more compressed or loaded position. In other words, when an applied force moves the ankle collar from an elevated state to a lowered state, the collar lifter moves from a less compressed construction (e.g., Figure 3A and Figure 4A Constructions that deform elastically to more compressible structures (e.g., Figure 3C and Figure 4C The collar lifter stores potential energy. When the applied force is removed, the potential energy causes the collar lifter to return to a less compressed configuration, and the ankle collar also moves from a lowered state to an elevated state as the collar lifter adheres to the upper. While the compression of the collar lifter can be greater when the ankle collar moves to the lowered state (compared to the elevated state), in the elevated state, the collar lifter can still store potential energy in a state of at least partial deformation (i.e., preloaded compression) to be able to hold the rear heel portion of the ankle collar around the wearer's heel. For example, if the collar lifter is attached to the upper heel area and / or upper ankle area, then when the ankle collar is in the elevated state, portions of the upper can hold or retain the collar lifter in a preloaded configuration. In other respects, the collar lifter can be unloaded when the ankle collar is in the elevated state.

[0046] In one aspect, the portion 325 or 425 of the upper below the central connecting strap may include one or more textiles that are more flexible than other portions of the upper. For example, this more flexible area of ​​the upper may be at least partially located in the heel area. Wherein, this more flexible portion 325 or 425 of the upper may collapse more easily when the ankle collar moves to a lower position, and may provide less resistance to the collar lifter (compared to other portions of footwear or the less flexible upper in typical footwear) when the collar lifter returns to a less compressed state.

[0047] In some respects, the combination of the inner lever arm, the outer lever arm, and the central connecting band can be referred to as a deformable element. The term "deformable element" refers to an elastic, flexible member that can be bent or compressed but has a biased tendency to move toward a non-bent or uncompressed state. A deformable element may include a single, integrally formed deformable element that extends continuously from the inner lever arm to the outer lever arm. In other respects, the inner and outer lever arms may be two or more separate and distinct deformable elements connected to a central connecting band, which may also be referred to as a heel piece.

[0048] In some aspects, the deformable element may be directly coupled, mounted, or attached to the base. In other aspects, the base may include one or more anchors that engage and hold the deformable element in place. For example, the anchor may be located at the junction between the lever arm and the base (e.g., 359 and 459). Such anchors may be integrally formed with a portion of the sole (e.g., insole, midsole, outsole), coupled to the sole portion, and / or located within, between, or outside the sole portion. For example, the anchor may be disposed in a block, plate, or wedge stacked or embedded within, above, or below the sole. In some cases, a portion of the sole (e.g., midsole) may be sculpted or cut to attach to or accommodate the anchor. On another aspect, a base extending in a mid-lateral orientation (e.g., base 358) includes an anchor housing into which the anchor is engaged by a resistance fit, compression fit, snap fit, or via an interlocking mechanism / construction. In other instances, the anchor may be integrally formed with a portion of the upper, coupled to the portion of the upper, and / or located within, between, or outside the portion of the upper. For example, anchors can be located in the upper, the main heel, or any combination thereof. A single anchor can extend the entire width of the footwear, or two anchors can be positioned on opposite sides of the footwear (e.g., on the inner and outer sides). Deformable members can be attached to the base or anchors at an angle. For example, a deformable member can be attached to the base at a perpendicular angle and then bend backward or arc. On the other hand, a deformable member can be attached at a forward tilt angle (i.e., upward and forward) or a backward tilt angle (i.e., upward and backward) before arcing backward.

[0049] The connection between the deformable element and the base or anchor can be described in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the deformable element does not pivot about the base (e.g., about the insole, midsole, or outsole). In other words, the deformable element can be non-rotatably coupled to the base. In various aspects, there is no gap between the deformable element and the base (or anchor), which means there is little or no relative movement between the two parts.

[0050] Deformable elements may include one or more of tubes, wires, springs, shape memory structures, or materials. Furthermore, deformable elements may include one or more materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, nickel-titanium (NiTiNO3) and other metals and alloys (shape memory alloys or others), polymers (shape memory polymers or others), composite materials, foam materials, graphite, carbon fiber, glass fiber, TPC-ET, silicone, TPU, and polycarbonate. For example, a deformable element may include titanium or titanium wire. Additionally, one or more deformable elements may be made of a first material (e.g., titanium), and one or more additional deformable elements may be made of a second material (e.g., graphite).

[0051] In some respects, the deformable element may include a single integral piece. For example, a first end of the deformable element (e.g., one end of the inner lever arm) may be embedded in or attached to an inner anchor; a second end of the deformable element (e.g., one end of the outer lever arm) may be embedded in or attached to an outer anchor; and a middle portion of the deformable element (e.g., a central connecting band) may extend around the heel or ankle portion of the upper or be embedded in additional heel support structures.

[0052] In other respects, deformable elements may include multiple separate and distinct components. For example, a deformable element may include two separate components, wherein a first component (e.g., an inner lever arm) has a first end embedded or attached to an inner anchor and a second end embedded or attached to the inside of a heel piece or center connecting strap. Similarly, a second component (e.g., an outer lever arm) may include a first end embedded or attached to an outer anchor and a second end embedded or attached to the outside of a heel piece or center connecting strap. Multiple separate and distinct components may be secured together, for example, using one or more of the following: tape, braided shell, overmolded material (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tubing, etc., each of which can provide different levels of stability and strength. For example, a deformable element may include one or more threads individually or together encapsulated in a cover, sleeve, overmolded material, or heat shrink tubing. The one or more threads may arch, bend, and swing before returning to their initial / normal state to facilitate the elastic deformation of the deformable element.

[0053] A deformable element can have variable mechanical properties along its length and / or at different points along its length. This variation can be provided by the deformable element (e.g., by a wire or bundle of two or more strands), by fasteners surrounding all or part of the deformable element, or any combination thereof. For example, the deformable element and / or fasteners can have variable cross-sections, variable densities, variable materials, etc., along its length. Conversely, a variable cross-section can be provided by variations in thickness or shape, or by twisting of a deformable element that otherwise has a constant thickness or shape along its length.

[0054] As briefly described above, a deformable element may include a cover, sleeve, overmolded part, or other suitable structure that can protect other elements of the deformable element (e.g., wire, spring, etc.) and can control, guide, support, and / or otherwise influence the flexure or compression of the deformable element. In some aspects, the cover is configured, based on its manufacturing material, shape, geometry, etc., to facilitate the distribution of mechanical stress by transferring mechanical bending / deformation forces from the deformable element (e.g., from wire or spring) to the cover, to prevent or at least inhibit damage or breakage of the deformable element caused by concentrated and repetitive mechanical stresses that may be experienced by the deformable element. For example, the cover may have dimensions that vary along its length, such as a funnel-shaped cone, to help distribute stress and facilitate the dynamic flexure of the deformable element. In the event of a breakage of the deformable element, the cover may still provide at least some degree of bias, thereby still facilitating the movement of the ankle collar from a lowered position to an elevated position. Furthermore, the cover may provide additional padding and / or support for the deformable element and may prevent or at least inhibit the wearer from feeling the deformable element.

[0055] As briefly described above, the center connecting strap can also be referred to as the heel piece. The center connecting strap can be integrally formed as a single continuous unit with the medial and lateral lever arms. Alternatively, the center connecting strap can be a separate piece extending between and bridging the medial and lateral lever arms. The center connecting strap can provide a connection to the upper and can also provide a framework to the ankle collar to prevent the ankle collar from collapsing into the foot-accommodating opening during foot insertion.

[0056] When put on by the wearer, footwear with collar lifters (e.g., collar lifters 350 and 450) can be slid on by the wearer without the wearer needing to manipulate the footwear with his or her hands. For example, the wearer's toes can be inserted through foot insertion openings 318 or 418, while the arch or heel of his or her foot presses down on the ankle collar 336 or 436 toward the sole 312 or 412. Adjusting the ankle collar 336 or 436 to a lowered state closer to the sole can increase the size of the foot insertion openings 318 or 418. Once the wearer's foot slides into the foot receiving cavity 316 or 416, the collar lifters 350 or 450 move the ankle collar from the lowered state (i.e., Figure 3C and Figure 4C ) Move to the elevated state (i.e., Figure 3A and Figure 4A ( ) to help secure footwear to the wearer's feet.

[0057] Among them, the collar lifters 350 and 450 can reduce potential structural damage over time in the upper heel and upper ankle regions by providing a frame operable to return to or offset in the elevated state, rather than structural damage that can occur from repeated hands-free putting on. Furthermore, the collar lifters 350 and 450 allow the user to more easily put on (i.e., wear) his or her shoes without using their hands and / or without bending down to tighten laces, without using a shoehorn, or without using other such adjustment features, elements, or fitting mechanisms. Additionally, footwear articles 310 and 410 can more easily accommodate or guide the wearer's foot into or accommodate the foot relative to the foot-accommodating opening. One reason for this potential ease of putting on may be that the collar lifters 350 and 450 help provide a larger foot insertion opening without allowing the ankle collar opening to fold inward toward the foot-accommodating cavity.

[0058] The operation of footwear articles 310 and 410 can be described in various ways. For example, ankle collars 336 and 436 can be elastic, or can include a triangular fabric element that, for example, allows foot insertion openings 318 and 418 to expand when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state. In the lowered state, foot insertion openings 318 and 418 can expand by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. This expansion can be detected in various ways. For example, a first circumference of the foot insertion opening can be measured when the ankle collar is in a first state, and a second circumference can be measured when the ankle collar is in a second state, which is closer to the sole (relative to the first state). In both the first and second states, the distance from the ankle collar to the sole can be measured in a vertical plane (i.e., perpendicular to a horizontal reference plane, which includes a flat surface on which the ground contact surface rests), and this distance can be measured from the last point of the ankle collar opening edge to the sole opening edge (e.g., where the sole connects to the upper at the position line). Thus, the distance in the first state will be longer than the distance in the second state, and in one respect, the second distance is equal to or less than 75% of the first distance. Continuing with the above example, in the second state where the distance is equal to or less than 75% of the distance in the first state, the circumference can be expanded by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. In another example, when the ankle collar is in the second state where the distance is equal to or less than 75% of the distance in the first state, the circumference of the foot insertion openings 318 and 418 can be expanded by at least about 1.0 inch (about 2.54 cm). The amount of expansion of the foot insertion openings 318 and 418 can vary depending on the style and size of the shoe. In other respects, the ankle collars 336 and 436 are approximately 50% lower than the soles 312 and 412 in the lowered position compared to the raised position; however, for other parameters, this may vary depending on the type and size of the shoe.

[0059] As described in other parts of this disclosure, when the ankle collars 336 and 436 are moved from a lowered state to an elevated state, the collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a return force. In some aspects, the return force is in the range of about 1 pound to about 15 pounds, and this can be measured at various locations on the ankle collar. For example, as described above, the ankle collar may include a first state having a first distance from the sole and a second state having a second distance from the sole, the second distance being shorter than the distance in the first state. In one aspect, the collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a return force in the range of about 1 pound to about 15 pounds in the second state, where the distance is equal to or less than about 85% of the distance in the first state. In another aspect, the collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a return force in the range of about 1 pound to about 15 pounds in the second state, where the distance is equal to or less than about 75% of the distance in the first state. Furthermore, collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a rebound force ranging from approximately 1 pound to approximately 15 pounds in a second state, where the distance is equal to or less than approximately 50% of the distance in the first state. This rebound force is strong enough that the rear of the ankle collar springs back from the second state and fits snugly around the wearer's heel. For example, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is less than 85%, 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised state, ankle collars 336 and 436 can rise from the lowered state to the raised state in less than approximately 1 second. In other respects, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is less than 85%, 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised state, ankle collars 336 and 436 can rise from the lowered state to the raised state in less than approximately 0.5 seconds. Furthermore, in other respects, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is less than 85%, 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised state, the ankle collars 336 and 436 can rise from the lowered state to the raised state in less than approximately 0.2 seconds. This rebound time was measured without any counteracting external force, such as friction that might be exerted by the wearer's heel.

[0060] Footwear products 310 and 410 can be constructed in various ways, and references are available. Figure 5A and Figure 6A Illustrations are provided showing partially disassembled footwear items 510 and 610 (respectively). For example, in Figure 5A In the design, the upper 514, collar lifter 550, base 558, sole insert 519, and sole 512 are depicted as being in a separate state; and... Figure 6AIn this illustration, the upper 614, collar lifter 650, base 658, and sole 612 are depicted as being in a separate state. Footwear articles 510 and 610 are similar to footwear article 310 because, when footwear article 510 is constructed, bases 558 and 658 are positioned below the foot receiving cavity. That is, bases 558 and 658 are positioned between soles 512 and 612 and foot receiving cavities 516 and 616, such that when footwear articles 510 and 610 are in a wearing state, bases 558 and 658 are positioned below the foot. Although footwear articles 510 and 610 are similar in that the bases 558 and 658 are positioned between the sole and the foot receiving cavity (e.g., below the foot), they also include various differences from each other and contribute to illustrating variations that may be included in footwear article 310.

[0061] Footwear article 510 includes an upper 514 having a heel region 524 and an ankle region 526. Additionally, footwear article 510 includes an ankle collar 536 movable between a lowered position positioned closer to the sole and an raised position positioned further away from the sole. The upper also includes an outer material layer 513 and an inner material layer 515. The inner material layer 515 is closer to the foot receiving cavity 516, and the outer material layer 513 is further away from the foot receiving cavity 516.

[0062] Footwear article 510 also includes a collar lifter 550, at least a portion of which is positioned between the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515 when the footwear article is constructed. The dashed line 551 serves only as a general guide for roughly positioning the collar lifter 550. The inner material layer 515 is illustrated as lining the heel region 524 at least from its rearwardly extending front edge 515A. Figures 7A to 7C Based on along Figure 5A The cross-sectional view taken by reference line 7-7 depicts the alternative variations of the outer material layer 713A-C and the inner material layer 715A-C. For example, Figure 7A The illustration shows one aspect where the inner material layer 715A extends from the edge of the ankle collar to near the strobel seam. Figure 7BIn other aspects shown, the inner material layer 715B may include a smaller panel of material that lining only a portion of the heel region 524. For example, the inner material layer 715B may extend only along the area aligned with the collar lifter 550, and in this respect, the inner material layer 715B may (together with the outer material layer 713B) form part of the housing, textile sheath, or channel for the lever arms 552 and 554. Alternatively, the outer material layer may include a smaller panel (relative to the inner material layer) that covers only a portion of the inner material layer and extends along the area aligned with the collar lifter 550 to form the outer wall of the housing, textile sheath, or channel for the lever arms 552 and 554. Figure 7C On the other hand, as shown, the outer material layer 713C and the inner material layer 715C can be knitted together integrally to form a lever arm channel.

[0063] Furthermore, the footwear article 510 includes a base 558, which, for illustrative purposes, is depicted as separate from the collar lifter 550. In one aspect, the collar lifter 550 may initially be formed separately from the base 558 and then attached to the base 558, for example, at the lever arm ends 553 and 555, using anchors. In another aspect, the base 558 and the collar lifter 550 may be integrally formed together, for example, by a co-molding process (e.g., the base 558 is continuous with the lever arm).

[0064] The collar lifter 550 can be coupled between the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515 in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the inner material layer 515 includes a bottom edge 517 that is separated from the outer material layer 513 at at least some locations. Thus, the collar lifter 550 can be positioned by separating the bottom edge 517 from the outer material layer 513 and inserting the collar lifter 550 into the space between the inner material layer 515 and the outer material layer 513. A base 558 can be attached to the collar lifter 550 before inserting it between layers 513 and 515, or the base 558 can be attached in a subsequent process, such as before or during the lasting process. In other aspects of this disclosure, other portions of the inner material layer 515 can be separated from the outer material layer 513 to allow the collar lifter 550 to be positioned between the inner material layer 515 and the outer material layer 513. After the collar lifter 550 is placed, at least some of these separated parts can then be attached to the outer material layer 513, for example, by stitching or adhesive.

[0065] After the collar lifter 550 has been positioned between the inner material layer 513 and the outer material layer 515, the collar lifter 550 can be attached to the upper 514 in various ways. While adhesives or bonding agents are an option, they also have some drawbacks. For example, if the collar lifter 550 floats freely between layers 513 and 515 before attachment, the bonding process may be less precise and result in inconsistent positioning from one footwear product to the next. Furthermore, these agents can increase the rigidity of the upper material or affect material properties (such as breathability, wicking, etc.). Additionally, these agents may delaminate over time.

[0066] In one aspect, the collar lifter of the footwear 510 is attached to the upper 514 via a mechanical connector near the central connecting portion 556, and as... Figure 5A As shown, in Figure 5B Alternative collar lifters 550A-F are depicted. In one aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 may include any collar lifter 550 and 550A-F, or a combination of features described herein. It should be noted that in the description of the various collar lifters 550A-F, the connector is described as being attached near the central connection portion, and in other aspects of this disclosure, Figure 5B The connector described herein can be positioned at various locations along the lever arm between the central connecting portion and the base.

[0067] In one aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter having a collar lifter positioned in a central connecting portion and extending from the front surface (e.g., Figure 5A An opening (561) extends completely through the thickness of the central connecting portion to the rear surface (e.g., 563). Additionally, footwear article 510 includes a fastener that extends through the opening and connects to an inner material layer 515, an outer material layer 513, or both an outer material layer 513 and an inner material layer 515. For example, the fastener may extend through a corresponding opening in each of the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515. An example of a collar lifter having an opening for engaging the fastener is shown in... Figure 5B The collar lifters are depicted as collar lifters 550A-C, and each of these collar lifters 550A-C will be described individually in more detail below. Typically, each of the fasteners depicted with the collar lifters 550A-C includes some form of elongated member (e.g., thread, stud, flap, etc.) having a length greater than the thickness of at least one of the material layers 513 and / or 515, which facilitates the ability of the elongated member to transfer from one side of the material layer to the other when operating with a tightening capability.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 5BThe document depicts each of the collar lifters 550A-F along with a corresponding cross-sectional view, which schematically illustrates the different connection structures between the collar lifter and the upper 514, including the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515. For example, each cross-sectional view may be taken along a longitudinal centerline reference plane at the cuff edge of the rear portion of the ankle collar 536 and depicts the central connection portion of each collar lifter. Alternatively, as described in other parts of this disclosure, Figure 5B The connector depicted in the diagram can connect the lever arm to the shoe upper, and thus, the cross-sectional view can similarly represent the construction of the lever arm connected to the outer material layer, the inner material layer, or both the outer and inner material layers.

[0069] In one aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550A having a seam area 560A with a thread receiving opening 562A. The seam area 560A includes a region in which one or more threads 564A are applied to a central connecting portion 556A to attach the central connecting portion 556A to the upper. Furthermore, the seam area 560A may include a thin wall 566A, which is more easily penetrated by a needle when the thread 564A is applied (compared to a thicker wall). Figure 5B As shown, the thin wall may include a recess in the front surface 561A of the central connecting portion 556A, a recess in the rear surface 563A of the central connecting portion 556A, or a recess in both the front surface 561A and the rear surface 563A. Alternatively, the suture region 560A may not include a thin wall and may include a wall thickness consistent with the surrounding portion of the central connecting portion. Figure 5B In the illustration, suture 564A is shown extending through the outer material layer 513, the suture area 560A, and the inner material layer 515, and this form is... Figure 5B The form is designated as "A". In other aspects of this disclosure, the suture may extend only through the inner material layer 515 and the suture area 560A (see [reference]). Figure 5B Example form "B" in the text) or only extends through the outer material layer 513 and the suture area 560A (see example form "B" in the text) Figure 5B (Example form "C" in the text). The thread-receiving opening 562A may include a pre-formed opening constructed into the seam area 560A before the collar lifter 550A is inserted between the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515. Alternatively, the thread-receiving opening 562A may be formed by a needle passing through the seam area 560A when the stitch 564A is applied. As described above, although the seam area 560A is illustrated along the central connecting portion of the collar lifter, in other respects, the lever arm may include a seam area through which the stitch is positioned to attach the lever arm to the upper.

[0070] On the other hand, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550B, which includes a connector receiving opening 562B that extends completely through the thickness of the central connecting portion 556B from the front surface 561B to the rear surface 563B and is configured to receive a connector. For example, the connector can be a discrete two-part connector having a first and second part snapped together, or otherwise securely fastened to each other. In one aspect, the two-part connector is a male-female connector with a post on one part having a head that securely engages in a recess in the second part. The two parts can be securely fastened to each other in various ways, such as by friction engagement (e.g., deformable barbs), snap engagement (e.g., bolts and sockets), threaded engagement, adhesive, heat treatment, and any and all combinations thereof. Figure 5B The image depicts an example two-part connector comprising a two-part snap-fit ​​rivet having a first part 564B and a second part 566B. Alternatively, the connector could be a one-piece connector having a base at one end with a shaft inserted through a receiving opening 562B and formed as a cap, such as a blind-hole rivet. Figure 5B In the illustration, a two-part connector is shown extending through an outer material layer 513, a connector receiving opening 562B, and an inner material layer 515, and this form is designated as form "D". In other aspects of this disclosure, the connector may extend only through the inner material layer 515 and the connector receiving opening 562B (see [reference]). Figure 5B Example form “E” in the diagram) or simply extends through the outer material layer 513 and the connector receiving opening 562B (see example form “E”). Figure 5B (Example form "F" in the text). For the purposes of this disclosure, the two-part connector of the collar lifter 550B can be described as "discrete," which is intended to convey that the first part of the connector is not integrally formed with the central connecting portion. "Discrete" can also mean that the first part of the two-part connector is not fixedly attached to the surface of the central connecting portion in a manner intended to prevent removal without affecting the integrity of the central connecting strip or the first part. These discrete connectors are the opposite of those described below with respect to 550D-F, in which a portion of the connector is pre-engaged to the surface of the collar lifter, for example, by being integrally formed with or fixedly attached to the surface of the collar lifter. That is, in 550D-F, the first part of the connector is pre-engaged to the collar lifter before being connected to the second part of the two-part connector. As described above, although the connector receiving opening 562B is illustrated along the central connecting portion of the collar lifter, in other respects, the lever arm may include the connector receiving opening through which the connector is positioned for attaching the lever arm to the upper.

[0071] In another aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550C, which includes a winglet receiving opening 562C extending completely through the thickness of the central connecting portion 556C from the front surface 561C to the rear surface 563C, and is configured to receive a strip of textile material forming the winglet and be attached to the upper. For example, the winglet may be a strip of textile material attached to the upper at a first portion, extending through the winglet receiving opening 562C, and including a retaining element that prevents the strip from being pulled out of or sliding through the winglet receiving opening. In one example, the winglet may extend through the winglet receiving opening and be attached to another portion of the upper at an opposite second portion. Figure 5B The illustration depicts an example winglet 564C, which includes a strip of material extending from the front side of the central connecting portion 556 through a winglet receiving opening 562C and being connected back to the upper. For example, after passing through the winglet receiving opening 562C, the winglet can be stitched, welded, studded, buttoned, snapped, riveted, or otherwise attached to the upper using a connector. In another example, the distal end of the winglet may be connected to a fastening element (e.g., a pin) that is larger than the winglet receiving opening 562C in at least one dimension and prevents the material strip from detaching from the winglet receiving opening 562C. Figure 5B A winglet is depicted extending from the front side of the central connecting portion and connecting to a surface of the upper opposite to the foot-receiving cavity, and this form is designated as "G". In other aspects, the winglet may extend from the rear side of the central connecting portion and connect back to the upper on a surface facing the foot-receiving cavity (see [link to previous section]). Figure 5B (Example form "H" in the text). As described above, although the winglet receiving opening 562C is illustrated along the central connecting portion of the collar lifter, in other respects, the lever arm may include a winglet receiving opening through which a winglet or strip of material extending from the upper is positioned to attach the lever arm to the upper.

[0072] In another aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter having a front surface (e.g., Figure 5A The first part of a two-part connector (e.g., a male-female connector) extending from (or residing in) either a surface 561, a rear surface (e.g., surface 563), or both a front and rear surface. An example of a collar lifter having the first part of a two-part connector is shown in... Figure 5BThese are described as collar lifters 550D-F, and each of these collar lifters 550D-F will be described in more detail below. As briefly explained above, in the collar lifter 550D-F, the first part of the connector is pre-engaged to the collar lifter before being connected to the second part of the two-part connector.

[0073] The collar lifter 550D-F is generally described, in which a first portion of a two-part connector is attached to a second portion of the same connector to attach the central connection portion to the inner and / or outer material layers. For example, the first portion, the second portion, or both may extend through openings in the outer and / or inner material layers to connect and form the two-part connector and attach the central connection portion to the upper. This aspect is similar to some of the fasteners described with respect to collar lifters 550A-C, where the first portion has a length greater than the thickness of at least one of material layers 513 and / or 515, which facilitates the ability of the first portion to transfer from one side of the material layer to the other when operating with a tightening capability. Alternatively, a portion of the connector may be attached to the central connection portion, and another portion of the connector may be attached to a surface of the upper facing the central connection portion, such that the connector does not extend through openings in the upper. The first portion of the two-part connector may be attached to the second portion of the two-part connector in various ways. For example, the first and second parts can rub against each other, snap together, be threaded onto each other, clamp together, or any and all combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first part of the two-part connector can be integrally formed with the central connecting part, or it can be a separate connector part fixedly attached to the central connecting part, for example, by adhesive, welding, sewing, thermosetting, etc. Additionally, in the aspect where the second part of the two-part connector is attached to the surface of the shoe upper facing the central connecting part, the second part can be attached to that surface by various couplings, including adhesive, welding, sewing, thermosetting, etc.

[0074] In one aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550D. Figure 5BThis includes a first portion 564D of a two-part connector attached to the front surface 561D of the central connecting portion 556D. As described above, the first portion 564D may be integrally formed into the front surface 561D, or alternatively, it may be a discrete connector portion pre-joined to the front surface 561D by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, etc.). The first portion 564D is connected to the second portion 566D of the two-part connector, for example, by friction engagement, snap-fitting together, threaded attachment to each other, clamping together, or any and all combinations thereof. For example, the first portion 564D may extend through an opening in the inner material layer 515 and connect to the second portion 566D on the side of the inner material layer 515 opposite to the central connecting portion 556D and toward the foot receiving cavity 516, and this form in Figure 5B The middle part is identified by the reference letter "I". Alternatively, the second part 566D can be attached to the surface 515J of the center-facing connecting portion 556D of the inner material layer 515, and this aspect is... Figure 5B The first part 564D of the two-part connector is indicated by the reference letter "J". As described above, although the first part 564D of the two-part connector is illustrated along the central connecting portion of the collar lifter, in other respects, the front side of the lever arm may include the first part 564D of the two-part connector attached to the second part in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.

[0075] In another aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550E comprising a first portion 564E of a two-part connector, the first portion 564E being attached to the rear surface 563E of a central connecting portion 556E. As described above, the first portion 564E may be integrally formed into the rear surface 563E, or in another aspect, it may be a discrete connector portion pre-joined by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, etc.). The first portion 564E is connected to the second portion 566E of the two-part connector, for example, by friction engagement, snap-fitting together, threaded attachment to each other, clamping together, or any and all combinations thereof. For example, the first portion 564E may extend through an opening in an outer material layer 513 and connect to the second portion 566E on a side of the outer material layer 513 opposite to the central connecting portion 556E and opposite to the foot receiving cavity 516, and this form in Figure 5B The middle part is identified by the reference letter "K". Alternatively, the second part 566E can be attached to the surface 513L of the center-facing connecting portion 556E of the outer material layer 513, and this aspect is... Figure 5BThe first part 564E of the two-part connector is indicated by the reference letter "L". As described above, although the first part 564E of the two-part connector is illustrated along the central connection portion of the collar lifter, in other respects, the rear side of the lever arm may include the first part 564E of the two-part connector attached to the second part in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.

[0076] In another aspect of this disclosure, footwear article 510 includes a collar lifter 550F, which includes portions of a first two-part connector and a second two-part connector. The first two-part connector includes a first portion 564F attached to a rear surface 563F of a central connecting portion 556F, and the second two-part connector includes a first portion 568F attached to a front surface 561F of the central connecting portion 556F. As described above, the first portions 564F and 568F may be integrally formed into the rear surface 563F and the front surface 561F, or, in another aspect, the first portions 564F and 568F may be discrete connector portions pre-joined by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., adhesive, welding, sewing, thermosetting, etc.). The first part 564F connects to the second part 566F of the two-part connector, and the first part 568F connects to the second part 570F of the two-part connector (e.g., the first parts can be connected to the corresponding second parts by friction engagement, snap-fitting together, threaded attachment to each other, clamping together, or any and all combinations thereof). For example, the first parts 564F and 568F can extend through corresponding openings in the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515, and connect to the second parts 566F and 570F on the side of the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515 opposite to the central connecting portion 556F, and this form in Figure 5B The middle part is identified by the reference letter "M". Alternatively, the second parts 566F and 570F can be attached to the surface of the center-facing connecting portion 556F of the outer material layer 513 and the inner material layer 515, and this aspect is... Figure 5B It is identified by the reference letter "N". Although Figure 5BNot explicitly shown, but other aspects may include combinations of forms “M” and “N”. For example, a first portion 564F may extend through an opening in the outer material layer 513 to connect to a second portion 566F, and another first portion 568F may connect to a second portion 570F on the surface of the center-facing connecting portion 556F of the inner material layer 515. Alternatively, a first portion 568F may extend through an opening in the inner material layer 515 to connect to a second portion 570F, and another first portion 564F may connect to a second portion 566F on the surface of the center-facing connecting portion 556F of the outer material layer 513. As described above, although the first portions 564F and 568F are illustrated along the center connecting portion of the collar lifter, in other aspects, the front and rear sides of the lever arm may include first portions to attach the lever arm to the upper.

[0077] Some alternative collar lifters that connect to the shoe upper have already been described; now return to the reference. Figure 5A To describe additional aspects of this disclosure. As previously described, collar lifters 550 or 550A-F are inserted between outer material layer 513 and inner material layer 515. In this case, collar lifters 550 or 550A-F can be attached to the upper using one or more of the connectors described in the previous sections of this disclosure. Additionally, as previously described, base 558 may already be attached to collar lifters 550 or 550A-F (e.g., when base 558 is integrally formed with a lever arm), or in some aspects, base 558 may be attached to collar lifters 550 or 550A-F after they are attached to the upper. In another aspect, base 558 is attached to a sole insert 519, which includes cardboard, cardboard, fiberboard, etc. For example, the sole insert 519 may be bonded or adhered to the bottom surface 557 of the base 558 (i.e., the surface facing away from the foot-receiving cavity 516 and towards the sole 512). In one aspect, the connection with the sole insert 519 prevents the base from lifting when the heel collar moves from an elevated state to a lowered state.

[0078] On the other hand, the upper 514 includes a skirt 508 positioned at the lower peripheral edge of the upper 514. The skirt 508 may be a continuous portion of an outer material layer 513 including an extended length of the skirt 508. Alternatively, the skirt 508 may be a strip of discrete material (e.g., a low-stretch, nonwoven material) attached around the lower peripheral edge of the outer material layer 513. On the other hand, when the upper 514 is stretched so that the collar lifter 550 or 550A-F is positioned between layers 513 and 515 and the base 558 and sole insert 519 are in place, the skirt 508 is pulled down and attached to the bottom surface 521 of the sole insert 519. Thus, in some aspects, the sole insert 519 may also be referred to as a stretcher. The attachment of the skirt 508 to the bottom surface 521 of the sole insert 519 helps to form the shape of the upper 514 surrounding the last, and the attachment of the skirt 508 to the bottom surface 521 in the heel portion helps to load the collar lifter in a pre-tensioned state. Once the skirt 508 is bonded to the bottom surface 521 of the sole insert 519, the sole 512 can be attached to the skirt 508 and the sole insert 519, which can be done while the upper is still on the last.

[0079] Figure 5A and Figure 5B One aspect is depicted in which one or more structures, such as skirt 508 and sole insert 519, are positioned between base 558 and sole 512. Alternatively, the base may be... Figure 5A The depiction is positioned differently. For example, the base can be positioned below the base fabric, now referencing... Figure 6A To describe other aspects of this disclosure. Figure 6A An illustration depicts a partially disassembled footwear article 610. Specifically, the upper 614 is connected to the sole fabric 608, which is separate from the collar lifter 650, and the base 658, which is separate from the sole 612 (shown in dashed lines to enhance the visibility of the lever arm). Footwear article 610 differs from footwear article 510 in that, when constructing footwear article 610, the base 658 is positioned below the sole fabric 608. That is, when constructing footwear article 610, the base 658 is positioned between the sole fabric 608 and the sole 612. For example, a brief reference is given. Figure 6B The diagram presents a cross-sectional view showing the relative positions of the base fabric 608 and the base 658 once the footwear 610 is in the connected state.

[0080] The upper 614 also includes an interlocking line 623 that indicates the approximate location of the cuff edge 609 of the sole 612 when it is attached to the upper 614. Additionally, the upper 614 includes a sole fabric 608 attached to one or more layers of material, and reference numeral 625 identifies lines along which the sole fabric seams or other connectors may be positioned. The sole fabric 608 is depicted as a continuous panel that completely encloses the bottom portion of the upper 614. In other respects, the sole fabric 608 may not be continuous and / or may not enclose the entire bottom portion, for example, it may be a split sole fabric or a half-sole fabric.

[0081] Furthermore, the upper 614 includes an opening 627 that extends completely through a first material layer 613 (i.e., completely from a first surface opposite to the foot-receiving cavity to a second surface facing the foot-receiving cavity), and the opening 627 provides an opening for a lever arm region 651 located between the first material layer 613 and a more inner second material layer 615. In other words, the first material layer 613 may have a thickness between the outer and inner surfaces, with an outer surface opposite to the foot-receiving cavity and / or facing the sole and an inner surface facing the foot-receiving opening. In this case, the opening 627 extends through the material layer from the outer surface to the inner surface. The opening may include various structures. For example, the opening may include a slit formed along the edge of the first material layer or a hole formed through the first material layer (e.g., punching, perforation, piercing, etc.). In other cases, the opening may include an integrally formed hole constructed during the formation of the first material layer by yarn or fiber operations (e.g., knitting, weaving, braiding, etc.). The opening can have various dimensions, measured along at least a portion of the opening's peripheral edge (e.g., length, width, perimeter, area, etc.), and in some cases, the dimensions include their relationship to the collar lifter. For example, the opening may include a dimension at least as large as a portion of the lever arm to allow the lever arm to be positioned within the opening.

[0082] Although Figure 6A It cannot be seen in the middle, but in Figure 6B In this footwear article 610, another opening 631 is provided on the opposite side of the upper, providing access to another lever arm region 653. Typically, if the base 658 is positioned below the sole 608 (i.e., between the sole 608 and the sole 612), a lever arm 652, connected to the base 658 at a joint 659, can extend from the joint 659 through the opening 627 and into the lever arm region 651. Furthermore, Figure 6B The cross-sectional view depicts a lever arm 652 that extends from the junction 659 with the base 658 through the opening 627 and into the lever arm region 651. Figure 6BA lever arm 654 is also depicted extending from the base 658 through the opening 631 and into the lever arm region 653. As described in other aspects of this disclosure, the connection between the lever arms 652 and 654 and the base 658 at their respective engagements (e.g., 659) may include anchors, such as friction-fit couplings, or the lever arms 652 and 654 may be integrally formed with the base 658.

[0083] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Examples of some elements of this disclosure are depicted, and various alternative aspects exist. For example, the first material layer 613 and the second material layer 615 may include various configurations. Generally, the first material layer 613 is the outer material layer relative to each other, and the second material layer 615 is the inner material layer, and Figures 7A to 7C Depicting along Figure 6A The alternative construction is taken from reference line 7-7 in the diagram.

[0084] In one aspect, the inner material layer 615 may be a lining that extends across most of the heel and ankle area of ​​the upper and connects to the outer material layer 613 at various locations. For example, as... Figure 7A As shown in the cross-sectional view, the inner material layer 715A extends from near the edge of the ankle collar to near the base fabric seam 725A, and the inner material layer 713A and the outer material layer 715A are not directly connected to each other in the lever arm region 751A.

[0085] exist Figure 7B On the other hand, the inner material layer 715B can be a liner that extends only along a selected portion of the inner surface of the outer material layer 713B (e.g., along the lever arm region 751B) to form a housing for the lever arm. For example, as shown... Figure 7B As shown in the cross-sectional view, the inner material layer 715B is included at the upper edge below the ankle collar, and the inner material layer 713B and the outer material layer 715B are not directly connected to each other along the lever arm region 751B. Alternatively, the outer material layer may include a smaller panel (relative to the inner material layer) that covers only a portion of the inner material layer and extends along the area aligned with the collar lifter to form the outer wall of the housing, textile sheath, or channel for the lever arms 552 and 554.

[0086] On the other hand, the inner and outer material layers may include woven lever arm channels, such as... Figure 7C As shown. For example, the outer material layer 713C and the inner material layer 715C may each include a knitted layer that is integrally formed with each other and separated along the lever arm region 751C.

[0087] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6BIn this embodiment, footwear article 610 includes openings 627 and 631 positioned below the interlocking line. Thus, the portion of the lever arm between its engagement with the base and the opening remains concealed behind the sidewall of the sole 612. In another embodiment, openings 627 and 631 may be positioned above the cuff edge of the sole 612, such that at least a portion of the lever arm can be exposed before entering the lever arm region between material layers. For example, see reference... Figure 8 The illustration shows an alternative aspect, including footwear 610B, which has openings 627B and 631B positioned above the cuff edge 609B of the sole 612B. Thus, lever arms 652B and 654B are exposed on the outer surface before entering the spaces 651B and 653B between the first material layer 613D and the second material layer 615D.

[0088] Return to reference Figure 6A and Figure 6B Once lever arms 652 and 654 are inserted into the corresponding openings 627 and 631, they can be attached to the upper 614 in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the outer material layer 613 and the inner material layer 615 can be attached together, for example, by stitching, adhesive, welding, etc., to create lever arm channels having dimensions, shapes, and volumes configured to mate with the lever arms. Figure 6A In this configuration, lever arms 652 and 654 generally taper from their junction with the base 658 to the distal end, and similarly, each lever arm channel can taper from its opening (e.g., 627 and 631) to its distal end. In one respect, the engagement between the lever arms and lever arm channels is sufficient to transfer force between the collar lifter and the upper when the ankle collar moves between an elevated and a lowered state.

[0089] In other respects, lever arms 652 and 654 can be configured via... Figure 5B One or more connectors are described and attached to the shoe upper. Specifically, each lever arm 652 and 654 may include an opening through which a connector extends, the connector comprising a stitch, a discrete two-part connector, or a textile flap. Alternatively, each lever arm 652 and 654 may include a first portion of a pre-engaged two-part connector, which is attached to a second portion of the two-part connector on the outer or inner surface of the outer and / or inner material layers.

[0090] Figure 6A One aspect is depicted in which footwear 610 includes two lever arms 652 and 654, each of which terminates before extending posteriorly around an ankle region 626. (Reference) Figure 9AIn an alternative embodiment, footwear article 610 includes a collar lifter 950 having a first lever arm 952 and a second lever arm 954, each lever arm 952 and 954 extending around at least a portion of the rear portion of the ankle region (i.e., at least extending to a longitudinal midline reference plane). Thus, the lever arms 952 and 954 at least partially overlap each other. Figure 9A In this design, lever arms 952 and 954 are depicted as having a curved construction because they may appear when the collar is in an elevated position, but the lever arms may be straight before insertion into openings 627 and 631 to allow for smoother insertion. In this case, the flexibility of lever arms 952 and 954 allows them to be guided through lever arm channels communicating with openings 627 and 631. Figure 9A In the illustrated configuration, the collar lifter 950 can be attached to the upper 610 via any of the connectors described above, including form-fit channels, stitching, discrete two-part connectors, connectors having a portion pre-engaged to the collar lifter, and any and all combinations thereof. The first lever arm 952 and the second lever arm 954 can be integrally formed with the base 958, or can be formed as discrete elements attached to the base 958 using one or more anchors.

[0091] exist Figure 6A and Figure 9A In the middle, the collar lifter includes a first lever arm and a second lever arm. See now. Figures 9B to 9D An alternative aspect is described, in which the collar lifter of footwear article 610 may include a single lever arm 952B-D. For example, with the single lever arm 952B-D attached to the base 958B-D, depending on the length of the lever arm, the single lever arm may be positioned in the opening 627 or the opening 631 and extend to various locations in the heel and / or ankle region. The lever arm 952B includes a length configured to be arranged only on the inside or only on the outside of footwear article 610. For example, if the opening 627 is on the inside, the lever arm 952B extends from the base 958B through the opening 627 and reaches a terminal end point that is inside the longitudinal centerline reference plane. Alternatively, if the opening 627 is on the outside, the lever arm 952B extends from the base 958B through the opening 627 and reaches a terminal end point that is outside the longitudinal centerline reference plane.

[0092] refer to Figure 9CLever arm 952C is longer than lever arm 952B, and if opening 627 is on the inside, lever arm 952C extends from base 958C through opening 627 and reaches an end point on the outside relative to the longitudinal centerline reference plane. Alternatively, if opening 627 is on the outside, lever arm 952C extends from base 958C through opening 627 and reaches an end point on the inside relative to the longitudinal centerline reference plane. (Reference) Figure 9D Lever arm 952D is longer than lever arm 952C, and if opening 627 is on the inner side, lever arm 952D extends from base 958D, through opening 627, around the rear of the ankle region, and possibly through opening 631 on the opposite outer side of the upper. Alternatively, if opening 627 is on the outer side, lever arm 952D extends from base 958C, through opening 627, around the rear of the ankle region, and possibly through opening 631 on the opposite inner side of the upper.

[0093] Once the lever arm 952B-D is positioned within the upper, it can be attached to the upper 614 in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the outer and inner material layers can be attached together, for example, by stitching, adhesives, welding, etc., to create a lever arm channel having dimensions, shape, and volume configured to mate with the lever arm. Figures 9B to 9D In the 952B-D model, the lever arm generally tapers from its junction with the base to the distal end, and similarly, each lever arm channel can taper from the opening to the distal end. In one respect, the engagement between the lever arm and the lever arm channel is sufficient to transfer force between the collar lifter and the upper when the ankle collar moves between an elevated and a lowered state.

[0094] In other respects, lever arm 952B-D can be used via... Figure 5B One or more connectors are described and attached to the shoe upper. Specifically, each lever arm 952B-D may include an opening through which a connector extends, including stitching, a separate two-part connector, or a textile flap. Alternatively, each lever arm 952B-D may include a first portion of a pre-engaged two-part connector, which is attached to a second portion of the two-part connector on the outer or inner surface of the outer and / or inner material layers.

[0095] In another aspect of this disclosure, the collar lifters 550 and 550A-F can be inserted into the upper 610 in such a way that they are positioned in the openings 627 and 631 as lever arms. Thus, in these aspects, the base 558 will be positioned below the sole fabric 608.

[0096] The various collar lifters having a base located beneath the sole fabric have been described above, encompassing several different aspects of this disclosure. This structure and construction can offer various advantages in certain situations. For example, positioning the base beneath the sole fabric reduces the need for a sole insert and allows for a construction suitable for the sole fabric support. In some cases, the sole insert can provide undesirable rigidity under the foot, and in such cases, the sole fabric is typically a less rigid solution. Additionally, in some cases, from a manufacturing point of view, a sole fabric support is more efficient than a plate support because a plate support involves pulling down the skirt and attaching it to the bottom surface of the sole insert. Furthermore, by omitting the sole insert, the base can be positioned directly on the top of the sole, such as on the midsole, which provides the base with the opportunity to attach to or anchor within the sole.

[0097] Now for reference Figures 10A to 10C The text describes various soles 1012A-C that can be included in footwear article 610 and can be combined with any of the previously described collar lifters 550, 550A-F, 650, 950, and 950B-D. For example, Figure 10A A sole 1012A with an upper surface 1006A is depicted, which, when included in a footwear article 610, faces the base and the foot to accommodate a cavity 618. Figure 10A The dashed lines in the diagram represent the base attachment area, illustrating the approximate location where the base can be attached to the upper surface 1006A. As indicated in other parts of this disclosure, the upper surface 1006A can be attached to the base before or after it is attached to the collar lifter and attached to the upper. The upper surface 1006A includes a base target region 1004A surrounding the base attachment area and a peripheral region 1003A surrounding the base target region 1004A. In one aspect of this disclosure, the upper surface 1006A smoothly transitions from the base target region 1004A to the peripheral region 1003A. In other words, a portion of the base target region 1004A and a portion of the peripheral region 1003A that are directly adjacent to each other extend in substantially the same plane. Furthermore, the base target region 1004A is neither recessed nor convex relative to the peripheral region 1003A. The dimensions and shape of the base and the target area 1004A are merely one example, and in other respects, the dimensions and shape can be customized to fit the shape of the sole 1012A. For example, the dimensions of the base can be customized to substantially fill the width of the surface 1006A and the depth toward the heel, and filling these portions of the upper can prevent hot spots or irritation points in the insole. Furthermore, the thickness of the base can gradually taper as the base extends toward its front edge to smoothly transition to the surface 1006A.

[0098] refer to Figure 10BThe illustration shows another sole 1012B, which includes a base mating recess 1004B in an upper surface 1006B. The base mating recess 1004B includes a depth extending from the bottom surface 1011B of the recess to a peripheral region 1003B. In one aspect of this disclosure, the depth of the base mating recess 1004B is substantially similar to the thickness of the base, measured from the bottom surface of the base facing the sole to the top surface of the base facing the foot-receiving cavity, and... Figure 6A An example of a base thickness of 690 is depicted. Thus, when the base is attached to the base mating recess 1004B, the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the peripheral region 1003B of the surface 1006B. For example, the base can be glued, adhered, welded, thermoset, or co-molded into the base mating recess 1004B. Similar base thickness and recess depth can reduce the presence of potential irritation points in the insole. Furthermore, the size and shape of the base are more customizable because it does not require filling the sides and back of the upper. Additionally, the walls of the base mating recess 1004B can help maintain the position of the base by preventing rotation of the base relative to the sole 1012B. More specifically, in one aspect, the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base forms a 2D shape substantially similar to the 2D shape formed by the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 1011B of the base mating recess. For example, in… Figure 10B In this disclosure, the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 1011B of the base mating recess 1004B comprises a rectangular 2D shape, and the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of any other collar lifter described herein may comprise a substantially similar rectangular 2D shape. In this sense, the peripheral edges of the bottom surface and the peripheral edges of the base bottom surface can engage in a key-type relationship to help reduce or prevent rotation of the base when nested in the base mating recess. Furthermore, a consistent base size and shape can be used for soles of different shapes, provided that the corresponding base mating recess 1004B is included in a variety of different soles.

[0099] Now for reference Figure 10C and Figure 10D On the other hand, footwear article 610 includes a sole 1012C. Sole 1012C is similar to sole 1012B because it also includes a base mating recess 1004C. The base mating recess 1004C may also have a bottom surface with a peripheral edge forming a 2D shape substantially similar to the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base. However, sole 1012C also includes a base retaining wing 1002C, which engages on top of the base once it has been positioned in the base mating recess 1004C. The base retaining wing 1002C may include various elements. For example, in one aspect, the base retaining wing 1002C includes a thickness 1001C (see example...). Figure 10DWhen compared with the thickness of the base (e.g.) Figure 6A When the thickness 690) is combined, the thickness 1001C is substantially similar to the depth 1005C of the base mating recess 1004C. Additionally, the flap 1002C includes an inner-to-outer width 1001C' shorter than the inner-to-outer width 1005C' of the base mating recess 1004C. This creates a gap 1007C between the inner and outer sides of the flap 1002C and the inner and outer sides of the base mating recess 1004C. This gap provides a mating feature that allows the lever arm to extend unobstructed out of the base mating recess 1004C when the base is attached to it. Furthermore, this gap allows the flap 1002C to mate flush against the top surface of the base without potential interference from the lever arm.

[0100] The winglet 1002C can operate in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the winglet 1002C provides additional securing elements to hold the base within the base mating recess 1004C. Additionally, the winglet 1002C can provide a certain amount of cushioning above the base, which can sometimes be a more rigid material. Furthermore, the winglet 1002C can be operated to hold the front edge of the base downwards when the ankle collar is pushed into a lowered state, which in turn generates tension in the collar lifter. In this sense, the winglet 1002C can have multiple lengths operable to help hold the front edge of the base downwards. Figure 10C In the design, the winglet 1002C includes a length 1009C measured from the front joint between the winglet and the rest of the sole to the rear free edge of the winglet 1002C. Additionally, the base includes a base length extending from the front edge of the base to the rear edge of the base (e.g., Figure 6A The base length (692) can be substantially similar to the length of the base mating recess 1004C, as described above. In one aspect, the wing length is equal to or less than the base length. In another aspect, the wing length is equal to or less than 75% of the base length. In yet another aspect, the wing length is equal to or less than 50% of the base length. Additionally, the wing length can be equal to or less than 25% of the base length. Furthermore, the wing length can be equal to or less than 10% of the base length and is still operable to prevent the front edge of the base from lifting when the ankle collar moves to the lowered state. As explained with respect to the sole 1012B, the base can be attached to the base mating recess 1004C in various ways. For example, the base can be glued, adhered, welded, thermosetting, co-molded, or any combination thereof to the base mating recess 1004C, or the sole 1012C can be overmolded around the base, wherein the lever arm extends through the gap.

[0101] Now for reference Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe illustration shows another aspect that may be included in one or both footwear articles 510 and 610. Figure 11A and Figure 11B The image depicts a portion of footwear article 1110, which includes a sole 1112 and an upper 1114 connected to the sole 1112 and including an ankle collar 1136, the ankle collar 1136 being positioned in a lowered state closer to the sole 1112 (i.e., Figure 11B ) and positioned in an elevated state further away from the sole (i.e., Figure 11A The footwear article 1110 also includes a collar lifter 1150 operable to return the ankle collar 1136 from a lowered state to an elevated state. The collar lifter 1150 includes a base 1158 that can be stacked on top of the sole fabric or sole insert (e.g., ...). Figure 5A (in the middle), or layered under the base fabric (such as...) Figure 6A (in Chinese). Additionally, the collar lifter may include any one of the collar lifters 550, 550A-F, 650, 950, or 950B-D.

[0102] On the other hand, the collar lifter 1150 includes a lever arm 1152 that bends backward, downward, or both backward and downward when the ankle collar 1136 moves from an elevated state to a lowered state. Various properties can contribute to the way the lever arm 1152 bends, such as the cross-section of the lever arm, the size of the lever arm, the shape of the lever arm, and recesses or notches in the lever arm. In some cases, the downward force that moves the ankle collar 1136 to the lowered state can be distributed fairly evenly along the length of the lever arm, and thus, the lever arm can adjust backward and / or downward in a relatively linear and consistent manner. In other words, the portion of the collar lifter 1150 furthest from the base 1158 at 1180 can be adjusted, moved, or bent a maximum distance; the portion of the collar lifter closest to the base 1158 can be adjusted, moved, or bent a minimum distance; and the distance that the multiple portions of the collar lifter 1150 move between the base 1158 and the distal end 1180 increases gradually and consistently in a linear manner from the base to the distal end 1180.

[0103] Alternatively, lever arm 1152 may include one or more deflection points that separate an upper section of the lever arm from a lower portion of the lever arm closer to the base (as measured along the length of the lever arm). The one or more deflection points indicate a position where the upper section adjusts more exponentially than the lower section when the ankle collar moves from an elevated state to a lowered state. For example, a deflection point may include a position where, when the ankle collar 1136 moves from an elevated state to a lowered state, the lever arm hinges or pivots to allow the upper section to adjust downward at a faster rate than the lower section. Deflection points can be detected or identified in various situations. For example, in one aspect, the ankle collar may move from a first state at a first distance from the sole to a second state at a second distance from the sole, the second distance being shorter than the first distance, and the deflection point may be a portion of the lever arm where the lever arm bends or folds to a greater extent than one or more other portions of the lever arm. The second distance can be less than or equal to 25% of the first distance, less than or equal to 50% of the first distance, or less than or equal to 75% of the first distance.

[0104] refer to Figure 11B The lever arm 1152 includes a deflection point 1170 positioned between an upper segment 1172 and a lower segment 1174 of the lever arm, the lower segment 1174 being closer to the base 1158 (measured along the length of the lever arm) than either the deflection point 1170 or the upper segment 1172. In one aspect, the footwear article 1110 includes a distance 1176 between the deflection point 1170 and a horizontal reference plane 1190. Figure 11A The horizontal reference plane 1190 generally comprises a plane with a relatively flat ground surface on which the ground contact surface rests in a stationary state, while the footwear 1110 is stationary. Various elements can contribute to the position of the deflection point 1170. For example, the deflection point may include a thinner cross-section or a notch. Additionally, the attachment of the collar lifter 1150 to the upper 1114 may restrict rearward movement, which could cause the lever arm to bend more at the deflection point when moving from the raised state to the lowered state.

[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe ankle collar 1136 includes a cuff edge with a lowermost portion 1137 located in front of the deflection point 1170 (i.e., closer to the forefoot of the footwear 1110). Additionally, the footwear 1110 includes a height 1178 between the lowermost portion 1137 and a horizontal reference plane 1190. In one aspect of this disclosure, the height 1178 is less than the distance 1176. The shorter height of the lowermost portion 1137 of the ankle collar 1136, together with the forward positioning (relative to the deflection point 1170), serves as a hinge or pivot point for the rear portion of the ankle region 1126. Thus, when the ankle collar 1136 is moved to a lowered state (compared to other footwear with higher ankle collars), the rear portion of the ankle collar 1136 can be pulled to a lesser extent on the more forward portion of the ankle collar 1136. Additionally, this alternative construction allows for the use of smaller triangular fabric elements, gusset plates, or elastic panels along the ankle collar 1136, or can be used in place of any triangular fabric element, gusset plate, or elastic panel.

[0106] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The side depicted can be the inner or outer side, and the other side of the footwear article 1110 may include similar features. However, in some aspects, in Figure 11A and Figure 11B The blocked opposite side in the view may also not include the corresponding feature, for example, the opposite side does not include the corresponding lever arm (e.g., shoe collar lifters 950B and 950C).

[0107] As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention is highly suitable for achieving all the objects and objectives set forth above, as well as other advantages inherent to the structure and achievable by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are useful and can be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects can be made to this aspect without departing from the scope of the invention, it should be understood that everything set forth herein or shown in the drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0108] Some aspects of this disclosure have been described with reference to the examples provided in the accompanying drawings. Additional aspects of this disclosure will now be described, which may be related subject matter included at the time of filing in one or more claims or clauses of this application or in one or more related applications, but the claims or clauses are not limited to the subject matter described only in the following sections of this specification. These additional aspects may include features illustrated in the drawings, features not illustrated in the drawings, and any combination thereof. In describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to the elements depicted in the drawings for illustrative purposes.

[0109] The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein. This enumeration is merely a specific example and does not limit the scope of this specification. Rather, the following clauses are intended to provide guidance regarding some anticipated aspects of this document. As used herein and in conjunction with the clauses listed below, the term "any of the clauses" or similar variations thereof are intended to be interpreted as allowing the features of the clauses to be combined in any combination. For example, the phrase "footwear product of clause xy" as used below should be interpreted as footwear product of any or a combination of clauses x to y, where y and y are numerical clauses. That is, exemplary clause 4 may indicate a method / apparatus as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, which is intended to be interpreted as allowing the features of clauses 1 and 4 to be combined; elements of clauses 2 and 4 to be combined; elements of clauses 3 and 4 to be combined; elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 to be combined; elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 to be combined; elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 to be combined; and / or other variations. Furthermore, the term “any of the terms” or similar variations thereof are intended to include “any of the terms” or other variations of such terms, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

[0110] Clause 1. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole, wherein the upper includes a material layer at least partially overlapping the sole and including an outward surface facing the sole and an inward surface facing away from the sole and towards a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer includes an opening extending through the material layer from the outward surface to the inward surface; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the elevated state, the collar lifter having a base positioned between the outward surface and the sole, the lever arm being engaged with the base at a joint and extending through the opening from the joint.

[0111] Clause 2. The footwear article according to Clause 1, wherein the material layer that at least partially overlaps with the sole is part of the outer material layer of the upper; wherein the upper also includes an inner material layer that is closer to the foot receiving cavity than the outer material layer; and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer after the lever arm extends from the joint and through the opening.

[0112] Clause 3. Footwear articles as described in Clause 2, wherein the inner material layer is a lining.

[0113] Clause 4. Footwear article according to Clause 2, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are opposite sides of the lever arm tubular shell that houses the lever arm.

[0114] Clause 5. The footwear article according to Clause 4, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are knitted layers, and wherein the lever arm tubular shell is integrally knitted.

[0115] Clause 6. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the opening is on the inside of the upper.

[0116] Clause 7. Footwear article according to Clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the opening is below the bite line, the bite line being included at the interface between the cuff edge of the sole and the upper.

[0117] Clause 8. Footwear article according to Clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the opening is above the interlocking line, the interlocking line being included at the interface between the cuff edge of the sole and the upper.

[0118] Clause 9. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the lever arm extends upward from the base, through the opening, and toward the rear of the ankle region of the upper.

[0119] Clause 10. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the lever arm terminates on the inner side of the upper and terminates at an end opposite the base.

[0120] Clause 11. The footwear article according to Clause 9, wherein the lever arm wraps around the rear portion of the ankle region of the upper and terminates at an end opposite the base on the outer side of the upper.

[0121] Clause 12. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the opening is an inner opening and the lever arm is an inner lever arm, and wherein the footwear article further comprises: an outer opening extending on the outer side of the upper through the material layer; and an outer lever arm connected to the base at another joint and extending from the other joint through the outer opening.

[0122] Clause 13. Footwear article according to Clause 12, wherein at least a portion of the inner opening and at least a portion of the outer opening are below the bite line, the bite line being included at the interface between the cuff edge of the sole and the upper.

[0123] Clause 14. The footwear article according to Clause 12, wherein at least a portion of the inner opening and at least a portion of the outer opening are above the interlocking line, the interlocking line being included at the interface between the cuff edge of the sole and the upper.

[0124] Clause 15. The footwear article according to Clause 12, wherein both the inner lever arm and the outer lever arm extend upward from the base, through the corresponding opening, and toward the rear of the ankle region of the upper.

[0125] Clause 16. The footwear article according to Clause 15, wherein the inner lever arm terminates at an end opposite to the base on the inner side of the upper, and wherein the outer lever arm terminates at an end opposite to the base on the outer side of the upper.

[0126] Clause 17. The footwear article according to Clause 15, wherein the inner lever arm and the outer lever arm are joined to each other at the rear portion in the ankle region.

[0127] Clause 18. The footwear article according to Clause 17, wherein the inner lever arm and the outer lever arm are connected to each other by a central connecting portion located in the rear portion of the ankle region.

[0128] Clause 19. Footwear article as described in Clause 17, wherein the inner lever arm, the outer lever arm, and the central connecting portion are continuous.

[0129] Clause 20. The footwear article according to Clause 17, wherein the inner lever arm and the outer lever arm overlap each other in the posterior portion of the ankle region.

[0130] Clause 21. The footwear article according to Clause 17, wherein the inner lever arm and the outer lever arm are connected to the upper in the rear portion of the ankle region.

[0131] Clause 22. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the opening is on the outer side of the upper.

[0132] Clause 23. The footwear article according to Clause 22, wherein the lever arm extends upward from the base, through the opening, and toward the rear of the ankle region of the upper.

[0133] Clause 24. The footwear article according to Clause 23, wherein the lever arm terminates at the outer side of the upper and at an end opposite the base.

[0134] Clause 25. The footwear article according to Clause 23, wherein the lever arm wraps around the rear portion of the ankle region of the upper and terminates at an end opposite the base on the inside of the upper.

[0135] Clause 26. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole; a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the elevated state, the collar lifter including a base and at least one lever arm, wherein the base is positioned below a sole fabric such that the base is positioned between the sole fabric and the sole and includes a top surface facing the sole fabric; and a base mating recess included in the top surface of the sole facing the base of the collar lifter, wherein the base is positioned in the base mating recess.

[0136] Clause 27. The footwear article according to Clause 26, wherein the sole includes a winglet that at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base mating recess.

[0137] Clause 28. The footwear article according to Clause 27, wherein the wing includes a wing width in an inward to outward direction, and the recess includes a recess width in the inward to outward direction; wherein the wing width is less than the recess width such that the inner edge and outer edge of the wing are spaced inwardly from the inner edge and outer edge of the recess; and wherein at least one lever arm is positioned between the inner edge of the wing and the inner edge of the recess or between the outer edge of the wing and the outer edge of the recess.

[0138] Clause 29. The footwear article according to Clause 28, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from the junction with the base, between the inner edges or between the outer edges, and through an opening in the material layer of the upper to reach a position between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

[0139] Clause 30. The footwear article according to Clause 28, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from the junction with the base, between the inner edges or between the outer edges, and along the outer surface of the material layer of the upper.

[0140] Clause 31. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 27 to 30, wherein the winglet includes a winglet length measured from a front edge of the winglet to a rear edge of the winglet; wherein the base includes a base length extending from a front edge of the base to a rear edge of the base; and wherein the winglet length is equal to or less than the base length.

[0141] Clause 32. Footwear articles according to Clause 29, wherein the length of the wing is equal to or less than 75% of the length of the base.

[0142] Clause 33. Footwear articles according to Clause 30, wherein the length of the wing is equal to or less than 50% of the length of the base.

[0143] Clause 34. Footwear articles according to Clause 31, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 25% of the length of the base.

[0144] Clause 35. Footwear articles according to Clause 32, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 10% of the length of the base.

[0145] Clause 36. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 27 to 35, wherein the combination of the thickness of the wing and the thickness of the base is substantially similar to the depth of the base mating recess.

[0146] Clause 37. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 26 to 36, wherein the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base forms a 2D shape substantially similar to the 2D shape formed by the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base mating recess.

[0147] Clause 38. Footwear articles according to Clause 26, wherein the thickness of the base is substantially similar to the thickness of the base mating recess.

[0148] Clause 39. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole, wherein the ankle collar includes a cuff edge having a lowermost portion along an inner or outer side, and wherein the lowermost portion is spaced apart from a horizontal reference plane by a first distance; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the elevated state, the collar lifter including at least one lever arm on the same side as the lowermost portion and having a deflection point positioned between an upper segment and a lower segment of the lever arm, wherein the deflection point is spaced apart from the horizontal reference plane by a second distance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0149] Clause 40. Footwear articles according to Clause 39, wherein the lowermost edge is positioned further forward relative to the deflection point.

[0150] Clause 41. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 39 to 40, wherein the collar lifter includes a base positioned above the sole insert.

[0151] Clause 42. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 39 to 41, wherein the collar lifter includes an inner lever arm that does not have a corresponding lever arm on the outer side.

[0152] Clause 43. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 39 to 41, wherein the collar lifter includes an outer lever arm that does not have a corresponding lever arm on the inside.

[0153] Clause 44. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 39 to 41, wherein the at least one lever arm is an inner lever arm, and wherein the collar lifter further comprises an outer lever arm.

[0154] Clause 45. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole, wherein the upper includes a skirt attached to a bottom surface of a sole insert, and wherein the upper includes a first opening extending through a thickness of a material layer; a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the elevated state, the collar lifter including a base and one or more lever arms, wherein the base is attached to a top surface of the sole insert such that the sole insert is positioned between the base and the sole, and wherein the collar lifter includes a second opening extending fully through the thickness; and a connector extending through the first opening and the second opening.

[0155] Clause 46. Footwear article according to Clause 45, wherein the second opening is located in one or more lever arms.

[0156] Clause 47. The footwear article according to Clause 45, wherein the collar lifter further includes a central connecting portion, and wherein the second opening is located in the central connecting portion.

[0157] Clause 48. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 45 to 47, wherein the connector is a segment of yarn forming a seam, and wherein the segment is positioned in the first opening and the second opening.

[0158] Clause 49. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 45 to 47, wherein the connector is a two-part connector having one or more posts extending through the first opening and the second opening.

[0159] Clause 50. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 45 to 47, wherein the connector is a two-part snap-fit ​​rivet.

[0160] Clause 51. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 45 to 50, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

[0161] Clause 52. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 45 to 50, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the inner material layer is positioned between the collar lifter and the foot receiving cavity.

[0162] Clause 53. The footwear article according to Clause 45, wherein the upper further comprises another material layer having a third opening, and wherein the connector further extends through the third opening.

[0163] Clause 54. The footwear article according to Clause 53, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer and the other material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

[0164] Clause 55. The footwear article according to Clause 53, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer and the other material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

[0165] Clause 56. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole, wherein the upper includes a skirt attached to a bottom surface of a sole insert, and wherein the upper includes a first opening extending entirely from a first side of the material layer to a second side of the material layer; a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the elevated state, the collar lifter including a base and a... One or more lever arms, wherein the base is attached to the top surface of the sole insert such that the sole insert is positioned between the base and the sole, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned on the first side of the material layer and includes a first portion of a two-part connector, the first portion of the two-part connector extending from the surface of the collar lifter and through the first opening; and a second portion of the two-part connector, the second portion of the two-part connector being positioned on the second side of the material layer and coupled to the first portion of the two-part connector.

[0166] Clause 57. Footwear article as described in Clause 56, wherein the first portion of the connector extends from the surface of the lever arm.

[0167] Clause 58. The footwear article according to Clause 57, wherein the surface faces the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface and the foot receiving cavity.

[0168] Clause 59. The footwear article according to Clause 57, wherein the surface is away from the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

[0169] Clause 60. The footwear article according to Clause 56, wherein the collar lifter further includes a central connecting portion, and wherein the first portion of the connector extends from the surface of the central connecting portion.

[0170] Clause 61. The footwear article according to Clause 60, wherein the surface faces the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface and the foot receiving cavity.

[0171] Clause 62. The footwear article according to Clause 60, wherein the surface is away from the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the central connecting portion is positioned between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

[0172] Clause 63. Footwear articles according to any one of Clauses 56 to 62, wherein the first part and the second part are snapped together.

[0173] Clause 64. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 56 to 62, wherein the first part and the second part are rubbed together.

[0174] Clause 65. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 56 to 62, wherein the first part and the second part are threaded together.

[0175] Clause 66. The footwear article according to Clause 56, wherein the upper further comprises another layer of material having a second opening, and wherein the collar lifter comprises another first portion of another two-part connector extending from the opposite surface of the collar lifter and passing through the second opening.

[0176] Clause 67. The footwear article according to Clause 66, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer and the other material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

[0177] Clause 68. The footwear article according to Clause 66, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer and the other material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

Claims

1. A footwear product, comprising: soles; The upper is attached to the sole and includes an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole. A collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a base and at least one lever arm, wherein the base is positioned below the sole fabric such that the base is positioned between the sole fabric and the sole and includes a top surface facing the sole fabric; as well as A base mating recess is included in the upper surface of the sole of the footwear facing the base of the collar lifter, wherein the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole when the base is positioned in the base mating recess, or when a flap that at least partially covers the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole. The sole includes the winglet, which at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base mating recess, wherein the winglet includes a winglet width in an inward to outward direction, and the base mating recess includes a recess width in the inward to outward direction; wherein the winglet width is smaller than the recess width, such that the inner and outer edges of the winglet are spaced inwardly from the inner and outer edges of the base mating recess; and wherein at least one lever arm is positioned between the inner edge of the winglet and the inner edge of the base mating recess or between the outer edge of the winglet and the outer edge of the base mating recess.

2. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from the junction with the base, between the inner edges or between the outer edges, and through an opening in the material layer of the upper to reach a position between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

3. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from the junction with the base, between the inner edges or between the outer edges, and along the outer surface of the material layer of the upper.

4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winglet includes a winglet length measured from the front edge of the winglet to the rear edge of the winglet; wherein the base includes a base length extending from the front edge of the base to the rear edge of the base; and wherein the winglet length is equal to or less than the base length.

5. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 75% of the length of the base.

6. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 50% of the length of the base.

7. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 25% of the length of the base.

8. The footwear article according to claim 4, wherein the length of the winglet is equal to or less than 10% of the length of the base.

9. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the winglet is similar to the depth of the base mating recess.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base forms a 2D shape similar to the 2D shape formed by the peripheral edge of the bottom surface of the base mating recess.

11. The footwear article of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the base is substantially similar to the thickness of the base mating recess.

12. A footwear product, comprising: soles; The upper is attached to the sole and includes an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and an elevated state positioned further away from the sole, wherein the upper includes a skirt attached to the bottom surface of a sole insert, and wherein the upper includes a first opening extending completely from a first side of a material layer to a second side of the material layer. A collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from a lowered state to an elevated state, the collar lifter including a base and one or more lever arms, wherein the base is attached to a base mating recess included in the upper surface of the sole facing the base of the collar lifter, wherein the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole when the base is positioned in the base mating recess, or when a flap at least partially covering the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned on a first side of the material layer and includes a first portion of a two-part connector extending from the surface of the collar lifter and through a first opening; and a second portion of the two-part connector positioned on a second side of the material layer and coupled to the first portion of the two-part connector; The sole includes the winglet, which at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base mating recess, wherein the winglet includes a winglet width in an inward to outward direction, and the base mating recess includes a recess width in the inward to outward direction; wherein the winglet width is less than the recess width, such that the inner and outer edges of the winglet are spaced inwardly from the inner and outer edges of the base mating recess; and wherein one or more lever arms are positioned between the inner edge of the winglet and the inner edge of the base mating recess or between the outer edge of the winglet and the outer edge of the base mating recess.

13. The footwear article of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the connector extends from the surface of the lever arm.

14. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the surface of the lever arm faces the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface of the lever arm and the foot receiving cavity.

15. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the surface of the lever arm faces away from the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

16. The footwear article of claim 12, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a central connecting portion, and wherein the first portion of the connector extends from the surface of the central connecting portion.

17. The footwear article of claim 16, wherein the surface of the central connecting portion faces the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface and the foot receiving cavity.

18. The footwear article of claim 16, wherein the surface is away from the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the central connecting portion is positioned between the material layer and the foot receiving cavity.

19. The footwear article according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion are snapped together.

20. The footwear article according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion are rubbed together.

21. The footwear article according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the first portion and the second portion are threadedly joined to each other.

22. The footwear article of claim 12, wherein the upper further comprises another material layer having a second opening, and wherein the collar lifter comprises another first portion of another two-part connector extending from the opposite surface of the collar lifter and passing through the second opening.

23. The footwear article of claim 22, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer and the other material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

24. The footwear article of claim 22, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer and the other material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar lifter is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer.

25. A method for manufacturing footwear, the method further comprising: Secure the upper to the last, the upper including openings near the stitching line; Attach the sole fabric to the upper; Insert the lever arm of the collar lifter through the opening; The base of the collar lifter is positioned in a base mating recess, the base mating recess being included in the upper surface of the sole facing the base of the collar lifter, wherein, when the base is positioned in the base mating recess, or when a flap at least partially covering the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole, the top surface of the base is substantially flush with the upper surface of the sole, and wherein, the top surface of the base is close to the bottom surface of the sole fabric; and The sole is attached to the upper so that the base of the collar lifter is positioned between the sole and the bottom fabric; The sole includes the winglet, which at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base mating recess, wherein the winglet includes a winglet width in an inward to outward direction, and the base mating recess includes a recess width in the inward to outward direction; wherein the winglet width is less than the recess width, such that the inner and outer edges of the winglet are spaced inwardly from the inner and outer edges of the base mating recess; and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the inner edge of the winglet and the inner edge of the base mating recess or between the outer edge of the winglet and the outer edge of the base mating recess.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the opening is below the bite line.

27. The method of claim 25 further comprises fixing the base of the collar lifter in the base mating recess of the sole, wherein the sole is attached to the upper.

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