Lace guide for an article of footwear

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to lace receiving structures that can be included in articles of footwear. More specifically, in some embodiments, the articles of footwear disclosed herein include a sole structure, an upper, and a lace receiving structure, the upper being coupled to the sole structure and forming a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, the lace receiving structure extending through the upper into the foot-receiving cavity and being configured to receive an adjustment member. In some embodiments, the upper includes an aperture configured to allow the lace receiving structure to extend through the upper. In some embodiments, the lace receiving structure can include an anchoring portion that extends within the foot-receiving cavity beneath an interior surface of the upper. The anchoring portion can be configured to couple the lace receiving structure to the upper.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 079,818, filed on September 17, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] field

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to footwear articles, and more specifically to lace-receiving structures for footwear articles.

[0005] background

[0006] Footwear articles (also referred to herein as "articles" or "footwear") typically consist of two main components: the sole construction and the upper. The sole construction is configured to support the wearer's foot and provide cushioning between the wearer's foot and the ground. The upper attaches to the sole construction and is configured to secure the wearer's foot to the sole construction.

[0007] Footwear items may also include a closure system. In some examples, the closure system may include one or more guides (also referred to herein as “reception structures”) configured to receive adjustment members (e.g., shoelaces, cords, straps, etc.). Adjustment members may be released and / or loosened to allow the wearer to insert or remove their foot from the footwear item. Adjustment members may also be tightened and / or secured to hold the wearer’s foot within the footwear item.

[0008] Brief

[0009] The aspects and advantages of the disclosed technology will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the technology disclosed herein.

[0010] This document discloses a lace-receiving member for footwear articles, which can provide, for example, additional support for lateral movement. Specifically, because the lace-receiving member can extend onto the upper and / or because it can be constructed of a stiffer material than the rest of the upper, it can provide additional support to the upper in areas of the footwear experiencing higher stress during lateral movement. Therefore, the lace-receiving member can restrict and / or reduce movement of the wearer's foot relative to the sole structure of the footwear, and thus enhance the wearer's ability to perform rapid, explosive lateral movements. In other words, the lace-receiving member can more firmly hold the wearer's foot in place during lateral movement.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed shoelace receiving member may, for example, provide aesthetic elements (e.g., design, color, texture, silhouette, geometry, surface features, etc.) that can be relatively easily altered (e.g., by the manufacturer, retailer, and / or end user). In some cases, the shoelace receiving member may be fixedly attached to the footwear article. In other embodiments, the shoelace receiving member may be removably attached to the footwear article.

[0012] In some embodiments, the footwear article includes a sole structure, an upper, and a lace-receiving structure. The upper is attached to the sole structure and forms a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The upper includes holes configured to receive the lace-receiving structure. The lace-receiving structure extends through the holes in the upper, under the upper, and toward the sole structure.

[0013] In other embodiments, the footwear article includes a sole structure, an upper, and a lace-receiving structure. The upper is attached to the sole structure and forms a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The lace-receiving structure is attached to the upper and includes an anchoring portion and a body portion. The anchoring portion extends beneath the upper into the foot receiving cavity. The body portion extends above the upper on the outer surface of the upper.

[0014] In another embodiment, the footwear article includes a sole structure, an upper, a lace receiving structure, and a reinforcing element. The upper is attached to the sole structure and forms a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The upper includes holes configured to receive the lace receiving structure. The lace receiving structure extends through the holes into the foot receiving cavity and is attached to the reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is attached to the upper.

[0015] This application also involves the following items:

[0016] 1. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0017] Sole structure;

[0018] An upper, said upper being coupled to said sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between said upper and sole structure, said upper including holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure; and

[0019] The shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole in the upper, under the upper, and toward the sole structure.

[0020] 2. The footwear article according to item 1, wherein the lace receiving structure includes a main body portion and an anchoring portion, the main body portion being configured to extend outside the foot receiving cavity, and the anchoring portion being configured to extend into the foot receiving cavity and connect the lace receiving structure to the upper.

[0021] 3. The footwear article according to item 2, wherein the anchoring portion covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper and is configured to directly contact the user's foot.

[0022] 4. The footwear article according to item 2 or item 3, wherein the anchoring portion is thickest at or near the location where the anchoring portion is joined to the main body portion of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0023] 5. The footwear article according to any one of items 2-4, wherein the lace receiving structure is T-shaped, such that the anchoring portion extends to the opposite side away from the proximal end of the body portion.

[0024] 6. The footwear article according to any one of items 2-5 further includes eyelets configured to receive adjustment members.

[0025] 7. The footwear article according to any one of items 2-6, wherein the lace receiving structure comprises a stiffer material near the junction of the body portion and the anchor portion than at the distal end of the body portion.

[0026] 8. The footwear article according to any one of items 1-7, wherein the lace receiving structure is removably coupled to the upper, and wherein the lace receiving structure is configured to slide into and out of the foot receiving cavity through the holes in the upper.

[0027] 9. The footwear article according to any one of items 2-8 further includes a reinforcing element attached to the upper and configured to provide additional support to the upper.

[0028] 10. The footwear article according to item 9, wherein the reinforcing element is constructed of a material different from the upper and stiffer than the upper.

[0029] 11. The footwear article according to item 9 or item 10, wherein the anchoring portion of the lace receiving structure is coupled to the reinforcing element, and wherein the anchoring portion extends below the reinforcing element.

[0030] 12. The footwear article according to any one of items 9-11, wherein the reinforcing element is positioned adjacent to the hole.

[0031] 13. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0032] Sole structure;

[0033] The upper, which is connected to the sole structure and forms a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure; and

[0034] A shoelace receiving structure, the shoelace receiving structure being coupled to the upper, wherein the shoelace receiving structure includes an anchoring portion extending below the upper into the foot receiving cavity, and a body portion extending above the upper on the outer surface of the upper.

[0035] 14. The footwear article according to item 13, wherein the thickness and width of the body portion decrease monotonically as the body portion moves from the proximal end toward the distal end of the body portion.

[0036] 15. The footwear article according to item 13 or 14, wherein the thickness of the anchor portion decreases monotonically as the foot moves away from the position where the anchor portion is connected to the body portion.

[0037] 16. The footwear article according to any one of items 13-15, wherein the anchoring portion extends from the body portion toward the sole structure and away from the throat portion of the footwear article.

[0038] 17. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0039] Sole structure;

[0040] An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure;

[0041] Reinforcing elements, the reinforcing elements being attached to the shoe upper; and

[0042] The shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole into the foot receiving cavity of the footwear article and is connected to the reinforcing element.

[0043] 18. The footwear article according to item 17, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a material different from the upper.

[0044] 19. The footwear article according to item 17 or item 18, wherein the reinforcing element is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0045] 20. The footwear article according to any one of items 17-19, wherein the reinforcing element is embedded in the upper.

[0046] These and other features, aspects, and / or advantages of this disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following description and claims. Embodiments of the disclosed technology are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, and the principles of this disclosure are explained together with the description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0049] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0050] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 First side view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0051] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 First end view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The second side view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0053] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0054] Figure 7 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0056] Figure 9 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0057] Figure 10 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0059] Figure 12 This is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0060] Figure 13 This is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0061] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of an exemplary shoelace receiving structure according to another embodiment.

[0062] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A bottom view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0063] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 First end view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0064] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 First side view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0065] Figure 18 yes Figure 14 The second end view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0066] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A top view of the shoelace receiving structure.

[0067] Figure 20 It includes Figures 14-19 A lateral side view of a footwear item with multiple lace-receiving structures.

[0068] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 A medial side view of footwear.

[0069] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 A perspective view of footwear.

[0070] Figure 23 yes Figure 20 A partial top view of footwear.

[0071] Figure 24 yes Figure 20 An exploded view of a footwear item depicting a pair of shoelace receiving structures removed from the footwear item.

[0072] Figure 25 It is along Figure 22 The line shown is cut off at 25-25. Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a footwear item, depicting the lace-receiving structure of the footwear item in a loose configuration.

[0073] Figure 26 From similar Figure 25 The perspective captured in the middle Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of footwear, depicting the lace receiving structure of the footwear in a tightened configuration.

[0074] Detailed description

[0075] Overall considerations

[0076] The apparatuses and devices and their various components described herein should not be construed as being limited in any way to the particular purpose or system described herein. Instead, this disclosure focuses individually, and in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other, on all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments. For example, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art based on the information disclosed herein, any feature or aspect of the disclosed embodiments may be used in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. Furthermore, the disclosed systems, methods, and components are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, and the disclosed things and methods do not require any one or more specific advantages or solutions to any one or more specific problems.

[0077] As used herein, unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms. Additionally, the term “include” means “comprise.” Furthermore, the terms “joint” or “fixed” cover mechanical and chemical joints, as well as other practical ways of joining or linking articles together, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between joined articles, unless otherwise indicated, such as by reference to elements or surfaces that are “directly” joined or fixed. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “and / or” means any one or a combination of the terms.

[0078] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means an example, instance, or illustration used as a non-limiting example. As used herein, the terms "e.g." and "for example" introduce one or more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and / or illustrations.

[0079] As used herein, directional terms (e.g., “up” and “down”) generally correspond to the orientation of a footwear article or sole component when it is constructed to be worn by a wearer. For example, the “upward-facing surface” and / or “upper surface” of a sole component refers to the surface oriented in an “above” anatomical direction (i.e., toward the wearer’s head) when the footwear article is worn by a wearer. Similarly, the directional terms “down” and / or “lower” refer to an anatomical direction “below” (i.e., toward the ground and away from the wearer’s head). “Front” means “in front” (e.g., toward the toes), and “back” means “back” (e.g., toward the heel). “Medial” means “towards the midline of the body,” and “lateral” means “away from the midline of the body.” “Longitudinal axis” refers to the centerline of the article from the heel to the toe. Similarly, “longitudinal length” refers to the length of the article along the longitudinal axis, and “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0080] As used herein, the term “sole construction” refers to any combination of materials that provide support and bearing for the wearer’s foot in direct contact with the ground or playing surface, such as, for example, a single sole; a combination of outsole and insole; a combination of outsole, midsole and insole; and a combination of outer overlay, outsole, midsole and insole.

[0081] As used herein, the term "upper" refers to any combination of materials that are coupled to and configured to restrict relative movement between the wearer's foot and the sole structure (i.e., to secure the wearer's foot to the sole structure). For example, the upper may be configured to extend over and / or over at least a portion of the wearer's foot (e.g., toes, forefoot, midfoot, etc.) and may form a foot receiving cavity. The upper may additionally or alternatively be configured to protect the wearer's foot.

[0082] As used herein, the terms “attachment” and “link” generally mean a physical connection or link, including direct attachment / linking of objects and attachment / linking of objects using intermediate elements between them, unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary.

[0083] As used herein, the terms "fixedly attached" and "fixedly joined" refer to two components joined in such a way that they may not be easily separated from each other without damaging and / or harming one or both of the components. Exemplary forms of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesives, stitches, soldering or other thermal bonding and / or other joining techniques. Additionally, two components may be "fixedly attached" or "fixedly joined" by means of, for example, integrally forming them in a molding process.

[0084] Conversely, the terms "removable attachment" or "removable connection" refer to two components connected in such a way that they can be easily separated from each other to return to their individual, separate forms without damaging or harming either component. Exemplary modes of temporary attachment may include mating connections, releasable fasteners, removable stitching, and / or other temporary connection techniques.

[0085] As used herein, the term "lace receiving structure" (which may also be referred to as "lace guide") means any type of structure configured to receive and retain an adjusting member (e.g., shoelaces, cords, cables, ropes, threads, strips, straps, etc.) configured to adjust and / or secure footwear relative to the wearer's foot. As an example, a lace receiving structure may include holes (e.g., eyelets), channels, and / or grooves through which the adjusting member is configured to extend. When included in footwear, the lace receiving structure is configured to adjustably attach the adjusting member to the footwear.

[0086] As used herein, the terms “footwear articles,” “articles,” and / or “footwear” mean any type of footwear, including, for example, casual shoes, walking shoes, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, football boots, soccer shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, boots, sandals, etc.

[0087] Although the accompanying drawings may illustrate footwear articles intended for use only on one foot (e.g., the right foot) of a wearer, those skilled in the art who enjoy the benefits of this disclosure will recognize that the corresponding footwear articles for the other foot (e.g., the left foot) will be a mirror image of the right footwear articles.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. While methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials will be described below. These materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Other features of this disclosure will be apparent from the detailed description, abstract, and figures.

[0089] The disclosed technologies and exemplary embodiments

[0090] A shoelace receiving structure is configured to receive and adjust members (e.g., shoelaces, cords, cables, ropes, threads, strips, straps, etc.) and can be included in footwear articles. A shoelace receiving structure typically includes eyelets configured as receiving and adjusting members and a support structure configured to connect the eyelets to the footwear article. In some examples, the shoelace receiving structure can be included in the footwear article. In such examples, in addition to the shoelace receiving structure, the footwear article typically includes a sole structure and an upper. The sole structure is configured to support the wearer's foot and provide cushioning between the wearer's foot and the ground. The upper is attached to the sole structure and forms a foot receiving cavity. The upper is configured to secure the wearer's foot to the sole structure and / or protect the wearer's foot.

[0091] For example, Figures 1-19Various embodiments of the shoelace receiving component are described. More specifically, Figures 1-6 Various views of the shoelace receiving structure 10 are depicted. Figures 7-13 Various alternative embodiments of the anchoring portion of the shoelace receiving structure 10 are depicted. Figures 20-26 An exemplary footwear article including a shoelace receiving structure according to one embodiment is depicted.

[0092] Now for reference Figures 1-6 The shoelace receiving structure 10 includes two main components: eyelets 12 and a support structure 14. The eyelets 12 are configured to receive adjusting members, and the support structure 14 is configured to support and / or stabilize the eyelets 12 and / or attach the eyelets 12 to footwear items (e.g., as shown below). Figures 20-26 The footwear article 900 described herein. The support structure 14 includes a body portion 16 and an anchoring portion 18. The anchoring portion 18 is configured to attach the lace-receiving structure 10 to the footwear article and may be configured to extend through the upper of the footwear article, and in some cases, extend into a foot receiving cavity of the footwear article. The body portion 16 extends from the anchoring portion 18 and extends and / or extends onto the upper of the footwear article.

[0093] The eyelet 12 may include a ring 20 defining an aperture 22 (also referred to herein as a “channel” and / or “opening”), which may receive an adjustment member. The ring 20 itself may be constructed, formed, and / or comprise various materials. For example, the ring 20 may be constructed, formed, and / or comprise one or more of textiles, foams, leather, synthetic leather, and / or polymers (e.g., rubber and / or plastics). The aperture 22 may extend from a first side 24 of the ring 20 through the ring 20 to a second side 26 of the ring 20 opposite to the first side 24. The aperture 22 may be one or more of a cavity, empty space, and / or hollow region configured to receive an adjustment member.

[0094] The ring 20 can be coupled to the support structure 14. Specifically, the ring 20 can be coupled to the main body portion 16 of the support structure 14. In some embodiments, the ring 20 can be directly coupled to the main body portion 16. In some such embodiments, the ring 20 and the main body portion 16 can be formed as a single integral part (e.g., by knitting or molding). In other such embodiments, the ring 20 and the main body portion 16 can be separately formed as two discrete parts and can then be directly coupled to each other (e.g., by stitching, adhesive, fasteners, etc.). In other embodiments, the ring 20 can be coupled to the main body portion 16 via one or more intermediate parts.

[0095] In some embodiments, the ring 20 may be coupled to a first side 28 of the body portion 16 of the support structure 14 (which may also be referred to as the "inner side 28" and / or the "shoe-facing side 28," since the first side 28 may be configured to face the shoe article when included in and / or coupled to a shoe article), which is opposite to a second side 30 of the body portion 16 (which may also be referred to as the "outer side 30" and / or the "outer-facing side 30"). In some embodiments, the ring 20 may be coupled to the proximal end 32 of the body portion 16 further away from the distal end 34 of the body portion 16. That is, the ring 20 may be positioned closer to the distal end 34 than the proximal end 32. In some such embodiments, however, the ring 20 may be spaced inward from the distal end 34 by a distance "D." In some other such embodiments, the ring 20 may be spaced from the distal end 34 at least 1 / 10, at least 1 / 9, at least 1 / 8, at least 1 / 7, at least 1 / 6, at least 1 / 5, at least 1 / 4, at least 1 / 3, at most 1 / 2, at most 1 / 3 and / or at most 1 / 4 of the length of the body portion 16, wherein the length of the body portion 16 is the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34 of the body portion 16.

[0096] In some such embodiments, the ring 20 may be attached to the body portion 16 at a distance from the distal end 34 of the body portion 16, such distance being at least 1 / 10, at least 1 / 9, at least 1 / 8, at least 1 / 7, at least 1 / 6, at least 1 / 5, at least 1 / 4, at least 1 / 3, at most 1 / 2, at most 1 / 3, and / or at most 1 / 4 of the length of the body portion 16. That is, the attachment point between the body portion 16 and the ring 20 (the location on the body portion 16 where the ring 20 is attached to the body portion 16) may be located at a distance from the distal end 34 of the body portion 16, such distance being at least 1 / 10, at least 1 / 9, at least 1 / 8, at least 1 / 7, at least 1 / 6, at least 1 / 5, at least 1 / 4, at least 1 / 3, at most 1 / 2, at most 1 / 3, and / or at most 1 / 4 of the length of the body portion 16.

[0097] In some embodiments, the distance between the ring 20 and the distal end 34 is fixed and does not change. For example, the ring 20 may be rigid (i.e., may not bend) and / or the ring 20 may be rigidly coupled to the body portion 16 such that the ring 20 is not configured to bend, rotate and / or otherwise move relative to the body portion 16.

[0098] However, in other embodiments, the distance between the ring 20 and the distal end 34 is variable. For example, the ring 20 may be configured to bend and / or otherwise move relative to the body portion 16. For example, the ring 20 may be configured to bend, pivot, compress against the body portion 16 (e.g., the distal end 34), deform, and / or flatten toward the body portion 16 (e.g., the distal end 34) when the adjusting member of the footwear article is tightened and the shoelace receiving structure 10 is pressed against the upper of the footwear article. Specifically, the ring 20 may be configured to move between a more extended first position and a flatter second position. In the extended first position, the ring 20 may extend further away from the body portion 16 than in the flatter second position.

[0099] In some embodiments, the ring 20 itself may be configured to bend and / or deform when the wearer pulls and / or otherwise tightens the adjusting member (i.e., when the wearer applies a shoelace tightening force). In one such embodiment, the ring 20 may comprise a flexible material (e.g., fabric) configured to bend and / or deform under compressive forces. In another embodiment, the ring 20 may be pivotally coupled to the body portion 16 and may be configured to pivot relative to the body portion 16 (e.g., pivot toward the distal end 34).

[0100] In embodiments where the ring 20 is configured to move relative to the body portion 16 (i.e., where the distance between the ring 20 and the distal end 34 is variable), the ring 20 can still be configured to be spaced inward from the distal end 34 at least 1 / 20, at least 1 / 18, at least 1 / 16, at least 1 / 14, at least 1 / 12, at least 1 / 10, at least 1 / 9, at least 1 / 8, at least 1 / 7, at least 1 / 6, at least 1 / 5, at least 1 / 4, at least 1 / 3, at most 1 / 2, at most 1 / 3 and / or at most 1 / 4 of the length of the body portion 16, even at the point where the ring 20 is closest to the distal end 34 (e.g., when the ring 20 is in a flatter second position). In other embodiments, the loop 20 may be spaced inwardly from the distal end 34 in a more extended first position (e.g., when no shoelace tightening force is applied), but in a flatter second position (e.g., when shoelace tightening force is applied), the loop 20 may be located at, aligned with, and / or extend beyond the distal end 34 of the body portion. In another embodiment, the loop 20 may not be spaced inwardly from the distal end 34 of the body portion 16, and may be located at, aligned with, and / or extend beyond the distal end 34 of the body portion 16 in both the more extended first position and the flatter second position.

[0101] The main body portion 16 may be coupled to the anchor portion 18 at its proximal end 32. In some embodiments, the proximal end 32 may be directly coupled to the anchor portion 18. In some such embodiments, the main body portion and the anchor portion 18 may be formed as a single integral part (e.g., by knitting or molding). In other such embodiments, the main body portion and the anchor portion 18 may be formed as two separate parts and may subsequently be directly coupled to each other (e.g., by stitching, adhesive, fasteners, etc.). In other embodiments, the proximal end 32 of the main body portion 16 may be coupled to the anchor portion 18 via one or more intermediate parts.

[0102] The main body portion 16 and / or the anchoring portion 18 may be constructed, formed, and / or comprise various materials. For example, the main body portion 16 and / or the anchoring portion 18 may be constructed, formed, and / or comprise one or more of textiles, foams, leather, synthetic leather, natural polymers, and / or synthetic polymers (e.g., synthetic rubber). In some embodiments, the anchoring portion 18 and the main body portion 16 may be formed of the same material. In other embodiments, the anchoring portion 18 and the main body portion 16 may be formed of different materials.

[0103] As described above, the inner side 28 of the body portion 16 can be configured to face the upper of the footwear article when the lace-receiving structure 10 is included in and / or attached to the footwear article. In one embodiment, the inner side 28 of the body portion 16 can be configured to directly contact at least a portion of the upper (e.g., when the wearer tightens the adjustment member). The outer side 30 is opposite to the inner side 28, and the outer side 30 can be configured to face away from the upper of the footwear article when included in and / or attached to the footwear article. The distance between the outer side 30 and the inner side 28 defines the thickness of the body portion 16. The body portion 16 may also include a third side 36 (also referred to herein as "first edge 36") and a fourth side 38 opposite to the third side 36 (also referred to herein as "second edge 38").

[0104] The third side 36 and the fourth side 38 may define and / or may be the front and / or rear sides of the main body 16.

[0105] The distance between the third side 36 and the fourth side 38 can limit the width of the main body 16.

[0106] The length of the main body portion 16 may be greater than its width and / or thickness. That is, the length of the main body portion 16 (the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34) may be the maximum dimension of the main body portion 16. For example, the length of the main body portion 16 may be at least one and a half times, at least two times, at least three times, at least four times, up to ten times, up to eight times, and / or up to six times greater than the width of the main body portion 16. In some embodiments, the width of the main body portion 16 may be greater than its thickness. That is, the width of the main body portion 16 (the distance between the third side 36 and the fourth side 38 of the main body portion 16) may be greater than the thickness of the main body portion (the distance between the inner side 28 and the outer side 30). For example, the width of the main body portion 16 may be at least two times, at least four times, at least six times, at least eight times, at least ten times, at least fifteen times, at least twenty times, up to one hundred times, up to eighty times, and / or up to sixty times the thickness of the main body portion 16. In some embodiments, the width and / or thickness of the main body portion 16 may be uniform. However, in other embodiments, and as will be referred to below... Figures 14-19 In more detail, the width and / or thickness of the main body portion 16 may be non-uniform and / or may vary along the length of the main body portion 16.

[0107] Therefore, although in Figures 1-13 The body portion 16 is schematically depicted as a rectangular prism, but it may include other shapes. For example, the width of the body portion 16 may taper along its length. As one such example, the body portion 16 may be wider closer to its proximal end 32 and narrower closer to its distal end 34 (i.e., the body portion 16 may taper toward the distal end 34). In one such example, the body portion 16 may monotonically narrow (the width may monotonically decrease) as it moves from the proximal end 32 toward the distal end 34. As another example, the thickness of the body portion 16 may taper along its length. In one such example, the body portion 16 may be thicker closer to its proximal end 32 and thinner closer to its distal end 34. In one such example, the body portion 16 may monotonically thin (the thickness may monotonically decrease) as it moves from the proximal end 32 toward the distal end 34.

[0108] Anchoring portion 18 (also referred to herein as “flange 18”) may be configured to attach shoelace receiving structure 10 to a footwear article. Anchoring portion 18 may extend from the proximal end 32 of body portion 16 at an angle relative to body portion 16. In one embodiment, anchoring portion 18 may extend substantially orthogonally relative to the proximal end 32 of body portion 16. However, in other examples, anchoring portion 18 may extend away from the proximal end 32 of body portion 16 at an angle of at least 20 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 70 degrees, at least 80 degrees, at least 90 degrees, up to 160 degrees, up to 150 degrees, up to 140 degrees, up to 130 degrees, up to 120 degrees, up to 110 degrees, up to 100 degrees, and / or up to 90 degrees.

[0109] The anchoring portion 18 may include a first side 42 (also referred to herein as “upper side 42” and / or “upper surface side 42”, since the first side 42 may be configured to face and / or directly contact the inner surface of the upper when included in a footwear article) and a second side 44 opposite to the first side 42 (also referred to herein as “lower side 44” and / or “foot surface side 44”, since the second side 44 may be configured to face and / or directly contact the wearer’s foot when included in a footwear article). The distance between the first side 42 and the second side 44 may define the thickness of the anchoring portion 18. The anchoring portion 18 may also include a first end 46, a second end 48 opposite to the first end 46, a first edge 50, and a second edge 52 opposite to the first edge 50. The distance between the first end 46 and the second end 48 may define the length of the anchoring portion 18, and the distance between the first edge 50 and the second edge 52 may define the width of the anchoring portion 18.

[0110] Although the anchoring portion 18 is shown as when respectively from Figure 2 and Figure 6 When viewed from above (looking down at the first side 42) or below (looking up at the second side 44), it has a generally rectangular outline; however, it should be understood that the shape of the anchoring portion 18 may differ in other embodiments. For example, refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 When viewed from above or below, the outline of the anchor portion 18 may include two rectangles of different sizes connected along a common edge. Furthermore, although the anchor portion 18 is shown to be large enough that all edges and ends of the anchor portion (first end 46, second end 48, first edge 50 and second edge 52) extend beyond the first side 28, second side 30, third side 36 and fourth side 38 of the body portion 16, it should be understood that the dimensions of the anchor portion 18 may be different in other embodiments. For example, refer to… Figure 11 and Figure 12Alternatively, the width of the anchoring portion 18 can be sized such that the first edge 50 and the second edge 52 of the anchoring portion 18 are substantially flush with and / or aligned with the third side 36 and the fourth side 38 of the main body portion 16, respectively. In this arrangement, the width of the anchoring portion 18 is substantially the same as the width of the main body portion 16.

[0111] In some embodiments, the anchoring portion 18 may be longer and / or wider than its thickness. That is, the length (distance between the first end 46 and the second end 48) and width (distance between the first edge 50 and the second edge 52) of the anchoring portion 18 may be greater than the thickness (distance between the first side 42 and the second side 44) of the anchoring portion 18. For example, the length and / or width of the anchoring portion 18 may be at least one and a half times, at least two times, at least three times, at least four times, at least six times, at least eight times, at least ten times, at most forty times, at most thirty times, and / or at most twenty times the thickness of the anchoring portion 18. In some embodiments, the width and / or thickness of the anchoring portion 18 may be uniform. However, in other embodiments, and as will be referred to below... Figures 14-19 In more detail, the width and / or thickness of the anchoring portion 18 may be non-uniform and / or may vary along the length of the anchoring portion 18.

[0112] Therefore, although in Figures 1-13 The anchor portion 18 is schematically depicted as a rectangular prism, but it may include other shapes. For example, the width and / or thickness of the anchor portion 18 may taper along its length. As such an example, the anchor portion 18 may become wider and / or thicker closer to the body portion 16, and narrower and / or thinner closer to the first end 46, the second end 48, the first edge 50, and / or the second edge 52 (i.e., the anchor portion 18 may taper towards the sides and / or edges). In one such example, the anchor portion 18 may monotonically narrow (the width may monotonically decrease) and / or monotonically thin (the thickness may monotonically decrease) as it moves away from the body portion 16 toward one or more of the first end 46, the second end 48, the first edge 50, and / or the second edge 52.

[0113] In some embodiments, the body portion 16 may be directly coupled to the first side 42 of the anchoring portion 18 and / or may extend from the first side 42 of the anchoring portion 18. In some such embodiments, the proximal end 32 of the body portion 16 may be directly coupled to the first side 42 of the anchoring portion 18. In some embodiments (e.g.) Figures 1-6In the embodiments shown, the main body portion 16 may be substantially positioned at the center of the first side 42 of the anchor portion 18, such that the first side 28 and the second side 30 are positioned at the same distance from the first end 46 and the second end 48 of the anchor portion 18, respectively, and that the third side 36 and the fourth side 38 are positioned at the same distance from the first edge 50 and the second edge 52 of the anchor portion 18, respectively.

[0114] In other embodiments, the body portion 16 may be directly coupled to the first end 46 and / or the second end 48, and / or may extend from the first end 46 and / or the second end 48. In some such embodiments, the first side 28 and / or the second side 30 of the body portion 16 may be directly coupled to the first end 46 and / or the second end 48 of the anchoring portion 18. In some such embodiments, the proximal end 32 of the body portion 16 may be substantially flush with and / or aligned with the second side 44 of the anchoring portion 18. In other such embodiments, the proximal end 32 of the body portion 16 may extend beyond the second side 44 of the anchoring portion 18.

[0115] The shoelace receiving structure 10 may be most rigid (i.e., may have a high Young's modulus) at and / or near the location where the body portion 16 and the anchor portion 18 meet and / or connect. As an example, the shoelace receiving structure 10 may be thickest at the location where the body portion 16 and the anchor portion 18 meet. Additionally or alternatively, the shoelace receiving structure 10 may be constructed of a stiffer material at and / or near the location where the body portion 16 and the anchor portion 18 meet and / or connect, compared to the material at the more distal ends of the body portion 16 and / or the anchor portion 18. In this way, the shoelace receiving structure 10 may be configured to be more flexible and / or deformable closer to the distal ends of the body portion 16 and / or the anchor portion 18, and may be configured to be more rigid closer to the location where the body portion 16 and the anchor portion 18 meet. This configuration allows the main body portion 16 and / or the anchor portion 18 to bend independently, but restricts the bending of the main body portion 16 and the anchor portion 18 relative to each other at the points where they meet and / or connect.

[0116] Figures 7-13 Various embodiments of the relative dimensions and positioning of the anchoring portion and the main body portion, as well as various embodiments of the shape of the anchoring portion, are depicted.

[0117] Figure 7A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion 100 replacing the anchoring portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end portion 102, a first edge 106, and a second edge 108 of the anchoring portion 100 extend radially outward from a body portion 16, and a second side 30 of the body portion 16 is flush with and / or aligned with the second end portion 104 of the anchoring portion 100.

[0118] Figure 8 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion 200 replacing the anchoring portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first side 28 of the body portion 16 is flush with and / or aligned with a first end portion 202 of the anchoring portion 200, and a first edge 206, a second edge 208, and a second end portion 204 of the anchoring portion 200 extend radially outward from the body portion 16.

[0119] Figures 9-10 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion comprising two protrusions of different sizes.

[0120] Figure 9 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion 300 replacing the anchoring portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end 302, a second end 304, a first edge 306, and a second edge 308 of the anchoring portion 300 extend radially outward from the body portion 16. However, the anchoring portion 300 includes two protrusions of different sizes (when viewed from above) that connect at a common edge aligned with and / or flush with a first side of the body portion 16, such that the portion of the anchoring portion 300 that extends radially outward from the first side 28 of the body portion 16 is narrower than the body portion 16 (i.e., not as wide as the body portion 16), and the portion of the anchoring portion 300 that extends below the body portion 16 and radially outward from the second side 30 of the body portion 16 is wider than the body portion 16. Thus, the first edge 306 and the second edge 308 of the anchoring portion 300 do not extend radially outward from the main body portion 16 in the portion extending radially outward from the first side 28 of the main body portion 16, while the first edge 306 and the second edge 308 of the anchoring portion 300 extend radially outward from the main body portion 16 in the portion of the anchoring portion 300 below the main body portion 16 and extending radially outward from the second side 30 of the main body portion 16.

[0121] Figure 10A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion 400 replacing the anchoring portion 18. The anchoring portion 400 is a mirror image of the anchoring portion 300. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the narrower portion of the anchoring portion 400 extends radially outward from the second side 30 of the body portion 16, and the wider portion of the anchoring portion 400 lies below the body portion 16 and extends radially outward from the first side 28 of the body portion 16. Therefore, the first end 402, the second end 404, the first edge 406, and the second edge 408 of the anchoring portion 400 extend radially outward from the main body portion 16. However, the first edge 406 and the second edge 408 of the anchoring portion 400 do not extend radially outward from the main body portion 16 in the portion extending radially outward from the second side 30 of the main body portion 16. Instead, the first edge 406 and the second edge 408 of the anchoring portion 400 extend radially outward from the main body portion 16 in the portion of the anchoring portion 400 that is below the main body portion 16 and extends radially outward from the first side 28 of the main body portion 16.

[0122] Figures 11-13 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion of substantially the same width as the body portion 16, such that the edges of the anchoring portion do not extend radially outward from the third side 36 and the fourth side 38 of the body portion 16.

[0123] In particular, Figure 11 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchor portion 500 replacing the anchor portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end portion 502 of the anchor portion 500 is aligned with and / or flush with a first side 28 of the body portion 16, a second end portion 504 of the anchor portion 500 extends radially outward from a second side 30 of the body portion 16, a first edge 506 of the anchor portion 500 is aligned with and / or flush with a third side 36 of the body portion 16, and a second edge 508 of the anchor portion 500 is aligned with and / or flush with a fourth side 38 of the body portion 16.

[0124] Figure 12 A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchor portion 600 replacing the anchor portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end portion 602 of the anchor portion 600 extends radially outward from a first side 28 of the body portion 16, a second end portion 604 of the anchor portion 600 is aligned with and / or flush with a second side 30 of the body portion 16, a first edge 606 of the anchor portion 600 is aligned with and / or flush with a third side 36 of the body portion 16, and a second edge 608 of the anchor portion 600 is aligned with and / or flush with a fourth side 38 of the body portion 16.

[0125] Figure 13A shoelace receiving structure 10 is depicted, which includes an anchoring portion 700 replacing the anchoring portion 18. In the illustrated embodiment, a first end portion 702 of the anchoring portion 700 extends radially outward from a first side 28 of the body portion 16, a second end portion 704 extends radially outward from a second side 30 of the body portion 16, a first edge 706 of the anchoring portion 700 is aligned with and / or flush with a third side 36 of the body portion 16, and a second edge 708 of the anchoring portion 700 is aligned with and / or flush with a fourth side 38 of the body portion 16. Therefore, when the shoelace receiving structure 10 includes the anchoring portion 700, the shoelace receiving structure 10 can be substantially T-shaped.

[0126] In some embodiments, the body portion 16 may be longer than the anchoring portion (e.g., anchoring portion 18, anchoring portion 100, anchoring portion 200, anchoring portion 300, anchoring portion 400, etc.). For example, the length of the body portion 16 (the distance between the proximal end 32 and the distal end 34) may be at least one and a half times, at least two times, at least three times, at least four times, at least five times, at least six times, at least eight times, at least ten times, at least twelve times, up to eighty times, up to sixty times, up to forty times, up to twenty times, or up to fifteen times the length of the anchoring portion 18. In some embodiments, the body portion 16 may be thicker than the anchoring portion. For example, the average thickness of the body portion 16 may be at least one and a half times, at least two times, at least three times, at least four times, up to twenty times, up to fifteen times, and / or up to ten times the average thickness of the anchoring portion.

[0127] Figures 14-19 An exemplary shoelace receiving structure 800 is depicted. The shoelace receiving structure 800 may include one or more components substantially similar to those of the shoelace receiving structure 10. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, components of the shoelace receiving structure 800 that are similar to those of the shoelace receiving structure 10 are similarly labeled and may not include additional descriptions. For example, the shoelace receiving structure 800 includes eyelets 812 and a support structure 814, the support structure 814 including a body portion 816 and an anchoring portion 818 (corresponding to the eyelets 12, support structure 14, body portion 16, and anchoring portion 18 of the shoelace receiving structure 10, respectively).

[0128] exist Figures 14-19In some embodiments, the proximal end 832 of the body portion 816 may be directly connected to the first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818. For example, this particular configuration of the shoelace receiving structure 800 may be used on the lateral surface of the right shoe and / or the medial surface of the left shoe. However, it should be understood that the proximal end 832 of the body portion 816 may alternatively be directly connected to the second end 848 of the anchoring portion 818 (e.g., on the medial surface of the right shoe and / or the lateral surface of the left shoe).

[0129] The main body portion 816 and the anchoring portion 818 of the shoelace receiving structure 800 may form a corner portion 802 at their intersection (e.g., at the intersection of the proximal end 832 of the main body portion 816 and the first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818). The shoelace receiving structure 800 may be stiffer at the corner portion 802 than the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816 and / or the distal end of the anchoring portion 818 (e.g., in the example where the main body portion 816 is attached to the anchoring portion 818 at the first end 846, the distal end of the anchoring portion is the second end 848 of the anchoring portion 818). Therefore, the shoelace receiving structure 800 may be stiffer at the proximal end 832 of the main body portion 816 than at the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816, and / or the shoelace receiving structure 800 may be stiffer at the first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818 than at the second end 848 of the anchoring portion 818 (in the example where the main body portion 816 is connected to the anchoring portion 818 at the first end 846). In some examples, the stiffness of the shoelace receiving structure 800 may monotonically decrease as it moves from the corner portion 802 toward the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816 and / or the distal end of the anchoring portion 818, and vice versa (the stiffness of the shoelace receiving structure 800 may monotonically increase as it moves from the distal end of the anchoring portion 818 and / or the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816 toward the corner portion 802).

[0130] In some embodiments, the shoelace receiving structure 800 is thicker at the corner 802 and therefore stiffer at the corner 802. For example, as Figure 14 and Figure 17As shown, the main body portion 816 is thicker near the proximal end 832 than near the distal end 834, and the anchoring portion 818 is thicker near the first end 846 than near the second end 848 (in the example where the main body portion 816 is attached to the anchoring portion 818 at the first end 846). Specifically, the thickness of the main body portion 816 of the exemplary shoelace receiving structure 800 tapers towards the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816 (i.e., the thickness of the main body portion 816 decreases as it moves from the proximal end 832 toward the distal end 834). Similarly, in the example where the main body portion 816 is attached to the first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818, the thickness of the anchoring portion 818 tapers towards the second end 848 (i.e., the thickness of the anchoring portion 818 decreases as it moves from the first end 846 toward the second end 848). In some such embodiments, the shoelace receiving structure 800 is thickest at and / or near the corner 802.

[0131] Additionally or alternatively, the lace receiving structure 800 can be made increasingly stiffer towards the corner 802, because the lace receiving structure 800 can be constructed from one or more different materials that are stiffer towards the corner 802 than the distal ends of the body portion 816 and / or the anchoring portion 818. For example, the body portion 816 may include a harder and / or stiffer rubber towards the corner 802 and a softer and / or more flexible rubber towards the distal end 834. In this way, the lace receiving structure 800 can be configured to be more rigid towards the corner 802 and can be configured to be more easily bent and / or deformed towards the distal end 834 of the body portion 816 and / or the distal end of the anchoring portion 818 than the corner 802.

[0132] In some embodiments, the width of the body portion 816 and / or the anchoring portion 818 may also, or alternatively, taper toward the distal end of the body portion 816 and / or the anchoring portion 818. In one such embodiment, the width of the body portion 816 of the exemplary shoelace receiving structure 800 tapers toward the distal end 834 of the body portion 816 (i.e., the width of the body portion 816 decreases as it moves from the proximal end 832 toward the distal end 834). In another such embodiment, in an example where the body portion 816 is attached to a first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818, the width of the anchoring portion 818 tapers toward a second end 848 (i.e., the width of the anchoring portion 818 decreases as it moves from the first end 846 toward the second end 848).

[0133] Figures 20-26An exemplary footwear article 900 is depicted, comprising a plurality of shoelace receiving structures 800. In the depicted embodiment, the footwear article 900 includes two pairs of shoelace receiving structures 800 (e.g., two shoelace receiving structures on the outer surface of the footwear article). Figure 20 ) and two shoelace receiving structures on the inside of footwear items ( Figure 21 As used herein, "a pair of lace receiving structures" means two lace receiving structures, including a first lace receiving structure on a first side (e.g., the outer side) of the footwear article and a second lace receiving structure on a second side (e.g., the inner side) of the footwear article. In other embodiments, the footwear article may include more or fewer than two pairs of lace receiving structures (e.g., 1 to 6 pairs). In other embodiments, the footwear article may include one or more lace receiving structures arranged unpaired. For example, in one particular embodiment, the footwear article may include a single lace receiving structure (e.g., on the inner or outer side). In other embodiments, the footwear article may include multiple lace receiving structures on a first side of the footwear article (e.g., two lace receiving structures on the outer side) and fewer lace receiving structures on a second side of the footwear article (e.g., 0 to 1 lace receiving structures on the inner side).

[0134] Footwear article 900 includes a sole structure 902 and an upper 904. The upper 904 is coupled to and extends from the sole structure 902 to form a foot receiving cavity 906 between the sole structure 902 and the upper 904. The foot receiving cavity 906 is configured to receive the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the foot receiving cavity 906 is also configured to expand to initially receive the wearer's foot and then contract to retain the wearer's foot. For example, footwear article 900 may include a closure system 907 configured to tighten, contract, and / or otherwise reduce the volume of the foot receiving cavity 906. As discussed in more detail below, in some embodiments, the closure system 907 may include one or more eyelets 926, an adjustment member 928, and one or more lace receiving members 800.

[0135] Footwear 900 may be divided into one or more parts (these parts may also be referred to as "zones" or "regions"). For example, these parts may include a forefoot portion 908, a midfoot portion 910, and a heel portion 912. The forefoot portion 908 of footwear 900 may correspond to the anterior portion of the foot, including the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones. The midfoot portion 910 of footwear 900 may correspond to the arch region of the foot. The heel portion 912 of footwear 900 may correspond to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus.

[0136] Footwear 900 can also be divided into an outer side 914 and an inner side 916, both of which extend through the forefoot portion 908, the midfoot portion 910, and the heel portion 912. For example, Figure 20 The outer side 914 of footwear 900 is depicted, and Figure 21 The inner side 916 of footwear 900 is depicted.

[0137] The sole structure 902 includes a sole interlayer 918 and an outsole 920. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole interlayer 918 and the outsole 920 are formed as separate components fixedly joined together. This can be achieved in various ways, including using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, and / or other means for fastening. In other embodiments, the sole interlayer 918 and the outsole 920 may be integrally formed as a single component.

[0138] The midsole 918 of the sole structure 902 is configured to be positioned beneath the wearer's foot. Therefore, the midsole 918 can be configured, for example, to provide cushioning and support. The midsole 918 can be configured to flex and / or elastically deform when pressure is applied to the midsole 918 by the wearer's foot and / or when the footwear 900 impacts the ground surface. In some embodiments, the midsole 918 may comprise a relatively flexible foam material.

[0139] The outsole 920 of the sole structure 902 is configured to be positioned between the midsole 918 and the ground surface. Therefore, the outsole 920 may be configured, for example, to provide increased adhesion friction and / or protection for the midsole 918. In some embodiments, the outsole 920 may include various adhesion friction elements (e.g., bumps, ribs, studs, lugs, patterns, etc.) configured to engage one or more types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, the outsole 920 may include a flexible polymer material (e.g., rubber).

[0140] In some embodiments, the sole structure 902 may also include one or more additional components. For example, the sole structure 902 may include one or more cushioning elements (e.g., fluid-filled capsules, such as air bladders) and / or foam components (e.g., foam pads).

[0141] The upper 904 includes a throat portion 922 that separates the outer side and the inner side of the upper 904. The upper 904 also includes a tongue 924 at least partially disposed within the throat portion 922. In other embodiments, the upper 904 may be formed without a throat portion and / or a tongue.

[0142] The upper 904 of footwear 900 can be formed from various materials. For example, the upper 904 can be formed from one or more of the following materials: textiles, foam, leather, polymers, and / or synthetic leather. In some embodiments, the upper 904 can be formed as a single integral part (e.g., by knitting or molding). In other embodiments, the upper 904 can include multiple parts joined together (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, fasteners, etc.).

[0143] The upper 904 can be securely attached to the sole structure 902 in various ways. For example, the upper 904 can be attached (e.g., sewn) to a strobel (midsole fabric), and the strobel can be attached to the sole interlayer 918 (e.g., using adhesive). In other embodiments, the strobel can be omitted, and the upper 904 can be attached to components of the sole structure 902. In some such embodiments, the upper 904 can be attached to the sole interlayer 918 and / or cushioning elements (e.g., airbags) of the sole structure 902 via adhesives, sewing, and / or other means for attachment.

[0144] The closure system 907 may include a lace receiving structure 800, eyelets 926 in the tongue 924 and / or upper 904, and an adjustment member 928. The adjustment member 928 may include laces, threads, cables, straps, and / or other tightening elements configured to be adjusted (e.g., pulled) by the user to tighten the upper 904 (and thereby reduce the volume of the foot receiving cavity 906). As described above, the lace receiving structure 800 may be configured to receive the adjustment member 928. Therefore, the adjustment member 928 may be configured to extend through one or more eyelets 926 of the lace receiving structure 800 (e.g., through eyelets 812 of the lace receiving structure 800) and / or the upper 904 and / or the tongue 924. To fasten and / or secure the footwear 900 to the user's foot, the user may pull the adjustment member 928 to tighten the upper 904 around the user's foot. Specifically, pulling the adjusting member 928 forces the eyelets 926 and / or 12 toward each other, thereby closing the foot receiving cavity 906. After the footwear 900 is tightened to the desired level via the adjusting member 928, the user can secure the adjusting member 928 in the tightened position, for example, by tying a knot in it. Alternatively, the closure system 907 may include a locking mechanism that secures the adjusting member 928 in a specific position without requiring the user to tie a knot.

[0145] A shoelace receiving structure 800 may be included in the forefoot portion 908 of the footwear 900. However, in other embodiments, the shoelace receiving structure 800 may be additionally or alternatively included in the midfoot portion 910 of the footwear 900. Furthermore, although the footwear 900 is depicted as including... Figures 20-24 The footwear 900 may include four shoelace receiving structures 800, but it should be understood that in other examples, the footwear 900 may include more or fewer than four shoelace receiving structures 800. For example, the footwear 900 may include one, two, three, and / or four shoelace receiving structures 800 on the outer side 914 and / or one, two, three, and / or four shoelace receiving structures 800 on the inner side 916.

[0146] In some embodiments, not all shoelace receiving structures 800 may be the same size and / or shape. For example, as Figures 20-24 As depicted, the foremost shoelace receiving structure on the outer side 914 may be shorter and / or narrower than the shoelace receiving structures 800 positioned behind the foremost shoelace receiving structure on the outer side 914. In some such embodiments, the shoelace receiving structures 800 included in the footwear 900 are different in size and / or shape from one another, such that each of the shoelace receiving structures 800 has a unique size and / or shape and can be configured to be positioned at a specific location on the footwear 900. For example, in Figures 20-24 In this design, footwear 900 may include four different types (e.g., sizes and / or shapes) of lace receiving structures 800: a first type 930 configured to be positioned only on the forefoot lateral side; a second type 932 configured to be positioned only on the heel lateral side; a third type 934 configured to be positioned only on the forefoot medial side; and a fourth type 936 configured to be positioned only on the heel medial side. In this way, each type of lace receiving structure 800 can be configured to fit only at a specific location / position on footwear 900. However, in other examples, the lace receiving structures 800 may be interchanged at different locations on footwear 900.

[0147] As discussed above, the shoelace receiving structure 800 can be attached to the upper 904. In some embodiments, the shoelace receiving structure 800 can be fixedly (e.g., permanently) attached to the upper 904 via stitching, adhesive, heat bonding, and / or other means for secure attachment. Specifically, the anchoring portion 818 can be directly and securely attached to the upper 904. However, in other embodiments, the shoelace receiving structure 800 can be removably attached to the upper 904. When the shoelace receiving structure 800 is removably attached to the upper 904, the user can interchange the shoelace receiving structure 800 as needed, for example, interchange shoelace receiving structures 800 with different sizes, shapes, designs, surface features, and / or colors. In some such embodiments where the shoelace receiving structure 800 is removably attached to the upper 904, the shoelace receiving structure 800 may not be stitched and / or adhered to the upper 904. Instead, the anchoring portion 818 can hold the lace receiving structure 800 in place by extending the lace receiving structure 800 outward, inward and / or longitudinally under the upper 904.

[0148] Specifically, each shoelace receiving structure 800 can extend through the hole 938 in the upper 904 (in Figure 24 (best seen in the middle), and the anchoring portion 818 may extend below and / or beneath the outer surface 940 of the upper 904 (in the best view). Figures 25-26 (Best viewed in the middle). For example, in Figures 20-23 In the diagram, the anchoring portion 818 is shown in dashed lines to indicate that it is not visible from the outside of the footwear 900, but extends below the outer surface 940 of the upper 904. In embodiments where the lace receiving structure 800 is removably attached to the footwear 900, a user can insert the lace receiving structure 800 through the hole 938.

[0149] In some embodiments, such as in Figures 25-26 As depicted, the anchoring portion 818 extends beneath the upper 904, such that the anchoring portion 818 is configured to extend beneath the inner surface 942 of the upper 904 and / or directly contact the wearer's foot. Specifically, a second side 844 of the anchoring portion 818 may face and / or directly contact the wearer's foot, and a first side 842 of the anchoring portion 818 may face and / or directly contact the inner surface 942 of the upper 904. In this way, the anchoring portion 818 may be positioned between the upper 904 and the foot receiving cavity 906 and / or may define at least a portion of the foot receiving cavity 906.

[0150] By extending below the upper 904, the anchoring portion 818 can retain the lace receiving structure 800 within the footwear 900. Specifically, because the anchoring portion 818 can extend below the upper 904 when included within the footwear 900, the anchoring portion 818 helps prevent and / or restrict the lace receiving structure 800 from being pulled back from the upper 904 through the perforation 938.

[0151] like Figures 20-26 As shown, the anchoring portion 818 may extend below the upper 904 away from the hole 938. The anchoring portion 818 may extend below the upper 904 away from the hole 938 by at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, up to 40 mm, up to 35 mm, up to 30 mm, up to 25 mm, up to 20 mm, and / or up to 15 mm. In some such embodiments, the anchoring portion 818 may extend towards the sole structure 902 (outward when included on the outer surface of the footwear 900, and inward towards the sole structure 902 when included on the inner surface of the footwear 900) and away from the tongue 924. However, in other embodiments, the anchoring portion 818 may additionally or alternatively extend towards the tongue 924, the heel portion 912, and / or the forefoot of the footwear 900. That is, the anchoring portion 818 can extend longitudinally (forward and / or backward), outward and / or inward.

[0152] The main body portion 816 may be configured to extend outside the foot receiving cavity 906, through the perforation 938, to the exterior of the footwear 900, and may be configured to further extend above and / or onto the upper 904. Specifically, the main body portion 816 may be configured to extend on and / or on top of the outer surface 940 of the upper 904. Specifically, the inner side 828 of the main body portion 816 may be configured to face and / or directly contact the outer surface 940 of the upper 904. In some examples, the distal end 834 of the main body portion 816 may be configured to extend to the throat portion 922 of the footwear 900. As an example, the main body portion 816 may be configured to extend over one or more of the throat portion 922, the tongue 924, and / or the adjustment member 928.

[0153] In some embodiments, footwear 900 may include a reinforcing element 944 in and / or on the upper 904, the reinforcing element 944 being configured to provide additional structural support to the upper 904 in the area where the lace-receiving structure 800 is attached to the upper 904 (e.g., where the anchoring portion 818 of the lace-receiving structure 800 extends below the outer surface 940 of the upper). By providing this additional structural support to the upper 904, the reinforcing element 944 can help prevent the lace-receiving structure 800 from pulling through, stretching, tearing, and / or otherwise damaging or deforming the upper 904.

[0154] In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may be constructed of and / or comprise a material that is stiffer and / or more rigid than the rest of the upper 904. For example, the upper 904 may be constructed primarily of knit and / or woven fabric, and the reinforcing element 944 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, and / or other suitable materials for reinforcing the upper 904.

[0155] In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may be attached to the outer surface 940 of the upper 904. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may only cover the outer surface 940 of the upper 904 and may not extend into the upper 904 below the outer surface 940. However, in other embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may extend into and / or through the upper 904. For example, the reinforcing element 944 may be at least partially embedded in the fabric of the upper 904. The reinforcing element 944 may additionally or alternatively be attached to and / or cover the inner surface 942 of the upper 904. In some such embodiments, the first side 842 of the anchoring portion 818 may have direct physical contact with the reinforcing element 944. The reinforcing element 944 may be attached to the upper 904 via adhesive, stitching, and / or heat treatment.

[0156] In some embodiments, the anchoring portion 818 of the lace receiving structure 800 may be directly coupled (e.g., via stitching and / or adhesive) to the reinforcing element 944. However, in other examples, the anchoring portion 818 may be directly coupled to the fabric of the upper 904 and may be indirectly coupled to the reinforcing element 944 only via a common connection with the upper 904.

[0157] In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may extend upward to the distal end of the anchoring portion 818 and / or extend beyond the distal end of the anchoring portion 818 (e.g., the distal end being the first end 846 of the anchoring portion 818 when the body portion 816 is attached to the second end 848 of the anchoring portion 818). In other embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may only partially cover the anchoring portion 818, and the anchoring portion 818 may extend and / or protrude beyond the reinforcing element 944. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may at least partially surround, abut, and / or adjacent to the hole 938 through which the shoelace receiving structure 800 is configured to extend. For example, as Figure 24 As shown, the reinforcing element 944 at least partially surrounds the lower portion of the hole 938. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 944 may extend longitudinally along the upper 904 between different lace-receiving structures positioned on the same side of the footwear 900. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element is configured to be positioned between the hole 938 and the sole structure 902.

[0158] Reference Figures 25-26 , Figures 25-26 Depicting along Figure 22 The image shows a cross-sectional view of footwear 900 taken by cutting line 25-25, which extends from the outer side 914 to the inner side 916 of footwear 900. Figures 25-26 An example is depicted showing how the shoelace receiving structure 800 can bend and / or deform during the tightening process. Specifically, Figure 25 A shoelace receiving structure 800 in a loosened configuration is depicted, wherein the adjusting member 928 does not pass through the loop 820 of the eyelet 812 of each shoelace receiving structure 800, and the main body portion 816 of the shoelace receiving structure 800 extends away from the upper 904, such that the distal end 834 does not directly contact the upper 904. However, Figure 26 A shoelace receiving structure 800 in a tightened configuration is depicted, wherein an adjusting member 928 extends through the eyelet 12 of each shoelace receiving structure 800 and has been tightened by the user. As depicted, when the adjusting member 928 has been tightened by the user, the main body portion 816 may fold downward, bend toward the upper 904, tighten against the upper 904, and / or otherwise move closer to the upper 904. Specifically, the main body portion 816 and / or eyelet 812 of the shoelace receiving structure 800 may be configured to move toward and / or tighten against the outer surface 940 of the upper 904 when the user tightens the adjusting member 928.

[0159] Therefore, the main body portion 816 can be configured to pivot relative to the upper 904. In some such embodiments, the main body portion 816 can be configured to pivot away from the upper 904 when the adjusting member 928 is released and / or pivot toward the upper 904 when the adjusting member is tightened.

[0160] Footwear 900 may be constructed in one or more sizes (e.g., US women's sizes 4-12) and / or widths (e.g., A, B, C, D, E, EE, and / or EEE). Footwear 900 may also be constructed in other sizing conventions (e.g., UK, EUR, cm, etc.) and / or sizes (e.g., US men's sizes 1-18).

[0161] Other examples of the disclosed technology

[0162] The following are additional examples of the disclosed techniques.

[0163] 1. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0164] Sole structure;

[0165] An upper, said upper being coupled to said sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between said upper and sole structure, said upper including holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure; and

[0166] The shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole in the upper, under the upper, and toward the sole structure.

[0167] 2. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure includes a body portion and an anchoring portion, the body portion being configured to extend outside the foot receiving cavity, and the anchoring portion being configured to extend into the foot receiving cavity and connect the lace receiving structure to the upper.

[0168] 3. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the upper and is configured to directly contact the user's foot.

[0169] 4. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion is thickest at or near the location where the anchoring portion is joined to the main body portion of the lace receiving structure.

[0170] 5. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is T-shaped, such that the anchoring portion extends to the opposite side away from the proximal end of the body portion.

[0171] 6. Footwear articles as described in any example herein further include eyelets configured to receive adjustment members.

[0172] 7. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the eyelets are located on the inner surface of the body portion.

[0173] 8. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the eyelets are located at or near the distal end of the body portion.

[0174] 9. Footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the eyelet is spaced apart from the distal end of the body portion by at least one-eighth of the length of the body portion.

[0175] 10. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein when the footwear article is fastened with the adjusting member, the main body portion directly and physically contacts at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper.

[0176] 11. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the body portion is thickest at the proximal end of the body portion.

[0177] 12. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure comprises a stiffer material near the junction of the body portion and the anchor portion than at the distal end of the body portion.

[0178] 13. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the body portion extends through the hole and extends toward the tongue of the footwear article on the outer surface of the upper.

[0179] 14. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein, when the footwear is not tightened with the adjusting member, the anchoring portion and the body portion are at an angle of at least 40 degrees and at most 120 degrees relative to each other.

[0180] 15. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion and the body portion form a corner at their intersection.

[0181] 16. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is thickest at or near the corner.

[0182] 17. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the corner portion is constructed of a stiffer material than other portions of the lace-receiving structure.

[0183] 18. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is permanently attached to the upper via one or more of stitching and adhesive.

[0184] 19. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is removably attached to the upper.

[0185] 20. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is configured to slide into and out of the foot receiving cavity through holes in the upper.

[0186] 21. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is not sewn or adhered to the upper.

[0187] 22. The footwear article as described in any example herein further includes a reinforcing element attached to the upper and configured to provide additional structural support to the upper.

[0188] 23. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element is constructed of a material different from and stiffer than the upper.

[0189] 24. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion of the lace receiving structure is coupled to the reinforcing element.

[0190] 25. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion extends beneath the reinforcing element.

[0191] 26. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element extends between the hole and the sole structure.

[0192] 27. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element is positioned adjacent to the hole.

[0193] 28. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element extends longitudinally along the footwear article from the lace-receiving structure to a second lace-receiving structure positioned in front of or behind the lace-receiving structure.

[0194] 29. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0195] Sole structure;

[0196] The upper, which is connected to the sole structure and forms a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure; and

[0197] A lace receiving structure attached to the upper, wherein the lace receiving structure includes an anchoring portion extending below the upper into the foot receiving cavity, and a body portion extending above the upper on the outer surface of the upper.

[0198] 30. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the thickness of the body portion decreases monotonically as the body portion is advanced from its proximal end toward its distal end.

[0199] 31. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein the width of the body portion decreases monotonically as the body portion is advanced from its proximal end toward its distal end.

[0200] 32. Footwear as described in any example herein, wherein the thickness of the anchor portion decreases monotonically as the body moves away from the position where the anchor portion connects with the body portion.

[0201] 33. As described in any example of this article, the width of the anchor portion monotonically decreases as the footwear moves away from the position where the anchor portion connects to the main body portion.

[0202] 34. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the body portion is configured to extend to the throat of the footwear on the outer surface of the upper.

[0203] 35. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the lace receiving structure is attached to the upper at the forefoot portion of the footwear article.

[0204] 36. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion extends from the body portion toward the sole structure and away from the throat portion of the footwear article.

[0205] 37. A type of footwear, comprising:

[0206] Sole structure;

[0207] An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure;

[0208] Reinforcing elements connected to the shoe upper; and

[0209] A shoelace receiving structure, wherein the shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole into the foot receiving cavity of the footwear article and is coupled to the reinforcing element.

[0210] 38. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a material different from the upper.

[0211] 39. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element is attached to the outer surface of the upper.

[0212] 40. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element is embedded in the upper.

[0213] 41. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element is positioned between the hole and the sole structure.

[0214] 42. Footwear articles as described in any example herein, wherein the reinforcing element at least partially surrounds the hole.

[0215] 43. The footwear article as described in any example herein, wherein the anchoring portion of the footwear article extends below the reinforcing element.

[0216] It should be noted that in any of the examples disclosed herein, the shoelace receiving structure may be attached to the footwear item before the point of sale to the end user (e.g., in examples where the shoelace receiving structure is permanently attached to the footwear item) or after the point of sale to the end user (e.g., in examples where the shoelace receiving structure is removably attached to the footwear item). For example, a wearer may purchase footwear items that already have a shoelace receiving structure attached and / or may purchase footwear items that do not have a shoelace receiving structure attached, and may attach the shoelace receiving structure themselves after purchase. Furthermore, in the example where the shoelace receiving structure is removably attached to the footwear item, the user may replace the shoelace receiving structure with a different shoelace receiving structure as needed.

[0217] Unless otherwise stated, any feature of any example (one or more) disclosed herein may be combined with or separated from any feature of any example (one or more) disclosed herein. For example, any of the shoelace receiving structures disclosed herein (e.g., shoelace receiving structures 10 and 800) may be used with footwear article 900. As another example, footwear article may include one or more shoelace receiving structures 10 and one or more shoelace receiving structures 800.

[0218] Furthermore, it should be understood that Figures 1-26 The shoelace receiving structure shown may include, with Figures 1-26 The geometry shown varies depending on the component's dimensions, shape, thickness, width, length, relative dimensions, and / or positioning. For example, although the anchoring portion and the main body portion are... Figures 1-13The portion is shown as a rectangular prism, but it should be understood that the main body and anchoring portion can include other shapes, outlines, sizes, etc. As just one example, the anchoring portion may consist of only a single protrusion (e.g., in...). Figures 14-26 (as shown in the diagram), and / or may include multiple protrusions (e.g., the protrusion shown in the diagram), Figures 1-6 , Figures 9-10 and Figure 13 (The protrusion shown in the image). As another example, the main body and / or anchoring portion can be tapered, such as... Figures 14-26 As shown. As yet another example, the anchoring portion and the body portion may differ in the anchoring portion and / or the body portion. Figures 1-26 The positions shown are attached to each other.

[0219] Given the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles can be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure; The shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole in the upper, below the upper, and toward the sole structure. The shoelace receiving structure includes an anchoring portion and a main body portion. The anchoring portion and the main body portion form a corner at the intersection of a first end of the anchoring portion and a proximal end of the main body portion. The thickness of the anchoring portion decreases as the shoe moves away from the corner, and the thickness of the main body portion decreases as the shoe moves away from the corner. as well as A reinforcing element is attached to the upper, wherein an anchoring portion is attached to the reinforcing element and wherein the anchoring portion extends beneath the reinforcing element.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The main body portion is configured to extend outside the foot receiving cavity, and wherein the anchoring portion is configured to extend into the foot receiving cavity and connect the shoelace receiving structure to the upper.

3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein, The anchoring portion covers at least a portion of the inner surface of the shoe upper and is configured to directly contact the user's foot.

4. The footwear article according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, The anchoring portion is thickest at or near the location where it connects to the main body of the shoelace receiving structure.

5. Footwear according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The anchoring portion extends to the opposite side of the proximal end of the main body portion.

6. The footwear article according to any one of claims 2-5, further comprising eyelets configured to receive an adjustment member.

7. The footwear article according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The shoelace receiving structure includes a stiffer material near the junction of the body portion and the anchor portion than at the distal end of the body portion.

8. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The lace receiving structure is removably attached to the upper, and the lace receiving structure is configured to slide into and out of the foot receiving cavity through the holes in the upper.

9. Footwear according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein, The reinforcing element is configured to provide additional support to the upper.

10. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The reinforcing element is constructed from a different, stiffer material than the upper.

11. The footwear article according to any one of claims 9-10, wherein, The reinforcing element is positioned adjacent to the hole.

12. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure; A shoelace receiving structure is attached to the upper, wherein the shoelace receiving structure includes an anchoring portion extending below the upper into the foot receiving cavity, and a body portion extending above the upper on the outer surface of the upper; as well as A reinforcing element is attached to the shoe upper, wherein an anchoring portion is attached to the reinforcing element, and wherein the anchoring portion extends beneath the reinforcing element. Wherein, the anchoring portion and the main body portion form a corner portion at the location where the first end of the anchoring portion and the proximal end of the main body portion intersect, and wherein the thickness of the anchoring portion decreases when moving away from the corner portion, and the thickness of the main body portion decreases when moving away from the corner portion.

13. The footwear article according to claim 12, wherein, As the body portion moves from its proximal end toward its distal end, the thickness and width of the body portion decrease monotonically.

14. The footwear article according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein, As the distance from the corner is increased, the width of the anchoring portion decreases monotonically.

15. Footwear according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein, The anchoring portion extends from the body portion toward the sole structure and away from the throat portion of the footwear.

16. A type of footwear, comprising: Sole structure; An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure and forming a foot receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes holes configured to receive a lace receiving structure; Reinforcing elements, the reinforcing elements being attached to the shoe upper; and The shoelace receiving structure extends through the hole into the foot receiving cavity of the footwear article, wherein the shoelace receiving structure includes an anchoring portion and a body portion, wherein the anchoring portion is coupled to the reinforcing element, and wherein the anchoring portion extends below the reinforcing element. The anchoring portion and the main body portion form a corner at the location where the first end of the anchoring portion and the proximal end of the main body portion intersect, and the thickness of the anchoring portion decreases as the body portion moves away from the corner portion, and the thickness of the main body portion decreases as the body portion moves away from the corner portion.

17. The footwear article according to claim 16, wherein, The reinforcing element comprises a material different from that of the shoe upper.

18. The footwear article according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein, The reinforcing element is attached to the outer surface of the shoe upper.

19. Footwear according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein, The reinforcing element is embedded in the shoe upper.

Images