Article of footwear

Abstract

The invention relates to an article of footwear. An article of footwear includes an upper defining a throat configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure coupled to the upper. The article of footwear also includes a sheet having a first side coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position. The sheet exposes a portion of the throat in the open position and covers the portion of the throat in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are disposed on the first side of the upper, with the body portion of the strap disposed between the first end and the second end surrounding the upper.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application filed on May 21, 2021, with application number 202180010844.2 and invention name “Footwear Articles”. CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. patent application serial number 16 / 881,551, filed on May 22, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to articles of footwear having a strap system for moving the footwear between tightened and loosened conditions. background

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed of any suitable material to receive, secure and support the foot on the sole structure. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate a bottom surface of the foot, is attached to the sole structure. The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between an outsole that provides wear resistance and traction with a ground surface and a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning for the foot.

[0006] The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fastening systems to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. For example, the laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot, and once the upper has achieved the desired fit around the foot, the laces are tightened. Each time the laces are tightened, care is taken to ensure that the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot.

[0007] Although known fastening systems adequately secure the upper of an article of footwear to the wearer's foot, such systems require the use of two hands to properly tighten and tie the laces of the fastening system. Therefore, conventional systems are not easily used by people who only have access to one arm or one hand. Attached photos

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 1A is a lateral side perspective view of an article of footwear including a strap system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the strap system is shown in a tightened state; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A a lateral side perspective view of the article of footwear, wherein the strap system is shown in a loosened state; Figure 2A yes Figure 1A a medial-side perspective view of an article of footwear, wherein the strap system is shown in a tightened state; Figure 2B yes Figure 1A a medial side perspective view of the article of footwear, wherein the strap system is shown in a loosened state; Figure 3 yes Figure 1A a bottom plan view of the article of footwear; Figure 4 yes Figure 1A A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sole structure of an article of footwear; Figure 4A yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of a portion 4A of the sole structure; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a sole structure of a shoe; Figure 6 According to the principles of the present disclosure, Figure 1A an exploded perspective view of a routing element for use with an article of footwear; and Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of a wiring element.

[0010] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. Detailed Description

[0011] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the disclosure will be thorough and the scope of the disclosure will be fully conveyed to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0012] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. Unless specifically identified as an order of execution, the method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0013] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe a variety of elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0015] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper defining a throat and a sole structure coupled to the upper, the throat being configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear also includes a panel having a first side, the first side being coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position. The panel exposes a portion of the throat in the open position and covers the portion of the throat in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end are disposed on a first side of the upper, wherein a main body of the strap is disposed between the first end and the second end, surrounding the upper.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the main body of the strip includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, the first portion extending from the first end, and the second portion extending from the second end and overlapping with the first portion of the strip at an intersection. Here, the intersection can be set on the sheet. The upper may include an outer side and an inner side, and the first portion of the strip and the second portion of the strip are at least partially set along the outer side and the inner side. At least a portion of the first portion of the strip may be set between the sole structure and the upper. Optionally, at least a portion of the second portion of the strip may be set between the sole structure and the upper.

[0017] In some examples, the sole structure defines a channel extending through the sole structure, and the strap is at least partially disposed within the channel. The article of footwear may also include a wiring element coupled to the sole structure, and the strap is at least partially disposed within the wiring element. The sheet material may include a hole, and the strap is slidably disposed within the hole.

[0018] In some configurations, the upper includes a first hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. Here, the upper may include a second hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. Alternatively, the upper may include a third hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. The first hole and the second hole may be disposed on the medial side of the upper, and the third hole may be disposed on the lateral side of the upper.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first end is removably coupled to the second end. The first end may include a first fastener, and the second end may include a second fastener configured to selectively engage the first fastener. The upper may include an outer surface, and the sheet may include an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface in a closed position. Optionally, the upper may include a lateral side and a medial side opposite the lateral side, the lateral side defining a lateral side of the shoe throat, the medial side defining a medial side of the shoe throat, and the sheet may be rotatably coupled to the lateral side or the medial side of the upper.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper defining a foot-receiving opening and a sole structure supported by the upper. The article of footwear also includes a sheet material coupled to the upper, the sheet material being configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. The sheet material is configured to cover at least a portion of the foot-receiving opening in the closed position. The article of footwear also includes a strap extending around the upper and including a first end and a second end. The first end includes a first engagement mechanism and the second end includes a second engagement mechanism, the second engagement mechanism being configured to selectively couple the first end to the second end.

[0021] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the strip includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, the first portion extending from the first end, the second portion extending from the second end and overlapping the first portion of the strip at the intersection. Here, the intersection may be disposed on the sheet. The upper may include a lateral side and a medial side, the first portion of the strip and the second portion of the strip at least partially disposed along the lateral side and the medial side. At least a portion of the first portion of the strip may be disposed between the sole structure and the upper. At least a portion of the second portion of the strip may be disposed between the sole structure and the upper.

[0022] In some configurations, the sole structure defines a channel extending through the sole structure, the strap being at least partially disposed within the channel. The article of footwear may include a wiring element coupled to the sole structure, the strap being at least partially disposed within the wiring element. The sheet material may include a hole, the strap being slidably disposed within the hole.

[0023] In some embodiments, the upper includes a first hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. Here, the upper may include a second hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. Alternatively, the upper may include a third hole in which the strap is slidably disposed. The first hole and the second hole may be disposed on the medial side of the upper, and the third hole may be disposed on the lateral side of the upper.

[0024] In some examples, the upper includes an outer surface, and the panel includes an inner surface configured to engage the outer surface in a closed position. Optionally, the upper may include a lateral side and a medial side opposite the lateral side, the lateral side defining a lateral side of the foot receiving opening, the medial side defining a medial side of the foot receiving opening, and the panel is rotatably coupled to the lateral side or the medial side of the upper.

[0025] The details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0026] Reference Figure 1A-Figure 4A, discloses an example of an article of footwear 10 that includes a strap system 300 that provides tension relative to a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100 and a sole structure 200 attached to upper 100. Strap system 300 may include straps 302 and one or more wiring elements 304 ( Figure 4 ) to manage the tension of upper 100. As will be explained in more detail below, in some embodiments, upper 100 and sole structure 200 cooperate to provide a passage and guide for guiding portions of strap 302 through article of footwear 10. Upper 100 and strap system 302 cooperate to allow article of footwear 10 to be in a loosened state (e.g., Figure 1B and Figure 2B ) and tightened states (e.g. Figure 1A and Figure 2A Specifically, the strip 302 can move in the tightening direction D T Move up ( Figure 1A and Figure 1B ) to move the footwear article 10 to a tightened state.

[0027] Article of footwear 10 and components thereof may be described as including a front end 12 associated with the forward-most point of footwear 10, and a rear end 14 corresponding to the rearward-most point of footwear 10. Figure 3 As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 1 , the longitudinal axis A of the footwear 10 is 10 The side 16 and the side 18 extend along the length of the footwear 10 from the front end 12 to the rear end 14 and generally divide the footwear 10 into a lateral side 16 and a medial side 18. Thus, the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 correspond to opposite sides of the footwear 10 and extend from the front end 12 to the rear end 14, respectively.

[0028] The article of footwear 10 may be arranged along a longitudinal axis A. 10 The shoe may be divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may correspond to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones and phalanges of the foot. The midfoot region 22 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond to the rear region of the foot (including the calcaneus).

[0029] The upper 100 forms an enclosure having a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior cavity 102 and an ankle opening 104 that cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 200. For example, the upper 100 includes a pair of quarter panels 106 in the midfoot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior cavity 102. A throat 108 extends across the top of the upper 100 and defines an instep area extending between the quarter panels 106 from the ankle opening 104 to the forefoot region 20. In the example shown, the throat 108 is enclosed by a panel 110 that extends between the opposing quarter panels 106 in the instep area to cover the interior cavity 102. The panel 110 covering the throat 108 may be coupled to one of the quarter panels 106 and / or the forefoot region 20. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B and Figure 2B As shown, in some embodiments, the panel 110 is hingedly connected to the waist panel 106 disposed on the medial side 18 of the footwear 10 so that in the open state (eg, Figure 1B and Figure 2B ) and closed states (e.g. Figure 1A and Figure 2A ), in the closed state, a portion of the panel 110 may overlap a portion of the front end 12 of the footwear 10 and / or the waist panel 106. In this regard, the panel 110 may include an inner surface 111 that engages an outer surface 114 of the upper 100 in the closed state.

[0030] The upper 100 of the article of footwear 10 can also be described as including a heel side panel 110 extending from a corresponding waist panel 106 through the heel region 24 along the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 of the ankle opening 104. A heel counter 112 wraps around the rear end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panel 110. The uppermost edge of the throat 108, the uppermost edge of the heel side panel 110, and the uppermost edge of the heel counter 112 cooperate to form a collar 115 that defines the ankle opening 104 of the interior cavity 102.

[0031] Upper 100 may be formed of one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define interior cavity 102. Suitable materials for upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foams, leather, and synthetic leather. Example upper 100 may be formed of a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials, with the one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials being disposed in different areas of upper 100 to facilitate the stretching of article of footwear 10 in an open state (e.g., Figure 1B and Figure 2B ) and closed states (e.g. Figure 1A and Figure 2A ). The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart elastic properties.

[0032] refer to Figure 3-Figure 5 , sole structure 200 is attached to upper 100 and includes a midsole 202 configured to provide cushioning properties to sole structure 200, and an outsole 204 configured to provide ground-engaging surface 26 of article of footwear 10. In this regard, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, midsole 202 may include lower surface 206 that engages upper surface 208 of outsole 204 in an assembled configuration. As previously described, sole structure 200 may also receive a portion of strap system 300 in an assembled configuration. In particular, as Figure 5 As shown, lower surface 206 of midsole 202 may include one or more channels 209 extending therethrough from lateral side 16 to medial side 18, while upper surface 208 of outsole 204 may include one or more protrusions 210 extending from lateral side 16 to medial side 18. As will be explained in more detail below, in an assembled configuration, channel 209 may receive protrusion 210 and guide portions of strap system 300 (e.g., strap 302 and / or wiring element 304) through article of footwear 10. In some examples, a portion of strap 302 may be enclosed within wiring element 304 and channel 209 between midsole 202 and outsole 204.

[0033] As described above, strap system 300 may be attached to upper 100 and / or sole structure 200 for securing upper 100 in an open position ( Figure 1B and Figure 2B ) and closed state ( Figure 1A and Figure 2A ). In this regard, the strip 302 may include a proximal end 308 and a distal end 310 opposite the proximal end 308. The proximal end 308 may be coupled to one or both of the upper 100 or the sole structure 200 and may include a first fastener 312. For example, the proximal end 308 may be fixed to the lateral shoe waist panel 106 near the front end 12 of the footwear 10 by stitching, adhesive, ultrasonic welding or any other suitable technology. The first fastener 312 may include a ring, a clip, a hook and loop fastener or any other suitable fastening system. In this regard, the distal end 310 may include a second fastener 314, which may be selectively coupled to the first fastener 312 in a closed state. For example, the second fastener 314 may include a hook and loop fastener that is configured to be selectively attached to the first fastener 312 in a closed state.

[0034] In the assembled configuration, the strap 302 may be translationally directed through one or both of the upper 100 or the sole structure 200. In this regard, one or more of the waist panel 106 or the panel 110 may include one or more apertures 316 through which the strap 302 is translationally directed in the assembled configuration. In the illustrated example, the lateral waist panel 106 includes a first aperture 316-1 proximate the throat 108, the medial waist panel 106 includes a second aperture 316-2 and a third aperture 316-3 proximate the throat 108, and the panel 110 includes a fourth aperture 316-4 proximate the lateral edge of the panel 110. As will be explained in more detail below, in the assembled configuration, the strap 302 may be directed through one or more of the apertures 316 such that the strap 302 may translate through the apertures.

[0035] refer to Figure 4-Figure 5, the wiring element 304 may include a first wiring element 304-1 and a second wiring element 304-2, and may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material (e.g., plastic, metal, carbon fiber, etc.). The first wiring element 304-1 may include a base portion 318-1 and a pair of side portions 320-1 extending from opposite sides of the base portion 318-1. The second wiring element 304-2 may also include a base portion 318-2 and a pair of side portions 320-2 extending from opposite sides of the base portion 318-2. In some embodiments, the side portions 320-1 of the first wiring element 304-1 define a substantially L-shaped configuration, so that the first wiring element 304-1 defines a substantially C-shaped configuration. In the assembled configuration, side portion 320-2 of second wiring element 304-2 may be disposed within and / or attached to side portion 320-1 of first wiring element 304-1 such that base portions 318-1, 318-2 and side portions 320-1, 320-2 define passage 319 extending therethrough. One or both of first wiring element 304-1 or second wiring element 304-2 may be disposed within first passage 209-1 of passage 209, and one or both of first wiring element 304-1 or second wiring element 304-2 may be disposed within second passage 209-2 of passage 209. For example, wiring elements 304-1, 304-2 may be disposed within passages 209-1, 209-2 and extend from lateral side 16 to medial side 18 of footwear. In some embodiments, base portion 318 - 1 and side portion 320 - 1 engage midsole 202 , while base portion 318 - 2 engages outsole 204 .

[0036] In the assembled configuration, strap 302 may extend (i) from proximal end 308 coupled to lateral waist panel 106 near front end 12 of footwear 10, (ii) through upper 100 and / or sole structure 200 (e.g., between midsole 202 and outsole 204), (iii) through second channel 209-2 (e.g., through wiring elements 304-1, 304-2), and (iv) through upper 100 and / or sole structure 200. (e.g., between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204), (v) through the second hole 316-2 in the medial waist panel 106, (vi) across the throat 108 (e.g., across the panel 110 (e.g., above the panel 110, below the panel 110, through the panel 110, etc.)), (vii) through the fourth hole 316-4 in the panel 110, (viii) through the first hole 316-1 in the lateral waist panel 106, ( ix) through the upper 100 and / or the sole structure 200 (e.g., between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204), (x) through the first channel 209-1 (e.g., through the wiring elements 304-1, 304-2), (xi) through the upper 100 and / or the sole structure 200 (e.g., between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204), (xii) through the third hole 316-3 in the medial waist panel 106, (xi ii) across throat 108 (e.g., across panel 110 (e.g., above, below, through panel 110, etc.)), including across the portion of strap 302 that crosses the panel (e.g., above or below the portion), (vi) such that the strap forms an X-shaped intersection near throat 108, and (xiv) extends to distal end 310 that is selectively coupled to proximal end 308 near front end 12 of footwear 10. In this manner, strap 302 may completely encircle upper 100 and a portion of sole structure 200 twice in midfoot region 22 of article of footwear 10.

[0037] Specific reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , another strap system 300a is shown for use with an article of footwear, such as article of footwear 10. Given that the structure and function of the components associated with strap system 300a are substantially similar relative to strap system 300, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the figures to identify like components, while like reference numerals with letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0038] Strap system 300a may include strap 302 and one or more wiring elements 304a to manage tension of upper 100. For example, wiring element 304a may include a main wiring element 304a-1 and a pair of auxiliary wiring elements 304a-2. Main wiring element 304a-1 may include a first attachment feature 322 disposed at a proximal end 324 of main wiring element 304a-1 and a second attachment feature 326 disposed at a distal end 328 of main wiring element 304a-1. First attachment feature 322 and second attachment feature 326 may each include a pair of grooves 330, 332 formed in opposing upper and lower sides 334, 336 of main wiring element 304a-1. In some embodiments, first attachment feature 322 and second attachment feature 326 each include a pair of ribs 338 extending from a first lateral side 340 of main wiring element 304a-1 to a second lateral side 342 of main wiring element 304a-1. In this regard, the first outer side 340 may be opposite the second outer side 342, and the upper side 334 may be opposite the lower side 336, such that the rib 338 is disposed between the upper side 334 and the lower side 336 and extends across one or both of the first groove 330 or the second groove 332. The main wiring element 304a-1 may also include a longitudinal passage 344 extending therethrough, the longitudinal passage 344 extending from and through the proximal end 324 to and through the distal end 328. In this regard, the passage 344 may be defined by and between the upper side 334 and the lower side 336, the first outer side 340 and the second outer side 342, and the pair of ribs 338.

[0039] The auxiliary wiring element 304a-2 may include an end portion 346 and a pair of legs 348 extending from the end portion. The end portion 346 may include a front side 350, a rear side 352 opposite the front side 350, and a hole 351 extending through the front side 350 and the rear side 352. The legs 348 may extend from the rear side 352 on opposite sides of the hole 351, and each leg may include a tooth 354 extending therefrom. In this regard, each tooth 354 may extend from one leg 348 of the pair of legs 348 toward the other leg 348 of the pair of legs 348.

[0040] In the assembled configuration ( Figure 7 ), the auxiliary wiring element 304a-2 can be coupled to the proximal end 324 and the distal end 328 of the main wiring element 304a-1. For example, the legs 348 can be disposed within the grooves 330, 332 so that (i) each rib 338 is disposed and secured between the teeth 354 and the end portion 346, and (ii) the aperture 351 of the auxiliary wiring element 304a-2 is aligned with the passage 344 of the main wiring element 304a-1.

[0041] The wiring elements 304a-1, 304a-2 can be coupled to the sole structure 200 so that the strap 302 can be directed therethrough in the manner previously described with respect to the strap system 300. In this regard, the wiring elements 304a-1, 304a-2 can be disposed within the channels 209-1, 209-2. Alternatively, the wiring elements 304a-1, 304a-2 can be disposed at other locations within the sole structure 200, such as (i) between the midsole 202 and the insole 212, (ii) between the midsole 202 and the outsole 204, or (iii) enclosed within the midsole 202, the outsole 204, or the insole 212 so that the strap 302 can be translationally directed through the passage 344 and the aperture 351.

[0042] Reference Figure 1A-Figure 2B , by applying a force on the distal end 310 of the strap 302 (e.g., pulling the distal end 310), the footwear article 10, 10a can be moved from the open state to the closed state after being placed on the user's foot. Pulling the distal end 310 can cause the strap 302 to translate in a first direction within the wiring elements 304, 304a-1, 304a-2 and the holes 316-1, 316-2, 316-3, 316-4 and through the wiring elements 304, 304a-1, 304a-2 and the holes 316-1, 316-2, 316-3, 316-4, so that the upper 100 is tightened around the user's foot. To secure the upper in the tightened state, the user can secure the distal end 310 (e.g., the second fastener 314) to the proximal end 308 (e.g., the first fastener 312).

[0043] When the user wishes to remove the footwear article 10, 10a from the foot, the strap system 300, 300a may be moved to an open position to allow the upper 100 to be loosened around the foot by removing the distal end 310 (e.g., the second fastener 314) from the proximal end 308 (e.g., the first fastener 312) and allowing the strap 302 to translate in a second direction within and through the wiring elements 304, 304a-1, 304a-2 and the apertures 316-1, 316-2, 316-3, 316-4 such that the upper 100 is loosened around the user's foot.

[0044] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations for the article of footwear described above.

[0045] Item 1: An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a throat configured to receive a foot; a sole structure coupled to the upper; a sheet of material having a first side coupled to the upper for movement between an open position and a closed position, the sheet of material exposing a portion of the throat in the open position and covering the portion of the throat in the closed position; and a strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end and the second end being disposed on a first side of the upper, wherein a main portion of the strap is disposed between the first end and the second end, surrounding the upper.

[0046] Clause 2: The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein the main portion of the strap includes a first portion and a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein the first portion extends from the first end, and the second portion extends from the second end and overlaps the first portion of the strap at an intersection.

[0047] Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the intersection is disposed on the panel.

[0048] Clause 4: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the upper includes a lateral side and a medial side, the first portion of the strap and the second portion of the strap being disposed at least partially along the lateral side and the medial side.

[0049] Clause 5: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein at least a portion of the first portion of the strap is disposed between the sole structure and the upper.

[0050] Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein at least a portion of the second portion of the strap is disposed between the sole structure and the upper.

[0051] Clause 7: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sole structure defines a channel extending therethrough, the strap being at least partially disposed within the channel.

[0052] Clause 8: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a wiring element coupled to the sole structure, the strap being at least partially disposed within the wiring element.

[0053] Clause 9: The article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the panel includes an aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the aperture.

[0054] Clause 10: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes a first aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the first aperture.

[0055] Clause 11: The article of footwear of clause 10, wherein the upper includes a second aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the second aperture.

[0056] Clause 12: The article of footwear of clause 11, wherein the upper includes a third aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the third aperture.

[0057] Clause 13: The article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are disposed on a medial side of the upper, and the third aperture is disposed on a lateral side of the upper.

[0058] Clause 14: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end is removably coupled to the second end.

[0059] Clause 15: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end includes a first fastener and the second end includes a second fastener configured to selectively engage the first fastener.

[0060] Clause 16: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes an exterior surface and the panel includes an interior surface configured to engage the exterior surface in the closed position.

[0061] Clause 17: An article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes a lateral side and a medial side opposite the lateral side, the lateral side defining the lateral side of the shoe throat, the medial side defining the medial side of the shoe throat, and the panel is rotatably connected to the lateral side or the medial side of the upper.

[0062] Item 18: An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a foot-receiving opening; a sole structure supported by the upper; a sheet of material coupled to the upper for rotation between an open position and a closed position, the sheet of material being configured to cover at least a portion of the foot-receiving opening in the closed position; and a strap extending around the upper and including a first end and a second end, the first end including a first engagement mechanism and the second end including a second engagement mechanism, the second engagement mechanism being configured to selectively couple the first end to the second end.

[0063] Clause 19: The article of footwear of clause 18, wherein the strap includes a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the first portion, the first portion extending from the second end and overlapping the first portion of the strap at an intersection.

[0064] Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the intersection is disposed on the panel.

[0065] Clause 21: The article of footwear of clause 19, wherein the upper includes a lateral side and a medial side, the first portion of the strap and the second portion of the strap being disposed at least partially along the lateral side and the medial side.

[0066] Clause 22: The article of footwear of Clause 21, wherein at least a portion of the first portion of the strap is disposed between the sole structure and the upper.

[0067] Clause 23: The article of footwear of Clause 22, wherein at least a portion of the second portion of the strap is disposed between the sole structure and the upper.

[0068] Clause 24: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sole structure defines a channel extending therethrough, the strap being at least partially disposed within the channel.

[0069] Clause 25: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a wiring element coupled to the sole structure, the strap being at least partially disposed within the wiring element.

[0070] Clause 26: The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the panel includes an aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the aperture.

[0071] Clause 27: The article of footwear as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the upper includes a first aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the first aperture.

[0072] Clause 28: The article of footwear of clause 27, wherein the upper includes a second aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the second aperture.

[0073] Clause 29: The article of footwear of clause 28, wherein the upper includes a third aperture, the strap being slidably disposed within the third aperture.

[0074] Clause 30: The article of footwear according to clause 29, wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are disposed on a medial side of the upper, and the third aperture is disposed on a lateral side of the upper.

[0075] Clause 31: The article of footwear as recited in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes an exterior surface and the panel includes an interior surface configured to engage the exterior surface in the closed position.

[0076] Clause 32: An article of footwear according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes a lateral side and a medial side opposite the lateral side, the lateral side defining the lateral side of the foot receiving opening, the medial side defining the medial side of the foot receiving opening, and the sheet material being rotatably connected to the lateral side or the medial side of the upper.

[0077] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not explicitly shown or described. The individual elements or features of a particular configuration can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to be out of the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a throat and an ankle opening configured to receive a foot; a sole structure coupled to the upper and comprising a plurality of channels; a flap movable between an open position, wherein the flap exposes a portion of the shoe throat, and a closed position, wherein the flap covers the portion of the shoe throat; as well as A strap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body portion extending between the first end and the second end, the body portion being directed through each of the plurality of channels included in the sole structure and surrounding the upper.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: The body portion extends through a first channel of the plurality of channels, around the upper, and through a second channel of the plurality of channels.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein: The main body portion of the strap extends, in sequence, through the first passage, around the upper, and through the second passage.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: Each channel of the plurality of channels extends from a first side of the sole structure to a second side of the sole structure.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: The main portion of the strap is directed around the upper.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 3, wherein: The strap is configured to translate in a first direction to transition the article of footwear into a tightened condition and in a second direction to transition the article of footwear into a loosened condition.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: When the flap is in the open position, substantially the entirety of the throat is exposed, and wherein when the flap is in the closed position, substantially the entirety of the throat is covered.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein: The main portion of the strap is directed around the upper at least twice.

9. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein: The main body portion of the strap forms an x-shaped intersection with the main body portion itself near the throat.

10. An article of footwear comprising: an upper defining a throat and an ankle opening configured to receive a foot; a sole structure coupled to the upper and comprising a plurality of channels; a flap movable between an open position, wherein the flap exposes a portion of the shoe throat, and a closed position, wherein the flap covers the portion of the shoe throat; as well as a strap having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body portion extending between the first end and the second end, the body portion being directed through each of the plurality of channels included in the sole structure and surrounding the upper, Wherein, the first end includes a first fastener and the second end includes a second fastener, the second fastener being configured to selectively engage the first fastener.

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