Fabric support skeleton for footwear

Abstract

The invention relates to a fabric support skeleton for footwear. An article of footwear includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a side panel portion and a support skeleton extending along an interior of the side panel portion. The supporting framework extends upwards from the shoe sole to the position above the upper edge of the side plate part and returns downwards to one or more connecting parts along the upper edge of the side plate part, and the supporting framework is connected to the side plate part at the one or more connecting parts. Thereby forming one or more eyelet rings for the shoelace. The support skeleton is secured to the sole or the upper at one or more second connections. The second connection portion is disposed on the sole, or is closer to the sole than the upper edge of the side plate portion. The supporting framework is not connected to the portion, between the first connecting part and the second connecting part, of the side plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to footwear, and more particularly, to footwear having an upper with a fabric support skeleton. Background Art

[0002] Achieving an optimal balance between stability and comfort is an important aspect of the design of any article of footwear. Stability includes providing support for the foot when the foot strikes the ground. Comfort includes adequate cushioning to absorb and disperse these impact forces. Improving stability generally requires stiffer footwear, while increasing comfort generally requires softer or more cushioned footwear. Thus, an article of footwear may strive to strike a balance between stability and comfort based at least in part on the nature of the activity intended for the article of footwear. One aspect of stability includes aligning various elements of the user's anatomy during athletic activity. For example, when the ankle, knee, and hip joints move within a specific range of motion angles, they function more efficiently and with less wear.

[0003] Therefore, there is a constant need for innovations in articles of footwear to improve stability and comfort. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure includes various embodiments of uppers for articles of footwear that provide desired stability and cushioning for a wearer's foot.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a quarter-panel portion and a support cage extending along the interior of the quarter-panel portion. The support cage extends upward from the sole to above the upper edge of the quarter-panel portion and returns downward along the upper edge of the quarter-panel portion to one or more connections where the support cage is secured to the quarter-panel portion, thereby forming one or more eyelet loops for shoelaces. The support cage is secured to the sole or the upper at one or more second connections. The second connection is disposed on the sole, or closer to the sole than to the upper edge of the quarter-panel portion. The support cage is not connected to the quarter-panel portion between the first connection and the second connection.

[0006] In some embodiments, the footwear includes a lace extending through one or more eyelet loops. In some embodiments, tightening the lace causes the support frame to fit the wearer's foot before the side panel portion. In some embodiments, tightening the lace causes the lace to raise its position within the one or more eyelet loops.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second connection portion is disposed proximate to a bottom edge of the side panel portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the support frame is composed of fingers extending individually above the upper edge of the side panel portion. The fingers each form a separate one of the eyelet loops, and the fingers are secured to the upper at one or more first connections. In some embodiments, the fingers merge together at the base of the support frame. The base is secured to the sole at one or more second connections.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second connection portion is disposed on an insole strobel. In some embodiments, the support frame is formed of a single unitary flexible fabric. In some embodiments, the support frame is thinner and more flexible than the side panel portions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the side panel portion has an opening therethrough and is disposed above the support frame such that the support frame is visible through the opening.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support framework is comprised of fingers extending to form one or more eyelet loops, and the opening spans across a plurality of fingers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the side panel portion is an outer side panel portion, and the support frame is an outer support frame. In some embodiments, the first connection portion is a first outer connection portion, and the second connection portion is a second outer connection portion. In some embodiments, the eyelet ring is an outer eyelet ring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the upper further comprises a medial side plate portion and a medial support frame extending along the interior of the medial side plate portion. In some embodiments, the medial support frame extends upward from the sole to above the upper edge of the medial side plate portion and returns downward along the upper edge of the medial side plate portion to one or more first medial connections where the support frame is secured to the medial side plate portion, thereby forming one or more medial eyelet loops for laces. In some embodiments, the medial support frame is secured to the sole or upper at one or more second medial connections, which are located on the sole or closer to the sole than the upper edge of the medial side plate portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the medial support framework is not connected to the medial side panel portion between the first medial connector and the second medial connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the footwear further comprises a lace extending through the lateral eyelet loop and the medial eyelet loop. In some embodiments, initial tightening of the lace causes the lateral and medial support skeletons to move away from the lateral and medial side plate portions, respectively, and conform to the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, further tightening causes the lateral and medial side plate portions to conform against the lateral and medial support skeletons, respectively.

[0016] According to one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a side panel portion and a support frame extending along an interior of the side panel portion. The support frame is fixed to the side panel portion at one or more first connections. The support frame is fixed to the sole or the upper at one or more second connections. The second connection is lower than the first connection and spaced apart from the first connection. The support frame between the first connection and the second connection is not connected to the upper. The support frame extends a first distance above the upper edge of the side panel portion to form one or more eyelet loops for shoelaces. The support frame extends a second distance below the upper edge of the side panel portion and inside the side panel portion. The second distance is at least three times the first distance.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second connecting portion is disposed on a Strobel insole of the sole.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support frame is composed of fingers extending individually above the upper edge of the side plate portion. In some embodiments, the fingers each form an individual one of the eyelet rings. In some embodiments, the fingers are fixed to the upper at one or more first connecting portions.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fingers merge together at a base of the support frame. In some embodiments, the base is fixed to the sole or upper at one or more second connection portions.

[0020] According to one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole and an upper. The upper includes a side panel portion and a support frame extending along an interior of the side panel portion. The support frame extends upward from the sole to above an upper edge of the side panel portion and returns downward to one or more connection points where the support frame is connected to the side panel portion to form one or more eyelet loops for laces. The support frame is not connected to the side panel portion between the sole and the one or more connection points.

[0021] In some embodiments, the one or more connections are first connections disposed along an upper edge of the side panel portion, and the support frame is secured to the sole at one or more second connections.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second connection is formed by sewing the support cage to a Strobel insole of the sole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles thereof and enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1A A side view of an article of footwear is shown according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 1B It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an upper of the illustrated article of footwear.

[0026] Figure 2 A partial top view of an article of footwear is shown according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D A cross-sectional view of an upper with a flexible skeleton conforming to a wearer's foot is shown according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4A A side view of an article of footwear is shown according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4B It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 4A A cross-sectional view of an upper of the illustrated article of footwear.

[0030] Figure 5 A top view of an article of footwear is shown according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 5 A side view of the article of footwear is shown with a portion of the upper removed to illustrate the interior of the upper.

[0032] Figure 7 is a partial plan view of a side plate portion and a skeleton of a shoe upper according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 It shows that according to the embodiment Figure 7 A top plan view of the skeleton shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to represent identical or functionally similar elements. References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is proposed that whether or not explicitly described, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0035] The following examples are illustrative and non-limiting in the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable modifications and adaptations to the various conditions and parameters normally encountered in the art are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Conventional footwear generally uses a lacing system with the upper to allow the wearer to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to secure the upper to the wearer's foot. Although conventional lacing systems allow the wearer to adjust the fit of the upper, the upper often does not fit the wearer's foot very well because the upper must have sufficient thickness and sufficient binding force to stabilize the wearer's foot. When the upper does not fit sufficiently against the wearer's foot, the foot may slide within the shoe, resulting in instability and discomfort. Therefore, there is a need for an improved upper for footwear that can allow the wearer to effectively adjust the tension of the upper of the footwear to fit the wearer's foot while still providing sufficient stability to limit the wearer's foot from sliding.

[0037] According to various embodiments described herein, the footwear article of the present disclosure can overcome one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies by incorporating a sole and an upper, the upper including a side panel portion and a support frame. The support frame can extend along the interior of the side panel portion and extend upward from the sole. The support frame can extend above the upper edge of the side panel portion and return downward to one or more first connecting portions, where the support frame is connected to the side panel portion so as to form one or more eyelet loops for shoelaces. The support frame can be fixed to the sole or upper at one or more second connecting portions, the second connecting portion being located on the sole, or closer to the sole than to the upper edge of the side panel portion. The support frame is not connected to the side panel portion between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, so that the support frame moves independently of the side panel portion.

[0038] Figure 1A An article of footwear 100 is shown having an upper 110 and a sole 120 coupled to the upper 110, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, footwear 100 may include lateral side 102 and medial side 104 .

[0039] The sole 120 may be configured to absorb shock and provide tension to the footwear 100 each time the foot strikes. The sole 120 may include a midsole 130 configured to support and cushion the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the midsole 130 may be formed of a foam-based material, such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) foam or foamed polyurethane. The sole 120 may include an outsole 140 disposed below the midsole 130 and coupled to the midsole to define a wear-resistant bottom surface of the sole 120. The outsole 140 may be made of rubber or other suitable wear-resistant materials. The sole 120 may include a strobel insole 150 disposed above the midsole 130 to receive the wearer's foot.

[0040] The upper 110 may be configured to receive and surround a wearer's foot when coupled to the sole 120. The upper 110 may be coupled to the sole 120 by stitching, bonding, or other suitable techniques known in the art. The upper 110 may include a forefoot portion 114, a heel portion 118, a lateral side plate portion 116 extending from within the forefoot portion 114 to within the heel portion 118, and a medial side plate portion 115 extending from within the forefoot portion 114 to within the heel portion 118 and disposed opposite the lateral side plate portion 116. The upper 110 may include an upper edge 111 defining an ankle opening 112 disposed in the heel portion 118 to allow a wearer's foot to be received therethrough. The upper edge 111 may define a midfoot opening 113 disposed between the medial side plate portion 115 and the lateral side plate portion 116 to allow adjustment of the tension of the upper 110. In some embodiments, footwear 100 may include a tongue 160 secured to upper 110 and extending along the length of medial side plate portion 115 and lateral side plate portion 116 to cover the interior of footwear 100 exposed by midfoot opening 113 .

[0041] In some embodiments, the upper 110 may include a base layer 119 formed of a material that allows the upper 110 to constrain the movement of the wearer's foot and includes sufficient flexibility to conform to the wearer's foot, such as, for example, a fabric mesh, a woven fabric, a knitted material, leather, or a solid fabric. For example, the base layer 119 of the upper 110 may be formed of a fabric mesh extending from the forefoot portion 114 to the heel portion 118. The base layer 119 of the upper 110 may define at least a portion of the outer surface of the upper 110. The base layer 119 of the upper 110 may define the inner surface of the upper 110 to engage the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the fabric mesh of the upper 110 may be formed of a combination of synthetic materials, such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, carbon fiber, and aramid. In some embodiments, the fabric mesh may be formed of elastic fibers, such as LYCRA®.

[0042] In some embodiments, the upper 110 may include one or more pads or support members to provide additional cushioning and / or support for the wearer's foot. For example, the upper 110 may include a collar 170 disposed on the upper edge 111 along the ankle opening 112 to provide additional cushioning for the wearer's foot. The upper 110 may include a heel counter disposed on the heel portion 118 to provide additional support and / or protection for the wearer's foot in the heel area. The upper 110 may include a toe cap 174 disposed on the end of the forefoot portion 114 to provide additional support and / or protection for the wearer's foot. The upper 110 may include a covering 176 disposed on the forefoot portion 114 and / or the medial side plate portion 115 or the lateral side plate portion 116 to provide additional support and / or protection for the wearer's foot.

[0043] In some embodiments, the upper 110 may include one or more support frames to allow the wearer to adjust the tension of the upper 110 so that the upper 110 conforms to the shape of the wearer's foot. Figure 2 As shown, upper 110 may include medial support skeleton 180 extending along the interior of medial side plate portion 115 and lateral support skeleton 190 extending along the interior of lateral side plate portion 116. Due to their arrangement along the interior of upper 110, medial support skeleton 180 and lateral support skeleton 190 are configured to engage a wearer's foot.

[0044] Medial support skeleton 180 may define one or more eyelet loops 182 disposed along medial side plate portion 115 above upper edge 111. Lateral support skeleton 190 may define one or more eyelet loops 192 disposed along lateral side plate portion 116 above upper edge 111. Footwear 100 may include lace 106 extending through one or more eyelet loops 182 and 192. Tightening or tightening lace 106 allows the wearer to adjust the tension of medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 and medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190, thereby adjusting the fit of upper 110 against the wearer's foot.

[0045] Medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 may be made of one or more flexible, non-elastic fabric materials, such as leather and / or non-elastic polymers, that are durable and configured to conform to the shape of the wearer's foot when eyelet loops 182 and 192 are tightened by lace 106. In some embodiments, medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 may be formed as a laminate of two flexible, non-elastic fabric materials. For example, the laminate may include a synthetic leather sheet (such as synthetic nubuck) and a polyurethane foam (polypag) layer applied to a surface (e.g., an outer surface) of the synthetic leather sheet.

[0046] Due to their physical properties and their connection arrangements with the upper 110 and the sole 120, the medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 can be configured to move independently of the rest of the upper 110, but are also configured to distribute tension to the medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 so that the medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 conform to the wearer's foot, ultimately providing a better fit adjustment.

[0047] Figure 1A The outline of the lateral support skeleton 190 extending along the interior of the lateral side plate portion 116 of the upper 110 is shown. Figure 1A1, the portion of the lateral support skeleton 190 extending behind the side plate portion 116 is shown in phantom. The lateral support skeleton 190 can extend upward from the sole 120 to a first distance A above the upper edge 111 of the lateral side plate portion 116 and return downward to one or more first connection portions 194 where the lateral support skeleton 190 is secured to the lateral side plate portion 116 to form a lateral eyelet ring 192. The one or more connection portions 194 are disposed proximate to the upper edge 111 of the lateral side plate portion 116 such that the one or more connection points 194 are closer to the upper edge 111 than to the Strobel insole 150. The one or more connection portions 194 can be formed using any suitable technique known in the art, such as stitching, bonding, or plastic welding.

[0048] The lateral support skeleton 190 can extend a second distance B below the upper edge 111, and the second distance is significantly greater than the first distance A (for example, at least three times the first distance A, at least five times the first distance A, at least eight times the first distance A), so that the lateral support skeleton 190 extends from the upper edge 111 to or near the sole 120 along the inside of the lateral side plate portion 116.

[0049] In some embodiments, lateral support skeleton 190 can be secured to sole 120 at one or more second connections 193. For example, a bottom portion (e.g., base portion 196) of lateral support skeleton 190 can be directly connected to Strobel insole 150 of sole 120 by stitching, bonding, or any other suitable technique known in the art. In some embodiments, lateral support skeleton 190 can be secured to upper 110 at one or more second connections 193, wherein one or more second connections 193 are disposed near a bottom edge of lateral side plate portion 116 such that second connections 193 are closer to sole 120 than to upper edge 111 of lateral side plate portion 116. For example, bottom edge 195 of lateral support skeleton 190 can be aligned with a bottom edge of lateral side plate portion 116, and second connections 193 can be disposed along bottom edge 195 of lateral support skeleton 190 and a bottom edge of lateral side plate portion 116. After bottom edge 195 of lateral support skeleton 190 is secured (eg, sewn) to the bottom edge of lateral side plate portion 116 via connection 193 , upper 110 may be secured to Strobel insole 150 of sole 120 .

[0050] The more places where lateral support skeleton 190 is not attached to the interior of lateral side panel portion 116, the greater the ability of lateral support skeleton 190 to conform to the user's foot independently of side panel portion 116, as discussed in detail elsewhere herein. For example, lateral support skeleton 190 may not be connected to lateral side panel portion 116 along its entire height above sole 120, or at least along a majority thereof, except for first connection 194 (e.g., between first connection 194 and second connection 193, lateral support skeleton 190 may not be connected to lateral side panel portion 116 along at least 60%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the height of lateral side panel portion 116 above sole 120 (e.g., along distance B)).

[0051] The medial support skeleton 180 includes the same or similar features as the lateral support skeleton 190 described herein. For example, the medial support skeleton 180 can extend upward from the sole 120 above the upper edge 111 of the medial side plate portion 115 and return downward to one or more first connections 184 where the medial support skeleton 180 is connected to the medial side plate portion 115. The one or more connections 184 are disposed proximate to the upper edge 111 of the medial side plate portion 115, such that the one or more connections are closer to the upper edge 111 than to the strobel insole 150. In some embodiments, the medial support skeleton 180 can be connected to the sole 120 at one or more second connections, for example, directly to the strobel insole 150 by stitching, bonding, or any other suitable technique known in the art. In some embodiments, the medial support skeleton 180 can be secured to the upper 110 at one or more second connections, wherein the one or more second connections are positioned closer to the sole 120 than to the upper edge 111 of the medial side plate portion 115 , such as closer to the bottom edge of the medial side plate portion 115 .

[0052] To allow medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 to move independently of medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 of upper 110, lateral support skeleton 190 is largely unattached to lateral side plate portion 116, such that a majority of lateral support skeleton 190 is free to move away from lateral side plate portion 116, such as during a wearer's lacing action. For example, in some embodiments, lateral support skeleton 190 is only attached to lateral side plate portion 116 above sole 120 at one or more connections 194, and medial support skeleton 180 is only attached to medial side plate portion 115 above sole 120 at one or more connections 184. Lateral support skeleton 190 may not be attached to lateral side plate portion 116 between first connection 194 and second connection 193, and medial support skeleton 180 may not be attached to medial side plate portion 115 between first connection 184 and a second connection disposed on or near sole 120. For example, as Figure 1B As best shown, lateral support skeleton 190 is not connected to lateral side plate portion 116 between one or more connections 194 located proximate upper edge 111 and sole 120 (e.g., at Strobel insole 150). When footwear 100 is in a loosened state, e.g., when lace 106 is not significantly tightened, gap 30 may form between lateral support skeleton 190 and the inner surface of lateral side plate portion 116. When lace 106 is not tightened, a gap 30 is similarly formed between medial support skeleton 180 and the inner surface of medial side plate portion 115.

[0053] In some embodiments, the lateral support skeleton 190 may include a base portion 196 that defines a bottom edge 195 of the lateral support skeleton 190. The lateral support skeleton 190 may include a plurality of fingers 198 that extend separately from the base portion 196 and extend above the upper edge 111 of the lateral side panel portion 116. The plurality of fingers 198 are each formed by bending to form an eyelet ring 192 so that an end portion 199 of the finger 198 engages against the inner surface of the lateral side panel portion 116. The end portions 199 of the finger 198 are secured against the inner surface of the lateral side panel portion 116 at the connection point 194, such as by sewing, for example. Figure 1A As shown, at least two of fingers 198 may be interconnected by web 197 to restrict individual movement of fingers 198 so that fingers 198 are pulled together by lace 106. As described herein, medial support skeleton 180 may similarly include a base portion and a plurality of fingers extending separately from the base portion.

[0054] refer to FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 are more flexible and thinner than medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116, so that tightening or tensioning of lace 106 causes medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 to conform to the wearer's foot before medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 conform to the wearer's foot.

[0055] Figure 3A FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of footwear 100 receiving a wearer's foot 10 when footwear 100 is in a loosened state. Figure 3A As shown, medial and lateral support frames 180 and 190, medial and lateral side panel portions 115 and 116, and tongue 160 do not conform to the wearer's foot 10. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D Together, a tightening sequence for footwear 100 is shown.

[0056] Figure 3B 1 shows a cross-sectional view of footwear 100 receiving a wearer's foot 10 as lace 106 begins to be tightened or pulled. Figure 3B As shown, the medial eyelet ring 182 and the lateral eyelet ring 192 are pulled toward the center of the midfoot opening 113, causing the remainder of the medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 to begin to conform to the wearer's foot 10. When the lace 106 is initially tightened or pulled, the medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 are generally maintained at their respective positions. Figure 3A The same position as shown, thereby forming a larger gap 20 defined between the inner side panel portion 115 and the inner support frame 180 and a larger gap 30 defined between the outer side panel portion 116 and the outer support frame 190.

[0057] Figure 3C 1 shows a cross-sectional view of footwear 100 receiving a wearer's foot 10 as lace 106 is further tightened or pulled. Figure 3C As shown, medial eyelet ring 182 and lateral eyelet ring 192 are brought closer together, allowing the remainder of medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190 to fully conform to the wearer's foot 10. In doing so, tongue 160 is pulled toward the wearer's foot 10, and medial and lateral side plate portions 115 and 116 are pulled toward medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190, thereby reducing the size of gap 20 defined between medial side plate portion 115 and medial support skeleton 180 and the size of gap 30 defined between lateral side plate portion 116 and lateral support skeleton 190.

[0058] Figure 3D 1 shows a cross-sectional view of footwear 100 receiving a wearer's foot 10 when lace 106 is fully tightened or pulled so that footwear 100 is in a tightened state. Figure 3DAs shown, the medial eyelet ring 182 and the lateral eyelet ring 192 are closer together so that the medial and lateral support frames 180 and 190, the medial and lateral side panel portions 115 and 116, and the tongue 160 all conform to the wearer's foot 10.

[0059] Figure 4A An article of footwear 200 is shown, which has an upper 210 and a sole 220 coupled to the upper 210. The footwear 200 may include the same and / or similar features as the footwear 100 described herein. For example, the sole 220 may include a midsole 230, an outsole 240, and a Strobel insole 250, and the upper 210 may include a forefoot portion 214, a heel portion 118, a lateral side plate portion 216, and a medial side plate portion. The upper 210 may include a base layer 219, which is formed of a material that allows the upper 210 to constrain the movement of the wearer's foot and includes sufficient flexibility to fit the wearer's foot, such as, for example, a fabric mesh, a woven fabric, a knitted material, leather, or a solid fabric. In some embodiments, the footwear 200 may include a tongue 260, which is fixed to the upper 210 and extends along the length of the medial side plate portion and the lateral side plate portion 216 to cover the interior of the footwear 100.

[0060] Upper 210 may include lateral support skeleton 290 and medial support skeleton that include the same or similar features as medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190. For example, lateral support skeleton 290 may extend along the interior of lateral side plate portion 216, defining one or more eyelet loops 292, and medial support skeleton 280 may extend along the interior of medial side plate portion, defining one or more eyelet loops. Footwear 200 may include lace 206 that extends through one or more eyelet loops on the medial side of footwear 200 and one or more eyelet loops 192 on the lateral side of footwear 200 to allow the wearer to adjust the tension of medial side plate portion and lateral side plate portion 216, thereby adjusting the fit of upper 210 to the wearer's foot.

[0061] like Figure 4B As shown, the lateral support skeleton 290 is not connected to the lateral side plate portion 216 between one or more connecting portions 294 located near the upper edge 211 and the Strobel insole 250 of the sole 220. The lateral support skeleton 290 may include a base portion 296 defining a bottom edge 295 of the lateral support skeleton 290. The lateral support skeleton 290 may include a plurality of fingers 298 extending separately from the base portion 296 and extending above the upper edge 211 of the lateral side plate portion 216. The plurality of fingers 298 each form an eyelet loop 292 by bending so that an end portion 299 of the finger 298 engages against the inner surface of the lateral side plate portion 216. The end portion 299 of the finger 298 is fixed against the inner surface of the lateral side plate portion 216 by the connection point 294, such as, for example, stitching.

[0062] In some embodiments, the shape of the footwear upper can be adjusted to provide a desired aesthetic appearance and to improve the performance of the shoe. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, lateral side plate portion 216 may define opening 205 that exposes a portion of lateral support skeleton 290, thereby allowing visibility of lateral support skeleton 290. Opening 205 allows upper 210 to ventilate the interior of footwear 200 and reduce the overall weight of footwear 200, thereby improving performance.

[0063] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An article of footwear 300 is shown having an upper 310 and a sole 320 coupled to the upper 310 that include the same and / or similar features as the footwear 100 described herein. For example, the sole 320 may include a midsole 330, an outsole 340, and a strobel insole, and the upper 310 may include a forefoot portion 314, a heel portion 318, a lateral side plate portion 316 disposed on the lateral side 302 of the footwear 300, and a medial side plate portion 315 disposed on the medial side 304 of the footwear 300. Figure 6 The upper 310 is shown with the lateral side panel portion 316 and lateral portions of the forefoot portion 314 and the heel portion 318 being transparent to show other elements of the footwear 300 (e.g., the lateral support skeleton 390) in greater detail. The upper 310 may include a base layer 319 formed of a material that allows the upper 310 to constrain the movement of the wearer's foot and includes sufficient flexibility to conform to the wearer's foot, such as, for example, a textile mesh, a woven fabric, a knitted material, leather, or a solid fabric. The upper 110 may include an upper edge 311 that defines: an ankle opening 312 disposed in the heel portion 318 to allow the wearer's foot to be received therethrough; and a midfoot opening 313 disposed between the medial and lateral side panel portions 315 and 316. In some embodiments, footwear 300 may include a tongue 360 ​​secured to upper 310 and extending along the length of medial side plate portion 315 and lateral side plate portion 316 to cover the interior of footwear 300 exposed by midfoot opening 313 .

[0064] Upper 310 may include medial support skeleton 380 and lateral support skeleton 390 that include the same or similar features as medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190. For example, lateral support skeleton 390 may extend along the interior of lateral side plate portion 316, defining one or more eyelet loops 392, and medial support skeleton 380 may extend along the interior of medial side plate portion 315, defining one or more eyelet loops 382. Footwear 300 may include lace 306 that extends through one or more eyelet loops 382 and 392 to allow a wearer to adjust the tension of medial side plate portion 315 and lateral side plate portion 316, thereby adjusting the fit of upper 310 to the wearer's foot.

[0065] The lateral support skeleton 390 can extend upward from the sole 320 to above the upper edge 311 of the upper 310, and then return downward to one or more connections 394, where the lateral support skeleton 390 is connected to the lateral side plate portion of the upper 310. The one or more connections 394 can be arranged near the upper edge 311 of the lateral side plate portion 316. The one or more connections 394 can be formed using any suitable technique known in the art, such as stitching, bonding, or plastic welding. In some embodiments, the lateral support skeleton 390 can be fixed to the sole 320 at one or more second connections 393, such as a Strobel insole directly connected to the sole 320 by stitching, bonding, or any other suitable technique known in the art. In some embodiments, the lateral support skeleton 390 can be fixed to the upper 310 at one or more second portions 393, wherein the one or more second connections 393 are arranged closer to the sole 320 than to the upper edge 311 of the side plate portion 316.

[0066] The medial support skeleton 380 includes the same or similar features as the lateral support skeleton 390 described herein. For example, the medial support skeleton 380 can extend upward from the sole 320 to above the upper edge 311 of the medial side plate portion 315 and return downward to one or more connections where the medial support skeleton 380 is connected to the medial side plate portion 315. One or more connections of the medial support skeleton 380 can be arranged near the upper edge 311 of the medial side plate portion 315, so that one or more connections are closer to the upper edge 311 than the Strobel insole. The medial support skeleton 380 can be fixed to the sole 320 at one or more second connections, for example, directly connected to the Strobel insole by stitching, bonding, or any other suitable technique known in the art. In some embodiments, the medial support skeleton 380 can be fixed to the upper 310 at one or more second connections, wherein the one or more second connections are arranged closer to the sole 320 than the upper edge 311 of the medial side plate portion 315.

[0067] Similar to medial and lateral support skeletons 180 and 190, medial and lateral support skeletons 380 and 390 move independently of medial and lateral side plate portions 315 and 316 by lateral support skeleton 390 being largely unattached to lateral side plate portion 316 and medial support skeleton 380 being largely unattached to medial side plate portion 315. For example, in some embodiments, lateral support skeleton 390 is connected to lateral side plate portion 316 over sole 320 only at one or more connections 394, and medial support skeleton 380 is connected to medial side plate portion 315 over sole 320 only at one or more connections of medial support skeleton 380. The lateral support skeleton 390 may not be connected to the lateral side plate portion 316 between the first connection portion 394 and the second connection portion 393, and the medial support skeleton 380 may not be connected to the medial side plate portion 315 between the first connection portion set near the upper edge 311 of the medial side plate portion 315 and the second connection portion set on the sole 320 or near the sole.

[0068] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the outer support skeleton 390 may include a base portion 396 that defines a bottom edge 395 of the outer support skeleton 390. The outer support skeleton 390 may include a plurality of fingers 398A to 398D that extend separately from the base portion 396 and extend above the upper edge 311 of the outer side plate portion 316. The plurality of fingers 398A to 398D are each formed into an eyelet ring 392 by bending so that an end portion 399A to 399D of each finger 398A to 398D engages against the inner surface of the outer side plate portion 316.

[0069] The shape of the footwear support skeleton can be adjusted to limit or increase the flexibility of each of the fingers of the support skeleton to control how the eyelet loops are tightened by the shoelaces. For example, the lateral support skeleton 390 can include a plurality of connections 397A to 397C that interconnect each of the fingers 398A to 398D. For example, the end portions 399A and 399B of the first and second fingers 398A and 398B can be interconnected by a first connection 397A, and the end portions 399C and 399D of the third and fourth fingers 398C and 398D can be interconnected by a second connection 397B. The opening defined by one eyelet loop 392 spans across fingers 398A and 398B, and the opening defined by another eyelet loop 392 spans across fingers 398C and 398D. Since the first and second connecting portions 397A and 397B are located at the end portions 399A to 399D of the fingers 398A to 398D, Figures 1A to 4BCompared to the illustrated embodiment, more connections 394 may be located closer to the upper edge 311 of the lateral side plate portion 315, thereby providing a more secure connection to the upper 310. The lateral support skeleton 390 may include a third connection 397C interconnecting the second and third fingers 398B and 398C at approximately the midpoint of the second and third fingers to limit the bending of the fingers 398A to 398D in different directions, thereby allowing all of the fingers 398A to 398D to be tightened together.

[0070] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will reveal the general nature of the invention so fully that others can easily modify the specific embodiments and / or adapt them to various applications without departing from the general concepts of the present disclosure by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art without undue experimentation. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance set forth herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the words or terms herein are for the purpose of description rather than limitation, so that the terms or terms of this specification will be interpreted by the technician based on the teachings and guidance.

[0071] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: Soles; as well as The upper comprises: Side panel part; as well as a support frame extending along the interior of the side panel portion, wherein the support frame extends upward from the sole to above the upper edge of the side panel portion and returns downward along the upper edge of the side panel portion to one or more first connection portions where the support frame is fixed to the side panel portion to form one or more eyelet loops for shoelaces, wherein the support frame is fixed to the sole or the upper at one or more second connecting portions, the second connecting portion being located on the sole or closer to the sole than to the upper edge of the side plate portion, and The supporting frame is not connected to the side plate portion between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a lace extending through the one or more eyelet loops, Tightening the shoelaces causes the support frame to fit the wearer's foot ahead of the side panel portions.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising a lace extending through the one or more eyelet loops, Tightening the shoelace causes the shoelace to raise its position within the one or more eyelet loops.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion is disposed proximate a bottom edge of the side panel portion.

5. An article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the support frame is formed by fingers extending separately above the upper edge of the side panel portion, each of the fingers forming a separate one of the eyelet loops, and the fingers are fixed to the upper at the one or more first connection portions.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 5, wherein the fingers are merged together at a base portion of the support frame, the base portion being secured to the sole or the upper at the one or more second connections.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting portion is disposed on a Strobel insole of the sole.

8. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the support frame is formed from a unitary flexible textile.

9. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the support skeleton is thinner and more flexible than the side panel portions.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the side panel portion has an opening therethrough, the opening being disposed above the support skeleton such that the support skeleton is visible through the opening.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 10, wherein the support skeleton is formed by fingers extending to form the one or more eyelet loops, and wherein the opening spans a plurality of the fingers.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the side panel portion is a lateral side panel portion, the support frame is a lateral support frame, the first connecting portion is a first lateral connecting portion, and the second connecting portion is a second lateral connecting portion, the eyelet ring is a lateral eyelet ring, and further comprising: Inner side panel portion; as well as an inner support frame extending along an interior of the inner side panel portion; wherein the medial support skeleton extends upward from the sole to above the upper edge of the medial side plate portion and returns downward along the upper edge of the medial side plate portion to one or more first medial connecting portions where the support skeleton is fixed to the medial side plate portion to form one or more medial eyelet loops for shoelaces, wherein the medial support frame is fixed to the sole or the upper at one or more second medial connecting portions, the second medial connecting portion being located on the sole or closer to the sole than the upper edge of the medial side plate portion, and The inner supporting frame is not connected to the inner side plate portion between the first inner connecting portion and the second inner connecting portion.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 12, further comprising a lace extending through the lateral eyelet loop and the medial eyelet loop, wherein initial tightening of the lace causes the lateral and medial support skeletons to move away from the lateral and medial side plate portions, respectively, and conform to the wearer's foot, and wherein further tightening causes the lateral and medial side plate portions to conform against the lateral and medial support skeletons, respectively.

14. An article of footwear comprising: Soles; as well as The upper comprises: Side panel part; as well as a support frame extending along the interior of the side panel portion, wherein the support frame is fixed to the side panel portion at one or more first connection portions, wherein the support frame is fixed to the sole or the upper at one or more second connection portions, the second connection portions being lower than the first connection portions and spaced apart from the first connection portions, The support frame between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion is not connected to the upper; wherein the support frame extends a first distance above the upper edge of the side panel portion to form one or more eyelet loops for shoe laces, The support frame extends a second distance inside the side panel portion below the upper edge of the side panel portion, and the second distance is at least three times the first distance.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the second connecting portion is disposed on a Strobel insole of the sole.

16. An article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the support frame is formed by fingers extending separately above the upper edge of the side panel portion, each of the fingers forming a separate one of the eyelet loops, and the fingers are fixed to the upper at the one or more first connection portions.

17. The article of footwear according to claim 16, wherein the fingers are merged together at a base portion of the support frame, the base portion being secured to the sole or the upper at one or more second connections.

18. An article of footwear comprising: Soles; as well as The upper comprises: Side panel portions; and a support frame extending along the interior of the side panel portion; wherein the support frame extends upward from the sole to above the upper edge of the side panel portion and returns downward to one or more connections where the support frame is connected to the side panel portion to form one or more eyelet loops for laces, and Wherein the support frame is not connected to the side panel portion between the sole and the one or more connection points.

19. The article of footwear according to claim 18, wherein the one or more connections are first connections disposed along the upper edge of the side panel portion, and the support frame is secured to the sole at one or more second connections.

20. The article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the second connection is formed by stitching the support cage to a Strobel insole of the sole.

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