Article of footwear with closure system

Abstract

To provide footwear with a closure system and a flap for stability.SOLUTION: An article of footwear has a flexible upper, a sole, a bite line, a heel region, a forefoot region, a medial side, a lateral side, and a flap. The flap may be formed from leather, fabric, carbon fiber, thermoset resin, thermoplastic resin, or self-reinforced polymer composite material. The article of footwear is secured using a closure system that may be tightened and loosened. The flap is coupled to the article of footwear proximately to the bite line and is configured to interact with the closure system. The closure system secures the flap to the upper when the closure system is tightened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of footwear. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the field of footwear with closure systems and flaps for stability. [Background technology]

[0002] The prior art to this invention includes the following: [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-162885 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2009-189814 A [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0020767 [Patent Document 4] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0027286 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is not intended to identify key elements of the disclosure or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description presented elsewhere.

[0005] In one embodiment, the article of footwear may include a flexible upper, a sole including an outsole and a midsole, a bite line, a heel region, and a forefoot region. The article of footwear may include a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region. The article of footwear may include a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region, the lateral side being opposite and generally parallel to the medial side. The article of footwear may further include a closure system for securing the footwear that may be tightened or loosened. The article of footwear may further include at least one flap coupled to the article of footwear proximate the bite line. The closure system may be configured to interact with the flap, and when tightened, the closure system may be configured to secure the flap to the upper.

[0006] In another embodiment, the article of footwear may include a flexible upper, a sole including an outsole and a midsole, a bite line, a heel region, and a forefoot region. The article of footwear may include a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region. The article of footwear may include a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region, the lateral side being opposite and generally parallel to the medial side. The article of footwear may further include a closure system having laces and lace guides, the laces threaded through at least one lace guide disposed proximate to the bite line. The article of footwear may further include at least one flap coupled to the article of footwear proximate to the bite line.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the article of footwear may include a flexible upper, a sole including an outsole and a midsole, a bite line, a heel region, and a forefoot region. The article of footwear may include a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region. The article of footwear may include a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region, the lateral side being opposite and generally parallel to the medial side. The article of footwear may further include an adjustable closure system and a flap. The flap may include a forefoot end, a heel end, and a top point. The flap may be coupled to the article of footwear proximate the bite line. The flap may be variable between an engaged position and a relaxed position. In the engaged position, the flap may provide lateral support to a midfoot region of the article of footwear. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The novel technology which characterizes the present invention is set forth in the appended claims, however the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an opposing side view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an opposite side view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an article of footwear according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of an article of footwear according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The thickness and dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0010] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0011] When an element is referred to as being "attached," "coupled," or "connected" to another element, it may be directly attached, coupled, or connected to the other element, or there may be other intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly attached to," "directly coupled," or "directly connected" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0012] It should be noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment even if not specifically described in that context. That is, all aspects and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination. Applicant reserves the right to modify the originally filed claims or to submit new claims accordingly, including the right to amend the originally filed claims to depend on and / or incorporate features of other claims, even if not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and / or aspects of the present invention are described in detail in the specification set forth below.

[0013] Footwear article 10 is shown in Figures 1-10 and includes a flexible upper 100 and a sole 110. As shown in Figure 1, footwear article 10 may further include a heel region 130, a forefoot region 140, a closure system 150, and a flap 160.

[0014] The heel region 130 may generally correspond to the rear of the foot, i.e., the area around and under the Achilles tendon, the rear of the heel, and the talus and calcaneus. The forefoot region 140 may generally correspond to the front of the foot, i.e., the toes and metatarsals, phalanges, and sesamoids. The midfoot region 135 may generally correspond to the middle of the foot, i.e., the arch and the navicular, cuboid, and cuneiform bones. It should be noted that the heel region 130, midfoot region 135, and forefoot region 140 are intended to represent general areas of the footwear and are not intended to distinguish between precise areas.

[0015] The article of footwear 10 may include a medial side extending from the forefoot region 140 to the heel region 130 and a lateral side extending from the forefoot region 140 to the heel region 130. The lateral side and the medial side may be opposite one another. In some embodiments, the lateral side and the medial side may be generally parallel to one another. The lateral side may generally correspond to the lateral region of the foot and the surface that faces away from the user's other foot. The medial side may generally correspond to the medial region of the foot and the surface that faces the user's other foot.

[0016] The upper 100 may include a medial surface 102 and an lateral surface 104. The medial surface 102 may partially define an area configured to receive a user's foot. The upper 100 may be configured to extend over the user's foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the forefoot and heel regions of the foot. The area configured to receive the user's foot may be accessed through an ankle opening defined by a collar 106.

[0017] Upper 100 may be constructed from any suitable material now known or later developed, including, but not limited to, leather, suede, fabric, canvas, woven, knit, man-made polymer fibers, nylon, polyester, or cotton. Upper 100 may be elastic. Alternatively, at least a portion of upper 100 may be elastic. In other embodiments, upper 100 may be inelastic. At least a portion of upper 100 may be inflexible, rigid, or semi-rigid.

[0018] The upper 100 may further include a heel counter 132 in the heel region 130. The heel counter 132 may reinforce the upper 100 and limit movement of the user's heel. The heel counter 132 may wrap around the heel region 130 and extend forward along both the lateral and medial sides.

[0019] The sole 110 may include an outsole 112, a midsole 114, and an insole 116. The sole 110 may be coupled to the upper 100 at a bite line 105. The sole 110 may be configured to attenuate forces or provide support or cushioning. In some embodiments, the midsole 114 may be formed from a compressible material to provide cushioning. In other embodiments, the midsole 114 may include a plate or be formed from a high density material to enhance stability.

[0020] The outsole 112 may underlie the midsole 114 and may be designed to interact with the ground. The outsole 112 may be designed to provide traction. In some embodiments, spikes, cleats, or other devices for additional traction may be coupled to the outsole 112. Such devices may be removably coupled to the outsole 112. In other embodiments, such devices may be fixedly coupled to the outsole 112. In some embodiments, the outsole 112 may be comprised of a plurality of pads or ridges, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0021] The insole 116 may be designed to provide cushioning or comfort to the user. The insole 116 may be removable and may overlie the midsole 114 during use. In some embodiments, the insole 116 may be designed to provide support. The insole 116 may be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.

[0022] The article of footwear 10 may include a closure system 150. The closure system 150 may be any suitable closure system known in the art or later developed. In one embodiment, the closure system 150 may include laces for securing the upper 100 around a user's foot. In other embodiments, the closure system 150 may further include at least one elastic gore such that a user can pull on the upper 100 adjacent the vamp 120 and collar 106 to enlarge the ankle opening and facilitate positioning of the foot within the upper 100 of the article of footwear 10.

[0023] In yet other embodiments, the closure system 150 may include an adjustable lacing system using at least one lace 152, an adjustable dial 154, and a lace guide 156. For example, the closure system 150 may be a shoe lacing system such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 10,070,695, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, the closure system 150 does not utilize an adjustable dial 154 to control the tension of the lace 152, and such tension may be increased or decreased by other means. Increasing the tension may tighten the lace 152 and decreasing the tension may loosen the lace 152. The lace 152 may be secured in any manner now known or later developed. In some embodiments, the lace 152 may be secured by tying the ends of the lace 152 together.

[0024] The lace 152 may be an elastic lace. In some embodiments, the lace 152 is a wire. When the tension on the lace 152 is increased, the lace 152 can secure the upper 100 around the user's foot. The lace 152 can be selectively adjusted using the adjustable dial 154. The tension on the lace 152 can be decreased using the adjustable dial 154 to allow the user to position the foot at least partially within the upper 100. The user can increase the tension on the lace 152 using the adjustable dial 154 to tighten the lace 152 and secure the upper 100 around the user's foot.

[0025] The lace guides 156 may be loops that allow the laces 152 to slide through the loops when tension is increased or decreased using the adjustable dial 154. In some embodiments, the lace guides 156 are low friction. The lace guides 156 can be coupled to the upper 100 at strategic points that allow the user to secure the upper 100 to their foot. The lace guides 156 can be strategically positioned so that the laces 152 do not cause discomfort to the user when tightened. The placement of the lace guides 156 can help stabilize the foot. In some embodiments, the placement of the closure system 150 and lace guides 156 can attenuate forces acting on the user's foot, such as pressure, shear forces, ground forces, etc., or flexion or movement performance.

[0026] 1-4, in some embodiments, lace 152 may be configured to overlie upper 100 and interact with exterior surface 104 of the upper. Lace 152 may be fully or partially visible. In other embodiments, lace guide 156 may be positioned such that race 152 does not directly contact upper 100.

[0027] In other embodiments, the lace 152 may be between the upper exterior surface 104 and the upper interior surface 102. In such embodiments, there may be a lace channel between the upper exterior surface 104 and the upper interior surface 102. A lace guide 156 may also be disposed between the upper exterior surface 104 and the upper interior surface 102.

[0028] In some embodiments, a portion of the race 152 can be between the outer surface 104 of the upper and the inner surface 102 of the upper, and a portion of the race 152 can be above the outer surface 104 of the upper.

[0029] In embodiments in which at least a portion of lace 152 is above outer surface 104 of the upper, upper 100 may optionally include grooves (not shown) to facilitate positioning of lace 152 when adjustable dial 154 is tightened. The grooves may secure lace 152 when adjustable dial 154 is tightened and may prevent lace 152 from slipping or tightening in an undesirable location that may affect forces acting on the article of footwear or the user's foot. The grooves may also provide a reliable position for lace 152 so that a user does not need to readjust lace 152.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 10 , the adjustable dial 154 may be at the rear of the article of footwear 10 in the heel region 130. In some embodiments, the adjustable dial may be generally midway between the collar 106 and the bite line 105. Having the adjustable dial 154 at the rear of the article of footwear 10 may be beneficial since it provides a force when adjusting the tension of the laces 152. Locating the adjustable dial 154 in the heel region 130 may improve the stability of the article of footwear 10.

[0031] The placement of the adjustable dial 154 may provide increased stability when downward pressure is applied to the sole 110. The placement of the adjustable dial 154 may also increase freedom of movement when downward pressure is lifted. The strategic placement of the lace guide 156 may increase stability when downward pressure is applied to the sole 110 and increase freedom of movement when downward pressure is lifted. In some embodiments, the laces 152 may cross in an X-pattern adjacent the forefoot region. The X-pattern configuration may provide a greater mechanical advantage. In some embodiments, the combination of the adjustable dial 154 and strategic placement of the lace guide 156 in the heel region 130 may increase stability when downward pressure is applied to the sole and increase freedom of movement when downward pressure is lifted and the forefoot region 140 is flexing. The flexion in the forefoot region 140 may be a dorsal flexion.

[0032] Upon lifting the downward pressure, slack is introduced into the lace 152 when there is flexion in the forefoot region 140. In some embodiments, slack may be introduced without the need to further adjust the tension of the closure system 150. Thus, the lacing configuration may be used to automatically adjust such that slack is introduced when there is flexion in the forefoot region 140 and the lace 152 is taut when downward pressure is applied to the sole 110. As the user inserts his / her foot, the lace 152 may become more airtight, thereby further stabilizing the article of footwear 10. The taut lace 152 may engage the flap 160 as described further below, thereby providing additional stability against lateral loads. This may result in an article of footwear 10 that has increased stability as the user's foot enters and increased freedom of movement as the downward pressure is lifted and the forefoot flexes. Such an article of footwear 10 may be comfortable for a user to walk or engage in other walking activities while providing increased stability when the user's foot is inserted.

[0033] In some embodiments, the adjustable dial 154 may be coupled to the upper 100 at a location proximate the eyestay 122. In other embodiments, the adjustable dial may be coupled to the upper 100 at a quarter of the article of footwear 10.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, at least one race guide 156 can be positioned near the eyestay 122.

[0035] The lace 152 may be coupled to the adjustable dial 154 at a first end and may be coupled to a lace anchor 158 at a second end. The lace anchor 158 may be coupled to the article of footwear 10 proximate the bite line 105. In some embodiments, the lace anchor 158 is fixedly coupled to the article of footwear 10. In some embodiments, the lace guide 156 may be coupled to the bite line 105 adjacent to the flap 160. In some embodiments, the lace guide 156 and / or the lace anchor 158 may be coupled to the flap 160 anywhere. For example, the lace guide 156 and the lace anchor 158 may be coupled to the flap 160 at a top, middle, or bottom region of the flap. The location of the lace guide 156 and the lace anchor 158 are independent of one another and need not be in the same region.

[0036] The article of footwear 10 may include at least one flap 160. In some embodiments, each shoe of a pair of shoes may include a flap 160. The flap 160 may provide a benefit to a user by further stabilizing at least a portion of the article of footwear 10 to reduce the effects of shear forces during wear. When engaged, the flap 160 creates a clamping action that stabilizes an area of ​​the article of footwear 10 and distributes applied pressure to desired areas of the footwear.

[0037] The flap 160 may be rigid or semi-rigid. The amount of stabilization provided by the flap 160 may vary depending on its stiffness, with increased stiffness providing a greater stabilizing effect. In some embodiments, the flap 160 may have a non-uniform stiffness. For example, the flap 160 may have areas of increased stiffness, such as at and near the bite line. In some embodiments, the flap may have a stiffness gradient, where the stiffest point is near the bite line and the least stiff point is at the top point 162. The stiffness may be varied by increasing the thickness of the material (e.g., adding additional layers of material) where increased stiffness is desired. In some embodiments, the flap 160 may be flexible.

[0038] The flap 160 can be formed from leather, cloth, carbon fiber, thermosets, thermoplastics, or any suitable material with optimal stiffness now known or later developed. In some embodiments, the flap 160 comprises a self-reinforced polymer composite. Self-reinforced polymer composites are commonly known in the composite industry and refer to fiber-reinforced composites having reinforcing fibers and a polymer matrix, where the highly oriented reinforcing fibers are made from the same polymer from which the matrix is ​​made. For example, a polypropylene matrix can be reinforced with polypropylene fibers. Different thermoplastic polymers can be used, including, for example, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polymethyl methacrylate, liquid crystal polymer, polylactic acid, and polyamide. Self-reinforced polymer composite materials are commercially available and sold, for example, under the trademarks Pure™ (DITBV and Milliken USA, formerly Lankhorst Pure Composites, The Netherlands), Armordon™ (Don & Low, Ltd., Scotland, UK), and Curv® (Propex Furnishing Solutions GmbH & Co. KG, Gronau, Germany).

[0039] Self-reinforced composites can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including hot pressing and co-extrusion. Generally, hot pressing refers to a method in which a highly oriented polymer tape is heated. Heating causes a small portion of the polymer tape to melt. When pressure is applied, this molten polymer flows through the lattice structure of the tape to form a continuous matrix. The sheet is then cooled while still under pressure to solidify the matrix. The fiber drawing process achieves higher stiffness as the surfaces of the fibers melt. The molten skins recrystallize to form the polymer matrix, producing a very stiff and smooth composite sheet. This rigid sheet can then be thermoformed into flaps constructed according to one or more of the embodiments described herein.

[0040] In a coextrusion process, a high melting grade of polymer is used to extrude a highly oriented polymer tape. During this process, a lower melting grade of the same polymer family is extruded onto the surface of the tape. These tapes can then be woven to form a fabric. During post-processing into molded parts and articles, the outer layers of the tape melt before the inner core of oriented polymer. Under pressure, the lower melting grade of polymer flows throughout the fabric. Upon cooling, this lower melting polymer resolidifies to form a composite matrix, producing a composite sheet.

[0041] These self-reinforced composites are lightweight and have high strength. Other advantageous properties include, for example, high stiffness, high tensile strength, and excellent impact resistance. Because the reinforcing fibers and the matrix are made of the same polymer, they are chemically compatible, resulting in less interfacial failure.

[0042] Specifically, these self-reinforced composite materials have a low density, preferably about 1.0 g / cm 3 less than 0.95 g / cm 3 (when measured according to ISO 1183). The combination of highly oriented tape and matrix made of the same polymer helps to provide a lightweight material with excellent physical properties such as strength, toughness and modulus.

[0043] The composite material also has high impact strength, with a Charpy impact strength of 90 kJ / m 2 More preferably, 100 kJ / m 2 and even more preferably greater than 110 kJ / m 2 (measured according to EN ISO 179 / 2). The tensile strain to break (measured according to DIN EN ISO 527) is preferably at least 10%. The compressive strength (flatwise) (measured according to EN ISO 604) is preferably greater than 200 MPa, preferably greater than 250 MPa.

[0044] Composites are ductile materials that maintain their ductility at low temperatures. This means that they maintain their toughness and do not become brittle at low temperatures. Additionally, these composites are easily recycled because the reinforcement is made of the same polymer as the polymer matrix. Because composites are made entirely of thermoplastics, the components can be disassembled, remelted, regranulated, and used to create new parts.

[0045] These self-reinforced polymer composite materials and methods of manufacture are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,873,239; 9,873,239; 8,871,333; 8,268,439; 8,052,913; and 8,021,592 (Ward et al., Propex); U.S. Pat. No. 7,318,961 (Loos et al., Lankhurst); U.S. Pat. No. 7,960,024 (Nair et al.); and U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,691 (Callaway, Milliken).

[0046] Curv®, a polypropylene self-reinforced composite available from Propex Furinishing Solughes GmbH & Co. KG (Gronau, Germany), is a particularly preferred material. Curv® composite is based on highly oriented tapes made of polypropylene homopolymer. A precisely controlled heating process heats the polypropylene tape so that only a thin outer layer of the tape melts. The outer molten material bonds the tape together, and the tape maintains its orientation through most of its thickness. Curv® composite can be molded using a thermoforming process to form a base. Curv® composite has a relatively high stiffness even at the molding temperature, so moderate pressure is required to mold the material. In one process, a sheet of Curv® composite is heated at a moderate temperature that keeps the shrinkage of the sheet low. Curv® composite is molded by compression molding at moderate pressure. Vacuum thermoforming is not used because of the high stiffness of Curv® composite.

[0047] The flap 160 may be any shape. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the flap 160 may have a substantially semicircular shape. It is contemplated that the flap 160 may be substantially semicircular, triangular, oval, or rectangular. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the flap 160 may have an irregular shape. The flap 160 may have rounded edges or sharp edges. The flap 160 may have a top point 162, a heel end 164, and a forefoot end 166. In some embodiments, the flap 160 is entirely within the midfoot region 135. In other embodiments, the heel end 164 may extend into the heel region 130 or the forefoot end 166 may extend into the forefoot region 140. In other embodiments, the forefoot end 166 is generally posterior to the forefoot flexion region. The flap 160 may have a width that is generally uniform throughout the flap. Alternatively, the flap 160 may have a variable width to enhance stability. In some embodiments, the width of the flap 160 may be thicker adjacent the bite line 105 and taper as it extends toward the top point 162. The flap 160 may have grooves to facilitate proper placement of the race 152.

[0048] The flaps 160 may be configured to provide lateral support when downward pressure is applied to the sole 110. The closure system 150 may engage the flaps 160 by pushing or pulling the flaps 160 toward the center of the article of footwear 10. If the flaps 160 are joined on the medial side, the closure system 150 may push or pull the flaps 160 inward toward the lateral side. If the flaps 160 are joined on the lateral side, the closure system 150 may push or pull the flaps inward toward the lateral side. Engaging the flaps 160 prevents the upper 100 from twisting around the user's foot and prevents the foot from sliding linearly medially-laterally within the article of footwear 10.

[0049] The flap 160 may provide stability for various types of biomechanical movements. For example, the biomechanics associated with swinging a golf club require a rapid shift of weight from the back foot to the front foot. Shear forces are applied to both feet throughout the swing. During the backswing, the back foot needs to be stable. Improper shifting of weight on the back foot can result in improper contact with the ball. Additionally, biomechanics can cause the back foot to roll outward or out of initial foot placement, thus reducing weight transfer and potentially losing rotation. On the downswing, weight shifts to the front foot, which needs to remain relatively stable. Increasing foot stability can improve the effectiveness and quality of the golf swing.

[0050] When the flaps 160 of a pair of shoes are engaged, the foot remains more secured within the respective shoes and is prevented from moving while swinging the golf club. Thus, when the flaps 160 are engaged, the foot is also more easily placed in position. During the backswing, the flaps 160 stabilize the trail foot by reducing abduction and external rotation. By reducing the abduction and external rotation of the rear foot, the user is able to place more load on the rear hip leg muscles, thereby increasing the separation between the hip joint and shoulder prior to the downswing.

[0051] It is contemplated that the flap 160 may stabilize desired portions of the foot for a variety of activities, and is not intended to limit the usefulness of the present disclosure. For example, the flap 160 may stabilize at least a portion of the medial midfoot region.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 11 , the flap 160 may be coupled to the article of footwear 10 at the bite line 105. In these embodiments, by adding lateral stiffness to the bite line area when the flap 160 is engaged, the flap 160 reduces the effects of mediolateral shear forces that occur between the footwear traction system and the substratum when worn by a user. In some embodiments, the flap 160 may be coupled to the upper 100. In some embodiments, the flap 160 is configured to be coupled to the lateral side of the rearfoot, as described above. In some embodiments, the lace 152 may cover the flap 160.

[0053] The flap 160 may not be attached to the upper 100. In some embodiments, if the flap 160 is attached only to the bite line 105, the attachment point may be a hinge connection, allowing the flap 160 to rotate partially outward and downward. In other embodiments, a hinge connection may not be necessary, as the flap 160 may be coupled to the bite line 105, allowing the flap 160 to rotate partially outward and downward about the bite line 105, as shown in FIG. 11. However, in alternative embodiments, the flap 160 may be attached near the upper 100 using a variety of means known in the art, including sewing or gluing. For example, the flap 160 may be a rigid layer wrapped around the upper 100, but a point 162 at the top of the upper is still free to pull across the upper 100.

[0054] The flap 160 may be variable between two general positions. The flap 160 may have a relaxed position in which the flap is not held or pulled tightly to the upper 100, which is shown in FIG. 1. The flap 160 may be in the relaxed position when downward pressure is released from the sole 110, when there is flexion in the forefoot region 140, or when the closure system 150 is not tightened. The flap 160 may also have an engaged position in which the flap 160 is not secured to the upper.

[0055] In the relaxed position, a portion of the flap 160 may not contact the upper 100. The flap 160 may be configured to slide relative to the upper 100 as opposed to applying continuous support. In some embodiments, the closure system 150 crosses the flap 160. When the lace 152 of the closure system is tightened, the flap 160 may be held securely and secured to the upper 100 in the engaged position. This may increase lateral stability. However, if the flap 160 were to always provide increased stability, the article of footwear 10 may be made stiff and uncomfortable. Performing prolonged walking movements with the flap 160 in the engaged position may be painful. Thus, when the lace 152 is slack, the flap 160 may arch laterally outward from the upper 100. The release of the flap 160 may increase the comfort and improve flexibility of the article of footwear 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 7, and 9, there can be a secondary closure system 170 adjacent to the vamp 120. The secondary closure system can include a lace 172 and a tongue 174. There can be an eyelet 176 in the eyelet adjacent to the eyestay configured to receive the lace 172. The lace 172 can be inelastic or elastic. The lace 172 can have a first end and a second end, each end can further include an aglet. The lace 172 can be threaded through the eyelet 176 such that when pulled taut, the upper 100 and the tongue 174 secure the user's foot within the upper 100.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the secondary closure system may also include a variety of fastening mechanisms, such as bands with hook and loop closures, buckles, buttons, hooks, snaps, or any other fastening devices now known or later developed.

[0058] The article of footwear 10 may have three general embodiments that provide various levels of stability and ease of use. A first embodiment may relate to the article of footwear 10 having a flap 160 and a closure system 150. The first embodiment may also have a secondary closure system 170. The flap 160 may be coupled to the article of footwear 10 at the bite line 105, but is otherwise movable and configured to be adjustably fastened to the upper 100 using the closure system 150. The lace guides 156 in the forefoot region may be adjacent to the bite line 105 or above the bite line 105 on the outer surface 104 of the upper. The laces may be concealed using fabric tube channels or other means. In some embodiments, the laces 152 may cross in an X-pattern at the vamp 120 in the forefoot region 140. Alternatively, the laces 152 may cross in an X-pattern at the midfoot region 135. This provides increased stability, strength and tension due to the length of the closure system from the forefoot region 140 to the heel region 130.

[0059] The lateral load of the foot may be relatively small close to the bite line 105. The lace guide 156 may be coupled to or close to the bite line 105. A lacing configuration using the lace guide 156 close to the bite line 105 reduces excess pressure in the vamp 120 and midfoot region 135. In contrast, typical closure systems such as laces and eyelets exert excessive downward pressure resulting in lace bite. Even if the lateral load is stabilized above the bite line 105, the foot may roll or be misplaced. Thus, if the lateral load is stabilized at the bite line 105, it provides increased stability. When the flap 160 is in the engaged position, the lateral load is stabilized at the bite line 105. In some embodiments, the lace guide 156 and / or lace anchor 158 may be coupled to other regions of the flap 160. For example, lace guide 156 and / or lace anchor 158 may be coupled to and positioned on the top of flap 160 to place flap 160 in tension along the length of the bottom / upper portion of article of footwear 10. In these embodiments, flap 160 preferably still remains pivotally attached to bite line 105.

[0060] The X-pattern can further facilitate increasing or decreasing tension in the lace 152. When a downward force is applied to the sole 110, the lace 152 can be tightened. The tightened lace 152 can secure the flap 160 proximate to the upper 100. Thus, tension in the lace 152 can be automatically activated. When there is flexion in the forefoot region 140, the article of footwear 10 can be moved such that slack can be introduced into the lace 152. The slack lace 152 can allow the flap 160 to transition from an engaged position to a relaxed position.

[0061] The second embodiment may relate to an article of footwear 10 having a flap 160 and a closure system 150. The closure system 150 may be more similar to a typical shoe lacing system and may have at least one lace guide 156 proximate to the eyestay 122. Although tension in the laces 152 may be automatically actuated, the article of footwear 10 may be less stable than a lacing configuration employing an X-pattern because the lacing configuration does not require the flap 160 to be held tightly against the upper 100.

[0062] A third embodiment may relate to an article of footwear 10 having a flap 160, a closure system 150, and a secondary closure system 170. The secondary closure system 170 may function as a primary closure system, and the closure system 150 may be designed such that the flap 160 is adjusted and tightened to provide increased stability before increased stability is desired. For example, during use, a user may manually increase tension to increase lateral foot support before swinging a golf ball. The closure system 150 may actuate the flap 160, although the article of footwear 10 may be secured in other ways. Once increased stability is no longer desired, the closure system 150 may be adjusted to reduce tension in the lace 152 so that the flap 160 is not tightened against the upper. For example, upon completing a golf swing and anticipating walking to the next shot, the user may release tension before beginning to walk. In some embodiments, slack in the lace 152 may not be automatically transferred to the sole 110 upon release of downward pressure. Therefore, the closure system 150 may need to be adjusted whenever more or less stability from the flap 160 is desired.

[0063] Many different arrangements of the various components shown, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with the intention of being illustrative and not limiting. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope thereof. Those skilled in the art may develop alternative means for implementing the improvements described above without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated as being within the scope of the claims.

[0065] The technical features described herein are listed below. [Technical feature 1] In footwear products, A flexible upper; A sole having an outsole and a midsole; Bite line and a heel region and a forefoot region; a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region; a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region and opposite and generally parallel to the medial side; a closure system for fastening said article of footwear, which can be tightened or loosened; at least one flap coupled to the article of footwear proximate the bite line, the closure system configured to engage the flap; The closure system is characterized in that it secures the flap to the upper to stabilize at least a portion of the upper when a shear force is applied to the footwear that increases the stress in the closure system. [Technical feature 2] Footwear according to technical feature 1, wherein the closure system further comprises at least one lace and a lace guide. [Technical feature 3] The footwear product according to Technical Feature 1, wherein the flap extends outward from the bite line. [Technical feature 4] Footwear according to Technical Feature 3, wherein the flap is movable in an arc from the connection point of the bite line. [Technical feature 5] Footwear according to technical feature 2, wherein the closure system further comprises an adjustable dial. [Technical feature 6] Footwear according to technical feature 5, wherein the adjustable dial is coupled to the footwear in the heel area. [Technical feature 7] 2. The article of footwear according to technical feature 1, further comprising a secondary closure system. [Technical feature 8] 6. The footwear product according to technical feature 5, wherein the flap is in an engaged position when the lace is tensioned. [Technical feature 9] Footwear according to technical feature 8, wherein when in the engaged position, the flap supports the lateral medial region. [Technical feature 10] 2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the flap is configured to switch between an engaged position and a relaxed position. [Technical feature 11] Footwear as described in technical feature 2, wherein when downward pressure is applied, tension in the lace pulls the lace taut, stabilizing the footwear. [Technical feature 12] 12. The article of footwear according to technical feature 11, wherein slack is introduced into the laces when the downward pressure is lifted and there is flexion in the forefoot region. [Technical feature 13] In footwear products, A flexible upper; A sole having an outsole and a midsole; Bite line and a heel region and a forefoot region; a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region; a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region and opposite and generally parallel to the medial side; a closure system including a race and a plurality of race guides, the race being threaded through at least one race guide disposed proximate to the bite line; and at least one flap coupled to the article of footwear proximate the bite line. [Technical feature 14] 14. The article of footwear according to technical feature 13, wherein the lace guide is a loop. [Technical feature 15] 14. The article of footwear according to technical feature 13, further comprising at least one second lace guide proximate the eyestay. [Technical feature 16] 14. The article of footwear according to technical feature 13, further comprising at least one lace guide proximate the forefoot region. [Technical feature 17] 14. The article of footwear of technical feature 13, wherein there are two lace guides in the forefoot region, and the laces traverse the upper in the X pattern adjacent to the upper. [Technical feature 18] 18. The article of footwear of technical feature 17, wherein tension in the laces pulls the laces taut when downward pressure is applied and slack is introduced as said downward pressure is lifted and flexed in said forefoot region. [Technical feature 19] In footwear products, A flexible upper; A sole having an outsole and a midsole; Bite line and a heel region and a forefoot region; a medial side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region; a lateral side extending from the forefoot region to the heel region and opposite and generally parallel to the medial side; With adjustable closure system, and a flap having a forefoot end, a heel end, and a top point, the flap being coupled to the article of footwear proximate the bite line, the flap being variable between an engaged position and a relaxed position, wherein in the engaged position the flap provides lateral support to a midfoot region of the article of footwear. [Technical feature 20] 20. The article of footwear according to technical feature 19, wherein the closure system has one lace, the lace crossing over itself in the upper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10. Footwear 100 Upper 102 Inner surface 104 Outer surface 105 byte lines 106 Color 110 Sole 112 Outsole 114 Midsole 116 Insole 120 Bump 122 iStay 130 Heel Area 132 Counter 135 Midfoot Area 140 Forefoot area 150 Closure System 152 Races 154 Adjustable Dial 156 Race Guide 158 Race Anchor 160 Flap 170 Secondary Closure System 174 Tongue 176 Eyelet

Claims

1. In footwear products, Upper and Sole and Bite line and a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region; a medial side and a lateral side extending between the forefoot region and the heel region; a flap disposed on the lateral side of the article of footwear in a midfoot region, the flap having a stiffness / rigidity layer movable between a relaxed position and an engaged position; and (ii) an adjustable closure system for releasing the flap to move the flap away from the lateral side of the upper, the closure system including a lace configured to cross an lateral surface portion of the flap and engage with a lace guide or lace anchor disposed on or above the lateral surface portion of the flap.

2. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the stiffness and rigidity layer comprises a self-reinforced polymer composite material or a carbon fiber material.

3. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the flap has a non-uniform stiffness.

4. The stiffness and rigidity layer includes one or more additional layers of material at or near the bite line to increase stiffness in the lower region of the flap.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the flap has a thickness that varies between a top region of the flap and a bottom region of the flap.

6. 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the flap has a width that tapers along the length of the flap from the bite line to a top of the flap.

7. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the flap comprises a semicircular shape with rounded edges and a sharp edge extending along a forefoot end of the flap.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the lace guide and the lace anchor are independently positioned in different portions or regions of the flap.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the lace guide comprises a loop disposed on a lower region of the flap.

10. 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the lace has a first end connected to an adjustable dial disposed in the heel region and a second end fixedly connected to a lower region of the flap.

11. 2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a portion of the lace is configured to disengage from a forefoot end of the flap to release the flap, while another portion of the closure system remains attached or secured to the flap via the lace guide or lace anchor.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the flap includes one or more grooves disposed on an outer surface of the flap to guide placement or movement of the closure system.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the flap is configured to rotate about a hinge connection at the bite line.

14. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the flap is configured to automatically move between the engaged position and the relaxed position based on an amount of tension in the closure system.

15. 10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein an amount of tension in the closure system is adjustable (i) by manipulating one or more dials coupled to the laces, and (ii) based on an amount of downward pressure applied to the sole.

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