Footwear configuration

Abstract

Articles of footwear such as shoes and boots include a sole, an upper, and one or more guides coupled or attached to the upper. The one or more guides are configured and arranged to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear. The footwear also includes a panel having a fixed end attached to a first side of the upper and a free end disposed opposite the fixed end. The panel extends from the first side of the upper toward a second side of the upper. The panel is positionable over at least one of the one or more guides and conceals at least one guide from the exterior.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 357,523, entitled “Footwear Configuration,” filed on Jun. 30, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 425,946, entitled “Footwear Configuration,” filed on Nov. 16, 2022; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 430,457, entitled “Footwear Configuration,” filed on Dec. 6, 2022. The entire disclosure of all of the foregoing U.S. provisional patent applications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] The present invention relates to a reel - type closure device and footwear employing the reel - type closure device. Typically, footwear includes some closure system that can position the footwear around the wearer's foot and close or constrict around the foot. Typically, the closure system is used to maintain or secure the footwear around the foot. For example, typically, a shoe is placed on the wearer's foot and tension is applied to the shoelaces to tie and close and secure around the foot. Conventional closure systems have been modified to improve the fit and / or comfort of the footwear around the foot. For example, the configuration and / or pattern of shoelaces have been changed to improve the fit and / or comfort of shoes. Conventional closure systems have also been improved, and efforts have been made to shorten the time it takes for the footwear to close and secure around the foot. Due to these improvements, various drawstrings, straps, and tension adjustment devices that can quickly close and secure the footwear to the foot have come into use.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003]

[0003] Embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear that includes a panel system designed to close around and tighten about a wearer's foot. The panel system includes at least one panel that overlaps the tongue portion of the shoe. According to one aspect, the article of footwear includes a sole, an upper coupled to the sole, a tension member, one or more guides coupled to the upper, and a tightening mechanism operably coupled to the tension member and configured to apply tension to the tension member upon operation of the tightening mechanism. The one or more guides are configured and arranged to guide or direct the tension member along a path around the footwear. The footwear also includes a panel having a fixed end attached to a first side of the upper, a body extending across the upper towards a second side of the upper, and a free end opposite the fixed end. The panel is positionable over at least one of the one or more guides and over the tightening mechanism to conceal at least one of the one or more guides and the tightening mechanism from external view.

[0004]

[0004] Typically, the footwear also includes at least one panel guide attached to the inner surface of the panel. The at least one panel guide is configured and arranged to guide or direct the tension member along a path around the footwear. The at least one panel guide may be arranged such that when tension is applied to the tension member, the at least one panel guide pulls the panel into contact with the tongue or throat of the footwear. The at least one panel guide may be disposed on the body of the panel such that there is no guide for the tension member at the free end of the panel, i.e., the free end of the panel does not include a tension member guide. The at least one panel guide may be attached to the panel such that the free end of the panel is disposed near the sole on the second side of the upper while the at least one panel guide is disposed on the first side of the upper.

[0005] One or more guides may be guide members that are folded along their longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. The free end of the panel may be removably attachable to the upper using a hook-and-loop surface fastener, magnet, snap, clip, or other mechanical fastener, etc.

[0006] According to another aspect, an article of footwear includes a sole, an upper, one or more guides coupled to the upper, and a panel. The one or more guides are configured and arranged to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear. The panel has a fixed end attached to a first side of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end. The panel extends from the first side of the upper toward a second side of the upper. The panel is positionable over at least one of the one or more guides to conceal at least one guide from external view.

[0007] One or more guides may be guide members that are folded along their longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which a tension member can be inserted. Typically, an article of footwear also includes a fastening mechanism operatively coupled to the tension member, and tension is applied to the tension member by operation of the fastening mechanism. In such a case, the panel may be positionable over the fastening mechanism to conceal the fastening mechanism from external view. An article of footwear may also include an additional panel having a fixed end attached to the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end. In such a case, the panel may be positionable over the additional panel to conceal at least a portion of the additional panel from external view. The free end of the panel may also be removably attachable to the upper.

[0008]

[0008] The footwear article may further include at least one panel guide attached to the inner surface of the panel. The at least one panel guide may be configured and arranged to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear. The at least one panel guide may be attached to the panel such that the free end of the panel is disposed near the sole on the second side of the upper while the at least one panel guide is disposed on the first side of the upper. The at least one panel guide may be arranged such that when the tension member is tensioned, the at least one panel guide pulls the panel into contact with the tongue or throat of the footwear.

[0009]

[0009] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a footwear article includes providing a footwear article including a sole and an upper. The method also includes coupling one or more guides to the upper, the one or more guides being configured and arranged to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear. The method further includes coupling a panel to the first side of the upper such that the distal end of the panel extends over the upper toward the second side of the upper, the panel being positionable on the one or more guides and concealing the one or more guides from external view, and orienting the panel around the upper.

[0010]

[0010] One or more guides may be guide members that are folded along a longitudinal direction to form a loop or channel. In such a case, the method may further include inserting the tension member through the loop or channel of the guide member. Additional method steps may include attaching one or more panel guides to the inner surface of the panel and / or attaching a clamping mechanism to the upper. In the latter case, the clamping mechanism is operably coupled to the tension member, and operation of the clamping mechanism causes the tension member to receive tension. The panel may be disposed to cover the clamping mechanism, and the clamping mechanism may be disposed to conceal the clamping mechanism from external view. The distal end of the panel may be removably coupled to the upper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

[0011] The present invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013]

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may be assigned the same reference numerals. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a letter that differentiates the similar components and / or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar components and / or features having the same first numerical reference label, regardless of the letter suffix.

[0014]

[0022] Embodiments of the present specification describe a panel system designed to close and tighten around a wearer's foot an article of footwear, such as a shoe. The panel system includes at least one panel, usually at least two panels, that overlap the tongue portion of the shoe. The overlapping panels also overlap one or more components of the tightening system. The tightening system includes a tension member, one or more guides that guide or direct the tension member along the footwear, and a tightening mechanism operable to apply tension to the tension member to tighten the footwear. The panel may overlap the tension member, one or more guides, and / or the tightening mechanism.

[0015]

[0023] In certain embodiments, the panel system comprises or consists of a pair of panels. In such embodiments, the lower panel is positioned closer to the foot, and the upper panel is positioned above or on top of the lower panel. Typically, the lower panel is smaller laterally and / or shorter longitudinally than the upper panel. The lower panel may extend only beyond the bulge on the dorsal side of the foot. The lower panel may be positioned under the tongue of the shoe so as to approach the foot, or may be positioned on top of the tongue if necessary. Using the lower panel, particularly when the lower panel is positioned under the tongue, can improve the fit of the footwear article around the wearer's foot. Typically, the upper panel is larger laterally or wider and / or longer longitudinally than the lower panel. In such embodiments, the upper panel may completely or partially cover the lower panel. Covering the lower panel can result in a neater and simpler appearance.

[0016]

[0024] Typically, the lower panel and the upper panel are made of a flexible and soft material such as a fabric material. However, in some embodiments, one or both panels may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic. In such embodiments, the upper panel is more generally made of a rigid or semi-rigid material while the lower panel remains relatively flexible. The fastening system may be a reel-type closure device, a pull cord system, a conventional lacing system, etc. The fastening mechanism may be located at various locations on the footwear, such as on top of the tongue of the footwear, on the side of the footwear, on the heel of the footwear, or on the upper panel or the lower panel. For the sake of convenience in describing various embodiments, the fastening mechanism is illustrated as being located on the side of the footwear, but it is contemplated that the fastening mechanism may be located at other parts of the footwear (i.e., the tongue, the heel, the upper panel, or the lower panel), and it is intended to be included in any of the described embodiments.

[0017]

[0025] In certain embodiments, the tightening system is a reel - type closure device. The reel - type closure device includes a knob or dial that a wearer can grasp and rotate. The knob or dial is coupled to a spool, and when the knob or dial is rotated in the tightening direction, a tension member or lace is wound around the spool. By rotating the tension member / lace around the spool, tension is applied to the tension member / lace, and the upper and inner pads are pulled, strengthening the contact with the wearer's foot and tightening the article of footwear around the wearer's foot. Exemplary reel - type closure devices are further described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 297,047, filed on June 5, 2017, entitled "Components and Methods of an Integrated Closure Device," and U.S. Patent No. 9,259,056, filed on June 21, 2013, entitled "Reel - Type Lacing System," the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018]

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1A - 1B, shown is an article of footwear 100, which is a shoe in the illustrated embodiment (hereinafter, footwear 100 or shoe 100). The shoe 100 includes a tightening mechanism 102, which in the illustrated embodiment is a reel - type closure device (hereinafter, reel - type closure device 102). The reel - type closure device 102 is disposed on a side of the shoe 100 and is operably coupled to a tension member or lace 106 (hereinafter, tension member 106). The tension member 106 is guided or routed along a path around the shoe 100 via a plurality of guides 104, namely guides 104a, 104b, and 104c. The path of the tension member 106 traverses between the opening 108 of the shoe 100 and the guides (104a, 104b, and 104c) disposed on the opposite side of the opening 108. One or more of the guides 104a are attached to the upper of the shoe 100. The guide 104a may be disposed near the eye stay of the shoe 100, near the sole of the shoe 100, or near an intermediate point between the eye stay and the sole of the shoe 100.

[0019]

[0027] The shoe 100 includes a lower panel 110 that is coupled or secured to a first side 112 (e.g., the inner side) of the shoe and extends upwardly toward a second side 114 of the shoe 100. The lower panel 110 extends at least partially across the opening 108 of the shoe 100 and typically extends up to the dorsal bulge of the foot. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower panel 110 extends near the centerline of the shoe 100, although in other embodiments, the lower panel 110 may not extend to the centerline or may extend significantly farther from the centerline. The lower panel 110 may be disposed under the upper of the shoe 100, if desired, or may be disposed over the upper. The lower panel 110 may be formed of continuous panel segments as shown in FIGS. 1A - B or may be formed of multiple panel segments or straps. In such embodiments, the shoe 100 may include three or more panels. The distal end of the lower panel 110 may have, or may define, a linear or straight edge or may have a non - linear edge as shown in FIGS. 1A - B.

[0020]

[0028] One or more guides 104b are coupled to the lower panel 110. The guides 104b may be coupled to the body of the lower panel 110 and / or may be attached to the distal end of the lower panel 110. A tension member 106 is guided through one or more guides 104b of the lower panel 110. When the tension member 106 is tensioned, the tension member 106 pulls on one or more guides 104b of the lower panel 110, thereby pulling the lower panel 110 toward the second side 114 of the shoe 100 and increasing the fit of the shoe 100 around the wearer's foot.

[0021]

[0029] The shoe 100 also includes an upper panel 120 that is coupled or secured to the first side 112 of the shoe and extends across the shoe 100 toward the second side 114 of the shoe 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel 120 extends across the shoe 100 in the same direction as the lower panel 110. In other embodiments, the upper panel 120 may extend across the shoe 100 in a direction opposite to the lower panel 110.

[0022]

[0030] The upper panel 120 extends at least partially over the opening 108 of the shoe 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel 120 extends completely over the lower panel 110 and covers most or all of the tongue of the shoe. The upper panel 120 has a greater width than the lower panel 110, where the width is measured from the inside to the outside of the shoe in a direction across the shoe. The upper panel 120 also has a greater or longer longitudinal length than the lower panel 110, where the longitudinal length is measured in a direction from the heel to the tip of the toe of the shoe. Due to the large width and longitudinal length of the upper panel 120, the upper panel 120 can completely cover the lower panel 110. In some embodiments, the width and / or longitudinal length of the upper panel 120 is shorter than the corresponding width or length of the lower panel 110. In such embodiments, a portion of the lower panel 110 may be visible under the upper panel 120, thereby providing a desired visual appearance.

[0023]

[0031] Typically, the upper panel 120 extends beyond the centerline of the shoe 100, but in some embodiments, the upper panel 120 may extend near the centerline or not at all. Typically, the upper panel 110 is formed of a continuous panel segment as shown in FIGS. 1A - B, but in some cases, the upper panel 120 may be formed of multiple panel segments or straps. In such embodiments, the multiple panel segments or straps may completely or partially cover the lower panel 110. The distal end of the upper panel 120 may be defined as being substantially straight, straight, or smooth. In other embodiments, the distal end of the upper panel 120 may be non - linear. In the illustrated embodiment, the distal end may run diagonally or extend over the tongue of the shoe 100.

[0024]

[0032] One or more guides 104c are coupled to the upper panel 120. Typically, the guides 104c are coupled to the inner surface of the upper panel 120 and are not visible when the upper panel 120 is closed around the shoe 100. In other embodiments, one or more of the guides 104c may be coupled to the outer surface of the upper panel 120 such that the guide is visible when the upper panel 120 is closed around the shoe 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper panel 120 includes two guides 104c coupled to the inner surface of the panel. The guides 104c include an intermediate guide disposed towards the center of the upper panel 120 and an upper guide disposed near the heel of the shoe 100. The upper guide may also be disposed on a flap or portion of the upper panel 120 that extends laterally longer than the rest of the panel. The intermediate guide 104c of the upper panel 120 may be disposed between the two guides 104b of the lower panel. The upper guide 104c of the upper panel 120 may be disposed closest to the heel compared to the other guides (104a, 104b, and 104c).

[0025]

[0033] The tension member 106 is guided through one or more guides 104c of the upper panel 120. In the illustrated embodiment, as the tension member is guided from the reel type closure device 102 towards the tip of the toe, the tension member 106 is guided through alternating guides of the shoe 100. Specifically, the tension member is guided from the reel type closure device 102 to the upper guide 104c of the upper panel 120 and from there to the upper guide 104a attached to the shoe 100. The tension member is guided from the upper guide 104a of the shoe 100 to the intermediate guide 104c of the upper panel 120 and from there to the lower guide 104a of the shoe 100. Next, the tension member is guided from the lower guide 104a to the lower guide 104b of the lower panel 110 and from there to the intermediate guide 104a of the shoe 100. Finally, the tension member is guided from the intermediate guide 104a of the shoe 100 to the upper guide 104b of the lower panel 110 and from there to the reel type closure device 102.

[0026]

[0034] When tension is applied to the tension member 106, the tension member 106 pulls one or more guides 104c of the upper panel 120 toward the second side surface 114 of the shoe 100, pulling the upper panel 120 over the lower panel 110. As described herein, when tension is applied to the tension member 106, tension is also applied to the lower panel 110. Thus, the tension member 106 and the reel-type closure device 102 may be employed to apply tension to the lower panel 110 and the upper panel 120 simultaneously.

[0027]

[0035] The guides (104, 104B, and 104C) may be formed of a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material. In one embodiment, one or more guides (104, 104B, and 104C) may be formed of a fabric material folded to form a loop or channel into which the tension member 106 is inserted. In other embodiments, one or more guides (104, 104B, and 104C) may be formed of a more rigid material such as a plastic material, a metal material, and the like.

[0028]

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 2A - B, another embodiment of the shoe 100 including a panel system is shown. The panel system of FIGS. 2A - B is similar to the panel system of FIGS. 1A - B, and like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components of the two panel systems. Thus, the description of FIGS. 1A - B applies equally to the description of FIGS. 2A - B, but for the sake of brevity, the description of FIGS. 2A - B will be omitted.

[0029]

[0037] The differences between the two systems lie in the positions of the upper panel 120 and the lower panel 110 around the shoe 100 and the orientation of the panel above the upper part of the shoe 100. For example, the lower panel 110 includes a single guide 104b (although additional guides can also be used), and the distal end of the lower panel 110 is substantially straight or linear. The lower panel 110 is designed to fit over the upper part of the wearer's foot. When tension is applied to the lower panel 110 via the reel-type closure device 102, the lower panel 110 tightens around the upper part of the wearer's foot. Using the lower panel 110 improves the fit of the footwear around the wearer's foot. As described herein, the lower panel 110 may be disposed under the tongue, which can improve the fit.

[0030]

[0038] The upper panel 120 includes a pair of guides 104c disposed near the center of the panel (although more or fewer guides may be employed). The distal end or edge of the upper panel 120 does not include a guide. Thus, when tension is applied to the tension member 106, only the central portion of the upper panel 120 is pulled into contact with the shoe 100. Other attachment means may be employed to attach or secure the distal end or edge of the upper panel 120 to the shoe 100. For example, the illustrated embodiment uses hook-and-loop surface fasteners 116 and 117 disposed on the shoe 100 and at the distal end of the upper panel 120. The hook-and-loop surface fasteners 116 and 117 secure the distal end of the upper panel 120 to the shoe 100. Other securing means such as buttons, zippers, magnets, clips, clamps, etc. may be used to fasten or secure the distal end of the upper panel 120 to the shoe 100.

[0031]

[0039] As shown, the distal end of the upper panel 120 extends almost to the sole of the shoe 100. This extension of the upper panel 120 ensures that almost all of the guide 104 of the shoe 100 is covered by the upper panel 120. The distal end of the upper panel 120 may be substantially linear, as shown in FIGS. 2A - B. When the upper panel 120 is closed and firmly pulled against the lower panel 110 and the shoe 100, a portion of the lower panel 110 may be visible. In the illustrated embodiment, when the upper panel 120 is firmly pulled against the shoe 100, only a portion of the reel - type closure device 102, a portion of the tension member 106, and possibly a portion of the lower panel 110 may be visible. Even when the upper panel 120 is firmly pulled against the shoe 100, access to and operation of the reel - type closure device 102 is enabled by exposing the reel - type closure device 102.

[0032]

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3A - 3B, another embodiment of the shoe 100 including a panel system is shown. The panel system of FIGS. 3A - 3B is similar to the panel systems of FIGS. 1A - B and FIGS. 2A - B. Like reference numbers are used to refer to similar components of the various panel systems. Thus, the description of FIGS. 1A - B and FIGS. 2A - B applies equally to the description of FIGS. 3A - B, but is omitted in the description of FIGS. 3A - B for brevity.

[0033]

[0041] The differences in the systems of FIGS. 3A - B lie in the position of the upper panel 120 and the lower panel 110 around the shoe 100 and their relationship to each other. For example, the lower panel 110 is substantially short and does not extend up to the center line of the shoe 100. The lower panel 110 includes a single guide 104b coupled to the distal end of the lower panel 110. The lower panel 110 has a longitudinal length that is substantially shorter than the length of the upper panel 120. In some embodiments, the shoe 100 may not include the lower panel 110 at all. In such a case, the guide 104b may be attached to the inner surface of the upper panel 120. FIG. 3B represents both embodiments where the shoe 100 includes the lower panel 110 and the guide 104b is directly attached to the inner surface of the upper panel 120.

[0034]

[0042] The upper panel 120 includes a single guide 104c (although more guides may be employed) disposed near the center of the panel. In embodiments where the shoe 100 does not include the lower panel 110, the upper panel 120 includes a pair of guides (guides 104b and 104c) attached to the inner surface of the panel. Similar to the panel systems of FIGS. 2A - B, the distal end or edge of the upper panel 120 does not include a guide. Thus, when tension is applied to the tension member 106, only the central portion of the upper panel 120 is pulled and contacts the shoe 100. Other attachment means such as hook - and - loop surface fasteners 116 and 117 disposed on the shoe 100 and at the distal end of the upper panel 120 are employed to attach the distal end or edge of the upper panel 120 to the shoe 100. As previously described, other fixing means may be used to fasten or secure the distal end of the upper panel 120 to the shoe 100.

[0035]

[0043] The distal end of the upper panel 120 extends almost to the sole of the shoe 100. The distal end of the upper panel 120 may be substantially linear as shown in FIGS. 3A - B. In the illustrated embodiment, when the upper panel 120 is firmly pulled against the shoe, the reel - type closure device 102 and all of the guides (104a - c), or most of the guides (104a - c), are concealed by the upper panel 120. Thus, when the upper panel 120 is firmly pulled against the shoe 100, essentially none of the components of the panel system are visible, or only some of the components are visible. For example, only the distal portion of the path of the tension member may be visible when the upper panel 120 is pulled against the shoe 100. The shape and / or size of the upper panel 120 may be changed to completely conceal the components of the panel system. The panel system of FIGS. 3A - B, particularly the upper panel 120, can provide a smooth and aesthetically pleasing outer surface of the shoe 100.

[0036]

[0044] FIGS. 4A - 7C show various embodiments of panel configurations and tension member paths that can be employed in an article of footwear. To achieve the desired level of tightening of the footwear around the wearer's foot, various panel and / or tension member configurations may be implemented. To achieve the desired appearance of the footwear and / or the fit around the wearer's foot, the illustrated panel configurations and tension member paths may be modified or combined. For example, a panel configuration of one embodiment, such as a panel extending across the entire footwear near the tip of the toe or near the throat, may be employed with a tension member path of a different embodiment, such as a tension member path guided under the panel or over the upper of the footwear. Further, for the sake of brevity in describing the various embodiments, reference numerals similar to those of the previous embodiments are used in the description of the embodiments of FIGS. 4A - 7C. Note that the foregoing description regarding these components also applies equally to the embodiments of FIGS. 4A - 7C. Further, for the sake of brevity, the description of specific features or characteristics of similar components may be omitted. However, even in such cases, a complete description of such features and characteristics applies equally to similar components.

[0037]

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4A - 4B, an article of footwear or shoe including a fastening mechanism 102 disposed on a side of the shoe is shown. The fastening mechanism is operably coupled to a tension member 106 that is guided or directed along a path around the shoe via a plurality of guides, namely guides 204a, 204b, and 204c. The path of the tension member 106 traverses between the opening 202 of the shoe and the guides (204a, 204b, and 204c) disposed on the opposite side of the opening 202. One or more proximal guides 204a are attached to the upper of the shoe and may be near the eye stay, near the sole, or near an intermediate point between the eye stay and the sole of the shoe. One or more distal guides 204b are attached to the opposite side of the shoe and may be near the eye stay, near the sole, or near an intermediate point between the eye stay and the sole. In the illustrated embodiment, two distal guides 204b are attached to the eye stay of the shoe.

[0038]

[0046] The shoe includes a panel 210 that is coupled or fixed to a first side (e.g., the inner side) of the shoe and extends upwardly towards a second side of the shoe. The panel 210 extends at least partially over the opening 202 of the shoe. The panel 210 is triangular in shape and its upper portion extends beyond the lateral centerline of the shoe. The upper portion is disposed near the throat of the shoe. The panel 210, particularly the upper portion of the panel 210, covers the opening 202 or throat of the shoe. The panel 210 may cover one or more distal guides 204b. Because the panel 210 is triangular, the lower portion of the panel 210 does not cover the entire opening or throat of the shoe. Typically, the panel 210 is formed of a continuous panel segment as shown in FIG. 4B, but in some embodiments, the panel 210 may be formed of a plurality of panel segments or straps.

[0039]

[0047] At least one panel guide 204c, and in some embodiments, a single guide is attached to the panel 210. In the illustrated embodiment, a single panel guide 204c is attached to the distal end of the triangular panel 210. In some embodiments, the panel guide 204c may be attached to the inner surface of the panel 210 so as to be hidden from view. The tension member 106 is guided through the panel guide 204c, and when the tension member 106 is subjected to tension, the tension member 106 pulls the panel 210, the panel 210 is pulled toward the second side of the shoe, and the fit of the shoe around the wearer's foot is improved.

[0040]

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4A - 4B, the tension member 106 is guided from the tightening mechanism 102 through the panel guide 204c. The tension member 106 is guided from the panel guide 204c to the proximal guide 204a disposed on the second side of the shoe. Next, the tension member 106 is guided between the proximal guide 204a and the distal guide 204b located on the opposite side of the throat or tongue until the tension member 106 is guided back to the tightening mechanism 102. When tension is applied to the tension member 106, the tension member 106 pulls the panel 210 through the panel guide 204c toward the second side 114, and at the same time pulls the opposite sides of the shoe, particularly the sides on the opposite side of the throat or tongue, toward each other. In this way, since tension is applied to the panel 210 and the opposite side of the shoe simultaneously, the tension member 106 and a single reel - type closure device 102 may be employed.

[0041]

[0049] The guides (204a, 204b, and 204c) may be formed of a rigid, semi - rigid, or flexible material. In one embodiment, one or more guides may be formed of a fabric material folded to form a loop or channel into which the tension member 106 is inserted. In another embodiment, one or more guides may be formed of a more rigid material such as a plastic material, a metal material, etc. Other guides described herein may be formed in a similar manner.

[0042]

[0050] Referring to FIG. 5A, a shoe similar to the shoes of FIGS. 4A - B is shown. Specifically, the shoe includes a fastening mechanism 102 disposed on a side of the shoe and is operatively coupled to a tension member 106 that is guided or directed along a path around the shoe via a plurality of guides. The shoe also includes one or more proximal guides 204a attached to the upper on a second side of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the proximal guides 204a is disposed on the instep and another proximal guide 204a is disposed at an intermediate point between the instep and the sole of the shoe.

[0043]

[0051] The shoe also includes a panel 210 coupled or secured to a first side (e.g., inner side) of the shoe and extending upwardly toward a second side of the shoe. The panel 210 at least partially extends over the opening of the shoe. The panel 210 is triangular in shape and has a similar configuration to the panels of FIGS. 4A - B. The panel 210 of FIG. 5A includes at least two panel guides 204c, one of the panel guides 204c being attached to the distal end of the triangular panel 210 and another being attached near the longitudinal center of the panel 210. The panel guide 204c attached near the longitudinal center of the panel 210 may be attached to the inner surface of the panel 210 so as to be hidden from view. The shoe further includes one or more distal guides 204b that may be attached to the instep on the first side of the shoe or near the instep. In some embodiments, the distal guide 204b may be attached to the inner surface of the panel 210 rather than to the upper of the shoe. However, attaching the distal guide 204b to the upper of the shoe allows the tension member 106 to apply tension to the panel 210 and the opposite side of the shoe simultaneously. Typically, the panel 210 covers the distal guide 204b.

[0044]

[0052] Typically, the panel 210 is formed from a continuous panel segment as shown in FIG. 4B, but in some embodiments, the panel 210 may be formed from a plurality of panel segments or straps. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c as described above.

[0045]

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 5B, another shoe similar to the embodiments described herein is illustrated. The shoe includes a fastening mechanism 102 disposed on a side of the shoe and is operably coupled to a tension member 106 guided or directed along a path around the shoe via a plurality of guides. The shoe includes one or more proximal guides 204a attached to an upper on a second side of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, the two proximal guides 204a are disposed laterally offset from the stay at an intermediate point between the stay and the sole of the shoe.

[0046]

[0054] The shoe also includes a panel 212 coupled or secured to a first side (e.g., inner side) of the shoe and extending upwardly toward a second side of the shoe. The panel 212 at least partially extends over an opening of the shoe. The panel 212 is triangular in shape and its lower portion extends beyond a lateral centerline of the shoe. The lower portion is disposed near a tip of the toe of the shoe. The panel 212, particularly the lower portion of the panel 212, covers an opening or throat of the shoe. The panel 212 may cover one or more distal guides 204b, although in the illustrated embodiment none of the distal guides 204b are covered. Because the panel 212 is triangular, the upper portion of the panel 212 does not cover the entire opening or throat of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, only the lower portion of the throat or tongue of the shoe is covered and the upper and middle portions of the throat or tongue of the shoe are exposed and uncovered. Typically, the panel 212 is formed of a continuous panel segment, although it may be formed of a plurality of panel segments or straps.

[0047]

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, panel 212 includes a single panel guide 204c attached to the distal end of the triangular panel 212. The single panel guide 204c may be attached to the inner surface of the panel 212 so as to be hidden from view, or may be attached to the edge of the panel 212. The shoe further includes one or more distal guides 204b that can be attached to the ice stay on the first side of the shoe, or near the ice stay. In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the two distal guides 204b are attached to the non-linear ice stay, and the upper distal guide 204b is disposed closer to the lateral direction of the sole than the middle distal guide 204b. As described above, the tension member 106 is guided through each guide 204a, 204b, and 204c.

[0048]

[0056] FIG. 5C is very similar in configuration to FIG. 5B, except that the panel 212 includes two panel guides 204c. As shown in FIG. 5B, the lower panel guide 204c is attached to the panel 212, and the middle panel guide 204c is attached to the panel near the longitudinal center of the throat or tongue of the shoe. The central panel guide 204c may be attached to the inner surface of the panel 212 so as to be hidden from view, or may be attached to the edge of the panel 212 so as to be visible as shown in FIG. 5C. The panel 212 in FIG. 5C is longer in the longitudinal direction than the panel in FIG. 5B. The panel 212 includes a relatively straight edge or portion to which the central panel guide 204c is coupled. The configuration of the panel 212 in FIG. 5C will cover more of the throat or tongue of the shoe compared to the panel in FIG. 5B.

[0049]

[0057] In some embodiments, the shoe includes a single distal guide 204b. By disposing the central panel guide 204c on the panel 212, the two proximal guides 204a may be disposed closer together on the second side of the shoe. As described above, the tension member 106 is guided through each guide 204a, 204b, and 204c.

[0050]

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5D, a shoe similar to the shoe described herein is shown, showing a variation of panel 214 attached to the shoe. Panel 214 is similar in structure to the panel of FIG. 5A, and panel 214 is coupled or fixed to the first side of the shoe and extends upwardly towards the second side, partially crossing the lateral centerline of the shoe. Panel 214 is generally triangular in shape but is longer in the vertical direction than the panel of FIG. 5A. Panel 214 includes a relatively straight end or middle portion to which panel guide 204c is coupled. Panel guide 204c may be attached to the inner surface of panel 214 so as to be hidden from view, or may be attached to the end of panel 214 so as to be in view. Panel 214 of FIG. 5D covers more of the throat or tongue of the shoe as compared to the panel of FIG. 5A.

[0051]

[0059] The fastening mechanism 102 is disposed at the proximal end of panel 214 rather than being attached to the side of the shoe. The fastening mechanism 102 is operably coupled to a tension member 106 that is guided or routed along a path around the shoe via a plurality of guides 204a, 204b, and 204c. One or more proximal guides 204a are attached to the upper of the second side of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the proximal guides 204a is disposed laterally offset from the eye stay near an intermediate point between the eye stay and the sole of the shoe, although the position of proximal guide 204a may be variable. The shoe also includes a proximal guide 204a (not shown) disposed near the heel and near the sole of the shoe, which serves to pull the proximal end / end of panel 214 rearwardly towards the heel. In some embodiments, the proximal guide 204a (not shown) near the heel and sole may include a pair of guides that function together as a single elongated guide (see, e.g., FIG. 6A).

[0052]

[0060] The shoe includes one or more distal guides 204b attached to a first side of the shoe. The distal guide 204b may be covered by a panel 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe includes a single distal guide 204b disposed at an eye stay on the first side of the shoe, although additional distal guides may be employed. Typically, the panel 214 is formed of a continuous panel segment, although in some embodiments, the panel 214 may be formed of multiple panel segments or straps. As described above, the tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c.

[0053]

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6A - 6B, a shoe is shown including a panel 216 having a structure similar to the panel of FIG. 5D. Specifically, the panel 216 is coupled or secured to the first side of the shoe and extends across the lateral centerline of the shoe and toward the second side of the shoe. The tightening mechanism 102 is disposed at the proximal end of the panel 216 rather than on the side of the shoe. The panel 216 has a generally triangular shape that closely matches the panel of FIG. 5A. Specifically, unlike the panel of FIG. 5D, the panel 216 of FIGS. 6A - B does not include a relatively straight end or intermediate portion to which a guide is coupled. Rather, in contrast to the panels of FIGS. 5A - D, the panel 216 of FIGS. 6A - B does not include a panel guide attached to the panel 216. Rather, the tightening mechanism 102 attached to the panel 216 functions as the only connection or attachment point for attaching the tension member 106 to the panel 216.

[0054]

[0062] The shoe includes a plurality of proximal guides 204a attached to an upper on a second side of the shoe. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe includes four proximal guides 204a attached to the second side of the shoe. These four proximal guides 204a include a rearmost guide disposed near the heel and sole of the shoe, a guide disposed at an eye stay on the second side, and two guides disposed laterally offset from the eye stay. The two laterally offset guides function as a single elongated guide.

[0055]

[0063] The boot also includes a plurality of distal guides 204b disposed below panel 216. The distal guides 204b may be disposed on the ice stay of the first side surface or may be disposed laterally offset therefrom. The proximal guide 204a disposed on the ice stay of the second side surface is disposed longitudinally between the distal guides 204b. Usually, panel 216 is formed of continuous panel segments, but in some embodiments, panel 216 may be formed of a plurality of panel segments or straps. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a and 204b, and due to the tension of the tension member 106, the opposite side of the panel 216 and the boot is simultaneously subjected to tension.

[0056]

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 6C-D, a boot is shown that includes a panel 218 coupled or fixed to the first side surface of the boot and extending across the lateral centerline of the boot toward the second side surface of the boot. The tightening mechanism 102 is disposed near the proximal end of the panel 218 toward the upper end disposed adjacent to the top edge of the boot. Panel 218 has a more rectangular shape as compared to the panels of FIGS. 6A-B. The proximal end of panel 218 is longer longitudinally than the proximal end of the panels of FIGS. 6A-B. The longer proximal end is configured such that a panel guide 204c is disposed at or near the lower portion of panel 218 near the tip of the toe. As shown in FIG. 6C, the panel guide 204c may be attached to the inner surface of panel 218 so as to be hidden from view or may be disposed at the proximal end. As the proximal end of panel 218 becomes longer, the panel will cover a larger portion of the throat or tongue of the boot. In some embodiments, panel 218 may include a relatively straight end or middle portion to which a guide is coupled, similar to the panel structure of FIG. 5D.

[0057]

[0065] Similar to the panels of FIGS. 6A - B, the shoe includes a plurality of proximal guides 204a (e.g., four proximal guides 204a) attached to the upper on the second side of the shoe. These proximal guides 204a may include the rearmost guides positioned near the heel and sole of the shoe, a guide positioned on the ice stay of the second side (see FIG. 6D), and two guides positioned laterally offset from the ice stay of the shoe. Unlike the embodiment of FIGS. 6A - B, the two laterally offset guides do not function as a single elongated guide. Rather, the two laterally offset guides are positioned at the longitudinal ends opposite the panel guide 204c and guide or direct the lace therefrom.

[0058]

[0066] The shoe also includes a plurality of distal guides 204b disposed under the panel 218. The distal guides 204b may be disposed on the ice stay on the first side of the shoe and may be laterally offset therefrom. The proximal guides 204a disposed on the ice stay of the second side are longitudinally disposed between the distal guides 204b. Typically, the panel 218 is formed of a continuous panel segment, but in some embodiments, the panel 218 may be formed of a plurality of panel segments or straps. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c such that the panel 218 and the opposite side of the shoe are simultaneously tensioned by the tension in the tension member 106.

[0059]

[0067] Referring to FIG. 7A, the illustrated shoe is substantially similar to the shoe of FIGS. 4A - B and the description of that embodiment is equally applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 7A. In particular, the configuration of the panel 210 and the tightening mechanism 102, the arrangement and function of the tension member 106, and the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c are substantially the same as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A - B. Accordingly, the description of these components is omitted for the sake of brevity in describing the embodiment of FIG. 7A.

[0060]

[0068] Figure 7A differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 4A - B in that the shoe includes a terminal guide 205 attached to the second side of the shoe. The terminal guide 205 functions as the end or termination point of the tension member 106. In contrast, in the embodiments of FIGS. 4A - B, both ends of the tension member 106 are attached to and / or operably coupled to the tightening mechanism 102. Using the terminal guide 205, tension can be applied to one end of the tension member 106 during operation of the tightening mechanism, which can improve the tension generated in the tension member 106. In addition to using the terminal guide 205, the panel guide 204c may be disposed on the panel 210, and the lowermost proximal guide 204a may be laterally offset from the ice stay on the second side of the shoe.

[0061]

[0069] Typically, the panel 210 of FIG. 7A is formed of continuous panel segments, but in some embodiments the panel 210 may be formed of multiple panel segments or straps. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c such that the panel 210 and the opposite side of the shoe are simultaneously tensioned by the tension in the tension member 106.

[0062]

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7B, a shoe is shown that includes a panel 220 disposed near or at the longitudinal center of the tongue or throat of the shoe. Similar to other embodiments, the panel 220 is coupled or secured to the first side of the shoe and extends toward the second side of the shoe. The fastening mechanism 102 is operatively coupled to a tension member 106 that is disposed on the second side of the shoe and guided or routed along a path via a plurality of guides 204a, 204b, and 204c. The panel 220 has a more parabolic shape compared to the previously described panels. The panel 220 includes a central region that extends laterally toward the second side of the shoe and beyond the lateral centerline of the shoe. The panel guide 204c is attached to or near an end of the central region of the panel 220. The panel guide 204c may be attached along the inner surface, outer surface, or edge of the panel 220 as desired. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel guide 204c is attached to the outer surface of the panel 220 so as to be visible.

[0063]

[0071] The opposite side of the panel 220 curves or flares outwardly from the central region. The panel 220 is disposed around the shoe such that the central region is disposed generally centrally along the longitudinal length of the tongue of the shoe, although the central region may be disposed elsewhere as desired. The tension member 106 is guided from the fastening mechanism 102 to the panel guide 204c and from there to the lowermost proximal guide 204a disposed on the second side of the shoe. The lowermost proximal guide 204a may be disposed laterally offset from the eye stay as desired or may be disposed on the eye stay. The second proximal guide 204a may be generally vertically aligned with the panel guide 204c or may be disposed laterally outward therefrom as shown.

[0064]

[0072] The shoe includes a plurality of distal guides 204b disposed on a first side of the shoe. The distal guides 204b may be disposed on or laterally offset from the ice stay on the first side. The distal guides 204b may also be disposed on the opposite side of the panel guide 204c. The panel 220 may partially or completely cover and / or conceal the distal guides 204b. Typically, the panel 220 is formed of a continuous panel segment, but in some embodiments the panel 220 may be formed of a plurality of panel segments or straps. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c such that tension in the tension member 106 simultaneously tensions the panel 220 and the opposite side of the shoe.

[0065]

[0073] Referring to FIG. 7C, the illustrated shoe is substantially similar to the shoe of FIG. 7A, and the description of its embodiment and the embodiments of FIGS. 4A - B are equally applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 7C. FIG. 7C differs from the embodiment of FIG. 7A in the arrangement of the terminal guide 205 and the fastening mechanism 102. Specifically, the terminal guide 205 is disposed at the distal end of the path of the tension member near the tip of the toe of the shoe such that the tension member 106 terminates at or near the tip of the toe. The fastening mechanism 102 is disposed at the heel of the shoe and is guided to the front of the shoe via other guiding means such as a tube 207 or a channel formed in the upper or a guide attached to the upper. As shown in FIG. 7C, disposing the fastening mechanism 102 at the heel of the shoe can be used in any of the other embodiments described herein. Similarly, the use of the terminal guide 205 of FIG. 7C may be omitted such that both ends of the tension member 106 are attached to the fastening mechanism 102 and / or operatively coupled to the fastening mechanism 102. As described herein, the shoe includes guides 204a, 204b, and 204c that guide or direct a tension member along a path of the shoe. The tension member 106 is guided through each of the guides 204a, 204b, and 204c such that tension in the tension member 106 simultaneously tensions the panel 210 and the opposite side of the shoe.

[0066]

[0074] Figures 8A - 9C illustrate various embodiments of a shoe configuration that can be employed to achieve a desired closure and / or fit of the shoe around the wearer's foot. The embodiments of Figures 8A - 9C may employ panels, straps, and / or unique lace path configurations that achieve the desired tension of the shoe around the wearer's foot. Each embodiment employs a fastening mechanism 102 and a tension member 106 operably coupled to the fastening mechanism 102, as described above. The tension member 106 is guided through guides attached to the shoe, panel, and / or strap so that the strap and / or panel and the shoe are simultaneously tensioned by the operation of the fastening mechanism 102. The fastening mechanism 102 is generally illustrated as being disposed on or near the tongue of the shoe, although the position of the fastening mechanism 102 may be changed, such as to the heel or side of the shoe. The illustrated panel and / or strap configurations, and the path of the tension member, may be modified or combined to achieve the desired appearance and / or fit of the shoe around the wearer's foot. For the sake of brevity in describing the various embodiments, reference numerals similar to those of the previous embodiments are used in the description of the embodiments of Figures 8A - 9C. It should be noted that the foregoing description of these components also applies equally to the embodiments of Figures 8A - 9C. Further, for the sake of brevity, the description of specific features or characteristics of similar components may be omitted. In such cases, a complete description of such features or characteristics applies equally to their similar components as well.

[0067]

[0075] Referring to FIG. 8A, the illustrated shoe includes a panel 310 that is coupled or secured to a first side of the shoe and extends partially across a lateral center of the shoe toward a second side of the shoe. The panel 310 has a recess, cavity, or opening 311 and is shaped and sized such that a tightening mechanism 102 can be disposed within the opening 311. The panel 310 includes an upper portion and an elongated lower portion. The upper portion and the elongated lower portion of the panel 310 extend laterally outward from the opening 311 toward the second side of the shoe. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the panel 310 may extend laterally longer than the elongated lower portion so as to more fully wrap around the shoe and the wearer's foot. The opening 311 is sized such that the panel 310 does not contact or minimally contacts the tightening mechanism 102 when the panel 310 is fully tensioned.

[0068]

[0076] A plurality of panel guides 306 are attached to the proximal end of the panel 310, although in some embodiments the panel guides 306 may be attached to the inner or outer surface of the panel 310. In the illustrated embodiment, a single panel guide 306 is disposed above the tightening mechanism 102 while two panel guides 306 are disposed below the tightening mechanism 102. One or more proximal guides 302 are attached to the second side of the shoe and are typically laterally offset from the eye stay near the midpoint between the eye stay and the sole. The proximal guide 302 is arranged to guide or direct a tension member 106 along a path between the panel guide 306 and the proximal guide 302. In some embodiments, the shoe also includes a heel strap 312 that is disposed near the heel of the shoe and / or wraps around the heel of the shoe. The heel strap 312 includes at least one heel strap guide 304 that guides a tension member along a path. The heel strap 312 may be employed to pull the upper portion of the panel 310 rearward toward the heel to more fully secure the wearer's foot within the shoe. Typically, the panel 310 is formed of a continuous panel segment, although in some embodiments the panel 310 may be formed of multiple panel segments or straps.

[0069]

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8B, the illustrated shoe includes a panel or strap 320 that is coupled or secured to a second side of the shoe and extends partially across the lateral center of the shoe toward a first side of the shoe. The panel 320 is formed from or coupled to an upper portion of an eye stay on the second side of the shoe. The portion of the eye stay vertically below the panel 320 may be substantially linear. The tightening mechanism 102 is coupled to the panel 320 such that when the panel is tensioned, the tightening mechanism 102 is disposed laterally at approximately the center of the tongue of the shoe.

[0070]

[0078] A plurality of proximal guides 302a are attached to a second side of the shoe vertically below the panel 320. The proximal guides 302a may be attached to the eye stay on the second side of the shoe and may be disposed laterally offset therefrom. One or more distal guides 302b are disposed on a first side of the shoe. The distal guides 302b may be attached to the eye stay on the first side of the shoe and may be disposed laterally offset therefrom. Typically, the distal guides 302b are disposed vertically near the panel 320, with at least one guide vertically aligned with the tightening mechanism 102 and disposed laterally offset therefrom.

[0071]

[0079] The shoe also includes at least one lower strap 322 that is coupled to a first side of the shoe and extends across the lateral center of the shoe toward a second side. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe includes two lower straps 322 and 324, with the lowest strap 324 extending longer overall across the shoe than the other strap 322. Both straps are configured to guide or direct the tension member 106 and include strap guides 308 that are arranged to function with corresponding proximal guides 302a on the second side of the shoe. The use of the panel 320 and one or more lower straps 322 and 324 can improve the fit of the shoe around the wearer's foot because the upper and lower portions of the shoe wrap around the wearer's foot in opposite directions.

[0072]

[0080] Referring to FIG. 8C, the illustrated shoe includes a panel 330 coupled or secured to the first side of the shoe and extending across the lateral center of the shoe toward the second side of the shoe. Panel 330 is formed from or coupled to the lower portion of the stay of the first side of the shoe. Panel 330 is shaped such that a recess, cavity, or opening 332 is formed or defined in the upper portion of panel 330 adjacent the topline of the shoe. Opening 332 is sized and shaped such that the tightening mechanism 102 can be disposed within opening 332. The lower portion of panel 330 extends laterally outward from opening 332 toward the second side of the shoe. In some embodiments, the lowermost portion of panel 330 may extend laterally longer than the central portion of panel 330. Panel 330 may have a non-linear profile along the longitudinal length of the shoe from the topline to the toe tip.

[0073]

[0081] A plurality of proximal guides 302 are attached to the second side of the shoe and a plurality of panel guides 306 are attached to the panel along or at either the inner or outer surface of the panel along the edge of the panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the same number of proximal guides 302 and panel guides 306 are used and each of the proximal guides 302 is longitudinally aligned with a corresponding panel guide 306. Each proximal guide 302 and panel guide 306 may form a guide pair that guides or directs the tension member 106. As the lace path approaches the tip of the toe, the spacing between each guide pair may decrease.

[0074]

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8D, the illustrated shoe does not include a panel and instead includes or defines a unique tension member path and a pair of tension member guides. The shoe includes a tightening mechanism 102 and may be disposed at the center of the tongue of the shoe or at other locations such as the heel or side of the shoe as needed. The shoe also includes one or more proximal guides 302a and distal guides 302b that guide or direct the tension member in a conventional manner. The shoe further includes one or more guide pairs, one guide of the pair being disposed laterally offset from the other guide of the pair.

[0075]

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the shoe includes three guide pairs. Specifically, the upper guide pair includes an outer guide 303a and an inner guide 303b disposed laterally inward of the outer guide 303a. The inner guide 303b may be disposed on the ice stay of the shoe, and the outer guide 303a is laterally offset therefrom. In other embodiments, the inner guide 303b may be disposed on a strap (see guide 303f), the outer guide 303a is disposed on the ice stay, or is laterally offset therefrom. The upper guide pair functions together to increase the tension provided to close and tighten the upper portion of the shoe adjacent to the upper guide pair.

[0076]

[0084] The shoe also includes an intermediate guide pair including an outer guide 303c and an inner guide 303d disposed laterally inward of the outer guide 303c. The inner guide 303d may be disposed on the ice stay of the shoe or at the end of a strap, and the outer guide 303c may be disposed on the ice stay or be laterally offset therefrom. The intermediate guide pair functions together to increase the tension provided to close and tighten the intermediate portion of the shoe adjacent to the intermediate guide pair. The shoe further includes a lower guide pair including an outer guide 303e and an inner guide 303f disposed laterally inward of the outer guide 303e. Although the inner guide 303f is shown as being disposed at the end of a small strap, the inner guide 303f may be disposed on the ice stay as needed. The outer guide 303e may be disposed on the ice stay of the shoe or be laterally offset therefrom. The lower guide pair functions together to increase the tension provided to close and tighten the lower portion of the shoe adjacent to the lower guide pair and near the tip of the toe.

[0077]

[0085] Note that in FIG. 8D, three guide pairs are used, but more or fewer guide pairs may be employed. Similarly, the position of the guide pair, or guide pairs, may be changed to achieve an increase in tension at a desired location. For example, the guide pair may be used vertically above the tightening mechanism 102 to apply a high tension near the shoe opening.

[0078]

[0086] Referring to FIG. 9A, the illustrated shoe includes a panel 340 coupled or secured to a second side of the shoe and extending toward a first side of the shoe. Most of the panel 340 is laterally offset from the center or tongue of the shoe. However, the lower portion or end 342 of the panel 340 extends to or distally of near the lateral center of the shoe. The lower portion 342 of the panel 340 may be a strap coupled to or formed from the panel 340. In some embodiments, the panel 340 may have a generally U-shaped configuration between its upper end and the lower portion 342. The panel 340 and the lower portion 342 include one or more panel guides 343 attached to the end / lower portion 342 of the panel 340 or to its inner or outer surface.

[0079]

[0087] The shoe also includes a strap 344 that is attached to a first side of the shoe and extends toward a second side. The strap 344 may be disposed near the top opening of the shoe, and the strap 344 extends toward a laterally offset portion of the panel 340. The fastening mechanism 102 is attached to the strap 344 and is arranged such that when the strap 344 is tensioned, the fastening mechanism 102 is disposed laterally approximately at the center of the shoe. The shoe further includes one or more distal guides 302b attached to a first side of the shoe. When the strap 344 is tensioned, one of the distal guides 302b may be partially or fully disposed under the strap 344. Another distal guide 302b may be laterally offset from the distal guide 302b disposed under the strap 344. In some embodiments, the distal guide 302b disposed under the strap 344 may guide or direct a lace to a panel guide 343 attached to an end of the lower portion 342 of the panel 340. A portion of the tension member spanning these two guides may be substantially coincident with or parallel to the lateral centerline of the shoe.

[0080]

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9B, the illustrated shoe includes a panel 350 coupled or secured to a second side of the shoe and extending toward a first side of the shoe. The upper end of the panel 350 extends near or distally to the lateral center of the shoe, while the lower portion of the panel 350, and often most of the panel 350, is laterally offset from the lateral center or tongue of the shoe. The fastening mechanism 102 is attached to the upper end of the panel 350 and is arranged such that when the panel 350 is tensioned, the fastening mechanism 102 is disposed substantially centrally laterally of the shoe. The upper end of the panel 350 may be a strap coupled to or formed from the panel 350. In some embodiments, the panel 350 may have a generally curved or arcuate shape between its upper and lower ends. The panel 350 includes one or more panel guides 352 attached to the ends of the panel 350 or to its inner or outer surfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 350 includes a single guide 352 that functions in combination with the fastening mechanism 102 to pull the panel 350 toward the upper of the shoe. Additional panel guides 352 may be employed in other embodiments.

[0081]

[0089] The shoe also includes a strap 354 attached to a first side of the shoe and extending toward the second side. The strap 354 may be disposed near the tip of the toe of the shoe and the strap 354 extends toward the laterally offset portion of the panel 350. The strap 354 includes a strap guide 356 attached to the ends of the strap 354 or to its inner or outer surfaces. The shoe further includes one or more proximal guides 302a and distal guides 302b attached to respective sides of the shoe. One or more pairs of the proximal guide 302a and the distal guide 302b may function in cooperation to guide or direct an intermediate portion of the tension member 106. One or more pairs of the proximal guide pair 302a and the distal guide pair 302b may be disposed longitudinally between the upper end of the panel 350 and the strap 354.

[0082]

[0090] Referring to FIG. 9C, the illustrated shoe includes a panel 360 coupled or secured to a first side of the shoe and extending toward a second side of the shoe. Panel 360 includes a straight edge parallel to the lateral centerline of the shoe, although other configurations of the edge of the panel are possible. Panel 360 may extend near or distal to the lateral centerline of the shoe. The tightening mechanism 102 is attached to the upper end of panel 360 near the top opening of the shoe. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 102 may be located at the heel, on the side of the shoe, or elsewhere. Panel 360 includes one or more panel guides 362 attached to the outer surface of panel 360 such that when panel 360 is tensioned, panel guides 362 are substantially aligned with the lateral center of the shoe.

[0083]

[0091] The shoe includes a proximal guide 302a attached to the second side of the shoe and a distal guide 302b attached to the first side of the shoe. Proximal guide 302a and distal guide 302b function to guide or direct a tension member between them and panel guide 362. Using panel guide 362 at the lateral center of the shoe facilitates evenly closing the shoe around the wearer's foot.

[0084]

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 10A-11C, embodiments of a footwear configuration are shown that utilize a single reel-type closure device 102 to achieve a snug fit of the footwear around the wearer's foot. The footwear configurations of FIGS. 10A-11C may be particularly suitable for articles of high-cut footwear such as various boots. The footwear configuration provides a snug fit of the high-cut footwear around the wearer's foot. In some cases, the high-cut footwear may have a standard tongue structure at the upper portion of the footwear and a hybrid structure with a canopy-type structure at the lower portion of the footwear. The single reel-type closure device 102 causes the footwear to fit evenly around the wearer's foot from the upper to the lower portion of the closure region.

[0085]

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 10A - C, an embodiment is shown having a guide configuration that overlaps the lower portion of footwear or boots (hereinafter referred to as boots). The overlapping guide configuration is achieved by guides arranged asymmetrically and cooperate like pulleys to fit the boots snugly around the wearer's foot. The overlapping configuration allows the lower portion of the boots to adapt to the volume and / or shape of the wearer's foot.

[0086]

[0094] The boots include a proximal side 402 and a distal side 410, which are located on opposite sides of the boots and are typically separated by the opening or tongue portion of the boots. A first proximal guide set 404 is disposed on the proximal side 402 of the boots, and a first distal guide set 412 is disposed on the distal side 410 of the boots. The first proximal guide set 404 is arranged along the proximal eye stay of the boots in a typical manner. More specifically, the first proximal guide set 404 is arranged such that the ends of each guide are located near the ends of the proximal eye stay. Similarly, the first distal guide set 412 is arranged along the distal eye stay in a typical manner where the ends of each guide are located near the ends of the distal eye stay.

[0087]

[0095] Second proximal guide sets 406 and 408 are also disposed on the proximal side 402 of the boots. The second proximal guide sets 406 and 408 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first proximal guide set 404. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the upper guide 406 of the second proximal guide set is arranged laterally outward from the proximal eye stay and is positioned closer to the heel and / or sole of the boots compared to the first proximal guide set 404. Positioning the upper guide 406 laterally outward increases the rearward and downward tension applied to the boots via the tension member 106. The position of the upper guide 406 may be selected such that the boots receive the desired tightening around the wearer's foot, such as near the wearer's heel, due to the increased rearward and downward tension or pressure.

[0088]

[0096] The lower guide 408 of the second proximal guide set is disposed beneath the proximal ice stay near the lower guide of the first proximal guide set 404. The lower guide 408 may be laterally offset from the proximal ice stay in a similar manner to the upper guide 406, or may be aligned substantially in a straight line with the lower guide of the first proximal guide set 404 as shown in FIG. 10B. In any embodiment, typically the lower guide 408 is vertically offset from the lower guide of the first proximal guide set 404 by being disposed near the tip of the toe of the boot or near the top edge.

[0089]

[0097] The lower guide 408 functions in conjunction with the lower guide of the first proximal guide set, with the two guides interlocking like pulleys to fit the boot snugly around the lower part of the wearer's foot. The lower guide 408 and the lower guide of the first proximal guide set 404 are shown as being disposed near the lower end of the race path, but in some embodiments the two guides may be disposed near the upper end of the race path and the boot may be fitted snugly around the upper part of the wearer's foot.

[0090]

[0098] The second distal guide sets 414 and 416 may also be disposed on the distal side 410 of the boot. When used, the second distal guide sets 414 and 416 are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the first distal guide set 412. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the upper guide 414 of the second distal guide set is disposed laterally inward from the distal ice stay so as to be closer to the lateral center of the boot as compared to the first distal guide set 412. By disposing the upper guide 414 laterally inward, a lateral tension is applied to the boot near the lateral center of the boot. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10B, the upper guide 414 is vertically aligned substantially in a straight line with the lower guide of the first distal guide set 412. Thus, the upper guide 414 functions in conjunction with the lower guide of the first distal guide set, with the two guides interlocking like pulleys to fit the boot snugly around the central part of the wearer's foot.

[0091]

[0099] The lower guide 416 of the second distal guide set may also be disposed laterally inward from the distal stay so as to be closer to the lateral center of the boot as compared to the first distal guide set 412. By disposing the lower guide 416 laterally inward, a lateral tension is applied to the boot near the lateral center of the boot. In some embodiments, the lower guide 416 may be longitudinally aligned with the guide of a first distal guide set (not shown), and it should be noted that the lower guide 416 interlocks with its guide like a pulley to apply a desired tension to the wearer's foot. Also, it should be noted that, if necessary, the upper guide 414 and / or the lower guide 416 may be disposed laterally outward from the first distal guide set.

[0092]

[0100] FIG. 10C shows a slight change in the guide path of FIGS. 10A and 10B. Specifically, the boot includes additional guides for both the first proximal guide set 404 and the first distal guide set 412. The boot also includes a guide pair of the first proximal guide set 404 and the first distal guide set 412 disposed at the lower end of the race path. Further, neither the lower guide 408 nor the upper guide 414 is longitudinally aligned with the respective guides of the first proximal guide set 404 or the first distal guide set 412. Rather, the lower guide 408 and the upper guide 414 are disposed longitudinally between the guides of the first proximal guide set 404 and the first distal guide set 412, respectively. The lower guide 408 and / or the upper guide 414 may function like a pulley with other guides even though they are not longitudinally aligned.

[0093]

[0101] In some embodiments, the reel closure device 102 may be disposed at the center of the tongue of the boot as shown, but the reel closure device 102 may be disposed at other locations as needed, such as at the stay, heel, or rear of the boot. The race tender 418 may guide the tension member 106 and / or may also be used to maintain the position of the tension member around the tongue of the boot.

[0094]

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 11A - C, another embodiment is shown having an overlapping guide configuration achieved by guides with boots arranged asymmetrically. The overlapping configuration is substantially the same as the overlapping configuration of FIGS. 10A - C. Specifically, the boot includes a proximal side 422 and a distal side 430. A first proximal guide set 424 is disposed on the proximal side 422 of the boot, and a first distal guide set 432 is disposed on the distal side 430 of the boot. The first proximal guide set 424 is arranged along the proximal ice stay of the boot, similar to the first proximal guide set 404 in FIG. 10B. The first distal guide set 432 is also arranged along the distal ice stay, similar to the distal guide set 412 in FIG. 10B.

[0095]

[0103] Second proximal guide sets 426 and 428 are also disposed on the proximal side 402 of the boot. The second proximal guide sets 426 and 428 may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to the first proximal guide set 424. Specifically, in some cases, the upper guide 426 of the second proximal guide set may be disposed laterally outward from the proximal ice stay (see FIG. 11C), and as a result, the rearward and downward tension on the boot may increase as described above. In other embodiments, the upper guide 426 of the second proximal guide set may be substantially aligned with the proximal ice stay, or may be substantially aligned with one or more lower guides of the first proximal guide set 424 (see FIGS. 11A - B).

[0096]

[0104] The lower guide 428 of the second proximal guide set is disposed under the proximal ice stay near the lower guides of the first proximal guide set 424. The lower guide 428 may be laterally offset from the proximal ice stay, may be substantially aligned with the proximal ice stay, or may be disposed laterally inward from the first proximal guide set 424 as shown in FIG. 11B. The lower guide 428 is vertically offset from the lower guides of the first proximal guide set 424. The lower guide 428 may function with one or more guides of the first proximal guide set 424 in a pulley - like manner to provide a snug fit of the boot around the lower part of the wearer's foot.

[0097]

[0105] The second distal guide sets 434 and 436 are disposed asymmetrically with respect to the first distal guide set 432 on the distal side 430 of the boot. Specifically, the upper guide 434 and the lower guide 436 of the second distal guide set are disposed transversely inward from the distal eye stay so as to be closer to the lateral center of the boot as compared with the first distal guide set 432. In some embodiments, either the upper guide 434 or the lower guide 436, or both guides, may be disposed transversely outward from the distal eye stay. In the illustrated embodiment, neither the upper guide 434 nor the lower guide 436 is vertically aligned with the corresponding guide of the first distal guide set 432. The upper guide 434 or the lower guide 436 may function in cooperation with one or more guides of the first distal guide set in a pulley-like manner so that the boot fits snugly around the central portion of the wearer's foot.

[0098]

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 11B - C, the reel - type closure device 102 is not disposed at the center between the opposing guides. Rather, the reel - type closure device 102 is disposed on the distal side 430 of the boot on the opposite side of the upper guide of the first proximal guide set 424. The tension member 106 is guided from the reel - type closure device 102, the upper portion of the tension member 106 is directly guided by the upper guide of the first proximal guide set 424, and the lower portion of the tension member 106 is directly guided by the upper guide 426 of the second proximal guide set. In this way, the reel - type closure device 102 can create a slightly asymmetric tension in the tension member 106.

[0099]

[0107] This specification describes various embodiments and the arrangement of various components. It should be understood that in various embodiments, various components and / or combinations of components can be modified, rearranged, changed, adjusted, etc. For example, the arrangement of components in any of the described embodiments may be adjusted or rearranged, and / or the various components described may be used in any of the embodiments not currently described or used. Therefore, it should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the specific arrangements and / or component structures described in this specification.

[0100]

[0108] Furthermore, it should be understood that any executable combination of the features and elements disclosed in this specification is also considered to be disclosed. Additionally, whenever a feature is not described in the embodiments of the present disclosure, in some embodiments of the present invention, such a feature may be implicitly and specifically excluded, which may support negative claim limitations, and those skilled in the art are hereby notified of this.

[0101]

[0109] Although some embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, alternative configurations, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention, many well-known processes and elements have not been described. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0102]

[0110] When a range of values is presented, unless clearly specified otherwise in the context, each intervening value (down to one-tenth of the lower limit value) between the upper and lower limit values of the range is also understood to be specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any specified value or intervening value within the specified range and any other specified value or intervening value within the specified range is covered. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included and excluded from the range, and each range in which either, or both, of the limits are included in the smaller range is also encompassed by the present invention, subject to any specifically excluded limitations within the described range. When the described range includes one or both of the limitations, ranges excluding one or both of the included limitations are also included.

[0103]

[0111] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, references to "a process" include a plurality of such processes, references to "a device" include references to one or more devices and their equivalents well known to those skilled in the art, and the like.

[0104]

[0112] Also, as used in this specification and the following claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" are intended to specify the presence of the stated features, integers, components, or steps, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

Claims

1. A sole, an upper coupled to the sole, a tension member, one or more guides coupled to the upper, the one or more guides being configured to guide or direct the tension member along a path around the footwear, a tightening mechanism operably coupled to the tension member such that tension is applied to the tension member by operation of the tightening mechanism, a panel having a fixed end attached to a first side of the upper, a body extending across an upper portion of the upper and toward a second side of the upper, and a free end opposite the fixed end, comprising, wherein the panel is disposed over at least one of the one or more guides and over the tightening mechanism to conceal the at least one guide and the tightening mechanism from the exterior, an article of footwear.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising at least one panel guide attached to an inner surface of the panel, the at least one panel guide being configured to guide or direct the tension member along the path around the footwear.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the at least one panel guide is arranged such that when the tension member is tensioned, the at least one panel guide pulls the panel into contact with a tongue or throat of the footwear.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the at least one panel guide is disposed on the body of the panel and no guide for the tension member is provided at the free end of the panel.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the at least one panel guide is attached to the panel such that the at least one panel guide is disposed on the first side of the upper while the free end of the panel is disposed near the sole on the second side of the upper.

6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the one or more guides include a guide member folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member is insertable.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the free end of the panel is removably connectable to the upper.

8. A sole, An upper, One or more guides coupled to the upper, the one or more guides configured to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear, A panel having a fixed end attached to a first side of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end, the panel extending from the first side of the upper toward a second side of the upper, Comprising, The panel is positionable over at least one of the one or more guides to conceal the at least one guide from the outside. An article of footwear.

9. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the one or more guides include guide members that are folded along a longitudinal length to form a loop or channel into which the tension member is insertable.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 8, comprising a tightening mechanism operatively coupled to the tension member such that tension is applied to the tension member by operation of the tightening mechanism, the panel being positionable over the tightening mechanism to conceal the tightening mechanism from the outside.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 8, comprising at least one panel guide attached to an inner surface of the panel, the at least one panel guide configured to guide or direct the tension member along the path around the footwear.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the at least one panel guide is attached to the panel such that the at least one panel guide is positioned on the first side of the upper while the free end of the panel is positioned near the sole on the second side of the upper.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the at least one panel guide is positioned such that when the tension member is tensioned, the at least one panel guide pulls the panel into contact with a tongue or throat of the footwear.

14. The article of footwear comprises an additional panel having a fixed end attached to the upper and a free end on the opposite side of the fixed end, the panel being positionable over at least a portion of the additional panel to conceal the at least a portion of the additional panel from the exterior, the article of footwear according to claim 8.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 8, wherein the free end of the panel is removably attachable to the upper.

16. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: providing the article of footwear, the article of footwear comprising a sole and an upper; coupling one or more guides to the upper, the one or more guides being configured to guide or direct a tension member along a path around the footwear; coupling a panel to a first side of the upper, wherein a distal end of the panel extends over the upper toward a second side of the upper, and orienting the panel around the upper such that the panel is positionable over the one or more guides to conceal the one or more guides from the exterior. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear.

17. The one or more guides include guide members that are folded along a longitudinal length to form loops or channels, the method further comprising inserting the tension member through the loops or channels of the guide members, the method according to claim 16.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising attaching one or more panel guides to an inner surface of the panel.

19. The method according to claim 16, further comprising attaching a tightening mechanism to the upper, the tightening mechanism being operatively coupled to the tension member such that operation of the tightening mechanism places tension on the tension member, the tightening mechanism being positionable such that the panel is located over the tightening mechanism to conceal the tightening mechanism from the exterior.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the distal end of the panel is removably attachable to the upper. ​ ​ ​ ​

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