Cage lacing footwear

Abstract

A shoe comprising a sole having a medial side and a lateral side. A sleeve attached to the sole and having an opening for receiving an ankle. A cage attached to the sleeve. The cage having a medial side with a first plurality of eyelets and a lateral side with a second plurality of eyelets. A medial wing coupled to the medial side of the sole and having a third plurality of eyelets. A lateral wing coupled to the lateral side of the sole and having a fourth plurality of eyelets. Wherein the first plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace, and the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more particularly to footwear stability and lacing assemblies.BACKGROUND

[0002] It is important to have good footwear for athletic activities and sport. Each area of the foot needs different support, as the zones of the feet require each part of footwear to work independently. Such that the fit of the toes does not affect the fit of the heels or the mid-foot. The flexibility of the toes, mid-foot support, and heel and ankle stability have varying requirements. There is a need to improve the fit of footwear to have increased levels of comfort and performance. There are pressure points on the top of the foot created by overlapping laces that are present in standard lacing systems. These pressure points can cause discomfort to the foot, particularly the mid-foot.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0003] By making the support system independent of the shoe as a whole it will allow for increased customization of fit for each unique foot shape and zones of the foot. The cage will relieve pressure points because it will remove the overlapping nature of standard lacing systems and allow for zero overlap. This will create a comfortable, secure, and unified fit around the heel and mid-foot region. The lateral and medial lacing areas in conjunction with the cage create a novel set of characteristics that offer new levels of comfort, fit, appearance, and performance. The shoe offers stability for forward and lateral movements. Additionally, having the independent components and the reduction of materials avoids bunching, overheating, friction, pressure points in the shoe, and overall weight of the shoe.

[0004] A shoe, comprising a sole having a medial side and a lateral side, a sleeve attached to the sole and having an opening for receiving an ankle, a cage attached to the sleeve, the cage having a medial side with a first plurality of eyelets and a lateral side with a second plurality of eyelets. Further comprising a medial wing coupled to the medial side of the sole and having a third plurality of eyelets; and a lateral wing coupled to the lateral side of the sole and having a fourth plurality of eyelets. Wherein the first plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace, and the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace.

[0005] A shoe, comprising a first lacing zone on a medial side of the shoe, and a second lacing zone on the lateral side of the shoe. Wherein the first and second lacing zones each comprise: a plurality of eyelets arranged on a first side of the lacing zone and a plurality of eyelets arranged on a second side of the lacing zone; and a lace threaded through the plurality of eyelets on the first and second sides of the lacing zone alternating from an eyelet on the first side and to an eyelet on the second side.

[0006] A shoe, comprising a sole having a medial side and a lateral side; a body attached to the sole; a cage configured to be positioned over a top of the body and having a medial side with a first plurality of eyelets extending along a length of the cage and a lateral side with a second plurality of eyelets extending along a length of the cage; a third plurality of eyelets coupled to the body or sole; and a fourth plurality of eyelets coupled to the body or sole. Wherein the first plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace, and the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace.

[0007] The foregoing and other features of the application are described below with reference to the drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a medial view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a lateral view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0011] FIG. 2C is a top view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0012] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a back view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a close-up top view of an exemplary eyelet.

[0015] FIG. 4B is a close-up side view of the exemplary eyelet.

[0016] FIG. 4C is a close-up perspective view of the exemplary eyelet.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an exemplary cage.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view of the exemplary shoe.

[0020] FIG. 8A is a medial view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0021] FIG. 8B is a lateral view of the exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of another exemplary cage.

[0023] FIG. 10A is a side view of an exemplary cage.

[0024] FIG. 10B is a close-up view of an exemplary lace channel.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a side view of another exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0026] FIG. 12A is a side view of another exemplary cage lacing footwear.

[0027] FIG. 12B is a close-up view of an exemplary heel stabilizer.

[0028] FIG. 13A is a top view of an exemplary unfolded cage lacing footwear.

[0029] FIG. 13B is a top view of an exemplary unfolded cage lacing footwear.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The principles of the present application relate to athletic shoes, such as running shoes, and thus will be described below in this context. It will be appreciated that the principles of the application may be applicable to any shoe, such as walking shoes, basketball sneakers, cleats, cross trainers, hiking boots, cycling shoes, etc. Typically, footwear is worn in pairs, each a mirror image of the other. As such, it may be appreciated in the present disclosure that description of a footwear will apply to each left and right fitting shoe.

[0031] Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2A to 2D and 3, an exemplary shoe is shown generally at reference numeral 10. The shoe 10 includes of a cage 12, a medial wing 14, a lateral wing 16, a plurality of eyelets 18 and 40, one or more laces 28, a sleeve or a sock 30, and a sole 32. The sleeve 30 has an opening at the top that may be surrounded by a collar 34, which may contour to a user's ankle.

[0032] The sleeve 30 may be made of a fabric or composite fabric with four-way stretch, such that the sleeve 30 will be close-fitting around the user's foot. It may be appreciated that the sleeve 30 may be made of any suitable material with stretching properties suitable for footwear. The sleeve 30 may be made of a uniform material across the shoe 10, except at the collar 34. The collar 34 may include additional padding around the front and back of a user's ankle for increased comfort. Notably, the sleeve 30 is a uniform component that covers the user's foot, such that there is no tongue like traditional shoes. The sleeve may have a vamp that covers the top of the foot where the phalanges meet the metatarsals.

[0033] The sole 32 has a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a medial side, and a lateral side. The top of the sole has a medial edge where the top and medial side meet, and a lateral edge where the top and the lateral side meet. The top has a circumference that includes the medial edge and lateral edge and the sleeve 30 is coupled to the sole 32 about the circumference in any suitable manner. The sole 32 may be formed of any suitable material and the bottom surface of the sole 32 may be patterned with any suitable trend design. The sole 32 may be made up of multiple layers of varying material to improve performance. The sole 32 may have a layer that is a rocker plate. The sole 32 may have at the top surface a layer that is a honeycomb grid structure. This layer is inside the shoe 10 and can reduce wear over time. The grid structure, of any suitable pattern, may have raised areas and crevasses. The raised areas may compress over time under a user's pressure points along the user's foot; unlike a traditional sole that has an even texture along the top of the sole, over time under a user's pressure points along the user's foot divots in the sole are formed. The bottom of the sole 32 may have a layer of any suitable tread material and pattern for increased performance.

[0034] The medial wing 14 and the lateral wing 16 may be made of a semi-elastic material, where the top edge has a piping that reinforces the wing to increase rigidity. The medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16 may be a rectangular, rhomboidal, or a semi-circular shape. As shown, the medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16 are semi-circular. The medial wing 14 is attached along its flat side to the medial edge of the sole 32. The lateral wing 16 is attached along its flat side to the lateral edge of the sole 32. The medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16 may be attached to the sole 32 by any suitable means. The medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16 may be attached to the sole 32 such that the sleeve 30 may stretch and move independently of the medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16. In another embodiment, the wings may be integrated into the sole 32 and or into the sleeve 30.

[0035] Turning additionally to FIGS. 4A-4C, the plurality of eyelets 18 includes a first plurality of spaced eyelets 18A on the medial wing 14 and a second plurality of spaced eyelets 18B on the lateral wing 16 along their rounded side. The plurality of eyelets 18 are substantially rigid to hold their shape against forces, and may be made of any suitable material. Each eyelet 18 has a first portion, for example in the form of a flattened end 20 and a second portion a lace end 22 with an opening 24 therethrough. Each eyelet 18 has a cylindrical post 26 at the lace end 22. The rounded shape of the eyelet allows for comfort and reduces friction as the eyelets 18 lay against the sleeve 30. Each of the eyelets 18 is attached at the flattened end 20 to the rounded side of the medial wing 14 and lateral wing 16 respectively by any suitable means, such as by a suitable fastener, suitable adhesive, etc. In an implementation, each eyelet 18 is attached between two pieces that make up the medial wing 14 or lateral wing 16, such that the attached portion of the eyelet 18 is not in contact with the sleeve 30 or seen from a top view of the shoe 10. The attachment increases comfort and reduces friction. Each eyelet 18 receives the laces 28 through the respective opening 24. The cylindrical post 26 reduces friction and wear on the laces 28. The laces 28 may be made of any suitable material to have some rigidity or elasticity. There may be at least one unitary lace 28 that includes medial end of the lace and a lateral end of the lace, for example one on each side.

[0036] Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cage 12 may be made of a stiff material, such that the material is flexible but not stretchy. The cage 12 is a webbing structure that is arched over the top of a user's mid-foot. The cage 12 has a front 42, back 44, medial side 46, and lateral side 48. A width of the cage 12, measuring lateral side 48 to medial side 44, will cover the top of the user's foot and begin to contour down the medial and lateral sides of the user's foot slightly before ending. A length of the cage 12, measuring front 42 to back 44, starts at near the joint of the metatarsal bones and the phalanges and ends at the top of the user's foot near the ankle, and before the collar 34. The cage front 42 may be attached to the sleeve 30 at the vamp by any suitable means, for example by sewing, adhesive bonding, heat bonding, rivets, and grommets, or any combination thereof, providing a strong attachment to allow for variability in lacing tightness, as well as for the cage 12 to tailor its fit to the unique intricacies of each user's foot. The plurality of eyelets 40 are provided on the cage 12 at the medial side 46 and at the lateral side 48. The cage has a third plurality of eyelets 40A on the medial side 46 and a fourth plurality of eyelets 40B on the lateral side 48. The third plurality of eyelets 40A on the medial side 46 of the cage 12 pair or intertwine with a corresponding one of the first plurality of eyelets 18A on the medial wing 14 and the fourth plurality of eyelets 40B on the lateral side 48 of the cage 12 pair or intertwine with a corresponding one of the second plurality of eyelets 18B on the lateral wing 16. The cage 12 includes a front lace channel 50 or canal that spans from the medial side 46 of the cage to the lateral side 48 of the cage, and a back lace channel 52 or canal that spans from the medial side 46 of the cage to the lateral side 48 of the cage.

[0037] Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8A-8B, the laces 28 are first received through the front lace channel 50 beginning just before the joint of the metatarsal bones and the phalanges. The laces 28 are then received though the pluralities of eyelets 18 and 40 on each side. On the medial side of the shoe 10, the laces 28 are received through the eyelets 18A and 40A on the medial side alternating between the eyelets 18A attached to the medial wing 14 and the eyelets 40A attached to the medial side of the cage 46. Similarly, on the lateral side of the shoe 10, the laces 28 are received through the eyelets 18B and 40B on the lateral side alternating between the eyelets 18B attached to the lateral wing 16 and the eyelets 40B attached to the lateral side of the cage 48. Accordingly, lacing areas or lacing zones occur on both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe 10. The laces 28 travel up medial and lateral sides of the user's foot, following the metatarsal bones and terminate on, or near, the tarsal bones. The laces 28 are received through the back lace channel 52, and then the laces are secured by tying at the top of the foot or any other suitable means, such as elastic laces, Boa® closure, toggle fastener, or magnetic closure. When laced and secured the shoe 10 creates an enclosed structure for the user's mid-foot region.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the shoe 10 comprises two laces, a medial lace, and a lateral lace. The medial lace is fixedly attached to the medial front edge of the cage. The medial lace is received through the eyelets on the medial side of the shoe; this creates the medial lacing zone. The lateral lace is fixedly attached to the lateral front edge of the cage. The lateral lace is received through the eyelets on the lateral side of the shoe; this creates the lateral lacing zone. The medial lace and lateral lace may be tied together at the back top of the shoe. The independent medial and lateral laces allow for customization of fit for the user. The user may have differing magnitudes of tension on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe through the lacing zones. This allows the user to tighten their shoe to a desired fit.

[0039] Both the lateral lacing zone and the medial lacing zone will be an arrangement of eyelets attached to wing-like structures that are, in turn, attached to the midsole of the shoe, along the mid-foot region, and expand up towards the top of the mid-foot region and the cage 12, but do not come in direct contact with the cage. The cage position will be on the topside of the foot. The cage 12 starts on the top of the foot near the ankle, more specifically near the tarsal bones, at the back side of the cage. The cage will also have eyelets on the medial and lateral portions, which will act in unison with the corresponding eyelets of the medial and lateral wings anchored to the midsole. The eyelets on the cage are lined up between the eyelets of the lateral lacing and medial lacing. When the lace is threaded throughout the entire lacing system and a pull force is exerted on the lace, the eyelets on the cage will be drawn down to the medial lacing zone and lateral lacing zone. The medial lacing zone and lateral lacing zone will not be drawn up because they are anchored to the midsole of the shoe. The cage eyelets will line up between the eyelets of the medial lacing and lateral lacing in an interlocking fashion, though they will not physically touch, and the extent of the proximity of the eyelets on the cage and the medial lacing zone and lateral lacing zone is based on the user's preference and force exerted by the user. Turning now to FIGS. 9-13, exemplary embodiments of the shoe are shown at 110-2310. The shoes 110-2310 are substantially the same as the above-referenced shoe 10, and consequently the same reference numerals, but indexed by 100-2300, are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the shoes. In addition, the foregoing description of the shoe 10 is equally applicable to the shoes 110-2310 except as noted below.

[0040] Turning now to FIG. 9, the cage 112 further includes of a spine 154 that spans from the front 142 to the back 144 at the center of the cage 112. The spine 154 is centered over the top of the user's foot. Extending laterally and medially from the spine 154 are pairs of tabs 156, pairs represented as 156A and 156A, and 156B and 156B, and so forth. Where the spine 154 is more rigid and stiff, and the pairs of tabs 156 may have some elasticity. The arrangement of tabs 156 allows for stability over the user's mid-foot region when user's foot is flexed, pointed, or relaxed; while allowing for flexibility and comfort in the mid-foot region. An eyelet 118 is attached to the end of each tab 156, except the front-most tabs 156A and the back-most tabs 156C.

[0041] The front-most tabs 156A and that portion of the spine 154 houses the front lace channel 150. The front lace channel 150 is segmented into three pieces, a piece on the front-most medial tab, a piece on the front-most portion of the spine, and the front-most lateral tab. The front lace channel 150 pieces are aligned to receive the laces 128 over the top of the user's foot. The back-most tabs 160 house the back lace channel 152. The back lace channel 152 is segmented into two pieces, a piece on the back-most medial tab and the back-most lateral tab. The back lace channel 152 pieces are aligned to receive the laces 128 over the top of the user's foot near the ankle. The ends of the laces 128 may be tied over the back-most portion of the spine 154 to a user's preferred tightness.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the lace channels 250 and 252 may be flared out on the ends. The flared ends of the lace channels' 250 and 252 pieces allow horizontal and vertical lace 228 articulation for user's foot while flexed, and during tightening and tying laces 228. The flared ends of the lace channels' 250 and 252 pieces reduce friction on the laces 228 while lacing, tying, and during a user's foot flexing. The flared ends of the lace channels' 250 and 252 pieces provide increased comfort, ease of use, and longevity of laces 228.

[0043] In other embodiments, the shoe may have three pairs of eyelets and on each side for a more relaxed fit.

[0044] Turning now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the shoe 1610 may have an extended cage 1680 over the front of the ankle and a second set of wings extending from the back of the ankle. Such that the lacing system may travel up the medial and lateral side of the ankle in a high-top or boot-like fit and provide support at the ankle. The shoe 1610 may include a medial heel stabilizer 1672 and a lateral heel stabilizer 1674. The medial heel stabilizer 1672 and the lateral heel stabilizer 1674 may be comprised of a lace mooring system. The lace mooring system may have a lace alley 1876 and lace alley walls 1878. The lace mooring system creates a stable location for the cage 1612 to anchor to while maintaining independence of movement when the user's ankle is dorsi-flexed. The lace mooring system also provides enhanced heel stability.

[0045] To tie the shoe 1610 with the lace mooring system, the user circles the laces 1628 around the medial heel stabilizer 1872 and the lateral heel stabilizer 1874 and though the respective lace alleys 1876. The user then puts tension on the laces 1628 and ties the laces 1628 at the top of the foot, or at the front of the user's ankle after lacing though an ankle cage 1680. Alternatively, to tie the shoe 1610 with the lace mooring system, the user circles the laces 1628 around the medial heel stabilizer 1672 and the lateral heel stabilizer 1874 and around the lace alleys 1876 twice. The user then ties the laces 1628 at the top of the foot, or at the front of the user's ankle after lacing though an ankle cage 1680. Another method of circling the heel stabilizers 1672 and 1674 twice allows the tension on the cage 1612 and ankle cage 1680 to be independent from each other. This allows for a custom fit depending on a user's preference and desired fit for performing a variety of activities.

[0046] In other embodiments, the shoe may have a cage that is made up of a single piece, such that there is one tab along the length of the cage.

[0047] In other embodiments, the shoe may have cage that is made up of two tab portions. The tab may have a single eyelet of the plurality of eyelets and multiple eyelets may be on a single tab.

[0048] In other embodiments, the shoe may have cage that is made up of three tab portions. The tab portions may have a single eyelet of the plurality of eyelets and multiple eyelets may be on a single tab.

[0049] In other embodiments, the shoe may have cage that is made up of multiple tab portions, each may have a single eyelet of the plurality of eyelets. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of tab portions may be attach to any suitable number of eyelets.

[0050] Turning now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, the shoe 2310 shows a partially unfolded and a fully unfold top view demonstrating how a medial wing 2314, lateral wing 2316, and cage may be attached to a sole 2332 by any suitable means.

[0051] In other embodiments, the shoe may have a medial wing and lateral wing attached to a sole by any suitable means as one piece or as separate pieces. It should be appreciated that any suitable design of wings may be used.

[0052] Although certain embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that equivalents and modifications falling within the scope of the appended claims will occur to others who are skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification.

Claims

1. A shoe, comprising:a sole having a medial side and a lateral side;a sleeve attached to the sole and having an opening for receiving an ankle;a cage attached to the sleeve, the cage having a medial side with a first plurality of eyelets and a lateral side with a second plurality of eyelets;a medial wing coupled to the medial side of the sole and having a third plurality of eyelets; anda lateral wing coupled to the lateral side of the sole and having a fourth plurality of eyelets,wherein the first plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace, and the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cage comprises a spine at a center of the cage, and tabs extending from the spine along the medial side and lateral side of the cage, wherein each tab on the medial side has at least one of the first plurality of eyelets fixedly attached and each tab on the lateral side has at least one of the second plurality of eyelets fixedly attached.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of eyelets configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace creates a first lacing zone on a medial side of the shoe.

4. The shoe of claim 3, wherein the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace creates a second lacing zone on a lateral side of the shoe.

5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cage comprises at least one lace channel configured to receive the at least one lace.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of eyelets comprising:a first end fixedly attached to the shoe;a second end configured to receive the at least one lace;wherein the second end has rounded edges and a post to reduce friction.

7. A shoe, comprising:a first lacing zone on a medial side of the shoe, and a second lacing zone on the lateral side of the shoe, wherein the first and second lacing zones each comprise:a plurality of eyelets arranged on a first side of the lacing zone and a plurality of eyelets arranged on a second side of the lacing zone; anda lace threaded through the plurality of eyelets on the first and second sides of the lacing zone alternating from an eyelet on the first side and to an eyelet on the second side.

8. The shoe of claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of eyelets comprising:a first end fixedly attached to the shoe; anda second end configured to receive the lace,wherein the second end has rounded edges and a post to reduce friction.

9. The shoe of claim 7 further comprising:a sole having a medial side and a lateral side.

10. The shoe of claim 9 further comprising:a sleeve attached to the sole and having an opening for receiving an ankle.

11. The shoe of claim 7 further comprising:a cage attached to the shoe, the cage having a medial side and a lateral side.

12. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the first side of the first lacing zone is a medial wing coupled to the medial side of the shoe and the second side of the first lacing zone is the medial side of the cage.

13. The shoe of claim 11, wherein the first side of the second lacing zone is lateral wing coupled to the lateral side of the shoe and the second side of the second lacing zone is the lateral side of the cage.

14. A shoe, comprising:a sole having a medial side and a lateral side;a body attached to the sole;a cage configured to be positioned over a top of the body and having a medial side with a first plurality of eyelets extending along a length of the cage and a lateral side with a second plurality of eyelets extending along a length of the cage;a third plurality of eyelets coupled to the body or sole; anda fourth plurality of eyelets coupled to the body or sole,wherein the first plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace, and the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace.

15. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the cage comprises a spine at a center of the cage, and tabs extending from the spine along the medial side and lateral side of the cage, wherein each tab on the medial side has at least one of the first plurality of eyelets fixedly attached and each tab on the lateral side has at least one of the second plurality of eyelets fixedly attached.

16. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the first plurality of eyelets configured to intertwine with the third plurality of eyelets via at least one lace creates a first lacing zone on a medial side of the shoe.

17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the second plurality of eyelets are configured to intertwine with the fourth plurality of eyelets via the at least one lace creates a second lacing zone on a lateral side of the shoe.

18. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the cage comprises at least one lace channel configured to receive the at least one lace.

19. The shoe of claim 18, wherein the cage comprises a first lace channel at a first end of the cage, and a second lace channel and third lace channel at the second end of the cage, each lace channel configured to receive the at least one lace.

20. The shoe of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of eyelets comprising:a first end fixedly attached to the shoe;a second end configured to receive the at least one lace,wherein the second end has rounded edges and a post to reduce friction.

Images