Footwear with concealed elastic aspect

Abstract

An article of footwear 11 having a shaft 34, an elastic member 80, and a pull strap 90 is provided. The elastic member 80 is configurable from a first condition to a second or third condition to provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on or removing the footwear 11. The pull strap 90 is configured to be wider than the elastic member 80 such that, when the pull strap 90 is in a first position, the pull strap 90 covers and conceals the elastic member 80 when viewed from the side. A method of making the article of footwear 11 is also provided. A shaft 34 adapted to be incorporated into an article of footwear 11 is also provided.

Description

[0001] FOOTWEAR WITH CONCEALED ELASTIC ASPECT

[0002] SPECIFICATION

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to footwear such as shoes, boots, and so on, and in particular to footwear with a concealed elastic aspect.

[0005] Background of the Invention

[0006] Footwear comes in a variety of types and sizes, including sandals, shoes and boots. Many types of footwear, such as Western boots, cowboy boots, riding boots, etc., have a certain traditional or conventional appearance that is expected and desired by wearers. Many types of footwear also include functional features that, if visible, depart from this traditional or conventional appearance.

[0007] When putting on or removing an article of footwear having a shaft, such as a boot, the circumference of the shaft can cause difficulty or discomfort to the wearer due to its intended snug fit. It is known in the art that certain functional expansion features, such as gussets, gores, or expandible elements, may be incorporated in the shaft to allow the shaft to expand and contract. Such features improve the ease and comfort of putting on or removing the boot and / or positioning lower portions of trousers, such as jeans, over the outside of the shaft. For example, a gusset is typically a piece of fabric sewn or otherwise integrated into the footwear to create a wider surface area and provide additional room for the foot and / or calf of the wearer. The gusset may have a folded or pleated configuration, such that when the gusset unfolds, the shaft opening expands. On the other hand, a gore is typically a piece of fabric made of a stretchable material which is sewn in or otherwise integrated into the footwear to provide increased elasticity.

[0008] Elasticity refers to how much a material can stretch and return to its original shape, and is measured by the stretch percentage (i.e., how much the material canelongate compared to its original length). For example, a gore that is constructed of material having 100% elasticity means that it can stretch to double its original size and resume its normal shape after being stretched. Thus, as the gore stretches, the shaft opening expands. As the gore returns to its normal shape, the shaft opening contracts. However, as illustrated by the prior art, these functional expansion features are at least partially visible, which adversely affects the conventional style and appearance of the boot.

[0009] In the prior art, McAuslin, US Pat. No. 1,100,758, discloses a boot or shoe having an upper comprising downwardly extending gores of elastic material on opposite sides, each gore being covered by a strip of sole leather, the strip being stitched at each of its vertical edges to a strip of pliable leather. Davis, US Pat. No. 11,564,450, discloses a boot shaft having visible elastically resilient features that, in certain embodiments, extend from an area covered by a boot strap. Kelly, US Pat. No. 229,144, discloses a boot with a curved gore extending downward from the top of the shaft. Vilder, US Pat. No. 3,657,757, discloses a boot with a centrally positioned V-shaped section extending downward from the shaft to an ankle portion. Rechi, US Pat. Pub. No. 2012 / 0186106, discloses footwear with an expansion joint comprising a substantially vertical slit in the shaft of the upper that is spaced below the upper edge of the shaft and located near the bottom of the shaft so that shaft circumference at a lower end of the shaft can expand as needed as the wearer’s foot passes therethrough so that the wearer’s foot more easily passes through. Norwood, US Pat. Pub. No. 2014 / 0345165, discloses a boot having a shaft made of a different material than the vamp.

[0010] It is desired to provide footwear that meets both the functional and aesthetic needs of wearers. More particularly, it is desired to provide footwear that provides improved elasticity and comfort, especially when putting on or removing the footwear, without compromising its conventional style or appearance.Summary of the Invention

[0011] An article of footwear having a shaft comprising an elastic member concealed by a pull strap is provided. The elastic member is positioned at an upper side portion of the shaft. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member comprises a perimeter defined by top edge, a bottom edge, a forward edge, and a rearward edge. The elastic member further comprises inside and outside facing surfaces. The inside facing surface faces an interior space defined by the shaft. The outside surface is obverse to the inside facing surface. The top edge of the elastic member defines a portion of a shaft collar, the collar defining a topmost edge of the shaft and a shaft opening. The elastic member top edge and bottom edge are joined to one another by the elastic member forward and rearward edges such that the bottom edge is positioned below the shaft collar by a distance which, as will be discussed in more detail herein, facilitates expansion and contraction of the shaft opening as the elastic member extends and contracts.

[0012] The elastic member is configurable from a first condition to a second condition and to conditions between the first and second conditions. The elastic member is also moveable from the first condition to a third condition and to conditions between the first and third conditions. In the preferred embodiment, in a normal unexpanded state, the elastic member is in the first condition. The elastic member is biased towards the first condition. When the elastic member is in the second or third conditions, the elastic member is in an expanded state in which the elastic member is stretched in a greater amount than when the elastic member is nearer the first condition. The elastic member can be stretched from the first condition to the second condition along or generally parallel to a horizontal x-axis, and / or to the third condition along or generally parallel to a z-axis, the z-axis being perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis. Such movements provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on or removing the footwear.Respective shaft expansion portions are moveable from respective first positions to respective second positions and to respective positions between the first and second positions. The shaft expansion portions are also moveable from the respective first positions to respective third positions and to respective positions between the first and third positions. In the preferred embodiment, in a normal unexpanded state, the respective shaft expansion portions are in the respective first positions. The shaft expansion portions are biased towards the respective first positions. When the shaft expansion portions are in the respective second or third positions, the shaft expansion portions are in an expanded state in which the shaft opening is expanded a greater amount than when the shaft expansion portions are nearer the respective first positions. The respective shaft expansion portions can be extended from the respective first positions to the respective second positions along or generally parallel to the horizontal x-axis, and / or to the third positions along or generally parallel to the z-axis. Such movements provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on or removing the footwear.

[0013] The elastic member is covered by the pull strap when the pull strap is in a first position which is a normal pull strap position. In the normal pull strap position, the pull strap is configured to be wider than the elastic member, when viewed from the side. Thus, in such first pull strap position, when viewed from the side, the pull strap conceals all or substantially all of the elastic member. Thus concealed, the elastic member provides improved elasticity and comfort without compromising the conventional style or appearance of the footwear. The pull strap can be moved forward or rearward from the first position to a second position. In preferred embodiments, the pull strap can be moved / pivoted approximately 45 degrees forward and rearward in relation to the vertical y-axis. In the second position, the elastic member can be viewed.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the shaft comprises two elastic members and two pull straps configured as described above such that, for example, a medialside of the footwear comprises a first elastic member and a first pull strap and a lateral side of the footwear comprises a second elastic member and a second pull strap.

[0015] The footwear comprises an upper configured to engage with the wearer’s foot when the article of footwear is worn. The upper is connected to a sole. A heel of the footwear may be a separate structure coupled to the sole, or integrally formed within the sole.

[0016] In preferred embodiments, the upper comprises the shaft. The shaft is configured to cover a portion of a lower leg of the wearer. In the portion of the footwear between the pull strap and the sole, the footwear of the preferred embodiment has conventional features known in the art. For example, the upper comprises a counter and a vamp. The counter defines a rearmost portion of the upper and is located just above the heel. The vamp defines a portion of the upper that covers a forefoot of the wearer. The vamp also comprises a toe, the toe defining the foremost portion of the vamp. In some embodiments, for additional support of the forefoot of the wearer, the vamp may further comprise a tongue located at a front portion of the vamp proximate to a junction between the vamp and the shaft. The vamp and the counter are coupled together to form lower vertically extending seams on side portions of the upper.

[0017] The shaft comprises a front panel and a rear panel coupled together to form upper vertically extending seams on side portions of the upper. The shaft front panel and the shaft rear panel extend downward from the collar to first and second junctions, wherein (1) a bottom portion of the shaft front panel is connected to a top portion of the vamp at the first junction, and (2) a bottom portion of the shaft rear panel is connected to a top portion of the counter at the second junction. The perimeter of the collar defines the shaft opening. The shaft opening is adapted to permit a wearer’s foot to enter an interior space defined by the shaft.

[0018] The shaft further comprises a scallop, the scallop having a V-shape extending downward from the topmost portion of the shaft to a vertex in a forwardportion of the shaft front panel and to a vertex in a rearward portion of the shaft rear panel. The scallop allows the shaft opening to expand along or generally parallel to the z-axis when the wearer’s foot is inserted or removed. However, there need not be a scallop. For example, in other embodiments, all points along the shaft opening perimeter may be generally co-planar such that there is no scallop.

[0019] As stated, the shaft comprises the elastic member. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member is constructed of material that has an elasticity of 100%, such that the elastic member can double in length; for example, from 3.5mm to 7mm. However, in other embodiments, the elasticity of the elastic member may range between 10-100% or be more than 100%. The elastic member of preferred embodiments enhances the scallop’s expansion along the z-axis while also allowing additional expansion along the horizontal x-axis.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the elastic member has a generally trapezoidal outside configuration when viewed from the side (elevation view) such that the top edge of the elastic member is wider than the bottom edge of the elastic member, the top edge and bottom edge of the elastic member are generally parallel with one another, and the forward edge and rearward edge are generally parallel with one another. This configuration allows for a more even distribution of stress and strain when the elastic member is stretched, thereby preventing excessive tension or tearing at or near the bottom edge of the elastic member. However, the elastic member need not have a trapezoidal outside configuration. Rather, the elastic member may have another type of polygonal outside configuration or a curved or rounded configuration. For example, the elastic member may have an ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, or other suitable outside configuration.

[0021] In another embodiment, the elastic member is constructed of one or more flexible members that store energy when stretched or twisted and then release when the such forces are removed. For example, the elastic member maycomprise one or more springs such as torsion springs, extension springs, and other spring and spring-like mechanical arrangements.

[0022] In another embodiment, the elastic member comprises a gusset, the gusset comprising a piece of fabric having a folded or pleated configuration. The gusset is moveable from a first folded condition to a second unfolded condition, or to conditions between the first and second conditions. Such movements facilitate expansion and contraction of the shaft opening as the gusset folds and unfolds. As the gusset folds back to its original configuration, the shaft opening contracts. The gusset may also be made of a stretchable or elastic material, but it need not be.

[0023] In another embodiment, the elastic member comprises a vertical slit located in a top portion of the shaft. The vertical slit is defined by a forward edge, a rearward edge, and a bottom edge of the top portion of the shaft. The elastic member further comprises a closure device or closing arrangement adapted to (1) close the vertical slit to a first condition by bringing the forward edge and rearward edge closer together, and to (2) open the vertical slit to a second condition, or to conditions between the first and second conditions, by separating the forward edge from the rearward edge. Such movements facilitate expansion and contraction of the shaft opening as the vertical slit opens and closes.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the elastic member extends downward from the collar such that it shares an approximate longitudinal center line with the vertically extending seams and the pull straps. However, the elastic member need not be located at this position. For example, the elastic member may extend downward from an area proximate to other portions of the collar to any portion of the shaft.

[0025] The pull strap, comprising an elongated piece of leather or other durable material known in the art, has a first lower area proximate to a first lower end attached to an outside facing surface of the shaft, a middle portion suspendingover the top edge of the elastic member, and a second lower area proximate to a second lower end attached to an inside facing surface of the shaft.

[0026] A shaft adapted to be incorporated into an article of footwear is also provided. The shaft of this embodiment is configured as described above, such that it is structured and arranged to cover a portion of the lower leg of the wearer when the shaft is incorporated into the footwear. In this aspect of the invention and in preferred embodiments, a bottom perimeter edge of the shaft is adapted to be later attached to the vamp and counter.

[0027] A method of making an article of footwear having a concealed elastic member is also provided. The sole is coupled to the upper via a stitched or bonded seam, a welt, adhesive, or some other conventional and commercial coupling arrangement, the upper comprising: the counter, which covers the heel of the wearer; the vamp, which covers the forefoot of the wearer; and the shaft, which covers a portion of the lower leg of the wearer and comprises the front panel and the rear panel, and further comprises the elastic member. The bottom portion of the shaft front panel is coupled to the top portion of the vamp at the first junction. The bottom portion of the shaft rear panel is coupled to the top portion of the counter at the second junction. The counter and the vamp are coupled together to form the lower vertically extending seam located on side portions of the upper. The shaft front panel and rear panel are also coupled together to form the upper vertically extending seam. The pull strap is positioned on the elastic member by (a) attaching a first lower area proximate to a first lower end of the pull strap to an outside facing surface of the shaft, (b) positioning a middle portion of the pull strap over the topmost edge of the elastic member, and (c) and attaching a second lower area proximate to a second lower end of the pull strap to an inside facing surface of the shaft.

[0028] In the method of preferred embodiments, the first pull strap is suspended over the first elastic member on a medial side of the footwear, and the second pullstrap is suspended over the second elastic member on a lateral side of the footwear.

[0029] In the method of preferred embodiments, the pull strap, the elastic member, and the vertically extending seam share an approximate longitudinal center line such that the elastic member cannot be seen when viewed from the side.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Fig. 1 is a side elevation view of the footwear of the present invention, in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the footwear of the present invention, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, depicting the pull strap moved forward along the vertical y-axis to a second position in order to view the elastic member.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a top and partial right side isometric view of the footwear of Fig. 1 depicting the pull strap positioned forward in order to view the elastic member.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a partial side elevation view of the shaft and the elastic member of the footwear of Fig. 1, with the pull strap shown in phantom.

[0034] Fig. 5 is a conceptual partial side elevation view of the shaft and the elastic member of Fig. 1, depicting the elastic member in both a normal / unexpanded state and in an expanded state. For clarity, the pull strap is not shown in this figure.

[0035] Fig. 6 is a partial side elevation view of a different embodiment of the shaft of the present invention, in which the shaft comprises a vertical slit and a zipper adapted to selectively open and close the vertical slit.Description of the Preferred Embodiment

[0036] The present disclosure provides footwear 11 having an upper 27 comprising a shaft 34. The shaft 34 comprises an elastic member 80 to provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on or removing the footwear 11. A pull strap 90, which is configured to be wider than the elastic member 80, is suspended over the elastic member 80 to conceal the elastic member 80 and thus maintain the footwear’s 11 conventional style and appearance.

[0037] The footwear 11 includes shoes, boots, and so on. Examples of footwear 11 include cowboy boots, Western boots, riding boots, outdoor boots, hiking boots, work boots, and the like.

[0038] Except as otherwise indicated, as used herein, the terms "top" and "bottom", “downward” and “upward” and similar terms are used to describe spatial relationships between components of the footwear 11 and / or between a component of the footwear 11 and the ground. Such terms are relative to the footwear 11 positioned in an upright orientation on a ground surface. “Ground” includes interior floors and exterior surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, soil, etc.

[0039] Except as otherwise indicated, as used herein, the terms “medial”, “lateral”, and similar terms are used to describe a special relationship between components of the footwear and a longitudinal center of the wearer’s body. For example, the medial side of a boot is closer to the longitudinal center of the wearer’s body than the lateral side of the footwear.

[0040] Except as otherwise indicated, as used herein, the terms “forward”, “rearward”, “front”, “rear”, and similar terms are used to describe a special relationship between components of the footwear and a longitudinal center of the boot shaft. For example, the toe of the footwear is forward of the longitudinal center of the boot shaft and the heel of the footwear is rearward of the longitudinal center of the boot shaft.Except as otherwise indicated, as used herein, the terms "contact", "contacting", "positioned on" and similar terms are used to describe close relative proximity of respective components. For example, for purposes of this disclosure, a first component glued to second component is still “contacting” the second component even though a thin layer of glue may theoretically separate the two components. Except as otherwise indicated, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, “secured” and similar terms are used to describe coupling arrangements for components of footwear 11, including but not limited to stitching, sewing, welting, glue, adhesive, chemical bonding, and fastening with tacks, nails, screws, bolts, and the like, or any other conventional footwear coupling arrangements known in the art.

[0041] Referring to Figs. 1-5, in the preferred embodiment, the footwear 11 comprises an upper 27 configured to engage with the wearer’s foot when the article of footwear 11 is worn on the wearer’s foot. The upper 27 may be constructed from leather or other durable materials known in the art, such as rubbers, synthetic rubbers, polymers, polyurethanes, plastics, or other various suitable fabrics. As used herein, “leather” includes both natural and synthetic hides, skins, and similar materials that are conventionally used in the art. The upper 27 is connected to a sole 13 by stitching, welting, adhesive, or any other suitable coupling arrangement conventionally used in the art. The sole 13 has a lower surface that is configured to engage with the ground or other surface on which the wearer is striding. The sole 13 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as rubbers, polymers, elastomers, polyurethanes, synthetic rubbers, or other conventional and commercially available materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the sole 13 may comprise an outsole, midsole, and / or insole. In the preferred embodiment, the footwear 11 also comprises a heel 15. The heel 15 may be constructed from compressed leather, rubber, or other durable materials that are conventional and commercially available in the art. The heel 15may be a separate structure coupled to the sole 13, or the heel 15 may be integrally formed within a portion of the sole 13.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-2, the upper 27 comprises a shaft 34 configured to cover a portion of the lower leg of the wearer. The upper 27 further comprises a counter 70 and a vamp 72. The counter 70 defines the rearmost portion of the upper 27 located just above the heel 15. The vamp 72 defines the portion of the upper 27 covering the forefoot of the wearer and further comprises a toe 76, the toe 76 defining the foremost portion of the vamp 72. In some embodiments, the vamp 72 may also comprise a tongue 74 located at a front portion of the vamp 72 proximate to a first junction 68A between the vamp 72 and the shaft 34 to provide additional support to the forefoot of the wearer.

[0043] In preferred embodiments, the vamp 72 and the counter 70 are coupled together to form lower vertically extending seams 100 on side portions 28 of the upper 27. The vamp 72 and the counter 70 may also be coupled together by any other suitable arrangement that is conventional in the art. However, in some embodiments, the vamp 72 and the counter 70 may be integrally formed within a unitary structure. Moreover, the vamp 72 and the counter 70 are not limited to a certain size, shape, or configuration, and may be formed from the same or different materials.

[0044] The shaft 34 comprises a front panel 42 and a rear panel 44 coupled together to form upper vertically extending seams 100 on side portions 28 of the upper 27. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 34 may comprise a unitary structure, or the shaft 34 may comprise more than two panels coupled together. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft front panel 42 and the shaft rear panel 44 extend downward from a collar 48 (the collar 48 defining the topmost edge of the shaft 34) to the first junction 68A and a second junction 68B. The first junction 68A connects a bottom portion of the shaft front panel 42 to a top portion of the vamp 72. The second junction 68B bottom portion of the shaft rear panel 44 to a top portion of the counter 70. The perimeter of the collar 48 defines an opening46 in the shaft 34 adapted to permit a wearer’s foot to enter an interior space 93 defined by the shaft 34.

[0045] The shaft 34 further comprises a scallop 82, the scallop 82 having a V-shape extending downward from the topmost portion of the shaft 34 to vertices 84 located in the shaft front panel 42 and rear panel 44. The scallop 82 allows the shaft opening 46 to expand along or generally parallel to a z-axis 104 when the wearer’s foot is inserted or removed. However, there need not be a scallop 82. For example, in other embodiments, all the points along the perimeter of the collar 48 may be generally co-planar such that there is no scallop.

[0046] As shown in Figs. 2-5, the shaft 34 further comprises the elastic member 80. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member 80 extends downward from the collar 48 such that the elastic member 80 shares an approximate longitudinal center line with the upper and lower vertically extending seams 100, 100 and the pull strap 90. The elastic member 80 is positioned at a top side portion 64 of the shaft 34. The elastic member 80 comprises a perimeter edge 81, 83, 85, 87. In preferred embodiments, the elastic member 80 comprises a perimeter defined by a top edge 81, a bottom edge 83, a forward edge 85, and a rearward edge 87. The elastic member 80 further comprises inside and outside facing surfaces 89, 91. The inside facing surface 89 faces an interior space 93 defined by the shaft 34. The outside facing surface 91 is obverse to the inside facing surface 89. The top edge 81 of the elastic member 80 defines a portion of the collar 48. The elastic member top edge 81 and bottom edge 83 are joined to one another by the elastic member 80 forward and rearward edges 85, 87 such that the bottom edge 83 is positioned below the collar 48 but above a lowermost portion of the pull strap 90. Such positioning, along with other features of the footwear 11 described herein, facilitates expansion and contraction of the shaft opening 46 as the elastic member 80 extends and contracts. However, the elastic member 80 need not be located at this position. For example, the elastic member 80 may extenddownward from an area proximate to other portions of the collar 48 to any portion of the shaft 34.

[0047] In preferred embodiments, the elastic member 80 is constructed of a braided, knit, or woven material that has an elasticity of 100%, such that the elastic member 80 can double in length. For example, the elastic member 80 can stretch from 3.5mm to 7mm. However, in other embodiments, the elasticity of the elastic member 80 may range between 10-100%. In other embodiments, the elasticity of the elastic member 80 is 50% or greater. Suitable materials may include rubber, elastane, spandex, nylon, Lycra ® blends, polyester blends, latex blends, or any other conventionally and commercially available materials. In other embodiments, the elastic member 80 is constructed of one or more flexible members that store energy when stretched or twisted and then release when the such forces are removed. For example, the elastic member 80 in certain embodiments comprises one or more springs such as torsion springs, extension springs, and other spring and spring-like mechanical arrangements.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a conceptual partial side elevation view of the shaft 34 and the elastic member 80 of Fig. 1, depicting the elastic member 34 in both a normal / unexpanded state (smaller bracketed area) and in an expanded state (larger bracketed area). For clarity, the pull strap 90 is not shown in this Fig. 5, but is present in preferred embodiments as described herein. Referring to this figure, the elastic member 80 is configurable from a first condition to a second condition and to conditions between the first and second conditions. The elastic member 80 is also configurable from the first condition to a third condition and to conditions between the first and third conditions. In the preferred embodiment, in a normal unexpanded state (smaller bracketed area of Fig. 5), the elastic member 80 is in the first condition. The elastic member 80 is biased towards the first condition. When the elastic member 80 is in the second or third conditions, the elastic member 80 is in an expanded state (for example, the larger bracketed area of Fig. 5) in which the elastic member 80 is stretched in a greater amountthan when the elastic member 80 is nearer the first condition. The elastic member 80 can be expanded and contracted along or generally parallel to a horizontal x-axis 103. The elastic member 80 can also be expanded and contracted along or generally parallel to a z-axis 104, the z-axis 104 being perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis 103 and a vertical y-axis 102. The elastic member 80 of preferred embodiments, thus, enhances the scallop’s 82 expansion along or generally parallel to the z-axis 104 while also allowing additional expansion along or generally parallel to the horizontal x-axis 103. This allows the elastic member 80 to expand in multiple directions when the footwear 11 is being put on, worn, or taken off, and then contract to the elastic member’s 80 original size and condition. Such movements provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on, wearing, or removing the footwear 11.

[0049] The shaft 34 further comprises shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B. The shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B comprise a lateral outside forward shaft expansion portion 50A, a medial forward shaft expansion portion SOB, a lateral rearward shaft expansion portion 52A and a medial rearward shaft expansion portion 52B. When moved, the shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52 A, 52B cause the elastic member 80movements described above. For example, the respective shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are moveable from respective first positions to respective second positions and to respective positions between the first and second positions. The shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are also moveable from the respective first positions to respective third positions and to respective positions between the first and third positions. In the preferred embodiment, in a normal unexpanded state, the respective shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are in the respective first positions. The shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are biased towards the respective first positions. When the shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are in the respective second or third positions, the shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are in an expanded state in which the shaft opening 46 isexpanded a greater amount than when the shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B are nearer the respective first positions (see Fig. 5). The respective shaft expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B can be extended from the respective first positions to the respective second positions along or generally parallel to the horizontal x-axis, and / or to the third positions along or generally parallel to the z-axis. Such movements provide increased elasticity and comfort when a wearer is putting on or removing the footwear.

[0050] As described above, in preferred embodiments, the shaft 34 comprises lateral and medial expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52A, 52B. However, the shaft 34 need not comprise both lateral expansion portions 50A, 52A and medial expansion portions SOB, 52B. Rather, the shaft 34 may comprise just medial expansion portions SOB, 52B, just lateral expansion portions 50A, 52A, or both medial and lateral expansion portions 50A, SOB, 52 A, 52B.

[0051] In preferred embodiments, as shown best in Figs. 4 and 5, in the unexpanded state, the elastic member 80 has a generally trapezoidal outside configuration when viewed from the side such that the top edge 81 of the elastic member 80 is wider than the bottom edge 83 of the elastic member 80, and such that the top edge 81 and bottom edge 83 of the elastic member 80 are generally parallel with one another, and such that the forward edge 85 and rearward edge 87 are generally parallel with one another. This configuration allows for a more even distribution of stress and strain when the elastic member 80 is stretched, thereby preventing excessive tension or tearing at or near the bottom edge 83 of the elastic member 80. However, the elastic member 80 need not have a trapezoidal outside configuration. Rather, the elastic member 80 may have another type of polygonal outside configuration or a curved or rounded configuration. For example, the elastic member 80 may have an ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, or other suitable outside configuration.

[0052] In another embodiment, the elastic member 80 comprises a gusset, the gusset comprising a piece of fabric having a folded or pleated configuration. Asthe gusset folds back to its original configuration, the shaft opening 46 contracts. The gusset may also be made of a stretchable or elastic material, but it need not be. The gusset may be constructed of any suitable fabric or material. The gusset is moveable from a first folded condition to a second unfolded condition, or to conditions between the first and second conditions. Such movements facilitate expansion and contraction of the shaft opening 46 as the gusset folds and unfolds.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 6, in another embodiment, the elastic member 80 comprises a vertical slit 56 located in a top portion of the shaft 34. When in an open condition, the vertical slit 56 comprises a V configuration defined by a forward edge 57, and a rearward edge 58, and a slit point 59. When in the open configuration, the rearward edges 57, 58 taper downward towards one another to the slit point 59. In such embodiment, the forward and rearward edges 57, 58 may be selectively brought together above the slit point 59 with use of a cooperative fastening arrangement 54, including but not limited to a zipper 54, snaps, hooks, laces, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, or any other suitable cooperative fastening arrangement known in the art. The cooperative fastening arrangement 54 is structured and arranged to (1) close the vertical slit 56 to a first condition by bringing the forward edge 57 and rearward edge 58 closer together, and to (2) open the vertical slit 56 to a second condition, or to conditions between the first and second conditions, by separating the forward edge 57 from the rearward edge 58 above the slit point 59. Such movements facilitate expansion and contraction of the shaft opening 46 as the vertical slit 56 opens and closes. The pull strap 90 is configured to be wider than the vertical slit 56 and cooperative fastening arrangement 54, when viewed from the side (in elevation view). Thus, similar to other embodiments of the present disclosure, when viewed from the side with the pull strap 90 in the normal pull strap position, the pull strap 90 conceals all or substantially all of the vertical slit 56 and cooperative fastening arrangement 54.

[0054] The pull strap 90, comprising an elongated piece of leather or other durable material known in the art, has a middle portion 94, a first lower area 92 proximateto a first lower end, and a second lower area 96 proximate to a second lower end. The first lower area 92 of the pull strap 90 is attached to an outside facing surface 60 of the shaft 34. The middle portion 94 of the pull strap 90 is suspended over the top edge 81 of the elastic member 80. The second lower area 96 is attached to the inside facing surface 62 of the shaft 34. The pull strap 90 is configured to be wider than the elastic member 80 when viewed from the side (see Fig. 4) and has a first position on a vertical y-axis 102 aligned with the vertically extending seam 100. In this first position, the pull strap 90 covers the elastic member 80 when viewed from the side (see Fig. 1), such that the pull strap 90 conceals all or substantially all of the elastic member 80. Thus concealed, the elastic member 80 provides improved elasticity and comfort without comprising the conventional style or appearance of the footwear 11.

[0055] The pull strap 90 can be moved / pivoted forward or rearward from its first position to a second position approximately 45 degrees from the vertical y-axis 102. When the pull strap 90 is in this second position, the elastic member 80 can be viewed (see Fig. 2). However, in other embodiments, the pull strap 90 may be moveable in greater or smaller degrees, or move along a different axis, or may not be moveable at all.

[0056] In preferred embodiments, as shown in Fig. 3, the shaft 34 comprises two elastic members 80A, 80B and two pull straps 90A, 90B configured as described above such that, for example, a medial side of the footwear 11 comprises a first elastic member 80A and a first pull strap 90A and a lateral side of the footwear 11 comprises a second elastic member 80B and a second pull strap 90B.

[0057] A standalone shaft 34 adapted to be incorporated into an article of footwear 11 is also provided. The shaft 34 of this embodiment is configured as described above, such that it is structured and arranged to cover a portion of the lower leg of the wearer when the shaft 34 is later incorporated into the footwear 11. In this aspect of the invention and in preferred embodiments, a bottom perimeter edge 106 of the shaft 34 is adapted to be later attached to the vamp 72 and counter 70.A method of making an article of footwear having a concealed elastic member 80 is also provided. In such method, the sole 13 is coupled to the upper 27 via a stitched or bonded seam, a welt, adhesive, or some other conventional and commercial coupling arrangement, the upper 27 comprising: the counter 70 covering the heel of the wearer; the vamp 72 covering the forefoot of the wearer; and the shaft 34 covering a portion of the lower leg of the wearer, the shaft 34 comprising the front panel 42 and the rear panel 44, the shaft 34 also comprising the collar 48 defining the topmost portion of the shaft 34, the collar 48 further defining the opening 46 in the shaft 34, the opening 46 adapted to permit the wearer’s foot to enter the interior space 93 defined by the shaft 34, the shaft 34 further comprising the elastic member 80. The bottom portion of the shaft front panel 42 is coupled to the top portion of the vamp 72 at the first junction 68A. The bottom portion of the shaft rear panel 44 is coupled to the top portion of the counter 70 at the second junction 68B. The counter 70 and the vamp 72 are coupled together to form the lower vertically extending seam 100 located on side portions 28 of the upper 27. The shaft front panel 42 and rear panel 44 are also coupled together to form the upper vertically extending seam 100 located on side portions 28 of the upper 27. The pull strap 90 is positioned on the elastic member 80 by (a) attaching the first lower area 92 proximate to the first lower end of the pull strap 90 to the outside facing surface 60 of the shaft 34, (b) suspending the middle portion 94 of the pull strap 90 over the top edge 81 of the elastic member 80, and (c) and attaching the second lower area 96 proximate to the second lower end of the pull strap 90 to the inside facing surface 62 of the shaft 34.

[0058] In another embodiment of the method of preferred embodiments, the elastic member 80 is a first elastic member 80A, and the pull strap 90 is a first pull strap 90A. The first lower area 92 proximate to the first lower end of the first pull strap 90A is attached to a first portion of the outside facing surface 60 of the shaft 34. The second lower area 96 proximate to the second lower end of the first pull strap 90A is attached to a first portion of the inside facing surface 62 of theshaft 34. The method further comprises: (a) providing a second elastic member 80B and a second pull strap 90B, (b) attaching a first lower area 92 proximate to a first lower end of the second pull strap 90B to a second outside facing surface 60 of the shaft 34, (c) suspending a middle portion 94 of the second pull strap 90B over a top edge 81 of the second elastic member 80B, and (d) attaching a second lower area 96 proximate to a second lower end of the second pull strap 90B to a second portion of the inside facing surface 62 of the shaft 34. A medial side of the footwear 11 comprises the first elastic member 80A and the first pull strap 90A, and a lateral side of the footwear 11 comprises the second elastic member 80B and the second pull strap 90B.

[0059] In the method of preferred embodiments, the pull strap 90, the elastic member 80, and the vertically extending seam 100 are positioned to share an approximate longitudinal center line such that the elastic member 80 cannot be seen when viewed from the side (in elevation view).

[0060] The foregoing disclosure and showings made in the drawings are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense.

Claims

FOOTWEAR WITH CONCEALED ELASTIC ASPECTCLAIMS1. An article of footwear, comprising:a sole;an upper, the upper comprising a shaft configured to cover a portion of a lower leg of a wearer;the shaft comprising a collar, the collar defining a topmost edge of the shaft, the collar further defining an opening in the shaft, the opening adapted to permit a foot of the wearer to enter an interior space defined by the shaft;the shaft comprising an elastic member extending downward from an area proximate to the collar, the elastic member comprising a perimeter edge;the elastic member and shaft each comprising inside and outside facing surfaces, the inside facing surface facing the shaft’s interior space, the outside facing surface being obverse to the inside facing surface;a pull strap comprising a middle portion, a first lower area proximate to a first lower end, and a second lower area proximate to a second lower end;the first lower area being attached to the outside facing surface of the shaft; the second lower area being attached to the inside facing surface of the shaft;the middle portion being suspended over a top edge of the elastic member; the pull strap being configured to be wider than the elastic member; the pull strap being positioned over the elastic member such that the elastic member is concealed in side elevation view.

2. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein the elastic member is configurable from a first condition to a second condition.

3. The footwear of Claim 2, wherein the elastic member is configurable between the first and second conditions.

4. The footwear of Claim 2, wherein the elastic member is biased towards the first condition.

5. The footwear of Claim 2, wherein the elastic member may be expanded and contracted along or generally parallel to a horizontal x-axis.

6. The footwear of Claim 2, wherein the elastic member is configurable from the first condition to a third condition.

7. The footwear of Claim 6, wherein the elastic member is configurable between the first and third conditions.

8. The footwear of Claim 6, wherein the elastic member may be expanded and contracted along or generally parallel to a z-axis, the z-axis being perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis.

9. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 10-100%.

10. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 50% or greater.

11. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein the elastic member has a generally polygonal outside configuration in side elevation view, such that the top edge of the elastic member is wider than a bottom portion of the elastic member.

12. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein the pull strap is moveable forward and rearward in relation to a vertical y-axis.

13. The footwear of Claim 1, wherein:a. the shaft comprises a medial side and a lateral side;b. the elastic member is a first elastic member, and the pull strap is a first pull strap;c. the shaft further comprising a second elastic member and a second pull strap;d. the medial side of the shaft comprising the first elastic member and the first pull strap;e. the lateral side of the shaft comprising the second elastic member and the second pull strap.

14. An article of footwear, comprising:a sole;an upper, the upper comprising a shaft configured to cover a portion of a lower leg of a wearer;the shaft comprising a collar, the collar defining a topmost edge of the shaft, the collar further defining an opening in the shaft, the opening adapted to permit a foot of the wearer to enter an interior space defined by the shaft;the shaft comprising an elastic member extending downward from an area proximate to the collar, the elastic member comprising a perimeter edge;the elastic member and shaft each comprising inside and outside facing surfaces, the inside facing surface facing the shaft’s interior space, the outside facing surface being obverse to the inside facing surface;a pull strap comprising a middle portion, a first lower area proximate to a first lower end, and a second lower area proximate to a second lower end;the first lower area being attached to the outside facing surface of the shaft;the second lower area being attached to the inside facing surface of the shaft;the middle portion being suspended over a top edge of the elastic member; the pull strap being configured to be wider than the elastic member; the pull strap being suspended over the elastic member such that the elastic member is concealed in side elevation view;wherein the shaft comprises a front panel and a rear panel coupled together to form upper vertically extending seams on side portions of the upper;the upper further comprising a counter, the counter defining a rearmost portion of the upper located just above a heel, and a vamp, the vamp defining a portion of the upper covering the forefoot of the wearer, wherein the counter and the vamp are coupled together to form lower vertically extending seams on the side portions of the upper;a bottom portion of the shaft rear panel being attached to a top portion of the counter at a junction, wherein a bottom portion of the shaft front panel is attached to a top portion of the vamp;the shaft further comprising a scallop, the scallop having a V-shape extending downward from a topmost portion of the shaft to a first vertex in a forward portion of the shaft front panel and a second vertex in a rearward portion of the shaft rear panel;the elastic member sharing an approximate longitudinal center line with the upper and lower vertically extending seams and sharing the approximate longitudinal center line with the pull strap;the elastic member comprising a perimeter defined by the top edge, a bottom edge, a forward edge, and a rearward edge, the top edge and bottom edge being joined to one another by the forward and rearward edges;the elastic member having a generally trapezoidal outside configuration when viewed in side elevation, such that the top edge of the elastic member is wider than the bottom edge of the elastic member, wherein the top edge and thebottom edge of the elastic member are generally parallel with one another and wherein the forward edge and rearward edge are generally parallel with one another;the elastic member being configurable from a first condition to a second condition and to conditions between the first and second conditions along or generally parallel to a horizontal x-axis, the elastic member being biased towards the first condition, and wherein the elastic member is in an expanded state when in its second condition;the elastic member being configurable from the first condition to a third condition and to conditions between the first and third conditions along or generally parallel to a z-axis, the z-axis being perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis;the pull strap being moveable forward and rearward in relation to or generally parallel to the vertical y-axis.

15. The footwear of Claim 14, wherein:a. the shaft comprises a medial side and a lateral side;b. the elastic member is a first elastic member, and the pull strap is a first pull strap;c. the shaft further comprising a second elastic member and a second pull strap;d. the medial side of the shaft comprising the first elastic member and the first pull strap;e. the lateral side of the shaft comprising the second elastic member and the second pull strap.

16. The footwear of Claim 14, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 10-100%.

17. The footwear of Claim 14, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 50% or greater.

18. A shaft for footwear, the shaft comprising:a collar, the collar defining a topmost edge of the shaft, the collar further defining an opening in the shaft, the opening adapted to permit a foot of the wearer to enter an interior space defined by the shaft;the shaft further comprising an elastic member extending downward from an area proximate to the collar, the elastic member comprising a perimeter edge;the elastic member and shaft each comprising inside and outside facing surfaces, the inside facing surface facing the shaft’s interior space, the outside facing surface being obverse to the inside facing surface;the elastic member being moveable from a first condition to a second condition and to conditions between the first and second conditions, wherein the elastic member is in an expanded state when in the second condition;a pull strap comprising a middle portion, a first lower area proximate to a first lower end, and a second lower area proximate to a second lower end;the first lower area being attached to the outside facing surface of the shaft; the second lower area being attached to the inside facing surface of the shaft;the middle portion being suspended over a top edge of the elastic member; the pull strap being configured to be wider than the elastic member; the pull strap being suspended over the elastic member such that the elastic member is concealed in side elevation view.

19. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, the shaft further comprising a front panel and a rear panel coupled together to form upper vertically extending seams on side portions of the shaft.

20. The shaft for footwear of Claim 19, the shaft further comprising a scallop, the scallop having a V-shape extending downward from a topmost portion of the shaft to a first vertex in a forward portion of the shaft front panel and a second vertex in a rearward portion of the shaft rear panel.

21. The shaft for footwear of Claim 19, wherein the elastic member extends downward from the collar such that the elastic member shares an approximate longitudinal center line with the upper vertically extending seam and sharing the approximate longitudinal center line with the pull strap.

22. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the elastic member is configurable between the first and second conditions along or generally parallel to a horizontal x-axis.

23. The shaft for footwear of Claim 22, wherein the elastic member is configurable from the first condition to a third condition, and to conditions between the first and third conditions along or generally parallel to a z-axis, the z-axis being perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis.

24. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the elastic member is biased towards the first condition.

25. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 10-100%.

26. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the elastic member is constructed of material having an elasticity of 50% or greater.

27. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the elastic member has a generally polygonal outside configuration in side elevation view, such that thetop edge of the elastic member is wider than a bottom portion of the elastic member.

28. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein the pull strap is moveable forward and rearward in relation to or generally parallel to the vertical y-axis.

29. The shaft for footwear of Claim 18, wherein:a. the shaft comprises a medial side and a lateral side;b. the elastic member is a first elastic member, and the pull strap is a first pull strap;c. the shaft further comprising a second elastic member and a second pull strap;d. the medial side of the shaft comprising the first elastic member and the first pull strap;e. the lateral side of the shaft comprising the second elastic member and the second pull strap.

30. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising:coupling a sole to an upper, the upper configured to receive and extend around a foot of a wearer;the upper comprising a counter covering a heel of the wearer’s heel, a vamp covering the wearer’s forefoot, and a shaft covering a portion of the wearer’s lower leg, the shaft comprising a front panel and a rear panel, the shaft also comprising a collar defining the topmost portion of the shaft, the collar further defining an opening in the shaft, the opening adapted to permit a foot of the wearer foot to enter an interior space defined by the shaft, the shaft further comprising an elastic member;coupling a bottom portion of the shaft front panel to a top portion of the vamp at a first junction;coupling a bottom portion of the shaft rear panel to a top portion of the counter at a second junction;coupling the counter and the vamp together to form a lower vertically extending seam;coupling the shaft front panel and rear panel together to form an upper vertically extending seam;suspending a middle portion of a pull strap over a top edge of the elastic member;attaching a first lower area proximate to a first lower end of the pull strap to an outside facing surface of the shaft;attaching a second lower area proximate to a second lower end of the pull strap to an inside facing surface of the shaft.

31. The method of Claim 30, wherein the elastic member is a first elastic member, and the pull strap is a first pull strap, and wherein the first lower end of the first pull strap is a attached to a first portion of the outside facing surface of the shaft and wherein the second lower end of the first pull strap is attached to a first portion of the inside facing surface of the shaft, the method further comprising the steps of:providing a second elastic member and a second pull strap; suspending a middle portion of the second pull strap over a top edge of the second elastic member;attaching a first lower area proximate to a first lower end of the second pull strap to a second outside facing surface of the shaft;attaching a second lower area proximate to a second lower end of the second pull strap to a second portion of the inside facing surface of the shaft; wherein a medial side of the footwear comprises the first elastic member and the first pull strap;wherein a lateral side of the footwear comprises the second elastic member and the second pull strap.

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