ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole, the upper having an exterior surface. A panel is joined with the upper, the panel being foldable about an axis between a first position and a second position. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to articles of footwear, and more particularly to an upper assembly that is selectively alterable to offer different visual effects.

There are a variety of footwear that include features that are able to be modified to change the aesthetics of the footwear. For example, there are certain women's shoes, including vamps that are adapted to accept a separate, supplemental panel. The supplemental panel also can be removed and replaced with another panel to provide different coloration, designs or the like to those shoes.

There also are shoes and sandals that include a reversible panel which is linked via a cord to an upper construction. The panel can include a front side and a reverse side. The panel can be swiveled about the cord to selectively expose either the front side or the reverse side to provide a desired visual coloration, design or image. This construction can provide variety to the user and enable them to select a particular design depending on their disposition at the time.

While the above can enable a user, such as a child, to modify the appearance of footwear, there remains room for improvement in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A footwear and upper assembly are provided including a panel or strap joined with the upper, where the panel or strap is selectively moveable to expose a first indicia element, while concealing a second indicia element, or to expose a second indicia element, while concealing the first indicia element.

In one embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole. The upper includes an exterior surface. A panel is joined with the upper. The panel is foldable about an axis between a first position and a second position. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

In another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole. The upper defines a foot void that is adapted to receive a wearer's foot. The upper has an exterior surface with a curved contour. The upper also includes a panel joined with the upper adjacent the curved contour of the exterior surface. The panel is pivotable about an axis which follows the curved contour, and is generally curved itself. Additionally, the panel is urged to either a first position or a second position due to the attachment of the panel to the curved contour. A first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position, and a second indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

In still another embodiment, footwear includes an outsole and an upper joined with the outsole. The upper includes an exterior surface having a curved contour, and a panel is joined with the upper adjacent the curved contour. The panel has a first edge and a second edge and is pivotable about an axis between a first position and a second position. The axis follows the curved contour of the upper and is curved itself. The panel exposes a first indicia element in the first position, while concealing a second indicia element in the first position, and exposes a second, different indicia element in the second position, while concealing the first indicia in the second position.

In even another embodiment, the panel is of a first curved configuration from the first edge to the second edge when in the first position, and is of a second curved configuration from the first edge to the second edge when in the second position. The panel moves through an intermediary position as it transitions to at least one of the first position and the second position and is urged to achieve at least one of the first curved configuration and the second curved configuration as it moves through the intermediary position. The panel snaps into either the first curved configuration or the second curved configuration in the first position and in the second position, respectively, generally following the curved contour of the exterior surface in the first position and the second position.

In a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly defines a foot void and includes a lateral panel and a medial panel. The lateral panel defines a first slot, and the medial panel defines a second slot, where the first and second slots are disposed on opposing sides of the footwear. The upper assembly also includes a closure strap that extends through the first slot and the second slot. The strap is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void. The strap is slidably moveable relative to the first and second slots to a first position and to a second, different position.

In still a further embodiment, a first indicia element is exposed when the strap is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element in exposed when the strap is in the second position. The strap includes a first end and a second end configured so that either the first end is secured to the medial panel when the first indicia element is exposed, or the second end is secured to the lateral panel when the second indicia element is exposed.

In yet a further embodiment, a footwear upper assembly includes a vamp, a lateral quarter panel, a medial quarter panel, and a strap. The lateral quarter panel defines a first slot and is joined with the vamp. The medial quarter panel defines a second slot and is joined with the vamp. The first and second slots are disposed on opposing sides of the footwear. The strap extends through the first slot and the second slot and is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void. The strap is slidably moveable relative to the first and second slots to a first position and to a second, different position.

In even a further embodiment, a first indicia element is exposed when the strap is in the first position, and a second, different indicia element in exposed when the strap is in the second position. The strap includes a first end, a second end, and a center portion between the first and second ends. The first end includes a first closure device, the second end includes a second closure device, the center portion includes a third closure device, the lateral quarter panel includes a fourth closure device, and the medial quarter panel includes a fifth closure device. In the first position, the first closure device is secured to the third closure device to secure the first end to the center portion, and the second closure device is secured to the fourth closure device to secure the second end to the lateral quarter panel. In the second position, the second closure device is secured to the third closure device to secure the second end to the center portion, and the first closure device is secured to the fifth closure device to secure the first end to the medial quarter panel.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly in accordance with a current embodiment, and illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the footwear, illustrating the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly in accordance with a first alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the footwear of the first alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly in accordance with a second alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the footwear of the second alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly in accordance with a third alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the footwear of the third alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment, and illustrating a panel in a first position where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in an intermediate position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the footwear of the fourth alternative embodiment, illustrating the panel in a second position where a second indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly including multiple panels in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of footwear including a heel counter of the upper assembly having a panel in accordance with a sixth alternative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly including panels folded accordion-style in accordance with a seventh alternative embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of footwear including an upper assembly having a closure strap in accordance with a eighth alternative embodiment;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a first direction;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating an intermediate position of the closure strap;

FIG. 19C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating a first position of the closure strap where a first indicia element is exposed;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating the closure strap shifted in a second direction;

FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating a second intermediate position of the closure strap; and

FIG. 20C is a perspective view of the footwear of the eighth alternative embodiment, illustrating a second position of the closure strap where a second indicia element is exposed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

An article of footwear in accordance with a current embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. The article of footwear 10 generally includes an upper assembly 12 joined with an outsole 14. The upper assembly 12 and the outsole 14 together define a foot void 16 configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The foot is received through a foot opening 17 defined by the upper assembly 12. The upper assembly 12 and the outsole 14 each have a corresponding forefoot portion, a heel portion, a lateral portion, and a medial portion.

Although the embodiments are illustrated in the context of a children's athletic or play shoe, it may be incorporated into other adolescent or adult shoes, and any type or style of footwear, including shoes, boots and sandals. It should be noted that directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. Further, the terms “medial,” “lateral” and “longitudinal” are used in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. For example, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term “medial” refers to the inward side (i.e. the side facing the other shoe) and “lateral” refers to the outward side. When used in referring to a direction, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction generally extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel, and the term “lateral direction” refers to a direction generally extending across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientations.

For purposes of disclosure, the embodiments are described in the context of the footwear 10 including the outsole 14. The upper assembly 12, may, however, be combined with any type or style of sole construction capable of being suitably joined with the upper assembly 12. The upper assembly 12 of the illustrated embodiment includes an upper 18 including an exterior surface having a curved contour, the upper 18 formed from one or more layers of material that are shaped to form an enclosure of roughly the size and shape of a wearer's foot, defining the foot void 16. The upper 18 includes medial and lateral side or quarters 20, 22 in a spaced relationship disposed on opposite sides of the footwear and the wearer's foot, and a contoured vamp 24 that closes a portion of the top of the upper 18. Foxing and other trim or extra material may be added to the upper 18 as desired for functional or aesthetic reasons. In this embodiment, the upper 18 includes a tongue 26 to facilitate fitting and removal of the article of footwear 10 on the wearer's foot. The tongue 26 and outsole 14 generally are conventional and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Additionally, the upper 18 may include a heel counter 19. The heel counter 19 may be a generally conventional heel counter configured to provide control and stability to the wearer's heel.

The upper 18 includes a closure strap 28 that is disposed over the curved exterior surface of the upper 18 and configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void 16. The strap 28 has a first end 30 attached to one of the medial quarter 20 or the lateral quarter 22 of the upper assembly 12 near the foot opening 17. The strap 28 also includes a free second end 32 that is releasably securable to the other of the lateral and medial quarters 20, 22 (that is, the opposite side) of the upper 18. The second end 32 of the strap 28 may be releasably securable to the opposite lateral or medial quarter 20, 22 by a mating releasable fastener, such as hook and loop fasteners (for example, Velcro® fasteners), a buckle, snaps, magnets, a friction device, or any other suitable device capable of temporarily fastening one footwear component to another. One side of the mating releasable fastener is located on each of the second end 32 of the strap 28 and the opposite lateral or medial quarter 20, 22.

The strap 28 also includes a decorative panel 40 that is foldable/pivotable between a first position A, shown in FIG. 1, and a second, different position B, shown in FIG. 3. The terms fold, pivot, and flip are used herein to describe the action of repositioning or moving the panel 40 from one position to expose or conceal one or more indicia elements, to another position to expose or conceal one or more other indicia elements. When folded, the panel 40 is bent over upon itself along a fold line or crease. When pivoted, at least a portion of the panel 40 rotates or turns about an axis or point. Further, the action of folding may be considered a specific form of pivoting with respect to the footwear described herein. Optionally, the panel 40 is positioned on the strap 28 or the tongue 26 and is located a predetermined distance below the upper extremity of the tongue 26 or the uppermost portion of the upper 18 so that the panel 40 does not engage an ankle of the wearer as the wearer engages in activity, such as running, walking, or crawling.

The panel 40 is made up of a first stationary portion 42, a first pivoting portion 44, a second stationary portion 46, and a second pivoting portion 48. In the illustrated example, the first stationary and pivoting portions 42, 44 are generally halves of a rectangular piece of material. It should be understood, however, that the piece of material may have a shape other than a rectangle, and may be effectively split into portions other than halves. Likewise, the second stationary and pivoting portions 46, 48 are generally halves of a second rectangular piece of material. The stationary portions 42, 46 are positioned adjacent and in alignment with one another, and optionally are joined with the strap 28. Of course, the stationary and pivoting portions can be joined with other elements of the footwear as desired. The stationary portions 42, 46 can be joined with the strap 28 by stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable means. Additionally, the stationary portions, 42, 46 are arranged such that the pivoting portions 44, 48 are aligned back-to-back. The pivoting portions 44, 48 are secured together and define a panel portion 50 that is pivotable about an axis 51 between the first and second positions A and B. The pivoting portions 44, 48 can be secured together via stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable means. In the illustrated example, the axis 51 or fold line is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA, shown in FIG. 2, and is formed by the lower edge of the panel portion 50 where the pivoting portions 44, 48 transition to the stationary portions 42, 46.

The panel 40 includes a first indicia element 52 and a second indicia element 54. The first indicia element 52 is visible when the panel portion 50 is flipped, pivoted, moved, or transitioned to the first position A, and the second indicia element 54 is visible when the panel portion 50 is flipped to the second position B. In the illustrated example, the first indicia element 52 is illustrated simply as a square and the second indicia element 54 is illustrated simply as a circle. It should be understood that any desirable graphic, word, phrasing, image, etc. may be used as the indicia forming or in relationship to an indicia element. Further, as is perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, portions of the indicia may extend across both the first stationary and pivoting portions 42, 44, and the second stationary and pivoting portions 46, 48, each portion 42-48 forming a fraction of the respective indicia. Of course, it should also be understood that the entire indicia may be contained entirely on any one of the portions.

With the described panel 40 configuration, the panel portion 50 can be pivoted, as illustrated by arrow C in FIG. 2, between the first and second positions A and B, to reveal one of the first and second indicia elements 52, 54. Accordingly, when flipped to the first position A, the panel portion 50 covers the second stationary portion 46, and together the first stationary portion 42 and the panel portion 50 reveal the first indicia element 52. Oppositely, when flipped to the second position B, the panel portion 50 covers the first stationary portion 42, and together the second stationary portion 46 and the panel portion 50 reveal the second indicia element 54. In the illustrated example, the panel portion 50 is flipped up (away from the outsole) or down (toward the outsole).

The pivoting of a member about an arcuate axis creates a biasing force by causing the pivot axis to straighten at the base of the pivoting member, thereby urging the member to a position where the axis is again arcuate. In the illustrated embodiment, the non-rigid strap 28 conforms to the curved exterior surface of the upper 18, and the panel 40, being joined with the upper 18 adjacent the curved contour, is also curved in a direction between the medial and lateral portions of the upper 18. Further, the pivot axis 51 follows the curved contour and is also generally curved about the longitudinal axis LA. Stated differently, the pivot axis is curved downward such that the center is the highest point, and the medial and lateral ends are the lowest points. The curvature of the panel 40 provides a bias when moving the panel portion 50, for example by flipping it, thereby urging the panel portion 50 to one of the first or second positions A or B due to the attachment of the panel 40 to the curved contour. Moreover, the greater the degree of curvature, the greater the bias toward one of the first or second positions A or B. Additionally, the panel portion 50 may include a fastener 56 to releasably maintain the panel portion 50 in either of the first or second positions A or B. It is contemplated that the fastener 56 may be in the form of a magnet, hook and loop, or any other suitable type fastener.

This phenomenon of creating a bias when pivoting a member about an arcuate axis can be described in another manner. For example, the panel 40 is joined with the upper 18 adjacent the curved contour of the exterior surface and is pivotable about the axis 51, between first position A and second position B. Additionally, the panel 40 includes a first edge 40a and a second edge 40b, as shown in FIG. 1. In the first position A, shown in FIG. 1, the panel is of a first curved configuration from the first edge 40a to the second edge 40b. Referring now to FIG. 3, the panel 40 is of a second curved configuration from the first edge 40a to the second edge 40b when in the second position B. The first curved configuration can be described as having a concave form when considering the shape of the upper surface of the panel 40 relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Conversely, the second curved configuration can be described as having a convex form when considering the shape of that same upper surface of the panel 40 when in the second position B. In the second position B, the upper surface of the panel 40 is folded in half, upon itself. In this arrangement, the second curved configuration is convex relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Further, when the panel 40 moves through an intermediary position, as shown in FIG. 2, as it transitions to one of the first and second positions A and B, the panel 40 is urged to achieve at least one of the first and second curved configurations. As such, the panel 40 snaps into either the first curved configuration or the second curved configuration in the first position A and in the second position B, respectively, generally following the curved contour of the exterior surface in the first position A and the second position B. Additionally, this urging or bias retains the panel 40 in the user-selected position and the panel portion 50 remains either up or down, in either the first or second positions A or B, during normal activity as performed by the wearer.

Alternately, it should be noted that a user may release the strap 28 from the fastener on the lateral or medial quarter 20, 22 before pivoting the panel portion 50 from one position to the other. The released strap 28 can be straightened, thereby removing the curvature and bias from the pivot axis 51. The panel portion 50 may be flipped to the desired position, and the strap 28 may then be again secured to the fastener on the lateral or medial quarter 20, 22, returning the curvature and bias to the pivot axis 51 and the panel portion 50.

A first alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 and generally designated 110. This first alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiment above with a few exceptions. For example, the strap 128 includes at least two layers: a first layer 170 having a void, recess, or cutout 172, the first layer including an integral panel portion 150, and a second layer 176 positioned behind the first layer 170. The panel portion 150 has a first side 178 and a second side 180 and is pivotable between the first and second positions A and B.

As shown, a lower portion of the first indicia element 152 is included on the first layer 170. Additionally, an upper portion of the second indicia element 154 is included on the second layer 176 and is positioned within the cutout 172. When in the first position A, as shown in FIG. 4, the first side 178 of the panel portion 150 and the first layer 170 together expose or illustrate the entire first indicia element 152. Additionally, in the first position A, the panel portion 150 conceals the second indicia element 154. In the second position B, as shown in FIG. 6, together the second side 180 of the panel portion 150 and the second layer 176 of the strap 128 reveal the second indicia element 154 and conceal the first indicia element 152. Accordingly, in the second position B, the first layer 170 and the second layer 176 are aligned such that the respective portions of the second indicia element 154 are aligned. As discussed above with respect to other embodiments herein, the panel portion 150 is biased toward one of the first and second positions A and B by way of its attachment to the upper assembly and/or the construction of the curved pivot axis 151.

A second alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 and generally designated 210. This second alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example, the strap 228 is made of two layers: the first layer 270 having a void 272, and the second layer 276 positioned behind the first layer 270. A panel 240 is joined atop the first layer 270 of the strap 228. The panel 240 includes a stationary portion 242 and a pivoting portion that defines a panel portion 250. The panel portion 250 has a first side 278 and a second side 280 and is pivotable between the first and second positions A and B.

As shown, the first indicia element 252 is provided across both the stationary portion 242 of the panel 240 and the first side 278 of the panel portion 250. Thus, when in the first position A as shown in FIG. 7, the stationary portion 242 and panel portion 250 show the first indicia element 252. An upper portion of the second indicia element 254 is included on the second layer 276 and positioned within the void 272. Therefore, in the second position B, as shown in FIG. 9, together the second side 280 of the panel portion 250 and the second layer 276 of the strap 228 reveal the second indicia element 254. Accordingly, in the second position B, the first layer 270 and the second layer 276 are aligned such that the portions of the second indicia element 254 are aligned. As discussed above with respect to other embodiments herein, the panel portion 250 is biased toward one of the first and second positions A and B by the curved pivot axis 251.

A third alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 and generally designated 410. This third alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example, the panel 440 is similar in construction and functionality to the panel 40 of FIGS. 1-3, except that the stationary portion 442 of panel 440 extends along substantially the entire length of the strap 428, from a medial side 420 of the shoe to the lateral side 422 of the shoe. The pivoting portion 444 can be integral with the panel 440 and disposed on a lower edge of the stationary portion 442. The stationary portion 442 transitions to the pivoting portion 444 along the pivot axis 451. Optionally, the panel 440 can be primarily in the central third or half of the strap, generally centered over the tongue 426.

A fourth alternative embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 and generally designated 510. This fourth alternative embodiment is similar to the embodiments above with a few exceptions. For example, the alternate strap 528 includes a panel 540 made up of a stationary portion 542 and a pivoting portion 544. The stationary portion 542 can be of substantially the same dimensions as the strap 528. The pivoting portion 544 can be integral with the panel 540 and disposed on a lower edge of the stationary portion 542. The stationary portion 542 transitions to the pivoting portion 544 along the pivot axis 551. Optionally, pivoting portion 544 can be folded over part or all of the stationary portion 542 when in the first position A as shown in FIG. 13. A first indicia element 552 can be included on a first side 578 of the pivoting portion 544, and a second indicia element 554 can be included on a second side 580 of the pivoting portion 544. When the pivoting portion 544 is folded up about the pivot axis 551 to a first position A, a first indicia element 552 is visible, and a second indicia element 554 is concealed. When the pivoting portion 544 is folded down about the pivot axis 551 to a second position B, the second indicia element 554 is visible, and the first indicia element 552 is concealed. In this second position B, the pivoting portion 544 extends below the strap 528 and the second indicia element 554 may extend across both the second side 580 of the pivoting portion 544 and the previously concealed portion of the stationary portion 542. Of course, it should be understood that the pivoting portion 544 may be formed of a separate piece of material and can be joined with the strap 528 or panel 540 by stitching, adhesive, or any other suitable means. Additionally, the strap 528 and the panel 540 may be formed by a single layer of material such that the panel 540 functions as the strap 528.

Referring now to FIG. 16 an fifth alternative embodiment of footwear 10′ including an alternate upper 18′ having multiple panels 40′ is illustrated. The alternative panel may include multiple panel portions 50′ that are foldable about the axis 51′ in a booklet-style configuration. This fifth alternative embodiment enables multiple indicia elements 52′, 54′ to be included with the footwear 10′. The illustrated example includes three panel portions 50′, however, it should be understood that substantially any number of panel portions 50′ may be included.

Generally, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-15, the panel is disposed on the vamp portion of the upper, and more specifically on the closure strap of the upper. Optionally, the panel may be positioned on substantially any curved surface of the upper. For example, the panel may be joined with the upper on a curved exterior surface of any one or all of the vamp, the heel counter, and the toe box. Referring to FIG. 17, implementation of a sixth alternative embodiment of the footwear 10″ with an alternate panel 50″ is shown positioned on the heel counter 19″. It should be noted that the panel may be positioned on the alternate locations in addition to, or instead of, the previously described embodiments. In other words, a single panel may be positioned on any one of the vamp, heel counter, or toe box; or multiple panels may be positioned on any combination of these locations. For example, an alternate panel may be positioned atop the toe box such that its pivot axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis LA and the alternate panel portion flips between medial and lateral sides of the footwear.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a seventh alternative embodiment of footwear 10′″ including an alternate upper 18′″ having multiple panel portions 50′″ is illustrated. The alternative multiple panel portions 50′ may be folded in an accordion-style booklet configuration. This seventh alternative embodiment enables multiple indicia elements 52′″, 54′″, 55′ to be included with the footwear 10′″. The panel portions 50″ may be pulled away from their biased position A or B, and the arrangement of the panel portions 50′″ may be altered to display different indicia elements or combinations of indicia elements. In other words, the panel portions 50″ may be stacked in a different arrangement to reveal different indicia. As with the other embodiments disclosed herein, the curved axis of the panel portions creates a bias, which urges the panel portions to any one of the selected positions in which the axis is again curved.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the strap and panel may be formed of multiple layers of material. Examples of material that may be used include polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, synthetic fabric, hook or loop, or any other suitable material.

Optionally, substantially the entire strap can be backed with either a hook layer or loop layer. In this case, in addition to corresponding hook or loop material disposed on the lateral and/or medial quarters 20, 22, hook or loop material may also be included on the upper surface of the tongue 26. In this manner, the strap secures the tongue 26 in place, as well as secure a wearer's foot within the foot void 16.

In an eighth alternative embodiment, an article of footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 19-21C and generally designated 310. In this eighth alternative embodiment, the footwear 310 includes an upper 318 that has medial quarter panel 320 defining a first slot 334 and a lateral quarter panel 322 defining a second slot 336. The medial and lateral side or quarter panels 320, 322 and the first and second slots 334, 336 are in spaced relationship and are disposed on opposing sides of a wearer's foot. The upper 318 may also include a vamp 324 contoured to fit the shape of the foot, and the medial and lateral quarter panels 320, 322 are joined with the vamp 324. Additionally, the upper 318 includes a strap 328 that extends through the first slot 334 and the second slot 336 through the lateral and medial quarter panels 320, 322, respectively. The strap 328 is configured to snugly secure a wearer's foot within the foot void 316.

The strap 328 is moveable, in either of generally opposing lateral directions, relative to the first and second slots 334, 336 between a first position A shown in FIG. 20C, and a second, different position B shown in FIG. 21C. Optionally, in this movement, the strap slides relative to the side panels and/or the slots. The strap 328 includes a first end 330, a second end 332, and a center portion 333 disposed between the first and second ends 330, 332. The first end 330 includes a first closure device 338, the second end 332 includes a second closure device 342, and the center portion 333 includes a third closure device 342. Additionally, the lateral quarter panel 322 includes a fourth closure device 344, and the medial quarter panel 320 includes a fifth closure device 346. It is contemplated that the closure devices 338-346 may be in the form of complementary hook and loop type fasteners, magnetic fasteners, or any other suitable type of fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 20C and 21C, a first indicia element 352 and a second, different indicia element 354 are shown. The first indicia element 352 is located on the first end 330 of the strap 328, on a side of the strap 328 opposite the first closure device 338. Similarly, the second indicia element 354 is located on the second end 332 of the strap 328, on a side of the strap 328 opposite the second closure device 340. The upper 318 and strap 328 are configured such that the first indicia element 352 is exposed when the strap 328 is in the first position A, and the second indicia element 354 in exposed when the strap 328 is in the second position B.

Referring now to FIGS. 20A-C, in the first position A, the strap 328 is slid toward the medial quarter panel 320, as indicated by arrow X in FIG. 20A. The first end 330 is folded over a top of the lateral quarter panel 322 toward the center portion 342, as indicated by arrow Y shown in FIG. 20B. The first closure device 338 is secured to the third closure device 333 on the center portion 342 such that the first end 330 of the strap 328 is secured to the center portion 342. The second end 332 is folded overtop the medial quarter panel 320, as indicated by arrow Z shown in FIG. 20C. The second closure device 340 is secured to the fourth closure device 344 located on the lateral quarter panel 322 such that the second end 332 of the strap 328 is secured to the lateral quarter panel 322. In this configuration of first position A, the first indicia element 352 is exposed and the second indicia element 354 is concealed.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A-C, in the second position B, the strap 328 is slid toward the lateral quarter panel 322, as indicated by arrow X shown in FIG. 21A. The second end 332 is folded over a top of the medial quarter panel 320 toward the center portion 342, as indicated by arrow Y shown in FIG. 21B. The second closure device 340 is secured to the third closure device 333 on the center portion 342 such that the second end 332 of the strap 328 is secured to the center portion 342. The first end 330 is folded overtop the lateral quarter panel 322, as indicated by arrow Z shown in FIG. 21C. The first closure device 338 is secured to the fifth closure device 346 located on the medial quarter panel 320 such that the first end 330 of the strap 328 is secured to the medial quarter panel 320. In this configuration of second position B, the second indicia element 354 is exposed and the first indicia element 352 is concealed.

Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-18, a foot may be received through the foot opening and the closure strap may be pulled over the upper to snugly secure the wearer's foot within the foot void. The wearer may then select which indicia element he or she wishes to be visible. If the opposite indicia element is desired, the panel may be easily pivoted about the axis to the opposite position, thereby exposing the desired indicia element and concealing the undesired indicia element.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 19-21C, a foot may be received through the foot opening, and the closure strap may be shifted in either of the generally lateral opposing directions. The strap may be shifted relative to the slots. One end of the strap may then be folded over top of the quarter panel and secured to the center portion of the strap. The opposite end of the strap may then be folded overtop the center portion and secured to the opposite quarter panel. This configuration reveals one indicia element and conceals the other. If the user desires the opposite indicia element, the strap may be shifted in the opposite lateral direction. The opposite end of the strap may be first secured to the center portion, and the remaining end of the strap may be secured to the opposite quarter panel. This opposite configuration reveals the desired indicia element while concealing the undesired indicia element.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising:

an outsole;

an upper joined with the outsole, the upper including an exterior surface; and

a strap joined with the upper and having a panel foldable about an axis between a first position and a second position,

wherein a first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position,

wherein a second, different indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel conceals the second indicia element when in the first position, and wherein the panel conceals the first indicia when in the second position.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the panel includes a fastener to releasably maintain the panel in at least one of the first and second positions.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper defines a foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot and an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a curved contour, and wherein the strap is disposed over the curved exterior surface and is configured to secure the foot within the foot void.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the panel comprises a first stationary portion, a first pivoting portion, a second stationary portion, and a second pivoting portion,

wherein the first and second stationary portions are adjacent to one another and are joined with the strap, and the first and second pivoting portions are disposed back-to-back and are pivotable between the first and second positions.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the upper has a curved contour, and wherein the strap and panel are disposed over the curved exterior surface and follow the curved contour, wherein the panel is urged to either the first position or the second position due to the curved contour.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6 wherein the upper includes a vamp, a heel counter, a toe box, and a tongue, and the panel is joined with the upper on a curved exterior surface of one of the strap, vamp, heel counter, toe box, and tongue.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the panel is foldable about the axis and the axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

9. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the strap is releasably fastened to the upper by one of a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, a snap, a magnet, and a friction device.

10. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes a plurality of panels having a plurality of indicia elements, wherein the plurality of panels are foldable about the axis in a booklet-style configuration.

11. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the upper includes a plurality of panels having a plurality of indicia elements, wherein the plurality of panels are arranged in a folded accordion configuration.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the panel is curved in a direction between medial and lateral portions of the upper.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis is located a predetermined distance below an upper extremity of the tongue or the upper and is curved to follow a curved contour of the exterior surface.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein in at least one of the first and second positions, the panel is folded upward, away from the outsole, and is biased by the curved axis such that the panel remains folded upward during normal activity of the wearer, without engaging an ankle of the wearer.

15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein in the other of the first and second positions, the panel is folded downward, toward the outsole, and is biased by the curved axis such that the panel remains folded down during normal activity as performed by the wearer.

16. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the axis is curved to follow a curved contour of the exterior surface so that when the panel is in the first position or the second position the axis being curved forces the panel into a curved shape.

17. An article of footwear comprising:

an outsole;

an upper joined with the outsole, the upper defining a foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot, the upper including an exterior surface having a curved contour; and

a strap joined with the upper adjacent the curved contour and having a panel, the panel pivotable about an axis and urged to either a first position or a second position due to the attachment of the strap to the curved contour,

wherein a first indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the first position,

wherein a second indicia element is exposed when the panel is in the second position,

wherein the axis follows the curved contour and is generally curved.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the panel conceals the second indicia element when in the first position, and wherein the panel conceals the first indicia when in the second position.

19. An article of footwear comprising:

an outsole;

an upper joined with the outsole, the upper defining a foot void adapted to receive a wearer's foot, the upper including an exterior surface having a curved contour; and

a strap joined with the upper adjacent the curved contour and having a panel, the panel pivotable about an axis between a first position and a second position and including a first edge and a second edge,

wherein the panel exposes a first indicia element in the first position, while concealing a second indicia element in the first position,

wherein the panel exposes a second, different indicia element in the second position, while concealing the first indicia in the second position,

wherein the axis follows the curved contour and is curved,

wherein the panel is of a first curved configuration from the first edge to the second edge in the first position,

wherein the panel is of a second curved configuration from the first edge to the second edge in the second position,

wherein the panel moves through an intermediary position as it transitions to at least one of the first position and the second position,

wherein the panel is urged to achieve at least one of the first curved configuration and the second curved configuration as it moves through the intermediary position,

whereby the panel snaps into either the first curved configuration or the second curved configuration in the first position and in the second position, respectively, generally following the curved contour of the exterior surface in the first position and the second position.

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the upper includes a plurality of panels and the plurality of panels are foldable in at least one of a booklet-style configuration and an accordion configuration.