Abstract: Articles of footwear having an enclosed articulated toe portion, including a molded midsole with an integrally-molded toe cap shaped to receive a foot therein and to enclose the toes of the foot. The toe cap terminates at a position adjacent to the base of the toes of the foot. The articles additionally include an outsole affixed to the bottom of the midsole and an upper which in some embodiments is co-molded with the midsole and toe cap.

Abstract: A unique system has a releasably locking device for quickly and easily locking and releasing a loop-section fastener on and from a loop without the needs for taking the loop apart respectively.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes three lighting devices disposed on the article of footwear. The lighting system is also associated with an automatic fastening system. The lighting system is configured to control a lighting device based on information received from the automatic fastening system.

Abstract: An article of footwear including two fastening systems is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a strap and a lacing system. The strap and the lacing system may all be configured to adjust or tighten the article of footwear to a wearer's foot along different regions. The strap and the lacing system are linked to improve the conformability of the article of footwear to a wearer's foot. Additionally, the link provides more control on the degree of tightening applied to a wearer's foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.

Abstract: The shoe tongue centralizer assembly includes a binding post and a centralizer band which, together prevent the tongue of any type of laced shoe, boot or other footwear from significant movement either laterally or longitudinally in the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sole defining a bending feature (e.g., a groove) between a phalanges portion and a metatarsus portion of the sole. The bending feature allows the phalanges sole portion to articulate upward with respect to the metatarsus sole portion. An upper is attached to the sole and defines a foot void for receiving a human foot. The upper has a phalanges portion that defines at least one toe receiver volume. The at least one toe receiver volume defines a raised shape with respect to an adjacent metatarsus portion of the upper. Articulation of the phalanges sole portion and substantially unrestricted toe lift movement into the at least one toe receiver volume allows substantially unrestricted upward toe flexion of a received foot in the foot void.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory for footwear in which the footwear is of the type having a series of lacing holes that are spaced apart along a lacing surface of the footwear and that are usually adapted for receipt of footwear laces. The ornamental accessory includes an accessory insert that is comprised of an open link and an integrally formed support post. The open link has a passage that is larger than the size of the lacing hole so as to accommodate a chain piece. The support post is constructed and arranged to interlock with the lacing hole.

Abstract: A dual zipper boot construction provides an enhanced comfort-fit for a user and a ready adaptation of the boot to a variety different calf shapes without stressing the boot stitching. A first full-length zipper allows the users to easily slide the boot on while a second mid-length zipper is in an open condition thereby providing additional space. Securing the first full-length zipper secures the boot in position. After the boot is secured in position, the user zips the second mid-length zipper to an optimal comfort-fit position on their calf. Optional elastomeric bridges between the zipper edges of the mid-length zipper allow the boot to accommodate partially zipped uses without disclosing the user's calf and while providing an enhanced style appearance.

Abstract: A hands-free fastening mechanism for releasably securing a user's foot to footwear is disclosed. The fastening mechanism comprises at least one pivotable strap which is coupled to a hinge mechanism which, in turn, is secured to the footwear. The hinge mechanism allows the strap to pivot between an open and a closed position. The strap is further coupled to a lever which is engageable by a user's foot so as to cause the strap to move from the open position to the closed position. When the strap moves to the closed position, a catch will engage, thereby securing the user's foot within the footwear. The footwear may then be removed by using the other foot to apply pressure to a protruding member or by striking the heel on a hard surface and then withdrawing the secured foot such that the catch is disengaged and the foot is released.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper that includes a knitted component and a sole structure secured to the upper. The knitted component may define a tube formed of unitary knit construction, and a strand may extend through a length of the tube. As another example, the knitted component may have a pair of at least partially coextensive knitted layers formed of unitary knit construction, and a plurality of floating yarns may extend between the knitted layers. In some configurations, the knit type or yarn type may vary in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. Additionally, the knitted component may incorporate a thermoplastic yarn that is fused in different regions of the knitted component to impart different properties. A flat knitting process or a variety of other knitting processes may be utilized to form the knitted component.

Abstract: An article of footwear can receive an insert having ball control elements. The ball control elements protrude through a tongue of the upper to engage other surfaces. The inserts may be purchased separately from the article of footwear and interchanged to be used in a variety of conditions.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.

Abstract: A snowboard boot having two handles which each handle controlling pressure within two tightening zones is disclosed. One handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower shin portion tightening zones. A second handle may be pitched to adjust pressure within upper and lower foot portion tightening zones. Once the appropriate amount of pressure is applied to the various tightening zones, locks may be engaged to set the pressures. The pressures are isolated from each other such that the various different pressures within the various different tightening zones do not equalize but remain constant during the snowboarding session. Additionally, the handles may be stored on a tongue of the snowboard boot or a back portion of the snowboard boot.

Abstract: Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include cleat structures, strapping systems, sole structures, and/or improved natural motion characteristics are described. Also, methods for making such articles of footwear (and particularly sole structures for articles of footwear) are described.

Abstract: An expandable and adjustable baby shoe or bootie which can be customized to fit during a baby's first two years. The concept is to allow the baby shoe to be expanded as the baby's foot grows so that a single shoe can be used for babies up to 24 months of age. The shoe has an expansion mechanism which enables the front portion of the shoe to be progressively increased as the baby grows. The rear portion of the shoe also has a fastening mechanism whereby the rear area which surrounds the ankles can also be adjusted as the baby grows for a customized fit. The present invention can also be incorporated into a children's slipper as well as a baby shoe.

Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper incorporating a knitted component. An inlaid strand extends through the knitted component. A combination feeder may be utilized to inlay the strand within the knitted component. As an example, the combination feeder may include a feeder arm that reciprocates between a retracted position and an extended position. In manufacturing the knitted component, the feeder inlays the strand when the feeder arm is in the extended position, and the strand is absent from the knitted component when the feeder arm is in the retracted position.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a shoe for supporting and protecting the heel, sole and toes of a human foot has a base comprising a forward portion terminating at a toe end. The forward portion being configured and dimensioned to support the sole and toes of the foot of a user. The rear portion terminates at a heel end. The rear portion is configured and dimensioned to support the fleshy undersurface of the heel of the foot of the user. The shoe comprises a pair of elongated channels defined in the forward portion of the base, a vamp configured to overlie the instep of the user, and a pair of elongated channel-engaging members secured to the vamp, each of the channel engaging members being configured to slide into and mate with a respective elongated channel.

Abstract: A boot includes a lacing system having an upper zone of action associated with an upper portion of the boot body and a lower zone of action associated with a lower portion of the boot body. The lacing system includes a single bootlace, the first end of which is anchored in the upper zone of action and the second end of which is anchored in the lower zone of action. The boot also includes a common lace-tightening device, having a handpiece, for the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system. The common lace-tightening device cooperates with the bootlace in such a way that, on operation of the handpiece, the upper zone of action and the lower zone of action of the lacing system are acted upon simultaneously in respect of lacing up and opening the boot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with straps is disclosed. The article includes provisions for releasably securing the straps to a sole structure of the article. End portions of the straps are provided with separable portions that can be individually inserted through apertures in the sole structure. In addition, a thong portion includes separable portions that can be individually inserted through an aperture in the sole structure.

Abstract: A kit including (a) an article having a plurality of pairs of opposing eyelets, including a first pair of opposing eyelets near a top of the article and a second pair of opposing eyelets disposed beneath the first pair of opposing eyelets; (b) a first lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the first pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said first lace having (i) a first elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the first body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the first body; and (c) a second lace that is threadable through respective eyelets of the second pair of opposing eyelets and fixable at insides of the eyelets, said second lace having (i) a second elastic body; and (ii) one of a stop or openable stop on one end of the second body; and (iii) an openable stop on an opposite end of the second body; and wherein at least the openable stop on the opposite end of the first body can interlock with the openable stop on the oppos

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: A hidden shoelace hole structure includes a main strap and a hole strap. The main strap is in a flat-strip shape and sewn on a vamp. The hole strap is in a flat-strip shape and sewn at one side of main strap. The hole strap has a plurality of lateral holes which are spaced in an equidistant or non-equidistant length for insertion of a shoelace. The present invention provides a hidden effect for the holes.

Abstract: An adjusting device for tightening or loosing laces and straps includes a base, an actuating member and a knob. When a user rotates the knob clockwise, the adjusting device is tightening a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. However, when a user rotates the knob counterclockwise, the adjusting device is loosing a flexible strap of the clothing or a lace of the footwear. The knob never moves up and down along the axis during the operation for tightening or loosing the flexible strap or the lace.

Abstract: A collapsible athletic shoe featuring an athletic shoe having a foot portion with an inner cavity, the foot portion can move between an extended position and a collapsed position; a first strap extending out of a first side of the sole area of the athletic shoe and a second strap extending out of a second side of the sole area of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second straps function to secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position, the first and second straps can be temporarily secured together via a first attachment means; and a heel strap disposed on the heel portion of the shoe, the heel strap functions to further secure the foot portion of the athletic shoe in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A shoe closure system includes a plurality of fasteners corresponding to the pairs of eyelets in a shoe. Each fastener includes any elongated elastic member and releasably engageable male and female fastening devices secured to opposite ends of the elongated elastic member. The fastening devices and the elongated elastic member are cross-sectionally dimensioned to pass through the eyelets in the shoe. The male and female fastening devices are passed down through the eyelets in a respective pair of eyelets and are connected to one another at positions above the tongue of the shoe. The elasticity of the elongated elastic member holds the shoe in a comfortably closed position on the foot without having to tie the laces on the shoe. The elongated elastic member can be provided with indicia corresponding to a brand name, team name or logo.

Abstract: By way of example, a cam assembly and strap based closure system using a spiral is configured for bringing two sides of an article together. When the user inserts the strap into the cam assembly and turns a knob, the strap is driven into the cam assembly and the strap pins engage one or more cam spirals. The system is configured such that strap pins are engaged at a constant angle which may be self-locking. The system is infinitely adjustable and the torque felt by the knob is constant. The system is configured to be a quick release system and allows rapid insertion of the strap for faster operation.

Abstract: A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole constructed for receiving a foot having a toe section and an ankle section with at least two loops fixedly attached to the toe section; an interchangeable upper, or several interchangeable uppers, having loops for securing the upper to the loops of the sole of the footwear; such uppers and soles attached by specialized clips adapted to facilitate a wide variety of advantages.

Abstract: A tightening system for an article of footwear includes a cable disposed between an upper and a sole plate. The upper includes a flexible main body and an exoskeleton covering a portion of the flexible main body in an instep region. The cable is attached to the exoskeleton so that the exoskeleton is tightened to a wearer's foot when the cable length is effectively shortened and/or if the cable tension is increased. The instep region is devoid of the tightening system so that a smooth instep region is provided.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a molded plastic sole having an upstanding edge defining a perimeter of the sole and extending generally normally to a bottom section and an upper member formed of a sock like woven elastic fabric having a first modulus of elasticity and a foot receiving opening adhered to the inside of the sole and the upstanding edge. The woven upper member has a foot receiving opening bordered by an elastic binding which has a greater modulus of elasticity than that of the sole. A pair of elastic fabric straps having a greater modulus of elasticity than the sole have their opposed ends secured to spaced points on opposite sides of the foot opening so as to extend across the foot opening.

Abstract: A shoe having a lace fitting structure of the present invention includes, as its primary components, a first side panel 51 extending in an upward or diagonally upward direction along a medial side surface in a space inside a main upper 2M so as to wrap around the medial side surface of the foot, and a second side panel 52 extending in an upward or diagonally upward direction along a lateral side surface in the space inside the main upper so as to wrap around the lateral side surface of the foot, and a third eyelet 23 provided at a tip of each of the first and second side panels 51 and 52, shoelace means passing through and engaging with the third eyelets.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to an article of footwear and method of manufacturing that includes a first layer and a second layer configured to form a plurality of tunnels configured to receive a cord system. The manufacturing includes steps of placing a first layer, placing a cord on the first layer, securing the cord on the first layer, placing a second layer on the first layer and the cord, attaching the second layer to the first layer, and detaching the cord from the first layer. When the cord is secured with a thread, the thread may be removed by dissolving or cutting. The attaching of the second layer to the first layer can be completed by stitching or thermal welding, for example.

Abstract: A lacing element for a fastening system of an article of footwear is formed using a continuous strip of material that is folded across itself in a series of different directions to produce a plurality of folded loops. A first group of exposed folded loops form eyestays for a lace, with each eyestay being formed by a trailing edge of one exposed loop and a leading edge of an adjacent exposed loop. The trailing edge and the leading edge are formed by folded regions in the continuous strip of material that are points of contact for the lace. A second group of secured folded loops are disposed below the exposed loops and are used to attach the lacing element to an upper of the article of footwear.

Abstract: The present invention uses a particular configuration of intermediate stitches between eyelets and elastic connection to provide supplemental support for shoelaces. The intermediate stitches also called inter eyelet stitches provide connection between the shoe and a tongue for supplemental support. The elastic connection additionally provides connection between the shoe and the tongue. The laces having received the stitch support can then be omitted, or styled in a variety of different configurations according to fashion requirements. The intermediate stitches preferably are placed between the third and fourth eyelet, between the first and second eyelet, and below the first eyelet. The elastic connection is preferably configured by the top eyelet also called the fifth eyelet connecting to the tongue.

Abstract: A cleated sandal for use in athletic activities comprising a flexible sole and plural attachment straps for mounting the sandal on a foot or footwear of a wearer. A plurality of cleats for contacting a ground surface extend from a bottom side of the flexible sole at its toe and heel ends. The plural attachment straps include two vertical and two horizontal attachment straps each having a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom and top surfaces of each of the attachment straps are covered with suction mesh hairs which cling to each other when overlaid; hence, allowing portions of each strap to connect to each other to form secure loops and to tighten the sandal on the foot or footwear of the wearer. The attachment straps also are additionally connected to the sole through respective aligned buckles.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a shoe strap device designed to secure a shoe to a user's foot. The shoe strap device comprises a strap comprising a first end and a second end, wherein a first attachment device is secured to the first end of the strap and a second attachment device is secured to the second end of the strap. Typically, the attachment devices comprises a clip, a hook, a button, a snap or a hook and loop fastener that attaches to both sides of the shoe or other footwear device, which positions the strap over the top of a user's foot. Furthermore, the attachment devices of the shoe strap device are removably secured to an inside or outside of the shoe. Once the attachment devices are secured to both sides of the shoe, the strap is then secured over the dorsal portion of the user's foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sports shoe (1) having a shell (2) and a lacing system (3), with a cover (4) connected to the lacing system (3) being arranged on the upper side (5) of the shell (2).

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved shoe lace comprised of a plurality of bendable support elements permanently held within a limp material at each of the two end tips by a sleeve, whereby the lace enables children, and persons with physical disabilities, to more easily tie their shoes, as well as staying tied while wearing the improved shoe laces.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure and an upper that includes a foundation element, a tensile strand, and a securing strand. The tensile strand is located adjacent to an exterior surface of the foundation element and substantially parallel to the exterior surface for a distance of at least five centimeters. The securing strand joins or secures the tensile strand to the foundation element. Although the thicknesses may vary, a thickness of the tensile strand may be at least three times the thickness of the securing strand. In some configurations, a backing strand may also assist with joining the securing strand to the foundation element.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes a sole structure and an upper structure attached to the sole structure. The upper structure includes a vamp separated into medial and lateral portions, a tongue, and a lace. The tongue includes a main body portion and a first lace-retention feature attached to the main body portion. The main body portion has a first end attached to the medial and lateral portions, a second end that is moveable relative to the upper structure, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first lace-retention feature includes a first opening that receives the lace in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles with cavities capable of receiving objects as a result of extending an opening into a cavity capable of receiving the objects. For example, the opening in an article of footwear can be extended into the toe box to allow for the easier insertion and removal of a foot. The present invention also relates to systems that permit the article to be secured to the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: Fastening system for shoes which are fastened by way of fastening laces. An insert opening has interengaging tabs which have end-mounted deflection elements for guiding the shoelace. The laces are organized so that no crossover or overlapping shoe laces are present in the instep and ball region of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an arch wrap is disclosed. The arch wrap is configured to provide support to a midfoot. The arch wrap can include a plurality of eyelets that are configured to receive a lace of a lacing system of the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper with a knitted element formed through a flat knitting process. In one configuration, the knitted element has an area with a first layer and a second layer at least partially coextensive with the first layer. The first layer is formed of unitary construction with the second layer, and the second layer is joined to the first layer at opposite sides of the second layer. In another configuration, a knitted element for footwear includes a foot-receiving portion and one or more straps formed of unitary construction with the foot-receiving portion. The foot-receiving portion defines a void for receiving the foot, and the strap(s) extend outward from sides of the foot-receiving portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear that includes a sole defining a bending feature (e.g., a groove) between a phalanges portion and a metatarsus portion of the sole. The bending feature allows the phalanges sole portion to articulate upward with respect to the metatarsus sole portion. An upper is attached to the sole and defines a foot void for receiving a human foot. The upper has a phalanges portion that defines at least one toe receiver volume. The at least one toe receiver volume defines a raised shape with respect to an adjacent metatarsus portion of the upper. Articulation of the phalanges sole portion and substantially unrestricted toe lift movement into the at least one toe receiver volume allows substantially unrestricted upward toe flexion of a received foot in the foot void.

Abstract: Buckle type attachment elements, such as for belts, watch bands, or the like, and/or for securing or fastening elements (e.g., for footwear, handbags, briefcases, containers, or other objects) may be produced in a manner that generates minimal waste materials, without the use of metal or mechanical hardware type connectors, from completely recyclable materials, without the need for molding, without the use of plastics, and/or without the use of adhesives or cements. Such buckle elements may include a buckle portion and a tongue portion formed from the same material. In some structures, the tongue portion may be made from a part cut out to form the buckle portion. In other structures, the tongue portion may be formed by cutting slits into a base substrate that also makes up the buckle portion. Final products and methods of making such products also are described.