CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to an article of footwear including a toe cap.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Articles of footwear are generally configured to protect a foot from contact with
a traveling surface and/or objects, and often include two primary elements: an upper
and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from several material elements such
as textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather, and the
like that are stitched or adhesively bonded together. The upper may form a structure
that extends over and protects an instep and toe area of the foot, medial and lateral
sides of the foot, and a heel area of the foot.
[0004] The sole structure is generally attached to a lower portion of the upper and positioned
between the foot and the traveling surface. In many articles of footwear, including
athletic shoes, the sole structure may be a layered construction that generally incorporates
a comfort-enhancing insole, an impact-mitigating midsole, and a surface-contacting
outsole.
[0005] US2013/160328 A1 and
US2018/249787 A1 both disclose an article of footwear comprising: an upper having a medial side, a
lateral side opposite the medial side, a toe box, a heel portion spaced apart from
the toe box, and a forefoot portion disposed between the toe box and the heel portion;
wherein the forefoot portion has a first region having a first stiffness; a transition
region including an elastomeric transition layer disposed on and partially covering
the first region; wherein the transition region has a second stiffness that is greater
than the first stiffness; a toe cap disposed on and partially covering the elastomeric
transition layer at the toe box; and an ankle collar defining a foot-receiving cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in
nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a lateral side of an article
of footwear including an upper having a toe box and a forefoot portion adjacent the
toe box.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a top side of the forefoot
portion and toe box of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a medial side of the article
of footwear of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a rear of a heel portion
of the article of footwear of FIGS. 1-3.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a perspective view of a portion of an ankle
collar that is at least partially connected to the heel portion of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION
[0007] An article of footwear according to the claimed invention is defined in claim 1.
Dependent claims 2 to 15 relate to advantageous embodiments of the article of footwear
according to the claimed invention.
[0008] The present disclosure generally relates to an article of footwear that includes
a toe cap configured to comfortably protect a toe area of a foot. The article of footwear
includes an upper having a forefoot portion adjacent a toe box, and the toe cap is
disposed on an exterior of the article of footwear at the toe box. The toe cap is
formed from a stiff, non-metal material. The article of footwear also includes a transition
region that includes an elastomeric transition layer disposed between the upper and
the toe cap. The elastomeric transition layer underlays an edge or boundary of the
toe cap and therefore ensures a comfortable transition from the toe cap to the forefoot
portion.
[0009] The article of footwear may also include a tape adhered to a bite line at an interface
of the upper and a sole structure. The tape may be reflective and/or waterproof and
therefore may enhance a visibility of the article of footwear and mitigate moisture
transmission through the bite line.
[0010] Further, the article of footwear includes a heel portion and an ankle collar that
together define a seam channel. An entirety of the ankle collar is spaced apart from
the heel portion by the seam channel on the lateral side; a first portion of the ankle
collar is spaced apart from the heel portion by the seam channel on the medial side;
and a second portion of the ankle collar is connected to the heel portion on the medial
side. As such, the specific configurations of the heel portion, seam channel, and
ankle collar provide the user with excellent ankle support while allowing for fluid,
flexible movement of the ankle.
[0011] According to the claimed invention, an article of footwear includes an upper having
a toe box and a forefoot portion adjacent the toe box. The forefoot portion has a
first region having a first stiffness. The article of footwear also includes a transition
region including an elastomeric transition layer disposed on and partially covering
the first region. The transition region has a second stiffness that is greater than
the first stiffness. In addition, the article of footwear includes a toe cap disposed
on and partially covering the elastomeric transition layer at the toe box.
[0012] In an aspect, the toe cap may have a third stiffness that is greater than the second
stiffness.
[0013] According to the claimed invention, the elastomeric transition layer will partially
overlay the first region and partially underlay the toe cap.
[0014] According to the claimed invention, the upper has a heel portion spaced apart from
the toe box such that the forefoot portion is disposed between the heel portion and
the toe box. Further, the toe cap may have an arcuate edge facing the heel portion
that does not contact the first region.
[0015] In a further aspect, the elastomeric transition layer may have a first thickness
and the toe cap may have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.
[0016] In one or more configurations, the upper may have a medial side, a lateral side opposite
the medial side, and a second region abutting the first region and disposed along
at least one of the medial side and the lateral side. The second region may have a
fourth stiffness that is less than the first stiffness.
[0017] In an aspect, the second region may have a stiffening pattern that includes a plurality
of stiffened portions and a non-stiffened portion disposed between adjacent ones of
the plurality of stiffened portions.
[0018] In a further aspect, the forefoot portion may be formed from a fusible yarn having
a variable stiffness, and the first region and the plurality of stiffened portions
may include a fused thermoplastic.
[0019] In one or more configurations, the upper may have an exterior, and the article of
footwear may further include an ankle collar defining a foot-receiving cavity that
is spaced apart from the exterior; a sole structure attached to the upper at a bite
line disposed along the exterior; and a tape adhered to the sole structure and the
upper and covering the bite line.
[0020] In an aspect, the tape may be adhered to an entirety of the bite line such that the
tape encircles the sole structure at the bite line and covers a portion of the toe
cap.
[0021] In a further aspect, the tape may be formed form at least one of a light-reflective
material and a waterproof material configured to inhibit fluid transmission through
the bite line to the foot-receiving cavity.
[0022] According to the claimed invention, an article of footwear includes an upper having
a medial side, a lateral side opposite the medial side, a toe box, a heel portion
spaced apart from the toe box, and a forefoot portion disposed between the toe box
and the heel portion. The forefoot portion has a first region having a first stiffness.
The article of footwear also includes a transition region including an elastomeric
transition layer disposed on and partially covering the first region. The transition
region has a second stiffness that is greater than the first stiffness. The article
of footwear further includes a toe cap disposed on and partially covering the elastomeric
transition layer at the toe box, and an ankle collar defining a foot-receiving cavity.
The ankle collar and the heel portion define a seam channel therebetween such that
an entirety of the ankle collar is spaced apart from the heel portion by the seam
channel on the lateral side; a first portion of the ankle collar is spaced apart from
the heel portion by the seam channel on the medial side; and a second portion of the
ankle collar is connected to the heel portion on the medial side.
[0023] In an aspect, the ankle collar may be spaced apart from the forefoot portion by the
seam channel on the lateral side and the medial side.
[0024] In a further aspect, the heel portion may be spaced apart from the forefoot portion
by the seam channel on the lateral side and the medial side.
[0025] In yet another aspect, the seam channel may not completely encircle the ankle collar.
[0026] In one or more configurations, the ankle collar may be a unitary structure attached
to the forefoot portion at the seam channel such that the article of footwear does
not include a tongue connected to the forefoot portion.
[0027] In one aspect, the heel portion may include a padded heel cup having a contour, disposed
within the foot-receiving cavity, and extending from the medial side to the lateral
side.
[0028] In another aspect, the seam channel may abut the contour on the lateral side such
that the seam channel completely divides the ankle collar from the heel portion on
the lateral side. The seam channel may abut the contour on the medial side such that
the ankle collar is partially attached to the heel portion on the medial side.
[0029] In yet another aspect, the upper may have an exterior spaced apart from the foot-receiving
cavity. The toe cap may be formed from a non-metal and may be disposed on the exterior
at the toe box.
[0030] In one or more configurations, the article of footwear may also include a sole structure
attached to the upper at a bite line, and a tape adhered to the sole structure and
the upper on the exterior. The tape may cover an entirety of the bite line such that
the tape encircles the sole structure.
[0031] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present
teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes
for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
[0032] Referring to the Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements,
an article of footwear 10 is shown generally in FIG. 1. The article of footwear 10
may be useful for applications requiring excellent protection for a toe area of a
foot. In particular, the article of footwear 10 includes a toe cap 12 configured to
enhance both toe protection and comfort for a user. As such, the article of footwear
10 may be useful for, by way of non-limiting examples, athletic footwear and industrial
footwear configured for walking, running, and/or working in an environment in which
objects or obstacles may otherwise contact the toe area of a user. The article of
footwear 10 illustrated herein is generally depicted as athletic footwear configured
for sports such as walking and running, but the article of footwear 10 and toe cap
12 are not limited to running shoes or other sports shoes. Rather, the toe cap 12
and other features of the article of footwear 10 may also be used for footwear for
various other sports such as, but not limited to, tennis, football, soccer, basketball,
or in other types of footwear, such as a protective shoe, a leisure shoe, a dress
shoe, a work shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a boot, or any other category of footwear.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, the article of footwear 10 includes an upper 14 having
a toe box 16 and a forefoot portion 18 adjacent the toe box 16. The upper 14 also
has a heel portion 20 spaced apart from the toe box 16 such that the forefoot portion
18 is disposed between the heel portion 20 and the toe box 16. More specifically,
the upper 14 may also include a midfoot portion 22 disposed between the heel portion
20 and the forefoot portion 18. In addition, the article of footwear 10 includes an
ankle collar 24 defining a foot-receiving cavity 26. The upper 14 may have an exterior
28 spaced apart from the foot-receiving cavity 26, and may incorporate a lacing or
fastening system 30 to adjust a fit of the article of footwear 10 on the foot.
[0034] In one embodiment, the article of footwear 10 may not include a sock liner. Instead,
the article of footwear 10 may be formed using a strobel construction in which the
upper 14 may be sewn to a padded surface. For example, the padded surface may be comparatively
thicker than average, i.e., include a comparatively large amount of padding, may be
formed from ethylene-vinyl acetate, and may be adhered to the midsole and stitched
to the upper 14 to define an edge seam. Further, the edge seam may not be perceptible
to the user (such as a stitch that may contact the foot within the foot-receiving
cavity 26), but may instead be a smooth seam. For this construction, an upper surface
of the midsole may also be contoured for comfort and support of the foot.
[0035] The forefoot portion 18, the midfoot portion 22, the heel portion 20, and the ankle
collar 24 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the article of footwear 10,
but are instead intended to represent general areas of the article of footwear 10
to aid in the following discussion. That is, the toe box 16 may generally include
portions of the article of footwear 10 corresponding with the toes. The forefoot portion
18 may generally include portions of the article of footwear 10 corresponding with
the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot portion 22 may
generally include portions of the article of footwear 10 corresponding with an arch
area and instep of the foot. An instep portion 32 of the upper 14, also referred to
as a top portion, may extend over a top of the foot in the forefoot portion 18 and
the midfoot portion 22. The heel portion 20 may correspond with a rear portion of
the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The ankle collar 24 may corresponds with an
ankle.
[0036] Accordingly, the article of footwear 10 and toe cap 12 provide both comfort and excellent
protection of the toe area. In particular, a transition region 34 including an elastomeric
transition layer 36 that may cooperate with the toe cap 12 may enhance a comfort and
protection of the toes and/or foot of the user, as set forth in more detail below.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 2, the forefoot portion 18 has a first region 38 having a first
stiffness 40. In particular, the forefoot portion 18 and first region 38 may be formed
from a fabric set or fused to the first stiffness 40. For example, the forefoot portion
18 may be formed from a fusible yarn having a variable stiffness, and the first region
38 may include a fused thermoplastic. That is, as used herein, the terminology fusible
yarn may refer to a comparatively low-melt multi-filament yarn, formed from, for example,
a comparatively low-melt thermoplastic, such as polyamide or polyester, that may be
stitched into a textile or fabric, e.g., the forefoot portion 18. As heat is applied
to specific areas of a textile or fabric formed from the fusible yarn, the specific
areas may melt and stiffen or harden.
[0038] As such, as best shown in FIG. 2, the first region 38 of the forefoot portion 18
may include fused thermoplastic and may therefore be stiffer than other regions that
have not been heated or melted or fused to the same degree as the first region 38.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the upper 14 may have a medial side 44, a lateral
side 46 opposite the medial side 44, and a second region 48 abutting the first region
38 and disposed along at least one of the medial side 44 and the lateral side 46.
The second region 48 may have a fourth stiffness 50 that is less than the first stiffness
40. That is, the first region 38 may be stiffer than the second region 48.
[0039] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, in one non-limiting example, the second
region 48 may include a stiffening pattern 52 that includes a plurality of stiffened
portions 54 and a non-stiffened portion 42 disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality
of stiffened portions 54. That is, the stiffening pattern 52 may include areas or
zones of a comparatively stiffer material, i.e., the plurality of stiffened portions
54, that may include the fused thermoplastic as set forth above. Although shown as
extending along both the medial side 44 and lateral side 46 of the article of footwear
10, the stiffening pattern 52 may extend along only one of the medial side 44 and
lateral side 46, may extend along an entirety of the medial side 44 and/or lateral
side, and/or may extend along only a section of the medial side and/or lateral side
46.
[0040] The stiffening pattern 52 may be arranged in any configuration. For example, the
non-stiffened portion 42 may extend between the plurality of stiffened portions 54
to form a web or matrix as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Alternatively or additionally,
the plurality of stiffened portions 54 may be configured as protrusions extending
from the non-stiffened portions 42 as shown in the instep portion 32 of FIG. 2. In
another configuration, although not shown, the stiffening pattern 52 may be arranged
as a logo or brand indicia or other shape.
[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, the article of footwear 10 also includes a transition
region 34 including an elastomeric transition layer 36 disposed on and partially covering
the first region 38. The transition region 34 has a second stiffness 56 that is greater
than the first stiffness 40. That is, the elastomeric transition layer 36 may increase
a stiffness of the transition region 34 such that the transition region 34 is stiffer
than the first region 38.
[0042] In one example, the elastomeric transition layer 36 may be formed from a flexible,
stretchable tape that may adhere to at least a part of the first region 38. For example,
the elastomeric transition layer 36 may be formed from a thermoplastic polyurethane
layer that may be shaped to adhere and extend from the medial side 44 to the lateral
side 46 at the toe box 16. The elastomeric transition layer 36 may have a first thickness
58 that is sufficient to withstand creasing and wrinkling of the elastomeric transition
layer 36 as the foot bends and a weight of the user pivots to the toes within the
article of footwear 10.
[0043] Referring again to FIG. 2, the article of footwear 10 further includes a toe cap
12 disposed on and partially covering the elastomeric transition layer 36 at the toe
box 16. That is, the elastomeric transition layer 36 will partially overlay the first
region 38 and partially underlay the toe cap 12. The toe cap 12 may have a third stiffness
60 that is greater than the second stiffness 56. That is, the toe cap 12 may be stiffer
than the transition region 34. Further, the toe cap 12 may have a second thickness
82 that is greater than the first thickness 58. That is, the toe cap 12 may be thicker
than the elastomeric transition layer 36.
[0044] The toe cap 12 may be formed from a non-metal and may be disposed on the exterior
28 at the toe box 16. For example, the toe cap 12 may be formed from rubber, vinyl,
leather, and the like and may be configured to protect the toe box 16 and toes of
the user from impact with an object or obstacle. The toe cap 12 may be formed from
an electrically-insulating material that may not conduct electrical energy to the
article of footwear 10. In one example, the toe cap 12 may be formed from a rubber
having a durometer of from 70 to 100 on the Shore A hardness scale, e.g., 75 or 80
or 85 or 90 or 95 on the Shore A hardness scale. Such hardness may protect the toes
of the user from contact with an object or obstacle during walking or running, for
example. Accordingly, the article of footwear 10 may be useful for urban or rugged
or industrial applications requiring enhanced yet comfortable toe protection.
[0045] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the toe cap 12 may have an arcuate edge 62 facing
the heel portion 20 that may not contact the first region 38. That is, the transition
region 34 may soften a feel of the arcuate edge 62 as the user bends the foot at the
toes. More specifically, the elastomeric transition layer 36 may cushion or soften
the comparatively hard arcuate edge 62 as the toes abut the upper 14 at the toe box
16 within the foot-receiving cavity 26 during use. That is, since the transition region
34 is stiffer than the first region 38, the transition region 34 may protect the toes
from contact with the arcuate edge 62. Although the toe cap 12 may be formed from
a sufficiently hard material to protect the toes from contact with an object or obstacle,
and therefore may include the comparatively hard arcuate edge 62, the article of footwear
10 may be comfortable for the user since the elastomeric transition layer 36 guards
the toes and forefoot portion 18 from contact with the arcuate edge 62.
[0046] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 3, the article of footwear 10 may also include a sole
structure 64 attached to the upper 14 at a bite line 66 disposed along the exterior
28. The sole structure 64 may be configured to provide subjacent support for the foot.
The sole structure 64 may be generally attached to a lower portion of the upper 14
at the bite line 66 and may be positioned between the foot and the ground. As such,
the bite line 66 may be appear as a crease or boundary between the upper 14 and the
sole structure 64 and may encircle the article of footwear 10.
[0047] Although not shown in detail, generally, the sole structure 64 may be a layered construction
that may incorporate a comfort-enhancing insole, an impact-mitigating midsole, and
a surface-contacting outsole. The insole (not shown) may be located partially or entirely
within the upper 14 and may be a thin and compressible member that provides a contact
surface for an underside of the foot. The midsole (not shown) may be mounted underneath
the insole and may form a middle layer of the sole structure 64. In addition to attenuating
ground reaction forces, the midsole may help to control foot motion and impart stability.
The outsole (not shown) may form the ground-contacting portion of the article of footwear
10 and may be fabricated from a durable and wear-resistant material that includes
features for improving traction.
[0048] As described with continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the article of footwear 10
may further include a tape 68 adhered to the sole structure 64 and the upper 14 and
covering the bite line 66. That is, the tape 68 may be adhered to an entirety of the
bite line 66 such that the tape 68 encircles the sole structure 64 at the bite line
66 and covers a portion 70 of the toe cap 12. In other words, the tape 68 may be adhered
to the sole structure 64 and the upper 14 on the exterior 28, and may cover the entirety
of the bite line 66 such that the tape 68 encircles the sole structure 64. That is,
the tape 68 may encircle the exterior 28 along the bite line 66.
[0049] The tape 68 may be formed from at least one of a light-reflective material and a
waterproof material configured to inhibit fluid transmission through the bite line
66 to the foot-receiving cavity 26. That is, the tape 68 may be a reflective tape
and/or a waterproof tape. In one example, the tape 68 may be a thermally fused tape.
In another example, the tape 68 may be as a self-fusing silicone rubber tape or a
self-vulcanizing silicone rubber tape. In yet another example, the tape 68 may be
a self-fusing ethylene propylene rubber tape. Further, the tape 68 may include an
additive such as iron-oxide and may have a comparatively high thermal conductivity.
As such, the article of footwear 10 may be suitable for use in wet, dark, and/or high
vehicular traffic areas, such as in urban or industrial environments.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, according to the claimed invention, the ankle
collar 24 and the heel portion 20 define a seam channel 72 therebetween. The specific
configurations of the heel portion 20, seam channel 72, and ankle collar 24 set forth
below may provide the user with excellent ankle support while allowing for fluid,
flexible movement of the ankle.
[0051] The seam channel 72 may be an indentation or valley or depression defined between
the heel portion 20 and the ankle collar 24. According to the claimed invention, the
ankle collar 24 and the heel portion 20 define the seam channel 72 therebetween such
that an entirety of the ankle collar 24 is spaced apart from the heel portion 20 by
the seam channel 72 on the lateral side 46; a first portion 74 (FIG. 3) of the ankle
collar 24 is spaced apart from the heel portion 20 by the seam channel 72 on the medial
side 44; and a second portion 76 (FIG. 3) of the ankle collar 24 is connected to the
heel portion 20 on the medial side 44.
[0052] That is, as described by comparing FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the seam channel 72 completely
divides the ankle collar 24 from the heel portion 20 on the lateral side 46 as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 4. However, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the seam channel 72 only extends
along a portion of the medial side 44 such that the first portion 74 of the ankle
collar 24 is separated from the heel portion 20 and the second portion 76 of the ankle
collar 24 is connected to the heel portion 20.
[0053] Further, the ankle collar 24 may be spaced apart from the forefoot portion 18 by
the seam channel 72 on the lateral side 46 and the medial side 44. Similarly, the
heel portion 20 may be spaced apart from the forefoot portion 18 by the seam channel
72 on the lateral side 46 and the medial side 44. As such, as shown in FIG. 3, the
seam channel 72 may not completely encircle the ankle collar 24. Further, as shown
in FIG. 2, the ankle collar 24 may be a unitary structure attached to the forefoot
portion 18 at the seam channel 72 such that the article of footwear 10 does not include
a tongue connected to the forefoot portion 18. That is, the ankle collar 24 may form
a complete, unbroken, generally circular or elongated entry point for the foot.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 5, the heel portion 20 may also include a padded heel cup 78
having a contour 80. The padded heel cup 78 may be disposed within the foot-receiving
cavity 26 and may extend from the medial side 44 to the lateral side 46. The padded
heel cup 78 may support and cradle an ankle bone of the foot to enhance the comfort
of the article of footwear 10 and provide the ankle bone with protection from side
impact during use. In particular, the seam channel 72 may abut the contour 80 on the
lateral side 46 such that the seam channel 72 completely divides the ankle collar
24 from the heel portion 20 on the lateral side 46. Further, the seam channel 72 may
abut the contour 80 on the medial side 44 such that the ankle collar 24 is partially
attached to the heel portion 20 on the medial side 44. As such, the padded heel cup
78 and ankle collar 24 may provide the article of footwear 10 with excellent flexibility
and ease of movement on the medial side 44.
[0055] In addition, referring to the lacing or fastening system 30 shown generally in FIGS.
1-3, the lacing or fastening system 30 may include four or more lace loops spaced
apart from one another along each of the medial side 44 and lateral side 46 of the
article of footwear 10. For example, the lacing or fastening system 30 may include
seven lace loops extending from the stiffened portion 54 of the midfoot portion 22
towards the instep portion 32 on each of the medial side 44 and the lateral side 46.
A lace may extend through each of the lace loops that is configured to fasten the
article of footwear 10 to the foot.
[0056] As described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, a top lace loop may
extend through the ankle collar 24, and a bottom lace loop may be disposed near a
top edge of the tape 68 at a front of the article of footwear 10. More specifically,
referring to the lateral side 46 of the article of footwear 10 shown in FIG. 1, a
first end of the top lace loop may extend through the ankle collar 24 towards the
heel portion 20, and a second end of the top lace loop may be fastened to the heel
portion 20 on the lateral side 46. Similarly, referring to the medial side 44 shown
in FIG. 3, the first end of the top lace loop may extend through the ankle collar
24 towards the heel portion 20, and the second end of the top lace loop may be fastened
to the heel portion 20 on the medial side 44. That is, each top lace loop may form
a continuous loop that extends from the heel portion 20 to and through the ankle collar
24. As such, as the lace is pulled taught, the top lace loop may pull down a tongue
portion of the ankle collar 24 towards a top portion of the ankle while concurrently
causing the padded heel cup 78 (FIG. 5) to cinch inward to opposing sides of an Achilles
tendon of the user above the calcaneus bone of the user. Therefore, the top lace loops
provide the article of footwear 10 with a customizable, secure fit while also allowing
flexibility of movement.
[0057] Accordingly, the article of footwear 10 enhances comfort, protection for the toes,
and flexibility of movement. That is, the article of footwear 10 enhances comfort
via the transition region 34 and elastomeric transition layer 36, protects the foot
via the toe cap 12 and padded heel cup 78, and provides for flexibility of movement
via the heel portion 20 at least partially connected to the ankle collar 24 on the
medial side 44. The article of footwear 10 may be especially suitable for urban environments
in which a user may encounter a) objects or obstacles that may impact the toe cap
12, b) moisture that may otherwise enter the foot-receiving cavity 26 at the bite
line 66 but-for the tape 68, and/or c) uneven surfaces requiring agile and nimble
bending at the ankle.
[0058] To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined
herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this
specification (including the claims).
[0059] Assembled, ready-to-wear articles of footwear 10 (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.)
and discrete components of articles of footwear 10 (such as a midsole, an outsole,
an upper 14, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready-to-wear articles of footwear
10 are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural
as "article(s) of footwear 10".
[0060] All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification,
unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including
the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the
term "about" whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About"
indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some
approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value;
nearly). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the
art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein indicates at least variations
that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. As used
in the description and the accompanying claims, a value is considered to be "approximately"
equal to a stated value if it is neither more than 5 percent greater than nor more
than 5 percent less than the stated value. In addition, a disclosure of a range is
to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges
within the range.
[0061] The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify
the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do
not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,
elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered
when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this
specification, the term "or" includes any one and all combinations of the associated
listed items. The term "any of" is understood to include any possible combination
of referenced items, including "any one of" the referenced items. The term "any of"
is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended
claims, including "any one of" the referenced claims.
[0062] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout
this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above", "below", "upward",
"downward", "top", "bottom", etc., may be used descriptively relative to the Figures,
without representing limitations on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the
claims.
[0063] The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a length of a component.
For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot portion
18 and the heel portion 20 of the shoe. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to
refer to the general direction from the heel portion 20 toward the forefoot portion
18, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction,
i.e., the direction from the forefoot portion 18 toward the heel portion 20. In some
cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward
and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or
axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.
[0064] The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For
example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side 46 and a
medial side 44 of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred
to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.
[0065] The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral
and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where the sole structure 64 is
planted flat on a ground or traveling surface, the vertical direction may extend from
the ground or traveling surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional
adjectives may be applied to individual components of the sole structure 64. The term
"upward" or "upwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the
component, which may include the instep portion 32, a fastening region and/or a throat
of the upper 14. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical direction
pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may
generally point towards the bottom of the sole structure 64 of the article of footwear
10.
[0066] The "interior" of the article of footwear 10, such as a shoe, refers to portions
at the space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "inner
side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will
be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear 10 in an
assembled article of footwear 10. The "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers
to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the
interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be
between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of
footwear 10. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component
and the space external to the assembled article of footwear 10. Further, the terms
"inward" and "inwardly" refer to the direction toward the interior of the component
or article of footwear 10, such as a shoe, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly"
refer to the direction toward the exterior 28 of the component or article of footwear
10, such as the shoe. In addition, the term "proximal" refers to a direction that
is nearer a center of a footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot
is inserted in the article of footwear 10 as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term
"distal" refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear
component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear
10 as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood
to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.
[0067] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be
exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within
the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination
with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless
specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except
in light of the attached claims.
[0068] Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached
claims.
[0069] While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have
been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate
will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that
are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained
in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted
as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that
an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally
equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and
not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.
1. An article of footwear (10) comprising:
an upper (14) having a medial side (44), a lateral side (46) opposite the medial side,
a toe box (16), a heel portion (20) spaced apart from the toe box, and a forefoot
portion (18) disposed between the toe box and the heel portion;
wherein the forefoot portion has a first region (38) having a first stiffness (40);
a transition region (34) including an elastomeric transition layer (36) disposed on
and partially covering the first region;
wherein the transition region has a second stiffness (56) that is greater than the
first stiffness;
a toe cap (12) disposed on and partially covering the elastomeric transition layer
at the toe box; and
an ankle collar (24) defining a foot-receiving cavity (26);
wherein the ankle collar and the heel portion define a seam channel (72) therebetween
such that:
an entirety of the ankle collar is spaced apart from the heel portion by the seam
channel on the lateral side;
a first portion (74) of the ankle collar is spaced apart from the heel portion by
the seam channel on the medial side; and
a second portion (76) of the ankle collar is connected to the heel portion on the
medial side.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the ankle collar is spaced apart from
the forefoot portion by the seam channel on the lateral side and the medial side.
3. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-2, wherein the heel portion is spaced apart
from the forefoot portion by the seam channel on the lateral side and the medial side.
4. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein the seam channel does not completely
encircle the ankle collar.
5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the ankle collar is a unitary structure
attached to the forefoot portion at the seam channel such that the article of footwear
does not include a tongue connected to the forefoot portion.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the heel portion includes a padded heel
cup (78) having a contour (80), disposed within the foot-receiving cavity, and extending
from the medial side to the lateral side.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the seam channel abuts the contour on
the lateral side such that the seam channel completely divides the ankle collar from
the heel portion on the lateral side, and further wherein the seam channel abuts the
contour on the medial side such that the ankle collar is partially attached to the
heel portion on the medial side.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper has an exterior (28) spaced
apart from the foot-receiving cavity, and further wherein the toe cap is formed from
a non-metal and disposed on the exterior at the toe box.
9. The article of footwear of claim 8, further including:
a sole structure (64) attached to the upper at a bite line (66); and
a tape (68) adhered to the sole structure and the upper on the exterior and covering
an entirety of the bite line such that the tape encircles the sole structure.
10. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the toe cap has a third stiffness (60)
that is greater than the second stiffness.
11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric transition layer partially
overlays the first region and partially underlays the toe cap.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the toe cap has an arcuate edge (62) facing
the heel portion that does not contact the first region.
13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric transition layer has a
first thickness (58) and the toe cap has a second thickness (82) that is greater than
the first thickness.
14. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the upper has a second region (48) abutting
the first region and disposed along at least one of the medial side and the lateral
side, and further wherein the second region has a fourth stiffness (50) that is less
than the first stiffness.
15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the second region has a stiffening pattern
(52) that includes a plurality of stiffened portions (54) and a non-stiffened portion
(42) disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of stiffened portions.
1. Schuhwerk (10), umfassend:
ein Oberteil (14) mit einer medialen Seite (44), einer lateralen Seite (46) gegenüber
der medialen Seite, einem Zehenraum (16), einem Fersenabschnitt (20), der von dem
Zehenraum beabstandet ist, und einem Vorderfußabschnitt (18), der zwischen dem Zehenraum
und dem Fersenabschnitt angeordnet ist;
wobei der Vorderfußabschnitt einen ersten Bereich (38) mit einer ersten Steifigkeit
(40) aufweist;
einen Übergangsbereich (34), enthaltend eine elastomere Übergangsschicht (36),
die auf dem ersten Bereich angeordnet ist und diesen teilweise bedeckt;
wobei der Übergangsbereich eine zweite Steifigkeit (56) aufweist, die größer als die
erste Steifigkeit ist;
eine Zehenkappe (12), die bei dem Zehenraum auf der elastomeren Übergangsschicht angeordnet
ist und diese teilweise bedeckt; und
eine Knöchelmanschette (24), die einen Fußaufnahmehohlraum (26) definiert;
wobei die Knöchelmanschette und der Fersenabschnitt einen Saumkanal (72) dazwischen
definieren, so dass:
eine Gesamtheit der Knöchelmanschette von dem Fersenabschnitt durch den Saumkanal
auf der lateralen Seite beabstandet ist;
ein erster Abschnitt (74) der Knöchelmanschette von dem Fersenabschnitt durch den
Saumkanal auf der medialen Seite beabstandet ist; und
ein zweiter Abschnitt (76) der Knöchelmanschette mit dem Fersenabschnitt auf der medialen
Seite verbunden ist.
2. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Knöchelmanschette durch den Saumkanal auf der
lateralen Seite und der medialen Seite von dem Vorderfußabschnitt beabstandet ist.
3. Schuhwerk nach einem der Ansprüche 1-2, wobei der Fersenabschnitt durch den Saumkanal
auf der lateralen Seite und der medialen Seite von dem Vorderfußabschnitt beabstandet
ist.
4. Schuhwerk nach einem der Ansprüche 1-3, wobei der Saumkanal die Knöchelmanschette
nicht vollständig umschließt.
5. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Knöchelmanschette eine einheitliche Struktur
darstellt, die an dem Vorderfußabschnitt bei dem Saumkanal befestigt ist, so dass
das Schuhwerk keine mit dem Vorderfußabschnitt verbundene Zunge einschließt.
6. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Fersenabschnitt eine gefütterte Fersenschale
(78) mit einer Kontur (80) einschließt, die innerhalb des Fußaufnahmehohlraums angeordnet
ist und sich von der medialen Seite zur lateralen Seite erstreckt.
7. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Saumkanal an der Kontur auf der lateralen Seite
anliegt, so dass der Saumkanal die Knöchelmanschette vollständig von dem Fersenabschnitt
auf der lateralen Seite trennt, und wobei weiter der Saumkanal an der Kontur auf der
medialen Seite anliegt, so dass die Knöchelmanschette teilweise an dem Fersenabschnitt
auf der medialen Seite befestigt ist.
8. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Oberteil eine Außenseite (28) aufweist, die von
dem Fußaufnahmehohlraum beabstandet ist, und wobei weiter die Zehenkappe aus einem
Nichtmetall gebildet und auf der Außenseite bei dem Zehenraum angeordnet ist.
9. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 8, weiter enthaltend:
eine Sohlenstruktur (64), die bei einer Bisslinie (66) an dem Oberteil befestigt ist;
und
ein Band (68), das an die Sohlenstruktur und das Oberteil auf der Außenseite geklebt
ist und eine Gesamtheit der Bisslinie bedeckt, so dass das Band die Sohlenstruktur
umschließt.
10. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zehenkappe eine dritte Steifigkeit (60) aufweist,
die größer als die zweite Steifigkeit ist.
11. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die elastomere Übergangsschicht teilweise über dem
ersten Bereich und teilweise unter der Zehenkappe liegt.
12. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Zehenkappe einen bogenförmigen Rand (62) aufweist,
der dem Fersenabschnitt zugewandt ist und den ersten Bereich nicht berührt.
13. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei die elastomere Übergangsschicht eine erste Dicke
(58) aufweist und die Zehenkappe eine zweite Dicke (82) aufweist, die größer als die
erste Dicke ist.
14. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Oberteil einen zweiten Bereich (48) aufweist,
der an den ersten Bereich anliegt und entlang mindestens einer von der medialen Seite
und der lateralen Seite angeordnet ist, und wobei weiter der zweite Bereich eine vierte
Steifigkeit (50) aufweist, die geringer als die erste Steifigkeit ist.
15. Schuhwerk nach Anspruch 14, wobei der zweite Bereich eine Versteifungsstruktur (52)
aufweist, die eine Mehrzahl von versteiften Abschnitten (54) und einen nicht-versteiften
Abschnitt (42) einschließt, der zwischen benachbarten Abschnitten der Mehrzahl von
versteiften Abschnitten angeordnet ist.
1. Article chaussant (10) comprenant :
une tige (14) présentant un côté médial (44), un côté latéral (46) à l'opposé du côté
médial, un bout dur (16), une partie de talon (20) écartée du bout dur, et une partie
d'avant-pied (18) disposée entre le bout dur et la partie de talon ;
dans lequel la partie d'avant-pied présente une première zone (38) présentant une
première rigidité (40) ;
une zone de transition (34) comprenant une couche de transition élastomère (36) disposée
sur et recouvrant partiellement la première zone ;
dans lequel la zone de transition présente une deuxième rigidité (56) supérieure à
la première rigidité ;
un bout renforcé (12) se trouvant sur et recouvrant partiellement la couche de transition
élastomère sur le bout dur ; et
un collet de cheville (24) définissant une cavité recevant le pied (26) ;
dans lequel le collet de cheville et la partie de talon définissent une lèvre de couture
(72) entre eux de sorte que :
l'entièreté du collet de cheville est écarté de la partie de talon par une lèvre de
couture sur le côté latéral ;
une première partie (74) du collet de cheville est écarté de la partie de talon par
la lèvre de couture sur le côté médial ; et
une deuxième partie (76) du collet de cheville est raccordée à la partie de talon
sur le côté médial.
2. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le collet de cheville est
écarté de la partie d'avant-pied par la lèvre de couture sur le côté latéral et le
côté médial.
3. Article chaussant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-2, dans lequel la partie
de talon est écartée de la partie d'avant-pied par la lèvre de couture sur le côté
latéral et le côté médial.
4. Article chaussant selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3, dans lequel la lèvre
de couture n'encercle pas complètement le collet de cheville.
5. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le collet de cheville est
une structure unitaire attachée à la partie d'avant-pied sur la lèvre de couture de
sorte que l'article chaussant ne comprend pas de languette raccordée à la partie d'avant-pied.
6. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie de talon comprend
une coupelle de talon rembourrée (78) présentant un contour (80), disposée à l'intérieur
de la cavité recevant le pied, et s'étendant du côté médial au côté latéral.
7. Article chaussant selon la revendication 6, dans lequel la lèvre de couture aboute
au contour sur le côté latéral de sorte que la lèvre de couture divise complètement
le collet de cheville à partir de la partie de talon sur le côté latéral, et en outre,
dans lequel la lèvre de couture aboute au contour sur le côté médial de sorte que
le collet de cheville est partiellement attaché à la partie de talon sur le côté médial.
8. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la tige a un extérieur (28)
écarté de la cavité recevant le pied et en outre dans lequel le bout renforcé est
formé d'un non-métal et est disposé sur l'extérieur sur le bout dur.
9. Article chaussant selon la revendication 8, comprenant en outre :
une structure de semelle (64) attachée à la tige sur une ligne de mordant (66) ; et
une bande (68) adhérant à la structure de semelle et la tige sur l'extérieur et recouvrant
l'intégralité de la ligne de mordant de sorte que la bande encercle la structure de
semelle.
10. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le bout renforcé présente
une troisième rigidité (60) qui est supérieure à la deuxième rigidité.
11. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la couche de transition élastomère
recouvre partiellement par le dessus la première zone et recouvre partiellement par
le dessous le bout renforcé.
12. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le bout renforcé présente
un bord arqué (62) faisant face à la partie de talon qui n'entre pas en contact avec
la première zone.
13. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la couche de transition élastomère
présente une première épaisseur (58) et le bout renforcé présente une deuxième épaisseur
(82) supérieure à la première épaisseur.
14. Article chaussant selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la tige présente une deuxième
zone (48) aboutant à la première zone et disposée le long d'au moins l'un du côté
médial et du côté latéral, et en outre dans lequel la deuxième zone présente une quatrième
rigidité (50) qui est inférieure à la première rigidité.
15. Article chaussant selon la revendication 14, dans lequel la deuxième zone présente
un modèle de rigidités (52) qui comprend une pluralité de parties rigidifiées (54)
et une partie non rigidifiée (42) disposée entre celles adjacentes de la pluralité
des parties rigidifiées.