US20200205518A1 - Footwear article with collar elevator - Google Patents

Abstract

A footwear article includes a collar elevator that returns an ankle collar from a lowered state that is conducive to donning up to a raised state that secures the wearer's foot during wear. The collar elevator may be arranged at various positions among the footwear article, such as above or below a strobel. The collar elevator may be coupled to the footwear article using various connectors. The footwear article may have other features, such as an ankle collar, that are configured in a manner to work together with the collar elevator.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/785,969 (filed Dec. 28, 2019), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This disclosure relates to a footwear article having a collar elevator.
BACKGROUND
• Some footwear articles include an ankle collar that is manipulated when the footwear article is put on. For example, the ankle collar may be depressed towards the sole as the wearer's foot is slid into the upper. Furthermore, some of these footwear articles include a collar elevator operable to move the ankle collar from the depressed or lowered state to the raised state. An example of one type of collar elevator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,527, and examples of other collar elevators are described in US Pat. Pub. 2018/0110292 and US Pat. Pub. 2018/0289109.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Some subject matter described in this disclosure makes reference to drawing figures, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
• FIG. 1 depicts a side view of a footwear article in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the footwear article ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 3A-3C depict another footwear article having a collar elevator in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 4A-4C depict another footwear article having an alternative collar elevator in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 5A depicts a footwear article that is at least partially deconstructed in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 5B depicts various couplings that may be used to attach various portions of a collar elevator to an upper in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 6A depicts another footwear article that is at least partially deconstructed in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of the footwear article inFIG. 6A in which the footwear article is at least partially assembled in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 7A-7C depict alternative outer and inner material layers for an upper in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of a footwear article in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 9A-9D depict various alternative collar elevators in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 10A-10C depict various alternative soles in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIG. 10D depicts a cross-sectional view of the sole depicted inFIG. 10C in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
• FIGS. 11A and 11B depict another alternative footwear article in accordance with an aspect of this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Subject matter is described throughout this Specification in detail and with specificity in order to meet statutory requirements. The aspects described throughout this Specification are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the description itself is not intended necessarily to limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be practiced in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements that are equivalent to the ones described in this Specification and that are in conjunction with other present technologies or future technologies. Upon reading the present disclosure, alternative aspects may become apparent to ordinary skilled artisans that practice in areas relevant to the described aspects, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by, and is within the scope of, the claims.
• The subject matter described in this Specification generally relates to, among other things, a footwear article that may be slipped on with minimal to no adjustments needed by one's hands, including manufactures and methods associated therewith. In some aspects, the footwear article may include a collar elevator that moves an ankle collar from a lowered state to a raised state.
• Before describing the figures in more detail, some additional explanation will now be provided related to certain terminology that may be used in this disclosure.
• “A,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” might be used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. When such terminology is used, a plurality of such items might be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 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. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. All references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety.
• 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.
• For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives might be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated examples. Ordinary skilled artisans 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 invention, as defined by the claims.
• The term “longitudinal,” as possibly used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. 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.
• The term “transverse,” as possibly used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side 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.
• The term “vertical,” as possibly used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region, and/or a throat of an upper. 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 a sole structure of an article of footwear.
• The “interior” of an article of footwear, 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 in an assembled article of footwear. 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. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as a 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 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 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.
• In order to aid in the explanation of, and understanding of, aspects of this Specification, reference is now made toFIGS. 1 and 2 to describe elements of atypical footwear article10, which may include a tongue reinforcer.FIG. 1 depicts a lateral side of thefootwear article10, andFIG. 2 depicts a top of the footwear article. When describing the various figures mentioned in this disclosure, like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views.
• Thefootwear article10 includes at least two primary elements including asole structure12 and an upper14. When thefootwear article10 is worn (as intended on a foot), thesole structure12 is typically positioned near the foot plantar surface (i.e., the bottom of the foot). Thesole structure12 may protect the bottom of the foot, and in addition, may attenuate ground-reaction forces, absorb energy, provide traction, and control foot motion, such as pronation and supination. The upper14 is coupled to thesole structure12, and together with thesole structure12, forms a foot-receivingcavity16. That is, while thesole structure12 typically encloses the bottom of the foot, the upper14 extends over, and at least partially covers, a dorsal portion of the foot (i.e., the top of the foot or the instep) and secures thefootwear article10 to the foot. The upper14 includes a foot-insertion opening18, through which a foot is inserted when thefootwear article10 is put on as the foot is arranged into the foot-receivingcavity16.
• As indicated inFIG. 1, thefootwear article10 may include aforefoot region20, amidfoot region22, aheel region24, and anankle region26. Theforefoot region20, themidfoot region22, and theheel region24 extend through thesole structure12 and the upper14. Theankle region26 is located in a portion of the upper14. Theforefoot region20 generally includes portions of thefootwear article10 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Themidfoot region22 generally includes portions of thefootwear article10 corresponding with the arch area and instep of the foot. Theheel region24 corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Theankle region26 corresponds with the ankle. Theforefoot region20, themidfoot region22, theheel region24, and theankle region26 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of thefootwear article10, and are instead intended to represent general areas of thefootwear article10 to aid in the understanding of various aspects of this Specification. In addition, portions of a footwear article may be described in relative terms using these general zones. For example, a first structure may be described as being more heelward than a second structure, in which case the second structure would be more toeward and closer to the forefoot.
• Thefootwear article10 also has a medial side28 (identified inFIG. 2 and obscured from view inFIG. 1) and a lateral side30 (identified inFIG. 2 and viewable inFIG. 1). Themedial side28 and thelateral side30 extend through each of theforefoot region20, themidfoot region22, theheel region24, and theankle region26, and correspond with opposite sides of thefootwear article10, each falling on an opposite side of a longitudinalmidline reference plane29 of thefootwear article10, as is understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the longitudinalmidline reference plane29 may pass through the foremost point of the sole structure and the rearmost point of the sole structure. Themedial side29 is thus considered opposite to thelateral side30. Typically, the lateral side corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from the other foot), and the medial side corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). In another aspect, the footwear article includes ananterior portion33 and aposterior portion35, falling on an opposite side of a latitudinalmidline reference plane31 of thefootwear article10. The latitudinalmidline reference plane31 extends perpendicular to the longitudinalmidline reference plane29 and to the ground-surface plane and is spaced evenly between the foremost point of thefootwear article10 and the rearmost point of thefootwear article10. In addition, these terms may also be used to describe relative positions of different structures. For example, a first structure that is closer to the inside portion of the footwear article might be described as medial to a second structure, which is closer to the outside area and is more lateral.
• In describing a footwear article, the relative terms “inferior” and “superior” may also be used. For example, the superior portion generally corresponds with a top portion that is oriented closer towards a person's head when the person's feet are positioned flat on a horizontal ground surface and the person is standing upright, whereas the inferior portion generally corresponds with a bottom portion oriented farther from a person's head and closer to the ground surface.
• Thesole structure12 may be constructed of various materials and may include various elements. For example, thesole structure12 may include amidsole32 and anoutsole34. Themidsole32 may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In further aspects, themidsole32 may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence motions of the foot. Themidsole32 may be a single, one-piece midsole, or could be multiple components integrated as a unit. In some aspects, themidsole32 may be integrated with theoutsole34 as a unisole. Theoutsole34 may be one-piece, or may be several outsole components, and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that may be textured to impart traction and/or may include traction elements such as tread or cleats secured to themidsole32. Theoutsole34 may extend either the entire length and width of the sole or only partially across the length and/or width.
• The upper14 may also be constructed of various materials and may include various features. For example, the upper14 may be constructed of leather, textiles, or other synthetic or natural materials. Further, the upper14 may be a knit textile, woven, braided, non-woven, laminate, or any combination thereof. The upper14 may have various material properties related to breathability, stretch, flexibility, wicking, water resistance, and the like.
• The upper14 typically includes a portion that overlaps with, and is connected to, thesole structure12, and the junction of this connection may be referred to as a biteline. In addition, the upper14 may include a “strobel,” which includes a material panel extending from the upper14 and across at least a portion of a foot-facing surface of thesole structure12, and the strobel may be used to hold the upper14 on a last when thesole structure12 is attached to the upper14. Stated differently, thesole structure12 that is integrated into thefootwear article10 includes a foot-facing surface, and in some instances, the upper14 may include a panel (referred to as a strobel) that extends inward from near the biteline region and at least partially covers the foot-facing surface. In that instance, the strobel is positioned underneath a foot when the footwear article is worn. The strobel may be covered by an insole or other layer of material.
• The upper14 includes other features. For example, the upper14 includes anankle collar36 that forms a perimeter around at least a portion of the foot-insertion opening18. In addition, the upper14 includes athroat38 that often extends from theankle collar36 and forms a perimeter along at least one or more sides of anelongated opening40. Atongue42 is located in theelongated opening40, and a size of theelongated opening40 can be adjusted using various closure systems. For example,FIG. 1 illustrateslaces44, and other closure systems may include elastic bands, hook-and-loop straps, zippers, buckles, and the like. The position of thetongue42 and the connections of the closure system can be adjusted to vary a size of the foot-insertion opening and the elongated opening, such as by making the openings larger when the footwear article is being donned or doffed and by making the openings smaller when the footwear article is being secured onto a foot. Thetongue42 may include a discrete component that is affixed at one or more locations to the upper, or alternatively, the tongue may be an integrally formed region of the upper. Additional aspects contemplate the elongated opening40 (which may also be referred to as a forefoot opening) may be omitted and instead the medial and lateral sides of the upper converge and are continuous across an area that traditionally includes theelongated opening40.
• Thefootwear article10 might include an athletic-type shoe, such as might be worn when running or walking, and the description of thefootwear article10, including the elements described with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2, might also be applicable to other types of shoes, such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, American football shoes, soccer shoes, leisure or casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, a sandal, a slipper, a boot, hiking shoes, and the like.
• Having describedFIGS. 1 and 2, reference is now made toFIGS. 3A-3C and 4A-4C to describe some other aspects of this disclosure. Each ofFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C depicts afootwear article310, which includes an upper314 coupled to a sole312, and the upper314 includes aheel region324 and anankle region326 with anankle collar336. Theankle collar336 is movable between a lowered state (as depicted inFIG. 3C) and a raised state (as depicted inFIGS. 3A and 3B). In the lowered state, theankle collar336 is positioned closer to the sole312, and in the raised state, theankle collar336 is positioned farther from the sole312. Similarly, thefootwear article410 includes an upper414 coupled to a sole412, and the upper414 includes aheel region424 and anankle region426 with anankle collar436.
• Furthermore, thefootwear article310 includes acollar elevator350 that is coupled to the upper314 near theheel region324 and/or theankle region326 and that is operable to move theankle collar336 from the lowered state to the raised state. More specifically, thecollar elevator350 includes portions that are positioned in theheel region324 and that extend up into theankle region326. As previously indicated, there are not necessarily precise delineations between theheel region324 and theankle region326; rather, describing the positioning of thecollar elevator350 with respect to these regions is one way to describe that thecollar elevator350 extends from a more inferior part closer to the sole to a more superior part closer to theankle collar336. As far as the coupling of thecollar elevator350 to the upper314 near theheel region324 and/or near theankle region326, this coupling may take various forms. For example, thecollar elevator350 may be coupled to the upper in theheel region324, in theankle region326, to theankle collar336, or any and all combinations thereof. Thecollar elevator350 is an example of one type of collar elevator operable to move an ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, and as will be described in other portions of this disclosure, a collar elevator may include one or more alternative structures than those depicted inFIGS. 3A-3C. For example,FIGS. 4A-4C depict afootwear article410 with acollar elevator450 that is operable to move theankle collar436 from the lowered state (e.g.,FIG. 4C) to the raised state (e.g.,FIGS. 4A and 4B) and that has a different structure from thecollar elevator350.
• For illustrative purposes, the upper314 and the upper414 is ghosted in dashed lines, and a collar elevator may be arranged in various locations with respect to an upper. For example, a collar elevator may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between an exterior layer and an inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, a collar elevator may be at least partially exposed and arranged on the outside or exterior surface of the upper. In a further aspect, at least a portion of the collar elevator may be arranged on the inside, foot-facing surface of an inner lining. In another aspect, the collar elevator might be arranged on the exterior of the footwear article and might be attached to a heel portion of the ankle collar by a tab, heat stake, bonding agent, stitch, or other coupling.
• A collar elevator (such as thecollar elevators350 and450) may include various elements. In one aspect, a collar elevator includes a medial lever arm, a lateral lever arm, and a center connecting band that couples the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm and that is located in a heel portion of the ankle collar. In a further aspect, each lever arm is affixed to a base, which remains stationary relative to the lever arms as the lever arms deform when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state. The base may be a portion of the footwear article, such as a portion of the sole or a portion of the upper. In addition, the base may be one or more other anchors affixed directly or indirectly to the sole, the sole itself, or any combination thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,527 describes one or more collar elevators, some of which may be referred to as a deformable member or as deformable members (with or without a base), and the full disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,527 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, at least some of the deformable members described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,527 include a medial lever arm, a lateral lever arm, and a center connecting band that couples the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm. In other examples, US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 each describes a plurality of other collar elevators, some of which are referred to as a control bar (with or without a base), and the full disclosures of US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, at least some of the control bars described in US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 include a medial lever arm, a lateral lever arm, and a center connecting band that couples the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm.
• Each of the illustratedcollar elevators350 and450 depicts examples ofmedial lever arms352 and452, respectively. In addition, each of the illustratedcollar elevators350 and450 depicts examples oflateral lever arms354 and454, respectively, andcenter connecting bands356 and456, respectively. Furthermore, thelever arms352 and354 attach to abase358, and thelever arms452 and454 attach to a base458 having a different structure from thebase358. Thebase358 is affixed to or near a foot-facing surface of the sole312, and the base358 might be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a strobel, a plate or sheet of material layered between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Among other things, thebase358 might include a rigid portion or section to which thelever arms352 and354 are anchored.FIGS. 4A-4C depict a different aspect, in which thebase458 might attach to a portion of the upper (e.g., a heel counter), a portion of the midsole sidewall, or any combination thereof, and the base458 wraps around a backside of the footwear article, as opposed to extending through the footbed in the manner described with respect to thebase358.
• The medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the center connecting band may be a single continuous body, such that clear demarcation may not exist between the medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the center connecting band. For example, the medial and lateral arms and the center connecting band may be molded, cast, 3D printed, or otherwise formed as a single, integrally formed unit. In other aspects, the medial lever arm and the lateral lever arm may be discrete, separate, and distinct elongated members, which are connected to the center connecting band, such as by a mechanical or chemical coupling, a friction fit, sheathing, or other coupling.
• Having generally described some of the structural elements of a collar elevator, some operational aspects of a collar elevator will now be described. As briefly described above, the collar elevator moves the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state. More specifically, at least a portion of the medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, the center connecting band, or any combination thereof, is affixed to a portion of the upper. In one aspect, the center connecting band may be affixed near a heel portion of the ankle collar. For example, as described in other portions of this disclosure, the center connecting band may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by an adhesive, connection tab, heat stake, stitch, and the like. As such, when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state closer to the sole, the medial lever arm and the lateral lever arm deform to a more compressed or more loaded position. Stated differently, the collar elevator stores potential energy by elastically deforming from a less compressed configuration (e.g.,FIGS. 3A and 4A) to a more compressed configuration (e.g.,FIGS. 3C and 4C) when an applied force moves the ankle collar from the raised state to the lowered state. The potential energy returns the collar elevator to the less compressed configuration upon removal of the applied force, and since the collar elevator is affixed to the upper, the ankle collar is also moved from the lowered state to the raised state. While the compression of the collar elevator may be greater when the ankle collar is moved to the lowered state (as compared with the raised state), in the raised state the collar elevator may still store potential energy in an at least partially deformed state (i.e., preloaded compression) so as to be able to hold a rear, heel portion of the ankle collar about the heel of the wearer. For example, if the collar elevator is attached to the upper heel region and/or the upper ankle region, then portions of the upper may hold or retain the collar elevator in the preloaded configuration when the ankle collar is in the raised state. In other aspects, the collar elevator may be unloaded when the ankle collar is in the raised state.
• In one aspect, theportion325 or425 of the upper below the center connecting band may include one or more textiles that are more flexible than other portions of the upper. This more flexible region of the upper may, for example, be at least partially in the heel-counter region. Among other things, this moreflexible portion325 or425 of the upper may collapse more easily when the ankle collar is moved to a lower state and may provide less resistance for the collar elevator (as compared with a less flexible upper in other parts of the footwear article or in a typical footwear article) when the collar elevator is returning to the less compressed state.
• In some aspects, the combination of the medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the center connecting band may be referred to as a deformable element. The term “deformable element” refers to a resiliently flexible member that can be bent or compressed but has a bias to move towards a non-bent or uncompressed state. The deformable element may include a single, integrally formed, deformable element, extending continuously from the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm. In other aspects, the medial lever arm and the lateral lever arm may be two or more separate and distinct deformable elements that connect to the center connecting band, which may also be referred to as a heel piece.
• In some aspects, the deformable element might be directly coupled, mounted, or attached to the base. In other aspects, the base may include one or more anchors that engage and retain the deformable element in place. For example, anchors may be located at a junction (e.g.,359 and459) between the lever arms and the base. Such anchors might be integrally formed with, coupled to and/or located within or between or outside of portions of the sole (e.g., insole, midsole, outsole). For example, an anchor may be disposed in a block, plate, or wedge layered or embedded among, on top, or beneath the sole. In some instances, a portion of the sole (e.g., midsole) might be carved or cut out to attach to or house an anchor. In another aspect, a base extending in the mediolateral orientation (e.g., base358) includes an anchor-shaped receptacle into which an anchor engages by way of a resistance fit, compression fit, a snap fit, or via an interlocking mechanism/configuration. In other examples, the anchors may be integrally formed with, coupled to, and/or located within, between, or outside of portions of the upper. For example, anchors may be located in the upper, in a heel counter, or any combination thereof. A single anchor may extend a full width of the footwear article, or two anchors may be positioned on opposing sides of the footwear article (e.g., on the medial and lateral sides). The deformable member may attach to the base or to an anchor at an angle. For example, the deformable member might attach at a perpendicular angle to the base and then curve or arc rearwardly. In another aspect, the deformable member might attach at a forwardly inclining angle (i.e., upwards and forwards) or a rearwardly reclining angle (i.e., upwards and rearwards) before rearwardly arcing.
• A connection between the deformable member and the base or the anchors may be described in various manners. For example, in one aspect, the deformable element does not pivot (i.e., is non-pivoting) about the base (e.g., about an insole, midsole, or outsole). Described differently, the deformable element may be non-rotatably coupled to the base. In various aspects, engagement between the deformable element and the base (or anchor) is free of play, meaning that there is little or no relative movement between the two components.
• A deformable element may include one or more of a tube, a wire, a spring, a shape memory structure or material, and the like. Furthermore, a deformable element can include one or more materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, nickel titanium (nitinol) and other metals and alloys (shape-memory or otherwise), polymers (shape-memory or otherwise), composite materials, foam materials, graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, TPC-ET, silicone, TPU, and polycarbonate. For example, a deformable element might include titanium or be a titanium wire. Also, one or more deformable elements might be made of a first material, e.g., titanium, and one or more additional deformable elements might be made of a second material, e.g., graphite.
• In some aspects, the deformable element might include a single, unitary piece. For instance, a first end of the deformable element (e.g., an end of the medial lever arm) might be embedded in, or attached to, a medial anchor; a second end of the deformable element (e.g., an end of the lateral lever arm) might be embedded in or attached to a lateral anchor; and a middle portion of the deformable element (e.g., the center connecting band) might extend around the heel portion or ankle portion of the upper, or be embedded within some additional heel-piece structure.
• In other aspects, the deformable element might include a plurality of separate and distinct components. For instance, a deformable element might include two separate components, with a first component (e.g., medial lever arm) having a first end embedded in or attached to a medial anchor and a second end embedded in or attached to the medial side of a heel piece or center connecting band. As such, a second component (e.g., lateral lever arm) might similarly include a first end embedded in or attached to a lateral anchor and a second end embedded in or attached to the lateral side of the heel piece or center connecting band. The plurality of separate and distinct components can be secured together, for example, with one or more of a tape wrap, woven encasing, overmold (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tube, and the like, each of which can provide different stabilities and strengths. For example, a deformable element might include one or more wires encased independently or encased together in a cover, sleeve, overmold, or heat shrink tube. The one or more wires can arch, bend, and sway and then return to an initial/normal state in order to help facilitate the elastic deformation of the deformable element.
• A deformable element might have variable mechanical properties along its length and/or at distinct points along its length. Such variation might be provided by the deformable element (e.g., by a wire or bundle of two or more wires), by a securement surrounding all or a portion of the deformable element(s), or any combination thereof. For example, the deformable element and/or the securement might have a variable cross-section, a variable density, a variable material, and/or the like along its length. A variable cross-section, in turn, can be provided by variation in thickness or shape, or twisting of the deformable element otherwise having a constant thickness or shape along its length.
• As briefly described above, a deformable element may include a cover, sleeve, overmold, or other suitable structure, which might protect other elements (e.g., wire, spring, etc.) of the deformable element and might control, guide, support and/or otherwise affect the flexure or compression of the deformable element. In some aspects, the cover, based on its material of manufacture, shape, geometry, etc., is configured to facilitate mechanical stress distribution by transferring mechanical bending/deforming forces from the deformable element (e.g., from the wire(s) or spring) to the cover to prevent, or at least inhibit, the deformable element from damage or breakage that may otherwise result from the concentrated and repeated mechanical stress experienced by the deformable element. For example, the cover may have dimensions that vary along its length, such as a funnel-like tapering shape, to help distribute stress and contribute to the dynamic flexing of the deformable element. In the event that the deformable element breaks, the cover might still provide at least some degree of bias, thereby still helping to move the ankle collar from the lowered position to the raised position. Further, the cover may provide additional padding and/or support to the deformable element and may prevent, or at least inhibit, a wearer from feeling the deformable element.
• As briefly described above, the center connecting band may also be referred to as a heel piece. The center connecting band may be integrally formed with the medial and lateral lever arms, as a single, continuous unit. In other aspects, the center connecting band may be a separate piece that extends between, and bridges, the medial and lateral lever arms. Among other things, the center connecting band may provide a coupling to the upper and may provide a frame to the ankle collar, to inhibit the ankle collar from collapsing into the foot-receiving opening when a foot is being inserted.
• When being put on by a wearer, a footwear article with a collar elevator (e.g.,collar elevators350 and450) might be slipped on by the wearer without the wearer using his or her hands to manipulate the footwear article. For example, the wearer's toes may be inserted through the foot-insertion openings318 or418, while the arch or heel of his or her foot is used to press downward on theankle collars336 or436 towards thesoles312 or412. This adjustment of theankle collar336 or436 into the lowered state closer to the sole may increase a size of the foot-insertion opening318 or418. Once the wearer's foot has been slid into the foot-receivingcavity316 or416, thecollar elevator350 or450 moves the ankle collar from the lowered state (i.e.,FIGS. 3C and 4C) to the raised state (i.e.,FIGS. 3A and 4A) to help secure the footwear article to the wearer's foot.
• Among other things, thecollar elevators350 and450 may reduce potential structural breakdown of the upper heel region and upper ankle region over time, which could result from repeated hands-free donning, by providing a frame operational to return to, or bias in, the raised state. Furthermore, thecollar elevators350 and450 may allow the user to more easily don (i.e., put on) his or her shoes without the use of hands and/or without having to bend down to tie the laces, without having to use a shoe horn, or without using other such adjustment features, elements, or mechanisms for fit. Moreover, thefootwear articles310 and410 may more easily receive, or more easily direct a wearer's foot into, or otherwise accommodate, a wearer's foot with respect to, the foot-receiving opening. This potentially easier donning may result from, among other things, thecollar elevators350 and450 helping to provide a larger foot-insertion opening without allowing a topline of the ankle collar to fold inward towards the foot-receiving cavity.
• Operation of thefootwear articles310 and410 may be described in various manners. For example, theankle collars336 and436 may be elastic or may include a goring element that permits expansion of the foot-insertion openings318 and418, such as when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state. In the lowered state, the foot-insertion openings318 and418 may be expanded by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. This measured expansion may be detected in various manners. For example, a first circumference of the foot-insertion opening may be measured when the ankle collar is in a first state, and a second circumference may be measured when the ankle collar is in a second state, which is closer to the sole (relative to the first state). The distance of the ankle collar from the sole in the first and second states may be measured in a vertical plane (i.e., perpendicular relative to the horizontal reference plane, including a flat ground surface on which the ground-contacting surface sits in an at-rest position), and the distance may be measured from a rearmost point of the ankle collar topline edge to a topline edge of the sole (e.g., where the sole connects to the upper at the biteline). As such, the distance in the first state will be longer than the distance in the second state, and in one aspect, the second distance is equal to or shorter than 75% of the first distance. Continuing with the above example, in the second state having the distance equal to or shorter than 75% of the distance in the first state, the circumference may be expanded by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. In a further example, a circumference of the foot-insertion openings318 and418 may be expandable by at least about 1.0 inch (about 2.54 centimeters), when the ankle collar is in the second state having the distance equal to or shorter than 75% of the distance in the first state. An amount of the expansion of the foot-insertion opening318 and418 may vary with the shoe style and size. In other aspects, a height of theankle collars336 and436 above thesoles312 and412 in the lowered state is about 50% lower than the height in the raised state, however, as with other parameters, this may vary depending on the shoe style and size.
• As described in other portions of this disclosure, thecollar elevators350 and450 provide a return force when moving theankle collars336 and436 from the lowered state to the raised state. In some aspects, the return force is between about 1 pound-force and about 15 pound-force, and this may be measured at various positions of the ankle collar. For example, as explained above, the ankle collar may include a first state having a first distance from the sole and a second state having a second distance from the sole, which is shorter than the distance in the first state. In one aspect, thecollar elevators350 and450 provide the return force between about 1 pound-force and about 15 pound-force in the second state having the distance equal to or shorter than about 85% of the distance in the first state. In a further aspect, thecollar elevators350 and450 provide the return force between about 1 pound-force and about 15 pound-force in the second state having the distance equal to or shorter than about 75% of the distance in the first state. Further still, thecollar elevators350 and450 might provide the return force between about 1 pound-force and about 15 pound-force in the second state having the distance equal to or shorter than about 50% of the distance in the first state. The return force may be strong enough such that the rear of the ankle collar rebounds back up from the second state and snugly fits around the wearer's heel. For example, theankle collars336 and436 may be elevated from the lowered state to the raised state in less than about 1 second, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is shorter than 85%, or shorter than 75%, or shorter than 50% of the distance in the raised state. In other aspects,ankle collars336 and436 may be elevated from the lowered state to the raised state in less than about 0.5 seconds, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is shorter than 85%, or shorter than 75%, or shorter than 50% of the distance in the raised state. And in further aspects, theankle collars336 and436 may be elevated from the lowered state to the raised state in less than about 0.2 seconds, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is shorter than 85%, or shorter than 75%, or shorter than 50% of the distance in the raised state. This rebound time is measured absent any counteracting external forces, such as friction that might be imparted by the wearer's heel.
• Thefootwear articles310 and410 may be constructed in various manners, and referring toFIGS. 5A and 6A, illustrations are provided showingfootwear articles510 and610 (respectively) partially deconstructed. For example, inFIG. 5A, an upper514, acollar elevator550, abase558, asole insert519, and a sole512 are depicted in a decoupled state; and inFIG. 6A, an upper614, acollar elevator650 andbase658, and a sole612 are depicted in a decoupled state. Thefootwear articles510 and610 are similar to thefootwear article310 in that thebase558 and658 is positioned underneath the foot-receiving cavity when thefootwear article510 is constructed. That is, thebase558 and658 is positioned between the sole512 and612 and the foot-receivingcavity516 and616, such that when thefootwear article510 and610 is in an as-worn configuration, thebase558 and658 is positioned beneath the foot. While thefootwear articles510 and610 are similar in that that bases558 and658 are positioned between the sole and the foot-receiving cavity (e.g., under foot), they also include various differences from one another and help to illustrate variations that might be included in thefootwear article310.
• Thefootwear article510 includes an upper514 with aheel region524 and anankle region526. In addition, thefootwear article510 includes anankle collar536 that is movable between a between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole. The upper also includes anouter material layer513 and aninner material layer515. Relative to one another, theinner material layer515 is closer to the foot-receivingcavity516 and theouter material layer513 is farther from the foot-receivingcavity516.
• Thefootwear article510 also includes acollar elevator550, at least a portion of which is positioned between theouter material layer513 and theinner material layer515 when the footwear article is constructed. The dashedlines551 are provided merely as a general guide for approximate positioning of thecollar elevator550. Theinner material layer515 is illustrated as lining theheel region524 at least from thefront edge515A extending rearward, andFIGS. 7A-7C depict alternative variations of anouter material layer713A-C and aninner material layer715A-C, based on a cross-sectional view taken at reference line7-7 inFIG. 5A. For example,FIG. 7A illustrates one aspect in which aninner material layer715A extends from the topline edge of the ankle collar to near a strobel stitch. In other aspects depicted byFIG. 7B, theinner material layer715B might include a smaller material panel that lines only a portion of theheel region524. For example, theinner material layer715B may only extend along a region aligned with thecollar elevator550, and in this respect, theinner material layer715B may form (together with theouter material layer713B) part of an encasement, textile sheath, or channel for thelever arms552 and554. Alternatively, the outer material layer might include a smaller panel (relative to the inner material layer) that overlies only a portion of the inner material layer and that extends along a region aligned with thecollar elevator550 to form an outer wall of an encasement, textile sheath, or channel for thelever arms552 and554. In another aspect depicted byFIG. 7C, theouter material layer713C and theinner material layer715C may be integrally knit with one another to form a lever-arm channel.
• Furthermore, thefootwear article510 includes thebase558, which is depicted detached from thecollar elevator550 for illustrative purposes. In one aspect, thecollar elevator550 may be initially formed separately from thebase558, and then attached to the base558 at the lever-arm terminal ends553 and555, such as with anchors. In another aspect, thebase558 and thecollar elevator550 might be integrally formed with one another (e.g., thebase558 is continuous with the lever arms), such as with a co-molding process.
• Thecollar elevator550 may be coupled between the outer and inner material layers513 and515 in various manners. For example, in one aspect theinner material layer515 includes abottom edge517 that is detached in at least some locations from theouter material layer513. As such, thecollar elevator550 may be placed into position by separating thebottom edge517 from theouter material layer513 and inserting thecollar elevator550 into the space between the inner and outer material layers515 and513. The base558 might be affixed to thecollar elevator550 prior to insertion of thecollar elevator550 between thelayers513 and515, or the base558 might be attached during a subsequent process, such as prior to or during the lasting process. In other aspects of this disclosure, other portions of theinner material layer515 might be left detached from theouter material layer513 to permit placement of thecollar elevator550 therebetween. At least some of these detached portions may then be coupled to theouter material layer513, such as by stitching or adhesive, after placement of thecollar elevator550.
• After thecollar elevator550 has been positioned between the inner and outer material layers513 and515, thecollar elevator550 might be coupled to the upper514 in various manners. Although adhesive or bonding agents are one option, they also have some drawbacks. For example, where thecollar elevator550 is free floating between thelayers513 and515 prior to coupling, the bonding process may be less exact and result in inconsistent positioning from one footwear article to the next. Furthermore, these agents can increase the rigidity of the upper materials or affect the material properties (e.g., breathability, wicking, etc.). Moreover, these agents may be subject to delamination over time.
• In one aspect, the collar elevator of thefootwear article510 is affixed to the upper514 by a mechanical coupling near thecenter connecting portion556, and as indicated inFIG. 5A, somealternative collar elevators550A-F are depicted inFIG. 5B. In an aspect of this disclosure, thefootwear article510 might include any of thecollar elevators550 and550A-F, or combinations of the features described with respect thereto. It should be noted that, in describing thevarious collar elevators550A-F, the connectors a described as being affixed near the center connecting portion, and in other aspects of the disclosure, the connectors described inFIG. 5B might be positioned at a variety of different positions along the lever arms between the center connecting portion and the base.
• In one aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes a collar elevator having an aperture positioned in the center connecting portion and extending entirely though a thickness of the center connecting portion from an anterior surface (e.g.,561 inFIG. 5A) to a posterior surface (e.g.,563). In addition, thefootwear article510 includes a fastener that extends through the aperture and connects to theinner material layer515, theouter material layer513, or both the outer and inner material layers513 and515. For example, the fastener may extend though a respective aperture in each of the outer and inner material layers513 and515. Examples of collar elevators having an aperture for engaging a fastener are depicted inFIG. 5B ascollar elevators550A-C, and each of these will be described separately in more detail below. In general, each of the fasteners depicted together with thecollar elevators550A-C include some form of elongated member (e.g., thread, stud, tab, and the like) that has a length that is longer than a thickness of at least one of the material layers513 and/or515, which contributes to the elongated member's ability to pass from one side of the material layer to the other when operating in a fastening capacity.
• Referring now toFIG. 5B, each of thecollar elevators550A-F is depicted, along with a respective cross-sectional view that schematically illustrates various coupling configurations of the collar elevator with the upper514, including theouter material layer513 and theinner material layer515. For example, each cross-sectional view might be taken along a longitudinal midline reference plane at the topline edge of the rear portion of theankle collar536 and depicts the center connecting portion of each collar elevator. Alternatively, as described in other portions of this disclosure, the connectors depicted inFIG. 5B might connect a lever arm to an upper, and as such, the cross-sectional views might similarly represent configurations of a lever arm connected to the outer material layer, inner material layer, or both the outer material layer and the inner material layer.
• In one aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes acollar elevator550A having astitch zone560A having a strand-receivingaperture562A. Thestitch zone560A includes a region in which one ormore stitches564A are applied to thecenter connecting portion556A to couple thecenter connecting portion556A to the upper. Furthermore, thestitch zone560A may include a thinnedwall566A that is easier for a needle to penetrate when applying thestitches564A (as compared with a thicker wall). The thinned wall may include a recess in theanterior surface561A of thecenter connecting portion556A, a recess in theposterior surface563A of thecenter connecting portion556A, or a recess in both the anterior andposterior surfaces561A and563A, as depicted inFIG. 5B. Alternatively, thestitch zone560A may not include a thinned wall and may include a wall thickness consistent with surrounding portions of the center connecting portion. InFIG. 5B, thestitch564A is illustrated as extending through theouter material layer513, thestitch zone560A, and theinner material layer515, and this version is designated as version “A” inFIG. 5B. In other aspects of this disclosure, the stitch might extend through only theinner material layer515 and thestitch zone560A (see example version “B” inFIG. 5B) or through only theouter material layer513 and thestitch zone560A (see example version “C” inFIG. 5B). The strand-receivingaperture562A may include a preformed aperture that is constructed into thestitch zone560A prior to insertion of thecollar elevator550A between the outer and inner material layers513 and515. Alternatively, the strand-receivingaperture562A may be formed by a needle passing through thestitch zone560A when applying thestitch564A. As mentioned above, although thestitch zone560A is illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, a lever arm might include a stitch zone through which a stitch is positioned in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• In another aspect, thefootwear article510 includes thecollar elevator550B, which includes a connector-receivingaperture562B that extends entirely through a thickness of thecenter connecting portion556B from theanterior surface561B to theposterior surface563B and that is configured to receive a connector. For example, the connector may be a discrete, two-part connector having a first part and a second part that snap together, or are otherwise securely fastened to one another. In one aspect, the two-part connector is a male-female connector having a post on one part having a head that securely fits into a recess of the second part. The two parts may be securely fastened to one another in various manners, such as by a frictional engagement (e.g., deformable barbs), snap engagement (e.g., stud and socket), threaded engagement, bonding, heat treating, and any and all combinations thereof. An example two-part connector is depicted inFIG. 5B, including a two-part snap rivet having afirst part564B and asecond part566B. The connector might alternatively be a one-piece connector having a base on one end with a shaft that is inserted though the connector-receivingaperture562B and formed into a cap, such as a blind rivet. InFIG. 5B, the two-part connector is illustrated as extending through theouter material layer513, the connector-receivingaperture562B, and theinner material layer515, and this version is designated as version “D”. In other aspects of this disclosure, the connector might extend through only theinner material layer515 and the connector-receivingaperture562B (see example version “E” inFIG. 5B) or through only theouter material layer513 and the connector-receivingaperture562B (see example version “F” inFIG. 5B). For purposes of this disclosure, the two-part connector of thecollar elevator550B might be described as “discrete,” which is meant to convey that the first part of the connector is not integrally formed with the center connecting portion. “Discrete” might also convey that the first part of the two-part connector is not fixedly attached to a surface of the center connecting portion in a manner intended to prevent removal without affecting the integrity of the center connecting band or the first part. These discrete connectors are in contrast to those described below with respect to550D-F, in which a part of the connector is pre-joined to a surface of the collar elevator, such as by being integrally formed with the collar elevator or being fixedly attached to a surface of the collar elevator. That is, in550D-F a first part of the connector is pre-joined to the collar elevator prior to be connected to a second part of the two-part connector. As mentioned above, although the connector-receivingaperture562B is illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, a lever arm might include a connector-receiving aperture through which a connector is positioned in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• In a further aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes thecollar elevator550C, which includes an tab-receivingaperture562C that extends entirely through a thickness of thecenter connecting portion556C from theanterior surface561C to theposterior surface563C and that is configured to receive a strip of textile material forming a tab and connected to the upper. For example, the tab may be a strip of textile material that is affixed to the upper at a first portion, extends through the tab-receivingaperture562C, and includes some securing element that impedes the strip from being pulled from, or from slipping though, the tab-receiving aperture. In one example, the tab may pass though the tab-receiving aperture and be affixed onto another portion of the upper at an opposing second portion. Anexample tab564C is depicted inFIG. 5B, including a strip of material extending from the anterior side of thecenter connecting portion556, through the tab-receivingaperture562C, and connected back onto the upper. For example, the tab may be stitched on to the upper, welded, tacked, button, snapped, riveted, or otherwise affixed using a coupling after being passed through the tab-receivingaperture562C. In another example, a distal end of the tab may be coupled with a toggle element, such as a dowel, that is larger than the tab-receivingaperture562C in at least one dimension and that impedes the strip of material from disconnecting from the tab-receivingaperture562C.FIG. 5B depicts the tab extending from the anterior side of the center connecting portion and being connected to a surface of the upper that faces away from the foot-receiving cavity, and this version is designated as “G.” In other aspects, the tab may extend from the posterior side of the center connecting portion and connect back onto the upper on a surface facing towards the foot-receiving cavity (see example version “H” inFIG. 5B). As mentioned above, although the tab-receivingaperture562C is illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, a lever arm might include a tab-receiving aperture through which a tab or material strip extending from the upper is positioned in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• In another aspect of this disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes a collar elevator having a first part of a two-part connector (e.g., male-female connector) extending from (or located in) the anterior surface (e.g.,surface561 inFIG. 5A), the posterior surface (e.g., surface563), or both the anterior and posterior surfaces. Examples of collar elevators having a first part of a two-part connector are depicted inFIG. 5B ascollar elevators550D-F, and each of these will be described in more detail below. As briefly explained above, in thecollar elevators550D-F, the first part of the connector is pre-joined to the collar elevator prior to being connected to the second party of the two-part connector.
• Describingcollar elevators550D-F in general, the first part of the two-part connector attaches to a second part of the two-part connector in order to couple the center connecting portion to the inner and/or outer material layers. For example, the first part, the second part, or both the first part and the second part may extend through an aperture in the outer and/or inner material layer to connect and form the two-part connector and couple the center connecting portion to the upper. This aspect is similar to some of the fasteners described with respect tocollar elevators550A-C, in which the first part has a length that is longer than a thickness of at least one of the material layers513 and/or515, which contributes to the first parts's ability to pass from one side of the material layer to the other when operating in a fastening capacity. Alternatively, one part of the connector may be affixed to the center connecting portion, and the other part of the connector may be affixed to a surface of the upper facing towards the center connecting portion, such that the connector does not pass through an aperture in the upper. The first part of the two-part connector may attach to the second part of the two-part connector in various manners. For example, the first and second part may frictionally engage one another, snap together, threadably attach to one another, clip together, or any and all combinations thereof. Furthermore, the first part of the two-part connector may either be integrally formed with the center connecting portion or may be a discrete connector part that is fixedly attached to the center connecting portion, such as by bonding or adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, and the like. Moreover, in aspects in which the second part of the two-part connector is affixed to a surface of the upper facing towards the center connecting portion, the second part may be affixed to the surface by various couplings, including bonding or adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, and the like.
• In one aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes thecollar elevator550D (FIG. 5B), which includes afirst part564D of a two-part connector affixed to ananterior surface561D of thecenter connecting portion556D. As described above, thefirst part564D may be integrally formed into theanterior surface561D, or in another aspect may be a discrete connector part pre-joined by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., bonding or adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, etc.) to theanterior surface561D. Thefirst part564D connects with a second part566D of the two-part connector, such as by frictionally engaging one another, snapping together, threadably attaching to one another, clipping together, or any and all combinations thereof. For example, thefirst part564D may extend through an aperture in theinner material layer515 and connect to the second part566D on a side of theinner material layer515 facing away from thecenter connecting portion556D and towards the foot-receivingcavity516, and this version is identified by reference letter “I” inFIG. 5B. In an alternative aspect, the second part566D may be affixed to asurface515J of theinner material layer515 facing towards thecenter connecting portion556D, and this aspect is identified by reference letter “J” inFIG. 5B. As mentioned above, although thefirst part564D of the two-part connector is illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, an anterior side of a lever arm might include afirst part564D of a two-part connector that attaches to a second part in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• In another aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes thecollar elevator550E, which includes afirst part564E of a two-part connector affixed to aposterior surface563E of thecenter connecting portion556E. As described above, thefirst part564E may be integrally formed into theposterior surface563E, or in another aspect may be a discrete connector part pre-joined by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., bonding or adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, etc.). Thefirst part564E connects with asecond part566E of the two-part connector, such as by frictionally engaging one another, snapping together, threadably attaching to one another, clipping together, or any and all combinations thereof. For example, thefirst part564E may extend through an aperture in theouter material layer513 and connect to thesecond part566E on a side of theouter material layer513 facing away from thecenter connecting portion556E and away from the foot-receivingcavity516, and this version is identified by reference letter “K” inFIG. 5B. In an alternative aspect, thesecond part566E may be affixed to asurface513L of theouter material layer513 facing towards thecenter connecting portion556E, and this aspect is identified by reference letter “L” inFIG. 5B. As mentioned above, although thefirst part564E of the two-part connector is illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, a posterior side of a lever arm might include afirst part564E of a two-part connector that attaches to a second part in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• In a further aspect of the disclosure, thefootwear article510 includes thecollar elevator550F, which includes portions of a first two-part connector and a second two-part connector. The first two-part connector includes afirst part564F affixed to aposterior surface563F of thecenter connecting portion556F, and the second two-part connector includes afirst part568F affixed to ananterior surface561F of thecenter connecting portion556F. As described above, thefirst parts564F and568F may be integrally formed into the posterior andanterior surfaces563F and561F, or in another aspect may be a discrete connector part pre-joined by some other coupling mechanism (e.g., bonding or adhesive, welding, stitching, thermosetting, etc.). Thefirst part564F connects with asecond part566F of the two-part connector, and thefirst part568F connects with asecond part570F of the two-part connector (e.g., the first parts may connect to respective second parts by frictionally engaging one another, snapping together, threadably attaching to one another, clipping together, or any and all combinations thereof.) For example, thefirst parts564F and568F may extend through respective aperture in the outer and inner material layers513 and515 and connect to thesecond parts566F and570F on a side of the outer and inner material layers513 and515 facing away from thecenter connecting portion556F, and this version is identified by reference letter “M” inFIG. 5B. In an alternative aspect, thesecond parts566F and570F may be affixed to surfaces of the outer and inner material layers513 and515 facing towards thecenter connecting portion556F, and this aspect is identified by reference letter “N” inFIG. 5B. Although not explicitly illustrated inFIG. 5B, other aspects may include a combination of versions “M” and “N”. For example, thefirst part564F may extend through an aperture in theouter material layer513 to connect to thesecond part566F, and the otherfirst part568F may connect to thesecond part570F on the surface of theinner material layer515 facing towards thecenter connecting portion556F. Alternatively, thefirst part568F may extend through an aperture in theinner material layer515 to connect to thesecond part570F, and the otherfirst part564F may connect to thesecond part566F on the surface of theouter material layer513 facing towards thecenter connecting portion556F. As mentioned above, although thefirst parts564F and568F are illustrated along the center connection portion of the collar elevator, in other aspects, an anterior and posterior side of a lever arm might include first parts in order to attach the lever arm to the upper.
• Having described some alternative collar elevators with various connections to the upper, reference is now made back toFIG. 5A to describe additional aspects of the disclosure. As previously described, thecollar elevator550 or550A-F is inserted between theouter material layer513 and theinner material layer515. At that time, thecollar elevator550 or550A-F may be coupled to the upper using one or more of the couplings describe in the previous portions of this disclosure. In addition, as previously described, thebase558 may have already been attached to thecollar elevator550 or550A-F (such as when thebase558 is integrally formed with the lever arms), or in some aspects, thebase558 may be attached to thecollar elevator550 or550A-F after thecollar elevator550 or550A-F is attached to the upper. In a further aspect, thebase558 is affixed to asole insert519, which includes a paper board, cardboard, paper fiber board, or the like. For example, thesole insert519 may be bonded or adhered to abottom surface557 of the base558 (i.e., the surface facing away from the foot-receivingcavity516 and towards the sole512). In one aspect, the coupling to thesole insert519 impedes the base from lifting when the heel collar is moved from a raised state to a lowered stated.
• In a further aspect, the upper514 includes askirt508 positioned at a lower perimeter edge of the upper514. Theskirt508 may be a continuous portion of theouter material layer513 that includes the extended length of theskirt508. Alternatively, theskirt508 may be a strip of discrete material, such as a low stretch, non-woven material, affixed around a lower perimeter edge of theouter material layer513. In a further aspect, while the upper514 is lasted with thecollar elevator550 or550A-F in position between thelayers513 and515 and thebase558 andsole insert519 in position, theskirt508 is pulled down and coupled to abottom surface521 of thesole insert519. As such, in some aspects, thesole insert519 may also be referred to as a lasting board. Among other things, this attachment of theskirt508 to thebottom surface521 of thesole insert519 helps form the shape of the upper514 around the last, and in the heel portion of theskirt508, attachment to thebottom surface521 may help to load the collar elevator in a pre-tensed state. Once theskirt508 is bonded to thebottom surface521 of thesole insert519, the sole512 can be coupled to theskirt508 and thesole insert519, and this might be done while the upper is still on the last.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B depict one aspect in which one or more structures, such as theskirt508 and thesole insert519, are positioned between the base558 and the sole512. In an alternative aspect, the base might be positioned differently than the depiction inFIG. 5A. For example, the base might be positioned below a strobel, and reference is now made toFIG. 6A to describe other aspects of this disclosure.FIG. 6A depicts an illustration of afootwear article610 that is partially deconstructed. That is, an upper614 is connected to astrobel608, which is decoupled from acollar elevator650 and a base658 (ghosted in broken lines to enhance visibility of the lever arms), which is decoupled from a sole612. Thefootwear article610 is different from thefootwear article510 in that thebase658 is positioned below thestrobel608 when thefootwear article610 is constructed. That is, thebase658 is positioned between thestrobel608 and the sole612 when thefootwear article610 is constructed. For example, referring briefly toFIG. 6B, a cross-sectional view is presented showing relative positions of astrobel608 and abase658, once thefootwear article610 is in a coupled state.
• The upper614 further includes abiteline623 representing an approximate position of atopline edge609 of the sole612, when the sole612 is connected to the upper614. In addition, the upper614 includes thestrobel608, which is coupled to one or more of the material layers of the upper614, andreference numeral625 identifies a line along which a strobel stitch or other coupling might be positioned. Thestrobel608 is depicted as a continuous panel that entirely closes the bottom portion of the upper614. In other aspects, thestrobel608 may not be a continuous piece and/or may not close the entire bottom portion, such as a split strobel or a half strobel.
• Furthermore, the upper614 includes anaperture627 extending entirely though afirst material layer613 of the upper614 (i.e., entirely from a first surface facing away from the foot-receiving cavity to a second surface facing towards the foot-receiving cavity), and theaperture627 provides an opening to a lever-arm region651 positioned between thefirst material layer613 and a more interiorsecond material layer615. Stated differently, thefirst material layer613 might have a thickness with an outward facing surface that faces away from a foot-receiving cavity and/or towards a sole and with an inward facing surface that faces towards the foot-receiving aperture—the thickness being between the outward facing surface and the inward facing surface. In that instance, theaperture627 extends through material layer from the outward facing surface to the inward facing surface. An aperture might include various structures. For instance, an aperture might include a slit formed along an edge of the first material layer or a hole formed though the first material layer (e.g., die-cut, punched, punctured, etc.). In other instances, an aperture might include an integrally-formed hole that is constructed by yarn or fiber manipulation in the formation of the first material layer (e.g., knit in, woven in, braided in, etc.). An aperture might have various sizes, measure along at least a portion of a perimeter edge of the aperture (e.g., length, width, circumference, area, etc.,) and in some instances, the size includes a relationship to a collar elevator. For example, an aperture might include a dimension that is at least as big as a portion of a lever arm, in order to permit the lever arm to be positioned in the aperture.
• Although obscured from view inFIG. 6A, inFIG. 6B thefootwear article610 includes anotheraperture631 on the opposing side of the upper that provides an opening to another lever-arm region653. Generally, if thebase658 is positioned below the strobel608 (i.e., between thestrobel608 and the sole612), then alever arm652 connected to the base658 at ajunction659 can extend from thejunction659 through theaperture627 and into the lever-arm region651. Again, the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 6B depicts thelever arm652 extending from thejunction659 with thebase658, through theaperture627, and into the lever-arm region651.FIG. 6B also depicts thelever arm654 extending from thebase658, through theaperture631, and into the lever-arm region653. As described in other aspects of this disclosure, the connection of thelever arms652 and654 to the base658 at the respective junction (e.g.,659) may include an anchor, such as a frictional-fit coupling, or thelever arms652 and654 may be integrally formed with thebase658.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B depict examples of some elements of this disclosure, and there are various alternative aspects. For example, thefirst material layer613 and thesecond material layer615 may include various configurations. Generally, respective to one another, thefirst material layer613 is an outer material layer and thesecond material layer615 is an inner material layer, andFIGS. 7A-7C depict alternative configurations taken along the reference line7-7 inFIG. 6A.
• In one aspect, theinner material layer615 may be a liner that extends throughout most of the heel and ankle regions of the upper and that is coupled to theouter material layer613 at various positions. For example, as depicted in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 7A, theinner material layer715A extends from near the topline edge of the ankle collar to near thestrobel stitch725A, and the inner andouter material layers713A and715A are not directly connected to one another in the lever-arm region751A.
• In another aspect depicted byFIG. 7B, theinner material layer715B may be a liner that extends only along select portions of the inward-facing surface of theouter material layer713B, such as along the lever-arm region751B, in order to form an encasement for the lever arm. For example, as depicted in the cross sectional view ofFIG. 7B, theinner material layer715B includes a superior edge that is below the ankle collar, and the inner and outer material layers713B and715B are not directly connected to one another along the lever-arm region751B. Alternatively, the outer material layer might include a smaller panel (relative to the inner material layer) that overlies only a portion of the inner material layer and that extends along a region aligned with the collar elevator to form an outer wall of an encasement, textile sheath, or channel for thelever arms552 and554.
• In a further aspect, the inner and outer material layers may include a knit-in, lever-arm channel, as depicted inFIG. 7C. For example, theouter material layer713C and theinner material layer715C may each include a knit layer integrally formed with one another and detached along the lever-arm region751C.
• InFIGS. 6A and 6B, thefootwear article610 includes theapertures627 and631 positioned below the biteline. As such, the portion of the lever arms that is between the junction with the base and the aperture remains hidden behind a sidewall of the sole612. In another embodiment, theapertures627 and631 might be positioned above the topline edge of the sole612, such that at least a portion of the lever arms might be exposed before entering the lever-arm regions between the material layers. For example, referring toFIG. 8, an alternative aspect is illustrated, including afootwear article610B having apertures627B and631B positioned above thetopline edge609B of the sole612B. As such, thelever arms652B and654B are exposed on an outside surface prior to entering into a space651B and653B between thefirst material layer613D and thesecond material layer615D.
• Referring back toFIGS. 6A and 6B, once thelever arms652 and654 are inserted intorespective apertures627 and631, then thelever arms652 and654 may be coupled to the upper614 in various manners. For example, in one aspect the outer and inner material layers613 and615 may be affixed together, such as by stitching, adhesive, welding, and the like, in such a manner to create a lever-arm channel having a size, shape, and volume configured to form fit with the lever arms. InFIG. 6A, thelever arms652 and654 generally taper from the junction with the base658 to a distal end, and as such, each lever-arm channel might similarly taper from the aperture (e.g.,627 and631) to a distal end. In one aspect, the fit between the lever arms and the lever-arm channel is sufficient transfer forces between the collar elevator and the upper when the ankle collar is moved between the raised and lowered states.
• In other aspects, thelever arms652 and654 might attach to the upper by way of one or more of the connectors described with respect toFIG. 5B. That is, eachlever arm652 and654 might include an aperture through which a connector extends, including a stitch, a discrete two-part connector, or a textile tab. Alternatively, eachlever arm652 and654 might include a pre-joined, first part of a two-part connector, which attaches to a second part of the two-part on the outside or inside surface of the outer and/or inner material layers.
• FIG. 6A depicts one aspect in which thefootwear article610 includes twolever arms652 and654, each of which terminates prior to extending around the back of theankle region626. Referring toFIG. 9A, in an alternative aspect, thefootwear article610 includes acollar elevator950 having afirst lever arm952 and asecond lever arm954 and eachlever arm952 and954 extends around at least a portion of the rear of the ankle region (i.e., at least to the longitudinal midline reference plane). As such, thelever arms952 and954 at least partially overlap with one another. InFIG. 9A, thelever arms952 and954 are depicted in a curved configuration, as they might appear when the collar is in a raised state, but prior to insertion into theapertures627 and631 the lever arms might be straight to allow for smoother insertion. In that case, the flexibility of thelever arms952 and954 may allow thelever arms952 and954 to be guided into the configuration depicted inFIG. 9A by the lever arm channel(s) that communicate with theapertures627 and631. Thecollar elevator950 may be affixed to the upper610 by any of the above described connectors, including a form-fit channel, stitching, discrete two-part connector(s), a connector having one part pre-joined to the collar elevator, and any and all combinations thereof. The first andsecond lever arms952 and954 might be integrally formed with the base958 or might be formed as discrete elements that are affixed to the base958 using one or more anchors.
• InFIGS. 6A and 9A, the collar elevators include a first lever arm and a second lever arm. Referring now toFIGS. 9B-9D, alternative aspects are depicted in which the collar elevator of thefootwear article610 might include asingle lever arm952B-D. For example, with thesingle lever arm952B-D affixed to thebase958B-D, the single lever arm may be positioned in theaperture627 or in theaperture631 and extend to various positions in the heel and/or ankle regions, depending on a length of the lever arm. Thelever arm952B includes a length configured to arrange the lever arm only on the medial side or only on the lateral side of thefootwear article610. For example, if theaperture627 is on the medial side, then thelever arm952B would extend from thebase958B, though theaperture627, and to a terminal endpoint that is medial relative to a longitudinal midline reference plane. Alternatively, if theaperture627 is on the lateral side, then thelever arm952B would extend from thebase958B, though theaperture627, and to a terminal endpoint that is lateral relative to a longitudinal midline reference plane.
• Referring toFIG. 9C, thelever arm952C is longer than thelever arm952B, and if theaperture627 is on the medial side, then thelever arm952C would extend from thebase958C, though theaperture627, and to a terminal endpoint that is lateral relative to a longitudinal midline reference plane. Alternatively, if theaperture627 is on the lateral side, then thelever arm952C would extend from thebase958C, though theaperture627, and to a terminal endpoint that is medial relative to a longitudinal midline reference plane. Referring toFIG. 9D, thelever arm952D is longer than thelever arm952C, and if theaperture627 is on the medial side, then thelever arm952D would extend from thebase958D, though theaperture627, around the rear of the ankle region, and possibly through theaperture631 on the opposing, lateral side of the upper. Alternatively, if theaperture627 is on the lateral side, then thelever arm952D would extend from thebase958C, though theaperture627, around the rear of the ankle region, and possibly through theaperture631 on the opposing, medial side of the upper.
• Once thelever arms952B-D are positioned within the upper, thelever arms952B-D may be coupled to the upper614 in various manners. For example, in one aspect the outer and inner material layers may be affixed together, such as by stitching, adhesive, welding, and the like, in such a manner to create a lever-arm channel having a size, shape, and volume configured to form fit with the lever arms. InFIGS. 9B-D, thelever arms952B-D generally taper from the junction with the base to a distal end, and as such, each lever-arm channel might similarly taper from the aperture to a distal end. In one aspect, the fit between the lever arms and the lever-arm channel is sufficient transfer forces between the collar elevator and the upper when the ankle collar is moved between the raised and lowered states.
• In other aspects, thelever arms952B-D might attach to the upper by way of one or more of the connectors described with respect toFIG. 5B. That is, eachlever arm952B-D might include an aperture through which a connector extends, including a stitch, a discrete two-part connector, or a textile tab. Alternatively, eachlever arm952B-D might include a pre-joined, first part of a two-part connector, which attaches to a second part of the two-part on the outside or inside surface of the outer and/or inner material layers.
• In another aspect of the present disclosure, thecollar elevators550 and550A-F might be inserted into the upper610 in such a manner that the lever arms are positioned in theapertures627 and631. As such, in these aspects, thebase558 would be positioned below thestrobel608.
• Several different aspects included above in this disclosure have described a variety of different collar elevators having a base positioned below strobel. This structuring and configuration might contribute to various advantages in certain contexts. For example, arranging the base below the strobel may reduce the need for a sole insert, and may provide a configuration suitable for strobel lasting. In some instances, the sole insert may provide unwanted rigidity underneath the foot, and in that case, the strobel is often a less rigid solution. In addition, strobel lasting may be more efficient than board lasting from a manufacturing perspective, in some situations, since board lasting includes a step for pulling down the skirt and affixing to a bottom surface of the sole insert. Furthermore, by omitting the sole insert, the base may be positioned directly on top of the sole, such as on the midsole, which may provide an opportunity for the base to connect to, or be anchored in, the sole.
• Referring now toFIGS. 10A-10C,various soles1012A-C are depicted that might be included in thefootwear article610 and that might be combined with any of the previously describedcollar elevators550,550A-F,650,950, and950B-D. For example,FIG. 10A depicts a sole1012A having asuperior surface1006A that, when included in thefootwear article610, faces towards the base and towards the foot-receiving cavity618. A dashed line inFIG. 10A represents a base-attachment zone illustrating an approximate position at which a base might be attached to thesuperior surface1006A. As indicated in other portions of this disclosure, thesuperior surface1006A might be attached to the base prior to the base either before or after the base is attached to the collar elevator and coupled to the upper. Thesuperior surface1006A includes a base-target region1004A enclosed within the base-attachment zone and aperimeter region1003A around the base-target region1004A. In an aspect of the disclosure, thesuperior surface1006A smoothly transitions from the base-target region1004A to theperimeter region1003A. Stated another way, a portion of the base-target region1004A and a portion of theperimeter region1003A that are directly adjacent to one another extend in a substantially same plane. Stated yet another way, the base-target region1004A is not recessed or raised relative to theperimeter region1003A. The size and shape of the base and base-target region1004A are merely one example, and in other aspects, the size and shape may be customized to fit the shape of the sole1012A. For example, the size of the base may be customized to substantially fill out the width of thesurface1006A, as well as the heelward depth, and filling out these portions of the upper may avoid hot spots or irritation points in the footbed. Furthermore, a thickness of the base may gradually taper as the base extends towards its anterior edge in order to smoothly transition to thesurface1006A.
• Referring toFIG. 10B, another sole1012B is illustrated, and the sole1012B includes a base-docking recess1004B included in thesuperior surface1006B. The base-docking recess1004B includes a depth extending from afloor1011B of the recess up to theperimeter region1003B. In an aspect of the disclosure the depth of the base-docking recess1004 is substantially similar to a thickness of the base, which is measured from a base bottom surface facing towards the sole to a base top surface facing towards the foot-receiving cavity, and an example ofbase thickness690 is depicted inFIG. 6A. As such, when the base is affixed in the base-docking recess1004B, the base top surface is substantially flush with theperimeter region1003B of thesurface1006B. For example, the base may be bonded, adhered, welded, thermoset, or co-molded into the base-docking recess1004B. Among other things, a similar base thickness and recess depth may reduce the presence of potential irritation spots in the footbed. In addition, the base size and shape is more customizable, since it the sides and back of the upper may not need to be filled out. Furthermore, the walls of the base-docking recess1004B may help maintain a position of the base by impeding the base from rotating relative to the sole1012B. More specifically, in one aspect a perimeter edge of a bottom surface of the base forms a 2D shape that is substantially similar to a 2D shape formed by a perimeter edge of afloor1011B of the base-docking recess. For example, inFIG. 10B the perimeter edge of thefloor1011B of the base-docking recess1004B includes a 2D shape that is rectangular, and the bottom-surface perimeter edge of any of the other collar elevators described in this disclosure may include a substantially similar rectangular 2D shape. In this sense, the perimeter edge of the floor and the perimeter edge of the base bottom surface may cooperate in a lock-and-key type relationship to help reduce or impede rotation of the base when nested in the base-docking recess. Moreover, a consistent base size and shape may be usable across different shaped soles, provided a corresponding base-docking recess1004B is included in the various different soles.
• Referring now toFIGS. 10C and 10D, in another aspect thefootwear article610 includes the sole1012C. The sole1012C is similar to the sole1012B, since the sole1012C also includes a base-docking recess1004C. The base-docking recess1004C may also have a floor with a perimeter edge that forms a 2D shape substantially similar to the perimeter edge of the bottom surface of the base. However, the sole1012C also includes a base-retention tab1002C, which fits on top of the base once the base has been positioned in the base-docking recess1004C. The base-retention tab1002C may include various elements. For example, in one aspect, the base-retention tab1002C includes athickness1001C (see e.g.,FIG. 10D) that, when combined with the thickness of the base (e.g.,thickness690 inFIG. 6A), is substantially similar to adepth1005C of the base-docking recess1004C. In addition, thetab1002C includes a medial-to-lateral width1001C′ that is shorter than a medial-to-lateral width1005C′ of the base-docking recess1004C. As such, agap1007C is formed between the medial and lateral sides of thetab1002C and the medial and lateral sides of the base-docking recess1004C. The gaps provide a fit feature, which allows the lever arms to extend unimpeded out of the base-docking recess1004C when the base is affixed therein. In addition, the gap allows thetab1002C to fit flush against the top surface of the base without potential interference from the lever arms.
• Thetab1002C may operate in various manners. For example, in one aspect, thetab1002C provides an additional securing element to retain the base within the base-docking recess1004C. In addition, thetab1002C may provide some amount of cushioning over the base, which may sometimes be a more rigid material. Furthermore, thetab1002C may operate to hold the anterior edge of the base down when the ankle collar is pushed into a lowered state, which in turn creates tension in the collar elevator. In this sense, thetab1002C may have a variety of lengths that are operational to help hold the anterior edge of the base down. InFIG. 10C, thetab1002C includes alength1009C measured from an anterior joint between the tab and the rest of the sole to a posterior, free edge of thetab1002C. In addition, the base includes a base length (e.g.,length692 inFIG. 6A) extending from a front edge of the base to a rear edge of the base, and as described above, the base length may be substantially similar to the length of the base-docking recess1004C. In one aspect, the tab length is equal to or less than the base length. In another aspect, the tab length is equal to or less than 75% of the base length. In a further aspect, the tab length is equal to or less than 50% of the base length. Additionally, the tab length may be equal to or less than 25% of the base length. Moreover, the tab length might be equal to or less than 10% of the base length, and still operate to impede the anterior edge of the base from lifting when the ankle collar is moved to a lowered state. As explained with respect to the sole1012B, the base may be affixed in the base-docking recess1004C in various manners. For example, the base may be bonded, adhered, welded, thermoset, co-molded, or any combination thereof, into the base-docking recess1004C, or the sole1012C might be overmolded around the base with the lever arms extending through the gaps.
• Referring now toFIGS. 11A and 11B, another aspect is illustrated that might be included in one or bothfootwear articles510 and610. InFIGS. 11A and 11B, a portion of afootwear article1110 is depicted and thefootwear article1110 includes a sole1112 and an upper1114 coupled to the sole1112 and comprising anankle collar1136 that is movable between a lowered state (i.e.,FIG. 11B) positioned closer to the sole1112 and a raised state (i.e.,FIG. 11A) positioned farther from the sole. In addition, thefootwear article1110 includes acollar elevator1150 operable to return theankle collar1136 from the lowered state to the raised state. Thecollar elevator1150 includes a base1158 that might be layered above a strobel or sole insert (such as inFIG. 5A), or below a strobel (such as inFIG. 6A). In addition, the collar elevator might include any of thecollar elevators550,550A-F,650,950, or950B-D.
• In a further aspect, thecollar elevator1150 includes alever arm1152 that flexes rearwardly, downwardly, or both rearwardly and downwardly as theankle collar1136 is moved from the raised state to the lowered state. Various attributes might contribute to the manner in which thelever arm1152 flexes, such as the cross section(s) of the lever arm, sizes of the lever arm, shape(s) of the lever arm, recesses or notches in the lever arm, and the like. In some instances, the downward force causing theankle collar1136 to move to a lowered state may be distributed fairly evenly along the length of the lever arm, and as such, the lever arm may adjust rearwardly and/or downwardly in a relatively linear and consistent manner. Stated another way, the portion of thecollar elevator1150 that is most distal1180 from thebase1158 might adjust, move, or flex a largest distance; the portion of the collar elevator closest to thebase1158 might adjust, move, or flex a shortest distance; and the distances moved by portions of thecollar elevator1150 between the base1158 and thedistal end1180 gradually and consistently increase in a linear manner from the base to thedistal end1180.
• Alternatively, thelever arm1152 may include one or more deflection points that separate a more superior segment of the lever arm from a more inferior portion of the lever arm, the more inferior portion being closer to the base (as measured along the length of the lever arm). The one or more deflection points represent a position at which the superior segment adjusts exponentially more than the inferior segment when the ankle collar is moved from the raised state to the lowered state. For example, the deflection point may include a position at which the lever arm hinges or pivots to permit the superior segment to adjust downwardly at a faster rate that the inferior portion, when theankle collar1136 is moved from the raised state to the lowered state. A deflection point may be detected or identified under various circumstances. For example, in one aspect the ankle collar may be moved from a first state having a first distance from the sole to a second state having a second distance from the sole, the second distance being shorter than the first distance, and the deflection point may be portion of the lever arm at which the lever arm bends or folds to a greater extent than one or more other portions of the lever arm. The second distance may be less than or equal to 25% of the first distance, less than or equal to 50% of the first distance, or less than or equal to 75 percent of the first distance.
• Referring toFIG. 11B, thelever arm1152 includes adeflection point1170 positioned between asuperior segment1172 of the lever arm and aninferior segment1174 of the lever arm, theinferior segment1174 being closer to thebase1158 that thedeflection point1170 or the superior segment1172 (as measured along the length of the lever arm). In one aspect,footwear article1110 includes a distance1176 (FIG. 11A) between thedeflection point1170 and ahorizontal reference plane1190, which generally includes the plane of a relatively flat ground surface on which the ground-contacting surface rests with thefootwear article1110 being stationary, in an at-rest state. Various elements may contribute to a position of thedeflection point1170. For example, the deflection point may include a thinner cross section or a notch. In addition, the attachment of thecollar elevator1150 to the upper1114 might limit rearward travel, which could cause the lever arm to bend more at the deflection point when moved from the raised state to the lowered state.
• With continued reference toFIGS. 11A and 11B, theankle collar1136 includes a topline edge having aninferior-most portion1137 that is anterior to the deflection point1170 (i.e., closer to the forefoot of the footwear article1110). In addition, thefootwear article1110 includes aheight1178 between theinferior-most portion1137 and thehorizontal reference plane1190. In an aspect of this disclosure, theheight1178 is less than thedistance1176. Among other things, the shorter height of theinferior-most portion1137 of theankle collar1136, together with the anterior positioning (relative to the deflection point1170) acts as a hinge or pivot point for the rear portions of theankle region1126. As such, the rear portions of theankle collar1136 may pull to a lesser extent on the more forward portions of theankle collar1136 when theankle collar1136 is moved to a lowered state (as compared to other footwear articles having a higher ankle collar). In addition, this alternative configuration may allow for smaller goring elements, gussets, or elastic panels, to be used along theankle collar1136, or may be utilized in lieu of any goring element, gusset, or elastic panel.
• The side depicted inFIGS. 11A and 11B might be the medial side or the lateral side, and the other side of thefootwear article1110 may include similar features. However, in some aspects, the opposing side that is obstructed from view inFIGS. 11A and 11B might also not include corresponding features, such as where the opposing side does not includes a corresponding lever arm (e.g.,collar elevators950B and950C).
• From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which would be realized by an ordinary skilled artisan and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
• Some aspects of this disclosure have been described with respect to the examples provided in the figures. Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described that may be related subject matter included in one or more claims or clauses of this application at the time of filing, or one or more related applications, but the claims or clauses are not limited to only the subject matter described in the below portions of this description. These additional aspects may include features illustrated by the figures, features not illustrated by the figures, and any combination thereof. When describing these additional aspects, reference may be made to elements depicted by the figures for illustrative purposes.
• The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein. The listing is merely specific examples and is not limiting to the scope of the current Specification. Instead, the following clauses are intended to provide guidance as to some of the contemplated aspects herein. As used herein, and in connection with the clauses listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to be interpreted such that features of clauses may be combined in any combination. For instance, interpretation of the phrase “the footwear article of clause x-y” as used hereinafter should be interpreted as the footwear article of any one or combination of clause x through clause y, where x and y are numerical clauses. That is, an exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any ofclauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features ofclause 1 and clause 4 may be combined; elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined; elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined; elements ofclauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined; elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined; elements ofclauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined; and/or other variations. Further, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to include “any one of clauses” or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.
• Clause 1: A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole, wherein the upper comprises a material layer that at least partially overlaps with the sole and that includes an outward facing surface facing towards the sole and an inward facing surface facing away from the sole and towards a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer comprises an aperture extending through material layer from the outward facing surface to the inward facing surface; and a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator having a base positioned between the outward facing surface and the sole and a lever arm connected to the base at a junction and extending from the junction through the aperture.
• Clause 2: The footwear article ofclause 1, wherein the material layer that at least partially overlaps with the sole is a portion of an outer material layer of the upper; wherein the upper further comprises an inner material layer that is closer to the foot-receiving cavity than the outer material layer; and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer after the lever arm extends from the junction and through the aperture.
• Clause 3. The footwear article of clause 2, wherein the inner material layer is an inner liner.
• Clause 4. The footwear article of clause 2, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are opposing sides of a lever-arm tubular encasement that houses the lever arm.
• Clause 5. The footwear article of clause 4, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are knit layers, and wherein the lever-arm tubular encasement is integrally knit.
• Clause 6. The footwear article of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the aperture is on a medial side of the upper.
• Clause 7. The footwear article of clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the aperture is below a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.
• Clause 8. The footwear article of clause 6, wherein at least a portion of the aperture is above a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.
• Clause 9. The footwear article of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the lever arm extends upwards from the base, through the aperture, and towards a rear of an ankle region of the upper.
• Clause 10. The footwear article of clause 9, wherein the lever arm terminates on the medial side of the upper and at a terminal end opposite the base.
• Clause 11. The footwear article of clause 9, wherein the lever arm wraps around the rear of the ankle region of the upper and terminates on a lateral side of the upper at a terminal end opposite the base.
• Clause 12. The footwear article of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the aperture is a medial-side aperture and the lever arm is a medial-side lever arm, and wherein the footwear article further comprises: a lateral-side aperture extending through the material layer on a lateral side of the upper; and a lateral-side lever arm connected to the base at another junction and extending from the other junction through the lateral-side aperture.
• Clause 13. The footwear article ofclause 12, wherein at least a portion of the medial-side aperture and at least a portion of the lateral-side aperture are below a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.
• Clause 14. The footwear article ofclause 12, wherein at least a portion of the medial-side aperture and at least a portion of the lateral-side aperture are above a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.
• Clause 15. The footwear article ofclause 12, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm both extend upwards from the base, through a respective aperture, and towards a rear of an ankle region of the upper.
• Clause 16. The footwear article of clause 15, wherein the medial-side lever arm terminates on the medial side of the upper at a terminal end opposite the base, and wherein the lateral-side lever arm terminates on the lateral side of the upper at a terminal end opposite the base.
• Clause 17. The footwear article of clause 15, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm are coupled to one another in the rear of the ankle region.
• Clause 18. The footwear article of clause 17, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm are connected to one another by a center connecting portion, which is positioned in the rear of the ankle region.
• Clause 19. The footwear article of clause 17, wherein the medial-side lever arm, the lateral-side lever arm, and the center connecting portion are continuous.
• Clause 20. The footwear article of clause 17, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm overlap with one another in the rear of the ankle region.
• Clause 21. The footwear article of clause 17, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm are coupled to the upper in the rear portion of the ankle region.
• Clause 22. The footwear article of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the aperture is on a lateral side of the upper.
• Clause 23. The footwear article ofclause 22, wherein the lever arm extends upwards from the base, through the aperture, and towards a rear of an ankle region of the upper.
• Clause 24. The footwear article of clause 23, wherein the lever arm terminates on the lateral side of the upper and at a terminal end opposite the base.
• Clause 25. The footwear article of clause 23, wherein the lever arm wraps around the rear of the ankle region of the upper and terminates on a medial side of the upper at a terminal end opposite the base.
• Clause 26. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole; a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator comprising a base and at least one lever arm, wherein the base is positioned below a strobel, such that the base is positioned between the strobel and the sole and includes a top surface facing towards the strobel; and a base-docking recess included in a top surface of the sole facing towards the base of the collar elevator, wherein the base is positioned in the base-docking recess.
• Clause 27. The footwear article ofclause 26, wherein the sole includes a tab that at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base-docking recess.
• Clause 28. The footwear article of clause 27, wherein the tab includes a tab width in the medial-to-lateral direction and the recess includes a recess width in the medial-to-lateral direction; wherein the tab width is less than the recess width, such that a medial edge and lateral edge of the tab are spaced inward of a medial edge and lateral edge of the recess; and wherein the at least one lever arm is positioned between the medial edge of the tab and the medial edge of the recess or between the lateral edge of the tab and the lateral edge of the recess.
• Clause 29. The footwear article ofclause 28, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from a junction with the base, between the medial edges or between the lateral edges, and through an aperture in a material layer of the upper to a position that is between the material layer and a foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 30. The footwear article ofclause 28, wherein the at least one lever arm extends from a junction with the base, between the medial edges or between the lateral edges, and along an outward facing surface of a material layer of the upper.
• Clause 31. The footwear article of any of clauses 27-30, wherein the tab includes a tab length measured from a front edge of the tab to a rear edge of the tab; wherein the base includes a base length extending from a front edge of the base to a rear edge of the base; and wherein the tab length is equal to or less than the base length.
• Clause 32. The footwear article ofclause 29, wherein the tab length is equal to or less than 75% of the base length.
• Clause 33. The footwear article ofclause 30, wherein the tab length is equal to or less than 50% of the base length.
• Clause 34. The footwear article ofclause 31, wherein the tab length is equal to or less than 25% of the base length.
• Clause 35. The footwear article ofclause 32, wherein the tab length is equal to or less than 10% of the base length.
• Clause 36. The footwear article of any of clauses 27-35, wherein a combination of a thickness of the tab and a thickness of the base is substantially similar to a depth of the base-docking recess.
• Clause 37. The footwear article of any of clauses 26-36, wherein a perimeter edge of a bottom surface of the base forms a 2D shape that is substantially similar to a 2D shape formed by a perimeter edge of a floor of the base-docking recess.
• Clause 38. The footwear article ofclause 26, wherein a thickness of the base is substantially similar to a thickness of the base-docking recess.
• Clause 39. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole, wherein the ankle collar includes a topline edge having an inferior-most portion along a medial side or a lateral side, and wherein the inferior-most portion is spaced a first distance apart from a horizontal reference plane; and a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator comprising at least one lever arm that is on a same side as the inferior most portion and that has a deflection point positioned between a superior segment of the lever arm and an inferior segment of the lever arm, wherein the deflection point is spaced a second distance apart from the horizontal reference plane and the second distance is larger than the first distance.
• Clause 40. The footwear article of clause 39, wherein the inferior-most edge is positioned more anterior relative to the deflection point.
• Clause 41. The footwear article of any of clause 39-40, wherein the collar elevator includes a base positioned above a sole insert.
• Clause 42. The footwear article of any of clauses 39-41, wherein the collar elevator includes a medial-side lever arm without a corresponding lever arm on a lateral side.
• Clause 43. The footwear article of any of clauses 39-41, wherein the collar elevator includes a lateral-side lever arm without a corresponding lever arm on a medial side.
• Clause 44. The footwear article of any of clauses 39-41, wherein the at least one lever arm is a medial-side lever arm and wherein the collar elevator further comprises a lateral-side lever arm.
• Clause 45. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole, wherein the upper includes a skirt affixed to a bottom surface of a sole insert, and wherein the upper includes a first aperture extending through a thickness of a material layer; a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator comprising a base and one or more lever arms, wherein the base is affixed to a top surface of the sole insert, such that the sole insert is positioned between the base and the sole, and wherein the collar elevator includes a second aperture extending entirely through a thickness; and a connector extending through the first aperture and the second aperture.
• Clause 46. The footwear article of clause 45, wherein the second aperture is positioned in the one or more lever arms.
• Clause 47. The footwear article of clause 45, wherein the collar elevator further comprises a center connecting portion, and wherein the second aperture is positioned in the center connecting portion.
• Clause 48. The footwear article of any of clauses 45-47, wherein the connector is a segment of yarn forming a stitch, and wherein the segment is positioned in the first aperture and the second aperture.
• Clause 49. The footwear article of any of clauses 45-47, wherein the connector is a two-part connector having one or more posts that extend through the first aperture and the second aperture.
• Clause 50. The footwear article of any of clauses 45-47, wherein the connector is a two-part snap rivet.
• Clause 51. The footwear article of any of clauses 45-50, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned between the outer material layer and a foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 52. The footwear article of any of clauses 45-50, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the inner material layer is positioned between the collar elevator and a foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 53. The footwear article of clause 45, wherein the upper further comprises another material layer having a third aperture, and wherein the connector also extends through the third aperture.
• Clause 54. The footwear article of clause 53, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer and the other material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned between the outer and inner material layers.
• Clause 55. The footwear article of clause 53, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer and the other material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned between the outer and inner material layers.
• Clause 56. A footwear article comprising: a sole; an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole, wherein the upper includes a skirt affixed to a bottom surface of a sole insert, and wherein the upper includes a first aperture extending entirely from a first side of the material layer to a second side of the material layer; a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator comprising a base and one or more lever arms, wherein the base is affixed to a top surface of the sole insert, such that the sole insert is positioned between the base and the sole, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned on the first side of the material layer and includes first part of a two-part connector extending from a surface of the collar elevator and through the first aperture; and a second part of the two-part connector positioned on the second side of the material layer and coupled to the first part of the two-part connector.
• Clause 57. The footwear article of clause 56, wherein the first part of the connector extends from a surface of a lever arm.
• Clause 58. The footwear article of clause 57, wherein the surface faces towards a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface and the foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 59. The footwear article of clause 57, wherein the surface faces away from a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the material layer and the foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 60. The footwear article of clause 56, wherein the collar elevator further comprises a center connecting portion, and wherein the first part of the connector extends from a surface of the center connecting portion.
• Clause 61. The footwear article of clause 60, wherein the surface faces towards a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer is positioned between the surface and the foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 62. The footwear article of clause 60, wherein the surface faces away from a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the center connecting portion is positioned between the material layer and the foot-receiving cavity.
• Clause 63. The footwear article of any of clauses 56-62, wherein the first part and the second part snap together.
• Clause 64. The footwear article of any of clauses 56-62, wherein the first part and the second part frictionally engage one another.
• Clause 65. The footwear article of any of clauses 56-62, wherein the first part and the second part threadably engage one another.
• Clause 66. The footwear article of clause 56, wherein the upper further comprises another material layer having a second aperture, and wherein the collar elevator includes another first part of another two-part connector extending from an opposing surface of the collar elevator and through the second aperture.
• Clause 67. The footwear article of clause 66, wherein the material layer is an outer material layer and the other material layer is an inner material layer, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned between the outer and inner material layers.
• Clause 68. The footwear article of clause 66, wherein the material layer is an inner material layer and the other material layer is an outer material layer, and wherein the collar elevator is positioned between the outer and inner material layers.

Claims (20)

Claimed is:

1. A footwear article comprising:

a sole;

an upper coupled to the sole and comprising an ankle collar that is movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned farther from the sole, wherein the upper comprises a material layer that at least partially overlaps with the sole and that includes an outward facing surface facing towards the sole and an inward facing surface facing away from the sole and towards a foot-receiving cavity, and wherein the material layer comprises an aperture extending through the material layer from the outward facing surface to the inward facing surface; and

a collar elevator operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar elevator having a base positioned between the outward facing surface and the sole and a lever arm connected to the base at a junction and extending from the junction through the aperture.

2. The footwear article ofclaim 1,

wherein the material layer that at least partially overlaps with the sole is a portion of an outer material layer of the upper;

wherein the upper further comprises an inner material layer that is closer to the foot-receiving cavity than the outer material layer;

and wherein the lever arm is positioned between the outer material layer and the inner material layer after the lever arm extends from the junction and through the aperture.

3. The footwear article ofclaim 2, wherein the inner material layer is an inner liner.

4. The footwear article ofclaim 2, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are opposing sides of a lever-arm tubular encasement that houses the lever arm.

5. The footwear article ofclaim 4, wherein the inner material layer and the outer material layer are knit layers, and wherein the lever-arm tubular encasement is integrally knit.

6. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the material layer comprises one or more apertures, including the aperture; wherein each aperture of the one or more apertures includes a respective lever arm extending therethrough; and wherein each aperture is on either a medial side of the upper or a lateral side of the upper.

7. The footwear article ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of each aperture is below a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.

8. The footwear article ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of each aperture is above a biteline, which includes an interface between a topline edge of the sole and the upper.

9. The footwear article ofclaim 6, wherein the respective lever arm extends upwards from the base, through the aperture, and towards a rear of an ankle region of the upper.

10. The footwear article ofclaim 9, wherein the respective lever arm terminates at a terminal end on a same side of the upper as the aperture through which the respective lever arm extends.

11. The footwear article ofclaim 6, wherein the material layer includes a medial-side aperture and a medial-side lever arm extending from the base, through the medial-side aperture, and towards a rear of an ankle region of the upper; and wherein the material layer includes a lateral-side aperture and a lateral-side lever arm extending from the base, through the lateral-side aperture, and towards the rear of the ankle region of the upper.

12. The footwear article ofclaim 11, wherein the medial-side lever arm and the lateral-side lever arm overlap with one another in the rear of the ankle region.

13. The footwear article ofclaim 11, wherein the rear of the ankle region of the upper includes a first aperture and the collar elevator includes a second aperture; and wherein the footwear article further comprises a connector extending through the first aperture and the second aperture.

14. The footwear article ofclaim 13, wherein the connector includes a segment of yarn forming a stitch, and wherein the segment is positioned in the first aperture and the second aperture.

15. The footwear article ofclaim 13, wherein the connector is a two-part connector having one or more posts that extend through the first aperture and the second aperture.

16. The footwear article ofclaim 1 further comprising, a base-docking recess included in a top surface of the sole facing towards the base of the collar elevator, wherein the base is positioned in the base-docking recess; and wherein the sole includes a tab that at least partially covers the top surface of the base positioned in the base-docking recess.

17. The footwear article ofclaim 16, wherein the tab includes a tab width in the medial-to-lateral direction and the recess includes a recess width in the medial-to-lateral direction; wherein the tab width is less than the recess width, such that a medial edge and lateral edge of the tab are spaced inward of a medial edge and lateral edge of the recess; and wherein the at least one lever arm is positioned between the medial edge of the tab and the medial edge of the recess or between the lateral edge of the tab and the lateral edge of the recess.

18. The footwear article ofclaim 1, wherein the ankle collar includes a topline edge having an inferior-most portion along a medial side or a lateral side; wherein the inferior-most portion is spaced a first distance apart from a horizontal reference plane; wherein the lever arm is on a same side as the inferior most portion and has a deflection point positioned between a superior segment of the lever arm and an inferior segment of the lever arm; and wherein the deflection point is spaced a second distance apart from the horizontal reference plane and the second distance is larger than the first distance.

19. The footwear article ofclaim 18, wherein the collar elevator includes a medial-side lever arm without a corresponding lever arm on a lateral side.

20. The footwear article ofclaim 18, wherein the collar elevator includes a lateral-side lever arm without a corresponding lever arm on a medial side.

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