Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
  • A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
  • A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
  • A43B23/0265—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form having different properties in different directions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
  • A43B23/22—Supports for the shank or arch of the uppers
  • A43B23/227—Supports for the shank or arch of the uppers fixed on the outside of the shoe
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
  • A43B5/001—Golf shoes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
  • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
  • A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
  • A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
  • A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
  • A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
  • A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
  • A43B7/1495—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with arch-supports of the bracelet type
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A43—FOOTWEAR
  • A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
  • A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
  • A43C11/16—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like
  • A43C11/165—Fastenings secured by wire, bolts, or the like characterised by a spool, reel or pulley for winding up cables, laces or straps by rotation

Definitions

• the sport of golf involves a variety of actions that a golfer may perform, such as a golf swing, walking a golf course, crouching down to line-up a putt, and other golfing actions. Having proper equipment when playing the sport of golf may be a factor in how well the golfer may be able to perform these actions.
• Footwear i.e., shoes
• shoes are one example piece of equipment that can affect a golfer's performance. For example, when a golfer swings a club and transfers their weight on their feet, there are high forces placed on the golfer's foot.
• the shoe needs to provide a stable platform for the golfer when they make their swing, but the foot also needs to be able to flex to a certain degree. The bending of the shoe also is important when the golfer is walking, crouching down, and other golfing actions.
• footwear e.g., a golf shoe
• the midfoot support system may include a lateral strap extending from underfoot and over the midfoot region and a medial strap extending from underfoot inside the upper over the midfoot region.
• the medial strap extends outwardly from the upper material and is slidably engaged through the free end of the lateral strap.
• the free end of the medial strap may be engaged with an adjustable closure system to cinch the lateral and medial straps tightly around the midfoot.
• the lateral strap includes a rigid support structure.
• the midfoot support system allows the foot to be stabilized within the shoe reducing movement of the foot within the shoe. This additional stability and prevention of movement is helpful during the golf swing and shot taking.
• Examples further include a golf shoe comprising: an upper; a sole connected to the upper at a bite line; a lateral strap made from a first material, the lateral strap comprising: a first end attached at least along a portion of a medial side of the sole; a second end extending from the bite line and upwards over a lateral side of a midfoot region of the shoe; and a support structure, positioned within the lateral strap, made from a second material that is more rigid than the first material, the support structure comprising: a lower portion located proximate to the first end of the lateral strap extending to the lateral side of the sole; and an upper portion extending from the lateral side of the sole upwards along a portion of the lateral side of the upper; and a medial strap comprising: a first end attached to a lateral side of the sole; and a second end extending under a wearer's foot to the medial side of the sole, upwards along an interior surface on a medial side of a midfoot region
• the present disclosure provides an article of footwear comprising an upper; a sole assembly connected to the upper, wherein the sole assembly comprises a midsole and an outsole; an insole component configured to support a foot of a subject wearing the article of footwear; a support system comprising (i) a medial support extending under and along an inner surface of the upper, wherein the medial support includes (a) an elongated section that resists stretching in one or more directions and (b) a plurality of stretchable sections positioned along the elongated section, and (ii) a lateral support extending under the insole component and over or above the inner surface of the upper; and a securement system extending between the medial support and the lateral support.
• the securement system comprises: (i) a first cable configured to activate the medial and lateral supports to (a) pull the insole component up against a plantar surface of the foot and (b) draw the foot towards a lateral side of the upper, the sole assembly, or the insole component, and (ii) a second cable configured to (a) adjustably secure the upper around the foot and (b) pull the foot down and back towards a heel region of the upper, the sole assembly, or the insole component.
• the elongated section comprises a fastener configured to engage one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports.
• the fastener is positioned in a necked or tapered portion of the elongated section between the plurality of stretchable sections.
• the lateral support is detached or decoupled from the upper and independently movable relative to the upper. In some embodiments, the lateral support is configured to translate along, over, or across the upper in response to a change in a level of tension in the securement system.
• the article of footwear may comprise a side mounted dial configured to adjust or control the first cable. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may comprise a heel mounted dial configured to adjust or control the second cable.
• the article of footwear may comprise a fourth layer attached or coupled to the third layer to form a tongue assembly.
• the fourth layer is configured as an inner liner or lining for the tongue assembly.
• the article of footwear may comprise a sheath or a panel.
• the sheath or panel may extend across an instep region of the foot to cover or conceal a portion of the first cable and/or the second cable.
• the midfoot support system may stabilize a desired portion of the foot for a variety of activities, and there is no intention to limit the usefulness of the current disclosure.
• the midfoot support system may stabilize at least a portion of a medial midfoot region for various activities.
• the shoe 100 has a medial side that extends from the forefoot region 125 to the heel region 105 and a lateral side that extends from a forefoot region 125 to the heel region 105.
• the lateral side and the medial side may be opposite one another. In some examples, the lateral side and medial side may be generally parallel to one another.
• the lateral side generally corresponds to an outside area of the wearer's foot and a surface that faces away from a wearer's other foot.
• the medial side generally corresponds to an inside area of the wearer's foot and a surface that faces toward the wearer's other foot.
• the medial and lateral sides may apply to the shoe 100 in general, and the medial side and lateral side may apply to each of the upper 104, sole 106, and other associated areas in reference or relation to a general longitudinal centerline C of the shoe 100.
• the upper 104 may have an interior surface 145 (shown in FIGURE 1E ) and an exterior surface 155 (also shown in FIGURE 1E ).
• the interior surface 145 may partially define an area configured to receive a wearer's foot.
• the upper 104 may be configured to extend over the wearer's foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a forefoot region and a heel region of the foot.
• the area configured to receive the wearer's foot may be accessed from an ankle opening (herein referred to as a throat opening or throat 114), which is defined by a collar 118.
• the upper 104 includes an eye stay 107 in which eyelets may be defined and through which a lacing system may be threaded.
• a tongue 109 is included and is located under the eye stay 107 and lacing system. For instance, the tongue 109 may contact the top of the wearer's foot.
• the sole 106 may include an outsole 116, a midsole 115, and an insole 117 (shown in FIGURES 1D and 1E ).
• the sole 106 may be coupled to the upper 104 at a bite line 165.
• the sole 106 may be configured to attenuate forces or provide support or cushioning.
• the midsole 115 may be formed from a compressible material that provides cushioning.
• the midsole 115 may include a structural support structure or be formed from dense materials to increase stability.
• the midfoot support system 111 may be utilized at least in part to secure the upper 104 around the wearer's foot by pulling up slack of material of the upper 104 and surrounding and compressing around the wearer's foot to anchor the foot against a lateral edge of the shoe 100.
• the midfoot support system 111 further includes two adjustment straps: a lateral strap 108 (shown in FIGURES 1B , 1D , 1E , 2 , 4A and 4B ) and a medial strap 110 (shown in FIGURES 1A , 1D , 1E , 2 , 4A and 4B ).
• the lateral strap 108 may be fixedly attached to the insole 117 and/or midsole 115 along the entire medial-lateral width or substantially the entire medial-lateral width of the insole 117 and/or midsole 115. In other examples, the lateral strap 108 may be fixedly attached to the insole 117 and/or midsole 115 along only the medial edge of the insole 117 and/or midsole 115. In further examples, a portion of the lateral strap 108 may be recessed into the midsole 115.
• the lateral strap 108 may further extend upwardly, from the bite line 165 on the lateral side of the shoe 100, along the outer lateral side of the upper 104, and over at least a portion of the midfoot region 135 of the upper 104.
• the connected end 128 of the lateral strap 108 is attached to the insole 117 or the midsole 115 by stitching, adhesives, or other suitable means and techniques to fixedly attach the lateral strap 108.
• the lateral strap 108 further includes a second end, which is referred to herein as a free end 131, that is configured to engage the medial strap 110.
• a first end of the medial strap 110 which is referred to herein as a connected end 138, is anchored to the shoe 100 at an anchor point under the lateral side of the wearer's foot.
• the anchor point of the medial strap 110 may be located along the lateral side of the insole 117 or the midsole 115.
• the anchor point of the medial strap 110 may be at or proximate to a lateral edge of the insole 117 or the midsole 115 (e.g., at or proximate to the bite line 165).
• the connected end 138 of the medial strap 110 is attached to the insole 117 or the midsole 115 by stitching, adhesives, or other suitable means and techniques to anchor the medial strap 110.
• the medial strap 110 may extend under the midfoot region 135, traversing medially across the wearer's arch on the medial side of the insole 117 or midsole 115 and wrapping upwards along the wearer's arc on the medial side and continuing across the wearer's instep (e.g., upper portion of the middle foot) and upwardly along the medial side of the upper 104 for connection with the lateral strap 108.
• the medial strap 110 is fixedly attached to the shoe 100 only at the lateral edge of the insole 117 or the midsole 115, where the portion of the medial strap 110 that extends under the midfoot region 135 may be free-floating.
• the medial strap 110 may wrap upwardly along the inner medial side of the upper 104 and then outwardly from the upper 104 for connection with the lateral strap 108. In other examples, the medial strap 110 may extend from the bite line 165 on the medial side of the shoe 100 and upwards along on the outer medial side of the upper 104 for connection with the lateral strap 108. According to examples, tension applied to the medial strap 110 causes the medial strap 110 to pull around the wearer's foot and up against the wearer's arch.
• first closure system 133 is depicted in FIGURES 1A - 1D and described below as an adjustable lacing system (e.g., a BOA closure system of BOA Technology, Inc. described in U.S. Pat No. 10,070,695 , and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), in other examples, the first closure system 133 may be implemented using another type of closure system, such as laces, buckles, ratchets, hook and loop fasteners, or other systems.
• adjustable lacing system e.g., a BOA closure system of BOA Technology, Inc. described in U.S. Pat No. 10,070,695 , and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
• the first closure system 133 may be implemented using another type of closure system, such as laces, buckles, ratchets, hook and loop fasteners, or other systems.
• the lateral strap 108 may be of various shapes. According to one example, the connected end 128 of the lateral strap 108 may be shaped in a general contour of a middle of a foot, namely, the arch. In some examples, the lateral strap 108 may include two rings 123 that are configured to receive and allow the anterior sub-strap 112 and the posterior sub-strap 113 of the medial strap 110 to pass through. In some examples, each of the anterior sub-strap 112 and posterior sub-strap 113 may be received from a bottom side of the ring 123 and fold transversely of its length and back on itself to attach to the first closure system 133.
• the first closure system 133 may include the first lace 152 mentioned above, a first adjustable dial 154, and first lace guides 156. In other examples, the first closure system 133 may not utilize the first adjustable dial 154 to control the tension of the first lace 152, and the tension may be increased, decreased, and/or secured by other means, such as a tied lace, an elasticized lace, a buckle, a ratchet, a hook and loop fastener, or other ways now known or later developed. Increasing the tension may result in a tightening of the first lace 152 and decreasing the tension may result in a loosening of the first lace 152. In some examples, the first lace 152 may be a tensile lace. In other examples, the first lace 152 may be a wire.
• the first lace guides 156 may be coupled to the upper 104 at positions that enable the wearer to secure the upper 104 to their foot.
• the first lace guides 156 may be strategically placed such that when tightened, the first lace 152 does not cause a user discomfort.
• the placement of the first lace guides 156 may assist in stabilizing the foot.
• the first closure system 133 and placement of the first lace guides 156 may attenuate forces acting on the wearer's foot, such as pressure, shear force, ground forces, or the ability for flexion or movement.
• the first lace guides 156 may be openings that allow the first lace 152 to slide through the opening when tension is increased or decreased, for example, using the first adjustable dial 154.
• the first lace guides 156 are located between the eye stay 107 and the bite line 165.
• the first lace 152 may be coupled at a first end to a lace anchor 158 and at a second end to the first adjustable dial 154.
• the lace anchor 158 may be coupled to the shoe 100 at or proximate the eye stay 107.
• the lace anchor 158 is located on the anterior-medial side of the eye stay 107.
• the lace anchor 158 is fixedly coupled to the shoe 100.
• the first lace guides 156 may be generally located along the medial side of the upper 104 to guide the first lace 152 posteriorly to the first adjustable dial 154.
• the medial strap 110 may be pulled around the wearer's foot and up against the arch of the foot. Additionally, the lateral strap 108 wraps below the wearer's foot and is attached to the upper surface of the midsole 115 of the shoe 100. Thus, increased tension of the first lace 152 may cause increased tension in the medial strap 110, and further cause the medial strap 110 to engage and pull the lateral strap 108 inwardly toward the medial side of the shoe 100 and tightly around the midfoot region 135 to secure the upper 104 around the wearer's foot. In some examples, engaging the lateral strap 108 prevents the foot from linearly sliding media-laterally within the shoe 100.
• the pulling force applied to the medial strap 110 may further cause the midfoot support system 111 to take up slack and airspace under the wearer's foot by drawing the insole 117 against the foot.
• the pulling force may cause the midfoot support system 111 to take up air space or volume within the shoe 100.
• Some volume may be due in part to an enlarged throat 114 opening to facilitate placement of a foot within the upper 104 of the shoe 100.
• some shoes 100 have increased volume due in part to increased widths to accommodate for wider foot sizes.
• a portion of the first lace 152 may be above the upper 104 and configured to interact with the outer surface of the upper 104.
• the first lace guides 156 may be placed such that the first lace 152 is not in direct contact with the upper 104.
• the first lace 152 may be at least partially visible.
• a portion of the first lace 152 may be between an exterior surface of the upper 104 and an interior surface of the upper 104. In such embodiments there may be a channel for the laces between the exterior and the interior surfaces of the upper 104. The exterior and the interior surfaces of the upper 104.
• the first lace 152 may be attached at the lace anchor 158 and be slidably received through a first-first lace guide 156.
• the first-first lace guide 156 may be located below and posterior to the lace anchor 158.
• the first lace 152 may be further slidably received through a first lace receiving element 121 located on the anterior sub-strap 112 of the medial strap 110.
• the first lace receiving element 121 may be located above and posterior to the first lace guide 156.
• the lace 152 may be further slidably received through a second first lace guide 156.
• the second first lace guide 156 may be located posterior to the first-first lace guide 156.
• the tensions on the posterior sub-strap 113 and the anterior sub-strap 112 may be separately controlled or adjusted through an additional tension adjustment element (not depicted).
• a first adjustment element is provided for adjusting the tension on the posterior sub-strap 113 and a second adjustment element is provided for adjusting the tension on the anterior sub-strap 112.
• the adjustment elements may be the same type or different types.
• the second lace guides 176 may be loops that allow the second lace 172 to slide through the loop when tension is increased or decreased using the second adjustable dial 174. In some examples, the second lace guides 176 are low friction. The second lace guides 176 may be coupled to the upper 104 at strategic points to help secure the upper 104 to the wearer's foot. The second lace guides 176 may be strategically placed such that when tightened, the second lace 172 does not cause the wearer discomfort. The placement of the second lace guides 176 may assist in stabilizing the foot. In some examples, the second closure system 122 and placement of the second lace guides 176 may attenuate forces acting on a wearer's foot such as pressure, shear force, ground forces, or the ability for flexion or movement.
• the second lace 172 may be above the upper 104 and configured to interact with an outer/exterior surface 155 of the upper 104, such as the outer/exterior surface of the eye stay 107.
• the second lace 172 may be entirely or partially visible.
• the second lace 172 may be between exterior surface 155 of the upper 104 and the interior surface 145 of the upper 104.
• the second lace guides 176 may also be positioned between the exterior surface 155 of the upper 104 and the interior surface 145 of the upper 104.
• the second closure system 122 may include a variety of alternative fastening mechanisms, such as a tied lace, an elasticized lace, a band with a hook and loop closure, an elastic buckle, a button, a hook, a snap, or any other fastening device now known or later developed. It will be further appreciated that in further examples, the shoe 100 may not include a second closure system 122.
• the article of footwear may comprise a support system.
• the support system may comprise (i) a medial support extending under and along an inner surface of the upper and (ii) a lateral support extending under the insole component and over or above the inner surface of the upper.
• the shoe 500 may comprise a support system comprising a medial support 520.
• the medial support 520 may be detachably coupled to the insole component 510.
• the medial support 520 may comprise a first end 521 that can be detachably coupled to the insole component 510 and a second end 522 that can extend around or along a medial side of the foot.
• the second end 522 may comprise one or more extensions 540 that are looped or folded to engage a securement system (e.g., as described in further detail below).
• the second end 522 may comprise one or more extensions 540 with fixed length loops.
• the medial support 520 may include an elongated section 525 that resists stretching in one or more directions.
• the medial support 520 may include a plurality of stretchable sections 530 positioned along the elongated section 525.
• the width of the elongated section 525 at the necked or tapered portion may be less than a width of one or more other portions of the elongated section 525. In some cases, the width of the elongated section 525 at the necked or tapered portion may be less than a width of a first end 521 or a second end 522 of the elongated section 525. In some cases, the width of the elongated section 525 may gradually increase from the necked or tapered portion towards the first end 521 or the second end 522 of the elongated section 525.
• the width of the elongated section 525 may increase from the necked or tapered portion towards the first end 521 of the elongated section 525 at a first rate (i.e., a first rate of change in width per unit distance or length in the longitudinal direction). In some cases, the width of the elongated section 525 may increase from the necked or tapered portion towards the second end 522 of the elongated section 525 at a second rate (i.e., a second rate of change in width per unit distance or length in the longitudinal direction). In some cases, the first rate and the second rate may be the same. In other cases, the first rate and the second rate may be different. In some cases, the first rate may be greater than the second rate. In other cases, the second rate may be greater than the first rate.
• the elongated section 525 may be configured as a spinal structure or overlay that is substantially inelastic or inextensible in one or more directions.
• the spinal structure or overlay may be configured to support the medial side of a subject's foot (e.g., when the subject is executing a golf-related action or movement).
• the elongated section 525 may be configured to resist stretching or deformation in or along one or more directions.
• the elongated section 525 may comprise a polyurethane (PU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material.
• the elongated section 525 may comprise a hotmelt TPU material.
• the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may be directly adjacent to the necked or tapered portion 515 of the medial support 520.
• the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may be configured to conform to and support a subject's arch in the anteroposterior direction.
• the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may be positioned on opposite sides of the necked or tapered portion 515 of the elongated section 525.
• the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may comprise a multi-way stretch construction that conforms to a shape or a profile of an arch region of the foot.
• the multi-way stretch construction may be configured to conform to a longitudinal and/or transverse arch shape or profile associated with a subject's foot.
• the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may comprise elastane. In some cases, the plurality of stretchable sections 530 may comprise a 4-way stretch material. In some cases, the 4-way stretch material may include an air mesh material comprising one or more three-dimensional knitted or woven structures.
• the elongated section 525 of the medial support 520 may comprise a fastener 535 configured to engage one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600.
• the fastener 535 can be positioned in or near a necked or tapered portion 515 of the elongated section 525 between the plurality of stretchable sections 530.
• the fastener 535 may comprise a hook or loop fastener (e.g., Velcro or the like).
• Other types of mechanical or electromechanical fasteners may also be used, including, for example, snap fits or magnetic fasteners.
• the article of footwear may be configured to receive or accommodate one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600, e.g., as shown in FIGURE 7 .
• the interchangeable arch supports 600 may be configured to accommodate a transverse and/or longitudinal arch shape or profile of a subject's foot.
• the interchangeable arch supports 600 may have different arch heights to accommodate variations in arch height across different subjects.
• the one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600 may be detachably coupled to the medial support 520. In some cases, the one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600 may be fastened to an elongated section 525 of the medial support 520. In some cases, the one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600 may be attached or coupled to a fastener 535 provided on the medial support. In some cases, the one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600 may be attached or coupled to a necked or tapered portion 515 of the elongated section 525 of the medial support 520. In some cases, the one or more replaceable or interchangeable arch supports 600 may be attached or coupled to a portion of the elongated section 525 that is located between the plurality of stretchable sections 530 of the medial support 520.
• the medial support 520 may comprise a first end 521 and a second end 522.
• the first end 521 may comprise a fastener for coupling the medial support 520 to the insole component of the article of footwear.
• the fastener may comprise a hook or loop fastener.
• the fastener may be configured to couple the first end 521 of the medial support 520 to a connecting strap 701 that is attached to the insole component.
• the connecting strap 701 may be attached to an underside or bottom of the insole component. In other cases, the connecting strap 701 may be attached to a top surface of the insole component.
• the connecting strap 701 may be attached to a medial side of the insole component. In other cases, the connecting strap 701 may be attached to a lateral side of the insole component. In some embodiments, the connecting strap 701 may include a corresponding hook or loop fastener configured to engage with the fastener provided on the first end 521 of the medial support 520.
• the second end 522 of the medial support 520 may comprise one or more extensions that are foldable to form an enclosed loop that can engage a lace or a cable.
• each of the one or more extensions may be folded onto itself, and the folded ends may be secured using one or more fasteners 536 disposed on the extensions.
• the folded ends may comprise one or more corresponding fasteners 536 for securing the folded ends to the fasteners 536 disposed on the extensions.
• the support system may comprise a lateral support 950.
• the lateral support 950 may comprise a support structure configured to extend along at least a portion of the lateral side of the article of footwear.
• the lateral support 950 may comprise a curved plate.
• the lateral support 950 may comprise a carbon fiber plate.
• the lateral support 950 may have a greater hardness, stiffness, or tensile strength than the upper of the article of footwear.
• the lateral support 950 may have a greater hardness, stiffness, or tensile strength than the sole assembly of the article of footwear.
• the article of footwear may comprise a securement system extending between the medial and lateral sides of the article of footwear.
• the securement system may be configured to tighten the support system around a subject's foot while securing the subject's foot down and back towards the heel region of the article of footwear.
• the securement system may be optimized to provide a more direct linkage between the medial and lateral supports of the support system, thereby allowing the medial and lateral supports to be drawn more tightly together in tension, and further enhancing lateral rigidity.
• the securement system may be configured to operate with minimal frictional losses.
• the first cable 1010 may be configured to engage additional webbing 1222 provided on a same side as the looped second ends 522 of the medial support or the webbing 952 extending from the lateral support 950. In other cases, the first cable 1010 may be configured to engage additional webbing 1222 provided on a different side than the looped second ends 522 of the medial support or the webbing 952 extending from the lateral support 950.
• the shroud 1050 may comprise one or more lace guides 1060.
• the one or more lace guides 1060 may be configured to receive one or more segments of the second cable 1020 and to guide or direct the one or more segments to one or more eyelets disposed along the upper.
• the one or more lace guides 1060 may be configured to extend along a longitudinal length of the shroud 1050.
• the one or more cable or lace guides may comprise a guide with a housing and one or more enclosed or partially enclosed channels extending through the housing.
• the guide may comprise a plurality of channels configured to control or manage a position, an orientation, and/or a movement of one or more laces or cables extending across the throat of the shoe (e.g., as the laces or cables are loosened and/or tightened).
• the one or more cable or lace guides may comprise a webbing or a shroud that extends over and conceals one or more cables used to control the lateral and/or medial stability flaps of the shoe.
• the webbing or shroud may be removable.
• the webbing or shroud may be integrally formed with or detachably fixed to another portion of the shoe.
• the cable management system may comprise a layered tongue that extends over and conceals one or more cables used to control the lateral and/or medial stability flaps of the shoe.
• the layered tongue may comprise two or more layers with one or more cable or lace guides formed between the layers of the layered tongue.
• the cables or laces of the shoe may extend through the cable or lace guides formed between the layers of the layered tongue.
• the layered tongue may comprise three or more layers. In some cases, the three or more layers may provide multiple sets of cable or lace guides for different cables or different sets of cables. In some cases, the layered tongue may comprise a layer that separates (i) the cables for controlling the throat lacing and (ii) the cables for controlling the lateral and/or medial stability flaps of the shoe.
• the cable management system may comprise a sheathed tongue assembly that extends over and conceals one or more cables used to control the lateral and/or medial stability flaps of the shoe.
• the sheathed tongue assembly may comprise one or more sheaths attached to the tongue of the shoe.
• the sheathed tongue assembly may comprise a tongue assembly with one or more layers configured as a sheath for the laces or cables of the shoe.
• the sheathed tongue assembly may comprise a tongue assembly with at least one layer separating (i) the cables for controlling the throat lacing and (ii) the cables for controlling the lateral and/or medial stability flaps of the shoe.
• a flat panel or extended surface can be attached to or integrated with a portion or a surface of a cable or lace guide facing the underlying tongue.
• the flat panel or extended surface may be configured as a sheath.
• the cable or lace guide and the sheath may form a unitary construction that can (i) guide a first cable or a first set of cables through the cable or lace guide portion while (ii) covering or concealing a second cable or a second set of cables and (iii) separating the first and second cables or sets of cables using the sheath portion.
• one or more laces or cables of the shoe may be configured to extend through the partially enclosed or covered regions forming the guides 1535. In some cases, the one or more laces or cables of the shoe may be configured to extend along a path that extends through the partially enclosed or covered regions forming the guides 1535. In some cases, the guides 1535 formed between the second layer 1520 and the top cover of the tongue may be configured to organize or manage a position, an orientation, and/or a movement of the cables or laces used to (i) tighten or loosen the throat region of the shoe or (ii) engage or disengage the lateral support strap and/or the medial support strap of the shoe.
• the first cable 1571 may be configured to extend across or over a portion of the first layer 1510 and/or the second layer 1520 of the multi-layer construction. In some cases, the first cable 1571 may be configured to extend across or over a portion of the tongue top cover 1540 and/or the tongue liner 1545.
• the first cable 1571 may extend through one or more openings provided along the upper of the shoe. In some cases, the first cable 1571 may extend through one or more tubular guides or looped structures configured to control a position, an orientation, and/or a movement of one or more segments of the first cable 1571.
• the second cable 1572 may extend through one or more guides formed between the second layer 1520 of the multi-layer construction and the tongue top cover 1540. In some cases, two or more segments of the second cable 1572 may cross as they extend through the guides formed between the second layer 1520 and the tongue top cover 1540. As described above, the guides may correspond to portions or sections of the second layer 1520 and the tongue top cover 1540 that are detached from each other to form one or more partially enclosed or covered regions that extend between the second layer 1520 and the tongue top cover 1540. In some cases, the partially enclosed or covered regions may be bounded by one or more attachment points coupling the second layer 1520 and the tongue top cover 1540 together. In some cases, the one or more partially enclosed or covered regions formed between the second layer 1520 and the tongue top cover 1540 may be configured as the one or more guides for the second cable 1572.
• the plurality of cables may include a first cable 1620 that can be tightened or loosened using a first dial 1621.
• the plurality of cables may include a second cable 1630 that can be tightened or loosened using a second dial 1631.
• the tightening or loosening of the first cable 1620 may engage or disengage the throat lacing.
• the tightening or loosening of the second cable 1630 may engage or disengage a lateral support 1650 and/or a medial support 1660 of the shoe.
• the lateral support 1650 may be detached from the upper and/or sleeved within a portion of the upper, and may extend around a lateral side of a subject's foot.
• the second dial 1631 may extend through a portion of the lateral support 950.
• the lateral support 950 may comprise an opening, an aperture, or a channel configured to receive the second dial 1631.
• the second dial 1631 may be configured to extend through the opening, aperture, or channel of the lateral support 950.
• the second dial 1631 may have a fixed spatial relationship relative to the lateral support 950. In some cases, the second dial 1631 and the lateral support 950 may move synchronously along or across the upper when the second dial 1631 is operated to engage the lateral support 950 and/or the medial support.
• the second dial 1631 and the lateral support 950 may not or need not maintain a fixed spatial relationship.
• the second dial 1631 may be stationary and the lateral support 950 may be configured to move along or across the upper when the second dial 1631 is operated to engage or disengage the lateral support 950 and/or the medial support.
• the relative spatial relationship between the lateral support 950 and the second dial 1631 may change or vary as the second dial 1631 is operated to engage or disengage the lateral support and/or the medial support.
• the golf shoe 1700 may comprise a support.
• the support may comprise a medial support and/or a lateral support.
• the support may comprise a support structure.
• the support structure may comprise a molded support structure, a composite support structure, or a molded composite support structure.
• the support structure may comprise a plate (e.g., a support plate, a molded plate, a composite plate, a carbon plate, etc.).
• the support structure may comprise a composite material.
• the composite material may comprise one or more fibers (e.g., one or more composite fibers or one or more carbon fibers).
• the composite material may comprise one or more thermoset materials and/or one or more thermoplastic materials.
• the support structure may comprise a polymer-based composite material.
• the polymer-based composite material may comprise a polymeric matrix comprising one or more reinforcing fibers.
• the polymer-based composite material may comprise, for example, a polypropylene matrix reinforced with one or more polypropylene fibers.
• the support structure may include a lateral support structure.
• the lateral support structure may be configured as a lateral support against which a subject's foot can be positioned for increased stability and/or control during a golf-related action or movement.
• the shoe may comprise a lateral support 1710.
• the lateral support1710 may comprise a first end, a second end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end.
• the body of the lateral support 1710 may be configured to extend along a lateral side of the subject's foot.
• the lateral support may comprise, for example, a support plate, a support strap, a stability flap, or any of the other support structures described elsewhere herein.
• a first end of the lateral support 1710 may be affixed to a lateral side of the shoe. In other cases, the first end of the lateral support 1710 may be affixed to a medial side of the shoe. In some alternative cases, the first end of the lateral support 1710 may be affixed to a portion of the shoe that is located between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe.
• the body of the lateral support 1710 may extend from the first end towards a second end disposed along an upper portion of the shoe.
• a cable adjustment mechanism 1720 for activating or deactivating one or more cable systems of the shoe may be disposed or mounted on the second end of the lateral support 1710.
• the one or more cable systems may include a cable system for controlling the 360 degree internal support systems described herein.
• the cable adjustment mechanism 1720 may include, for example, a dial and a spool assembly for organizing a cable system for the shoe.
• the cable adjustment mechanism 1720 may be operated to adjust a tension in the cable system to tighten the lateral support and/or the medial support of the shoe around a subject's foot. In some cases, the cable adjustment mechanism 1720 may be operated to adjust the tension in the cable system in order to release the lateral and/or medial supports from around the subject's foot.
• a separate heel mounted cable adjustment mechanism 1730 may be provided to control another cable system for the shoe.
• the heel mounted cable adjustment mechanism 1730 may be operated independently of the cable adjustment mechanism 1720 mounted on the second end of the lateral support 1710.
• the heel mounted cable adjustment mechanism 1730 may be used to control the throat lacing for the shoe without affecting the tension in the cable system for the 360 degree internal support system.
• the lateral support 1710 may comprise a flat or substantially flat section or segment that extends through a slit provided along an upper portion of the shoe.
• the flat or substantially flat section or segment may be detached and free floating along the upper portion of the shoe.
• the section or segment of the plate extending through the slit may be configured to wrap around or over the lateral side of the upper portion of the shoe when the cable adjustment mechanism 1720 is operated to tighten the cable system for the internal 360 degree support system.
• the lateral support 1810 may comprise a curved section or segment.
• the curved section or segment may comprise a first end that extends into the shoe (e.g., in between the liner and the outer shell of the shoe) and/or underneath an insole component of the shoe.
• the curved section or segment may comprise a second end with an opening 1830 for receiving a dial component 1820.
• the dial component 1820 may be configured to extend through the opening 1830 and interface with a receptacle component 1825 positioned on the other side of the opening 1830 across from the dial component 1820.
• the dial component 1820 and the receptacle component 1825 may be assembled together to form a cable adjustment mechanism that can be operated to activate or deactivate the internal 360 degree support system of the shoe.
• the lateral support 1810 may be reinforced using a curved reinforcement layer 1850.
• the curved reinforcement layer 1850 may be configured to stiffen the base of the lateral support 1810.
• the curved reinforcement layer 1850 may be configured to stiffen the curved section or segment of the lateral support 1810.
• the curved reinforcement layer 1850 may comprise a composite material or a laminate layer that is integrated with the lateral support 1810 before or after the lateral support 1810 is fully formed (e.g., molded, printed, etc.).
• the curved reinforcement layer 1850 may have a curved shape or profile corresponding to a curvature of the curved section or segment of the lateral support 1810.
• the shoe 1700 may comprise one or more cable guides for organizing one or more cable systems of the shoe.
• the one or more cable guides may include one or more floating guides 1741 extending from the upper towards the throat region of the shoe.
• the one or more cable guides may optionally or alternatively include one or more X-shaped cable guides 1742 as described elsewhere herein.
• the shoe may comprise one or more cable guides 2010 comprising a multi-layer textile piece.
• the multi-layer textile piece may comprise a top portion, a bottom portion, and a folded edge 2011 extending between the top and bottom portions.
• the multi-layer textile piece may comprise one or more side openings configured to receive one or more cables or cable segments.
• the cable guides 2010 may comprise two ends opposite the folded edge 2011.
• the two ends may include (i) an end of the top portion of the multi-layer textile piece and (ii) an end of the bottom portion of the multi-layer textile piece.
• the two ends opposite the folded edge 2011 may be attached or affixed to one another to form a partially enclosed interior region extending between the top and bottom portions of the multi-layer textile piece.
• the partially enclosed interior region may be configured to control or guide a positioning and/or a movement of one or more cables or cable segments of the cable system (e.g., as a subject operates a cable adjustment mechanism to engage or disengage the cable system).
• FIGURE 21 illustrates an example of a shoe with a cable adjustment mechanism 2120 that is mounted to a support structure of the lateral support of the shoe.
• the cable adjustment mechanism 2120 may be configured to control an amount of tension in a cable system extending between the medial support and the lateral support of the shoe.
• the cable system may extend through (i) the looped ends of the second end 522 of the medial support of the shoe and (ii) a housing of the cable adjustment mechanism 2120 mounted to the lateral support, to indirectly couple the lateral and medial supports to each other.
• the cable adjustment mechanism 2120 may tension the cable system to draw the lateral and medial supports of the shoe around the subject's foot in order to lock the subject's foot in a desired position and/or orientation.

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Parent Applications (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=91580828

Family Applications (2)

Family Applications Before (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (1)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2024
  • 2024-06-12 JP JP2024095000A patent/JP2025018944A/ja active Pending
  • 2024-06-13 EP EP24182125.5A patent/EP4497344B1/fr active Active
  • 2024-06-13 EP EP25197935.7A patent/EP4627962A3/fr active Pending
  • 2024-06-13 KR KR1020240076951A patent/KR102885263B1/ko active Active
• 2025
  • 2025-11-07 KR KR1020250167354A patent/KR20250165249A/ko active Pending

Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events