Patent ID: 9462851
Filing Date: 2016-10-11
CPC Classification: A43B,A43C

Claim Text:
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper having a throat opening configured to allow a foot to be inserted into the upper; the upper having a first layer and an exoskeleton, wherein the first layer defines an upper surface of the upper, and the exoskeleton is positioned on the first layer so that the exoskeleton covers at least a portion of an instep region of the article of footwear; a tightening system associated with the exoskeleton, the tightening system including a cable; a sole associated with the upper, the sole comprising channels that extend diagonally across the sole from a medial side to a lateral side and are formed between the upper and the sole for receiving the cable; wherein the tightening system secures the exoskeleton to the sole, wherein the exoskeleton is configured to provide a smooth instep region; wherein the exoskeleton is configured to maintain its size and shape when the tightening system is tightened; and wherein the cable is a continuous loop of material that is disposed in the channels, and wherein the cable can slide within cable connectors attached to lateral extensions of the exoskeleton.