Footwear with laceless fastening system

An article of footwear includes an upper that has a body extending over at least a portion of a first side and a second side of the upper. A laceless fastening system includes a strap having an anchored end fixed at the second side and a distal end selectively remote from the upper. A first fastener is fixed to an outer surface of the body on the first side. The first fastener is less elastic than the body. A segmented second fastener is fixed to the inner side of the strap. The segmented second fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment closer to the distal end of the strap than the proximal segment and spaced apart from the proximal segment along the strap by an exposed portion of the strap. The segmented second fastener is less elastic than the strap.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present teachings generally include an article of footwear with a laceless fastening system.

BACKGROUND

Footwear may include a sole structure configured to be located under a wearer's foot to space the foot away from the ground. A footwear upper attached to the sole structure receives the foot. The fit of the upper to the foot may be adjusted with a fastening system so that the upper is loose enough to receive the foot but can be tightened around the foot to secure the foot to the sole structure. For example, fastening systems may include laces that are tied once the foot is received within the upper.

DESCRIPTION

An article of footwear is provided with a laceless fastening system that enables a lightweight, flexible upper to be “locked out” around a foot. The article of footwear includes an upper having a body with a first side and a second side. The article of footwear further comprises a laceless fastening system that includes a strap having an anchored end fixed adjacent to the second side of the body and a distal end selectively remote from the upper. The strap has an inner side and an outer side. A first fastener is fixed to an outer surface of the body on the first side. The first fastener is less elastic than the body. A segmented second fastener configured to secure to the first fastener is fixed to the inner side of the strap. The segmented second fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment, with the distal segment closer to the distal end of the strap than the proximal segment and spaced apart from the proximal segment along the strap such that an exposed portion of the strap is between the proximal segment and the distal segment. The segmented second fastener is less elastic than the strap. The strap is configured to cross over the body from the second side to the first side such that the distal segment overlies and secures to the first fastener, with the inner side of the strap facing the outer surface of the body, and with the proximal segment against the body on the second side. The body is unrestrained by the strap when the segmented second fastener is remote from the first fastener. As used herein, an “end” of a strap, such as a distal end or a proximal end, includes a portion adjacent the terminal edge of the strap, and is not limited to the terminal edge.

The fastening system combines the advantages of an adjustable and secure fit with the ease of insertion of a foot enabled by the relatively flexible and elastically stretchable body, and the strap that can be secured in a single motion with one hand. Securing the strap locks out the body so that the foot is anchored in position within the upper and the upper and underlying sole structure move as a unit with the foot (i.e., with minimal relative motion) including during lateral and/or jumping moves. The fastening system may include only the straps and the fasteners described herein, and the footwear may be configured so that it has no other fastening components such as laces, cables, buckles or other components that must be tied, tightened, buckled or otherwise adjusted to secure the foot within the upper.

Elastic stretchability of the body at the first fastener is inhibited by the first fastener. Elastic stretchability of the body on the second side is that of the body when the second fastener is remote from the first fastener and is inhibited by the strap when the second fastener is secured to the first fastener. Elastic stretchability of the strap at the second fastener is inhibited by the second fastener such that elastic stretchability of the strap at the exposed portion of the strap is greater than elastic stretchability of the strap at the second fastener.

For example, the body may include foam and textile and may be relatively elastic, while the first and second fasteners may be hook-and-loop fasteners. One of the first fastener and the second fastener is a plurality of loops and the other of the first fastener and the second fastener (i.e., the other one that is not a plurality of loops) is a plurality of hooks configured to engage with the plurality of loops when the second fastener is pressed against the first fastener.

The second fastener is configured to secure to the first fastener when the distal end of the strap is pressed toward the upper, and is configured to release from the first fastener when the distal end of the strap is pulled away from the upper.

The second fastener may be configured so that a portion of the proximal segment is secured to the first fastener when the distal segment is secured to the first fastener. The proximal segment may extend from the anchored end to the exposed portion. In an embodiment in which the anchored end is secured to the sole structure below the upper, the proximal segment extends from the sole structure and along the second side of the body to the first fastener.

The strap is elastically stretched at the exposed portion when the second fastener is secured to the first fastener so that the strap is extended in tension. The first fastener is substantially inelastic and inhibits stretching of the body at the first fastener. The second fastener is substantially inelastic and inhibits stretching of the strap lengthwise except at the exposed portion.

In an embodiment, a sole structure is secured to a lower portion of the body. To fix the foot within the upper relative to the sole structure, the anchored end of the strap is fixed to sole structure. For example, the sole structure may include an outsole, and a midsole attached to the outsole between the upper and the outsole. The anchored end of the strap may be disposed between the midsole and the outsole. Similarly, an end of the first fastener may be fixed to the sole structure between the midsole and the outsole adjacent to the second side.

The strap may extend over the midfoot portion of the body, the forefoot portion of the body, or the ankle portion of the body in different embodiments. In some embodiments, there is both a forefoot strap and a midfoot strap as described. In some embodiments, there is a forefoot strap, a midfoot strap, and an ankle strap as described. In an embodiment, the first side of the body is a lateral side and the second side of the body is a medial side, and the anchored end of the strap is at least partially forward of the first fastener such that the strap extends rearward from the medial side to the lateral side when the second fastener is secured to the first fastener.

In some embodiments, the strap is a first strap and extends over the midfoot portion of the body, and the laceless fastening system also includes a similar additional strap that extends over the forefoot portion of the body and/or an additional strap that extends over the ankle portion of the body. The additional strap has an anchored end fixed adjacent to the second side of the body and a distal end selectively remote from the upper. The additional strap has an inner side and an outer side, and an additional first fastener fixed to the outer surface of the body on the first side. The additional first fastener is less elastic than the body. An additional segmented second fastener is fixed to the inner side of the additional strap. The additional segmented second fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment, with the distal segment of the additional segmented fastener closer to the distal end of the additional strap than the proximal segment and spaced apart from the proximal segment along the additional strap such that an exposed portion of the additional strap is between the proximal segment and the distal segment of the additional strap. The additional segmented second fastener is less elastic than the additional strap. The additional strap is configured to cross over the body from the second side to the first side and the distal segment of the additional strap is configured to secure to the additional first fastener, with the inner side of the additional strap facing the outer surface of the body, and with the proximal segment of the additional segmented second fastener against the body on the second side.

In an embodiment, the body has an ankle portion, and the laceless fastening system further comprises an additional fastener fixed to the first side of the body in the ankle portion, and also comprises a third strap having an anchored end secured to the ankle portion of the body and having a distal end selectively remote from the upper. The third strap has an inner side and an outer side, and another additional fastener is secured to the inner side of the third strap, and is configured to secure to the additional fastener with the third strap wrapping around the ankle portion of the body from the second side to the first side. In some embodiments, the additional fastener secured at the inner side of the third strap is also a segmented fastener. In such embodiments, the additional fastener includes a proximal segment and a distal segment that is closer to the distal end than the proximal segment, and is spaced apart from the proximal segment along the additional strap such that an exposed portion of the additional strap is between the proximal segment and the distal segment.

In an embodiment, an article of footwear comprises an upper having an elastic body forming a cavity configured to receive a foot. The article of footwear includes a laceless fastening system for securing the body around the foot. The laceless fastening system includes a first fastener comprising a first strip of hook-and-loop fastener material secured to a lateral side of the body, and a strap having a fixed end fixed adjacent to a medial side of the body and having a free end selectively remote from the upper. The laceless fastening system includes a second fastener configured to secure to the first fastener by contact with the first fastener. The second fastener includes a second strip of hook-and-loop fastener material secured to an inner face of the strap. A third strip of hook-and-loop fastener material is secured to the inner face of the strap nearer the free end than the second strip and spaced apart from the second strip along the inner face of the strap. The second strip and the third strip are both either a plurality of hooks or a plurality of loops securable to a plurality of hooks, and the first strip is the other of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops. The strap wraps over and across the upper to the lateral side, with the second strip overlying the body on the medial side and partly overlying the first strip, and with the third strip overlying the first strip. The second strip and the third strip secure to the first strip with the strap stretching in tension between the second strip and the third strip.

In an embodiment, the strap is a first strap and overlies a midfoot portion of the body to support an arch of a foot received in the cavity when the third strip is secured to the first strip. The laceless fastening system further includes an additional first strip of hook-and-loop fastener material secured to a lateral side of the body forward of the first strip, a second strap spaced forward of the first strap and having a fixed end fixed adjacent the medial side of the body and having a free end selectively remote from the upper. The laceless fastening system further includes an additional second strip of hook-and-loop fastener material secured to an inner face of the second strap, and an additional third strip of hook-and-loop fastener material secured to the inner face of the second strap nearer the free end of the second strap than the additional second strip, and spaced apart from the additional second strip along the inner face of the second strap. The additional second strip and the additional third strip are both a plurality of hooks or are both a plurality of loops securable to a plurality of hooks, and the additional first strip is the other one of the plurality of hooks and the plurality of loops. The second strap is configured to wrap over and across the upper to the lateral side with the inner face of the second strap facing the upper, with the additional second strip overlying the body on the medial side and partly overlying the additional first strip, and with the additional third strip overlying the additional first strip. The additional second strip and the additional third strip are configured to secure to the additional first strip with the second strap stretching in tension between the additional second strip and the additional third strip, and the second strap overlies a forefoot portion of the body on the medial side.

The laceless fastening system may also include an ankle strap having a similar second fastener with a second and third strip as described, and that overlies an ankle portion of the body to secure to a first fastener with a first hook-and-loop fastener material secured to the ankle portion at the lateral side of the body.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views,FIG. 1shows an article of footwear10that has an upper12that forms a cavity13configured to receive a foot16(shown in phantom). The cavity13is also referred to as a foot cavity. The upper12is secured with a laceless fastening system14around the foot16. More specifically, a body30of the upper12is a relatively flexible and elastically stretchable material promoting ease of insertion of the foot16. As indicated inFIG. 6, the body30of the upper12has a forefoot portion12A, a midfoot portion12B, a heel portion12C, and an ankle portion12D, which are also the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion, the heel portion, and the ankle portion, respectively, of the body30. Releasably securable straps18A,18B,20of the laceless fastening system14include a midfoot strap18A, a forefoot strap18B, and an ankle strap20. The midfoot strap18A is also referred to as a first strap, the forefoot strap18B is referred to as a second strap or as an additional strap, and the ankle strap20is referred to as a third strap or an additional strap.

Each of the straps18A,18B,20has a free end that secures to a fastener on the upper12via a single pressing motion toward the upper12, and releases from the fastener via a single peeling motion away from the upper12. The laceless fastening system14provides an adjustable, secure fit to tighten the body30around the foot16and secure the foot16relative to a sole structure24underlying the upper12. As further discussed herein, fasteners are disposed on the midfoot strap18A and the forefoot strap18B and on the upper12to provide a desirable combination of support at both the medial side26and the lateral side28of the body30, “locking out” the upper12while still enabling adjustability in tightness and position of the straps18A,18B. As used herein, the upper12is locked out when its elastic stretchability is inhibited by an overlying, less elastic strap.

The footwear10illustrated herein is an athletic shoe configured for sports such as basketball, but the footwear10and fastening system14is not limited to basketball shoes. The fastening system14may be also be used in footwear for various other sports such as but not limited to running, tennis, football, soccer, etc. The fastening system14may also be included in an article of footwear that is a dress shoe, a work shoe, a sandal, a slipper, a boot, or any other category of footwear.

With reference toFIGS. 1-5, the medial side26of the body30is also referred to as the second side of the body30, and the lateral side28of the body30is also referred to as the first side of the body30. In other embodiments, the lateral side28could be the first side referred to herein, and the medial side26could be the second side referred to herein. The medial side26and the lateral side28of the body30are also the medial side26and the lateral side28of the article of footwear10.

The body30is comprised of a base material that extends over at least a portion of the medial side26and the lateral side28. In the embodiment shown, the base material includes foam and textile that may be thermally bonded to one another. The textile may be knitted, braided, or woven strands of a generally flexible and lightweight material. The body30has an elastic stretchability that may be greater than that of the material of the midfoot strap18A, the forefoot strap18B, and the ankle strap20, and is greater than the elastic stretchability of portions of the straps18A,18B,18C to which segmented fasteners are secured, as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the midfoot strap18A, the forefoot strap18B, and the ankle strap20are a knit material. Other materials may be used for the body30and the midfoot strap18A, the forefoot strap18B, and the ankle strap20. When segmented fasteners are secured to the midfoot strap18A, the forefoot strap18B, and the ankle strap20as described herein, the elastic stretchability of the straps18A,18B,18C at the segmented fasteners is less than that of the body30, enabling them to provide greater support to the upper12when fastened as described herein. “Elastic stretchability”, as used herein, is the percentage elongation of a component when subjected to a given load at a given rate. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of each strap18A,18B,18C at the segmented fastener thereon may be less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the strap18A,18B, or18C is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate.

In the embodiment, shown, the body30of the upper12extends over the entire upper12in the area of the midfoot strap18A, the forefoot strap18B, and the ankle strap20. Most specifically, the entire medial side26of the body30above the anchored end of the straps18B,20is the flexible, relatively elastic base material, as best shown inFIG. 5. Other materials may be used in other portions of the upper12, such as the less elastic leather toe cap33. Alternatively, the body30could instead also cover the toe portion of the upper12. With the body30disposed in this manner, the medial side26of the body30has an elastic stretchability that is not inhibited by the straps18B,20when they are unfastened, as shown inFIG. 5.

Referring toFIG. 2, in the embodiment shown, a heel pull25is disposed near foot cavity13and allows a user to grab a hold of and pull the article of footwear10onto the foot16. A front pull27, which is also referred to as a tongue pull, allows the user to also pull the footwear10over the top of the foot16. The heel pull25and front pull27may be looped portions of flat ribbons29of flexible material stitched to the body30along the crest of the upper12at the midfoot12B and at the rear of the heel portion12C. As shown, the ribbon29forms loops that the ankle strap20passes through. The ribbon29also covers ends of the fasteners50A,50B at the crest of the body30between the medial side26and the lateral side28.

The midfoot strap18A has an anchored end32A fixed adjacent the medial side26of the body30. The anchored end32A is also referred to as a fixed end. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, the anchored end32A is secured to a sole structure34of the article of footwear10. The sole structure34is attached to a lower portion36of the body30of the upper12. The sole structure34includes an outsole38and a midsole40. The midsole40is attached to the outsole38, such as by thermal bonding or adhesive, and is disposed between the upper12and the outsole38. The upper12may be directly attached to the midsole40such as by bonding, stitching, or adhesive. The outsole38may be a material providing significant traction, such as rubber. The midsole40may be a more resilient material, such as foam, and may include additional structure such as one or more fluid-filled bladders that may include tensioning components, such as tethers within the bladders as shown in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,271,544, issued Mar. 1, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The anchored end32A of the midfoot strap18A is fixed to the sole structure34between the midsole40and the outsole38as shown inFIG. 3. For example, the anchored end32A may be stitched to the midsole40or adhered to the midsole40and outsole38. Securing the anchored end32A to the sole structure34locks the foot16and the body30of the upper12for common movement with the sole structure34, providing greater stability such as, for example, with lateral cutting motions.

The midfoot strap18A has a distal end42A selectively remote from the upper12. The distal end42A may also be referred to as a “free end” as it is freely movable when not secured to the upper12.FIGS. 5 and 7show the distal end42A remote from the upper12.FIG. 2shows the distal end42A selectively secured to the upper12via the fasteners described herein. The midfoot strap18A has an inner side44A (shown inFIGS. 5 and 7) and an outer side46A (shown for example inFIGS. 1, 2, and 3), which may also be referred to as an inner surface44A or inner face44A and an outer surface46A or outer face46A, respectively. When the distal end42A is selectively secured to the upper12, the inner side44A faces the outer surface48of the body30and the outer side46A faces outward, away from the outer surface48.

As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 7, a first fastener50A is fixed to the outer surface48of the body30on the lateral side28of the upper12. The first fastener50A extends generally from an uppermost extent of the body30over the top of the midfoot portion12B and over a side surface of the midsole40. Similar to the first strap18A, a distal end52A of the first fastener50A may be fixed to the sole structure34, and disposed between the midsole40and the outsole38and, more specifically, sandwiched between the midsole40and the outsole38. The first fastener50A is less elastic than the body30. In the embodiment shown, the first fastener50A is substantially inelastic. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of the first fastener50A is less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the first fastener50A is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate. As used herein, “substantially inelastic” means that a component has an elastic stretchability of less than or equal to about 5% elongation when pulled along its length with a given force at a given loading rate.

Accordingly, elastic stretchability of the body30at the first fastener50A is inhibited by the less elastic first fastener50A overlying and fixed to the body30. The first fastener50A inhibits stretching of the body30when the first fastener50A is fixed to and overlies the body30at the first fastener.

A segmented second fastener54A is fixed to the inner side44A of the midfoot strap18A. The segmented second fastener54A is referred to as segmented because it includes a proximal segment56A and a distal segment58A. The distal segment58A is closer to the distal end42A of the midfoot strap18A than is the proximal segment56A. The distal segment58A is spaced apart from the proximal segment56A along the inner side44A of the midfoot strap18A such that an exposed portion59A of the inner side44A of the midfoot strap18A is between a distal edge57A of the proximal segment56A and a proximal edge57B of the distal segment58A. The proximal segment56A of the strap18A has a first end57C and has a second end57A (also referred to as the distal edge57A). The distal segment58A has a first end57B (also referred to as the proximal edge57B) and has a second end57D. The exposed portion59A is between the second end57A of the proximal segment56A and the first end57B of the distal segment58A. The second end57A of the proximal segment56A and the first end57B of the distal segment58A are non-linear so that the exposed portion59A is chevron-shaped. The segmented second fastener54A is less elastic than the midfoot strap18A. In the embodiment shown, the segmented second fastener54A is substantially inelastic. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of either segment of the second fastener54A is less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the second fastener54A is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate. Elastic stretchability of the midfoot strap18A at the second fastener54A is inhibited by the second fastener54A on portions of the midfoot strap18A where the second fastener54A overlies and is fixed to the midfoot strap18A. Stated differently, the segmented second fastener54A inhibits stretching of the midfoot strap18A lengthwise except at the exposed portion59A. Elastic stretchability of the midfoot strap18A at the exposed portion59A of the midfoot strap18A is that of the material of the midfoot strap18A, and is not inhibited by the second fastener54A as it is not overlain by or fixed to the second fastener54A. Elastic stretchability of the midfoot strap18A at the exposed portion59A is thus greater than elastic stretchability of the midfoot strap18A at the second fastener54A (i.e., at the portions of the midfoot strap18A to which the distal segment58A and proximal segment56A are fixed). In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of the midfoot strap18A at the exposed portion59A may be greater than or equal to about 20% elongation when the midfoot strap18A is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate.

Accordingly, sufficient tensile force applied along the length of the midfoot strap18A will cause the midfoot strap18A to stretch in tension at the exposed portion59A, while the less elastic proximal segment56A and the distal segment58A inhibit (i.e., lockout) stretch of the midfoot strap18A at a portion of the midfoot strap18A to which the segmented second fastener54A is fixed.

In one embodiment, the first and second fasteners50A,54A are hook-and-loop fastener material. One of the first fastener50A and the second fastener54A is a plurality of loops and the other one of the first fastener50A and the second fastener54A is a plurality of hooks configured to engage with the plurality of loops when the second fastener54A contacts the first fastener50A, such as when the second fastener54A is pressed against the first fastener50A. In the embodiments shown, the first fastener50A is a plurality of loops60, and the second fastener54A is a plurality of hooks62as best illustrated inFIG. 8. In another embodiment, the first fastener50A could be a plurality of hooks, and the second fastener54A could be a plurality of loops. The first fastener50A may thus be referred to as a first strip of hook-and-loop fastener material, the proximal portion56A of the second fastener54A may be referred to as a second strip of hook-and-loop fastener material, and the distal portion58A of the second fastener54A may be referred to as a third strip of hook-and-loop fastener material.

In other embodiments, the fasteners could include a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks that have double-pronged ends. In another embodiment, the fastening system may be a mechanical interlocking fastening system, such as a fastening system in which the second fastener has multiple spaced protrusions and the first fastener has recesses in which the protrusions of the second fastener nest and engage the first fastener. In another embodiment of a mechanical fastening system, the first and second fasteners are each a plurality of spaced stems that have enlarged ends. The enlarged ends of the first fastener interlock with the enlarged ends of the second fastener when the second fastener is pressed against the first fastener. In another embodiment, the fastening system can be a magnetic fastening system in which the first and second fasteners are a permanently magnetizable material, magnetized with rows of alternating poles so that the first and second fasteners magnetically secure to one another.

The midfoot strap18A is configured such that the distal end42A of the midfoot strap18A crosses over the body30from the medial side26to the to the lateral side28and the distal segment58A secures to the first fastener50A, as best shown in movement of the distal end42A of the midfoot strap18A in the direction of arrow A from the unsecured position ofFIG. 7to the secured positon ofFIG. 6. The midfoot strap18A overlies the midfoot portion12B of the upper12and the second fastener54A secures to the first fastener50A by the hooks62and loops60of the fasteners50A,54A engaging when the second fastener54A overlies and presses against the first fastener50A. Stated differently, the proximal segment56A or second strip overlies the body30on the medial side26and partly overlies and secures to the first fastener50A, and the distal segment58A overlies the first fastener50A. The midfoot strap18A releases from the first fastener50A when the distal end42A of the midfoot strap18A is pulled away from the upper12, such as by peeling the distal end42A in the direction of arrow B inFIG. 6, to release the engaged hooks62and loops60of the fasteners50A,54A.

In the secured position ofFIGS. 3 and 6, the inner side44A of the midfoot strap18A faces the outer surface48of the upper12, and the proximal segment56A is held against the body30on the medial side26of the upper12. The midfoot strap18A elastically stretches at the exposed portion59A when pulled in tension and pressed toward the upper12so that the second fastener54A secures to the first fastener50A, causing the midfoot strap18A to remain extended in tension at the exposed portion when in the secured position ofFIG. 2. The proximal segment56A extends from the anchored end32A to the exposed portion59A. As shown inFIGS. 2, 6, and 8, the proximal segment56A has a length sufficient such that a portion of the proximal segment56A nearest the exposed portion59A is also secured to the first fastener50A when the distal segment58A is secured to the first fastener50A.

Elastic stretchability of the body30on the medial side26is uninhibited when the second fastener54A is remote from the first fastener50A as the body30is unrestrained by the midfoot strap18A when the segmented second fastener54A is remote from the first fastener50A, such as shown inFIG. 5. This allows the body30to stretch during insertion of the foot16to accommodate and conform to the girth of the inserted foot16. Elastic stretchability of the body30at the overlying midfoot strap18A is inhibited by the midfoot strap18A when the second fastener54A is secured to the first fastener50A (i.e., when the distal segment58A and a portion of the proximal segment56A are secured to the first fastener50A) because the substantially inelastic second fastener54A is snug against the body30, supporting the arch of the inserted foot16, as is evident from the position of the midfoot strap18A inFIG. 3. Once the strap18A is secured to the first fastener50A, the exposed portion59A, is locked out from additional stretching (i.e., additional stretching is inhibited) because it is between the secured proximal segment56A and the secured distal segment58A, both of which are locked in position on the first fastener50A.

The anchored end32A of the midfoot strap18A is at least partially forward of the first fastener50A such that the midfoot strap18A angles rearward from the anchored end32A on the medial side26to the distal end42A on the lateral side28when the second fastener54A is secured to the first fastener50A. This aids in strapping the foot16both back (rearward) and down within the upper12.

While the midfoot strap18A is configured and functions as described to secure the foot16relative to the midfoot portion12B of the upper12and the sole structure34, the forefoot strap18B is configured and functions in a substantially identical manner to secure the foot16relative to the forefoot portion12A of the upper12and the sole structure24. The forefoot strap18B is also referred to herein as an additional strap, and is selectively securable to and releasable from the additional first fastener50B independently from the position of the midfoot strap18A relative to the upper12. The forefoot strap18B has an anchored end32B fixed adjacent the medial side26of the body30. The anchored end32B is also referred to as a fixed end. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 3, the anchored end32B is attached to the sole structure34between the midsole40and the outsole38. The anchored end32B is laterally outward of the midsole40, and the outsole38is laterally outward of the anchored end32B. The anchored end32B is disposed such that it is sandwiched between the midsole40and the outsole38.

The forefoot strap18B has a distal end42B selectively remote from the upper12. The distal end42B may also be referred to as a “free end” as it is freely movable when not secured to the upper12.FIGS. 5 and 6show the distal end42B remote from the upper12.FIGS. 1, 2, and 7show the distal end42B selectively secured to the upper12via the fasteners described herein. The forefoot strap18B has an inner side44B best shown inFIG. 6and an outer side46B best shown inFIG. 7, which may also be referred to as an inner surface44B or inner face44B and an outer surface46B or outer face46B, respectively. When the distal end42B is selectively secured to the upper12, the inner side44B faces the outer surface48of the body30and the outer side46B faces outward, away from the outer surface48.

As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 6, a first fastener50B is fixed to the outer surface48of the body30on the lateral side28of the upper12. The first fastener50B is referred to herein as an additional first fastener, and extends generally from an uppermost extent of the upper12over the top of the forefoot portion12A and over the midsole40. Similar to the distal end42B of the forefoot strap18B, a distal end52B of the first fastener50B may be fixed to the sole structure34, and sandwiched between the midsole40and the outsole38as shown inFIG. 4. The first fastener50B is less elastic than the body30. In the embodiment shown, the first fastener50B is substantially inelastic. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of the first fastener50B is less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the first fastener50B is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate. Accordingly, elastic stretchability of the body30at the first fastener50B is inhibited by the less elastic first fastener50B overlying and fixed to the body30. The first fastener50B inhibits stretching of the upper12at the first fastener50B.

An additional segmented second fastener54B is fixed to the inner side44B of the forefoot strap18B as best shown inFIGS. 5 and 6. The segmented second fastener54B is referred to as segmented because it includes a proximal segment56B and a distal segment58B. The distal segment58B is closer to the distal end42B of the forefoot strap18B than is the proximal segment56B. The distal segment58B is spaced apart from the proximal segment56B along the inner side44B of the forefoot strap18B such that an exposed portion59B of the inner side44B of the forefoot strap18B is between a distal edge57E of the proximal segment56B and a proximal edge57G of the distal segment58B. The proximal segment56B of the strap18B has a first end57F and has a second end57E (also referred to as the distal edge57E). The distal segment58B has a first end57G (also referred to as the proximal edge57G) and has a second end57H. The exposed portion59B is between the second end57E of the proximal segment56B and the first end57G of the distal segment58B. The second end57E of the proximal segment56B and the first end57G of the distal segment58B are non-linear so that the exposed portion59B is chevron-shaped. The segmented second fastener54B is less elastic than the forefoot strap18B. In the embodiment shown, the segmented second fastener54B is substantially inelastic. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of either segment of the second fastener54B is less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the second fastener54B is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate. Elastic stretchability of the forefoot strap18B at the second fastener54B is inhibited by the second fastener54B on portions of the forefoot strap18B where the second fastener54B is fixed to the forefoot strap18B. Stated differently, the segmented second fastener54B inhibits stretching of the forefoot strap18B lengthwise except at the exposed portion59B. Elastic stretchability of the forefoot strap18B at the exposed portion59B of the forefoot strap18B is that of the material of the forefoot strap18B, and is not inhibited by the second fastener54B as it is not overlain by or fixed to the second fastener54B. Elastic stretchability of the forefoot strap18B at the exposed portion59B is thus greater than elastic stretchability of the forefoot strap18B at the second fastener54B (i.e., at the portions of the forefoot strap18B to which the distal segment58B and proximal segment56B are fixed). In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of the forefoot strap18B at the exposed portion59B may be greater than or equal to about 20% elongation when the forefoot strap18B is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate.

Accordingly, sufficient tensile force applied along the length of the forefoot strap18B will cause the forefoot strap18B to stretch in tension at the exposed portion59B, while the less elastic proximal segment56B and the distal segment58B inhibit (i.e., lockout) stretch of the forefoot strap18B at portions of the forefoot strap18B to which the segmented second fastener54B is fixed.

In one embodiment, the first and second fasteners50B,54B are hook-and-loop fastener material. One of the first fastener50B and the second fastener54B is a plurality of loops and the other one of the first fastener50B and the second fastener54B is a plurality of hooks configured to engage with the plurality of loops when the second fastener54B contacts the first fastener50B, such as when the second fastener54B is pressed against the first fastener50B. In the embodiments shown, the first fastener50B is a plurality of loops60, and the second fastener54B is a plurality of hooks62as shown inFIG. 8. In another embodiment, the first fastener50B could be a plurality of hooks, and the second fastener54B could be a plurality of loops. The first fastener50B may thus be referred to as an additional first strip of hook-and-loop fastener material, the proximal portion56B of the second fastener54B may be referred to as an additional second strip of hook-and-loop fastener material, and the distal portion58B of the second fastener54B may be referred to as an additional third strip of hook-and-loop fastener material. In other embodiments, the plurality of hooks can include a stem with a double-pronged end, or any of the mechanical interlocking fastening systems or magnetic fastening systems as described with respect to fasteners50A,54A.

The forefoot strap18B is configured such that the distal end42B of the forefoot strap18B crosses over the body30from the medial side26to the lateral side28and the distal segment58B secures to the first fastener50B, as best shown in movement of the distal end42B of the forefoot strap18B in the direction of arrow C from the unsecured position ofFIG. 6to the secured positon ofFIG. 7. The forefoot strap18B overlies the forefoot portion12A of the upper12and the second fastener54B secures to the first fastener50B by the hooks62and loops60of the fasteners50B,54B engaging when the second fastener54B overlies and presses against the first fastener50B. Stated differently, the proximal segment56B overlies the body30on the medial side26and partly overlies the first fastener50B, and the distal segment58B overlies the first fastener50B. The forefoot strap18B releases from the first fastener50B when the distal end42B of the forefoot strap18B is pulled away from the upper12, such as by peeling the distal end42B in the direction of arrow D inFIG. 7, to release the engaged hooks62and loops60of the fasteners50B,54B.

In the secured position ofFIG. 7, the inner side44B of the forefoot strap18B faces the outer surface48of the upper12, and the proximal segment56B is held against the body30on the medial side26of the upper12. The forefoot strap18B elastically stretches mainly at the exposed portion59B when pulled in tension and pressed toward the upper12so that the second fastener54B secures to the first fastener50B, causing the forefoot strap18B to remain extended in tension when in the secured position ofFIG. 2. The proximal segment56B extends from the anchored end32B to the exposed portion59B. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 7, the proximal segment56B has a length sufficient such that a portion of the proximal segment56B nearest the exposed portion59B is also secured to the first fastener50B when the distal segment58B is secured to the first fastener50B.

Elastic stretchability of the upper12on the medial side26is that of the material of the body30when the second fastener54B is remote from the first fastener50B as the body30is unrestrained by the forefoot strap18B when the segmented second fastener54B is remote from the upper12, such as shown inFIG. 5. This allows the upper12to stretch during insertion of the foot16. Elastic stretchability of the upper12is inhibited by the forefoot strap18B when the segmented second fastener54B is secured to the first fastener50B (i.e., when the distal segment58B and a portion of the proximal segment56B are secured to the first fastener50B). The forefoot strap18B is held snugly against the body30, crossing over and around the metatarsal-phalangeal joints of a foot within the upper12, as shown inFIG. 3. Once the forefoot strap18B is secured to the first fastener50B, the exposed portion59B is locked out from additional stretching (i.e., additional stretching is inhibited) because it is between the secured proximal segment56B and secured distal segment58B, both of which are locked in position on the first fastener50B.

The anchored end32B of the forefoot strap18B is at least partially forward of the first fastener50B such that the forefoot strap18B angles rearward from the anchored end32B on the medial side26to the distal end42B on the lateral side28when the second fastener54B is secured to the first fastener50B as is apparent by the position of the forefoot strap18B inFIG. 7. This aids in strapping the foot16both back (i.e., rearward) and down within the upper12.

Either prior to or after securing either or both of the midfoot strap18A and the forefoot strap18B to the upper12via the first fasteners50A,50B as described, the ankle of the wearer can be secured in the ankle portion12D of the upper12via the third strap20, also referred to herein as an ankle strap. The ankle is represented by the extended phantom lines of the foot16. An additional fastener50C is fixed to the lateral side28of the body30in the ankle portion20D. The ankle strap20has an anchored end32C secured to the ankle portion20D of the body30and has a distal end42C selectively remote from the upper12. The ankle strap20has an inner side44C best seen inFIG. 5and an outer side46C best seen inFIG. 3. Another additional fastener54C is secured to the inner side44C of the ankle strap20and secures to the additional fastener50C with the ankle strap20wrapping around the ankle portion12D of the upper12from the medial side26of the upper12to the lateral side28of the upper12. Stated differently, by pulling the distal end42C of the ankle strap20around to the lateral side28and pressing the fastener54C into contact with the first fastener50C, the distal end42C of the ankle strap20is secured to the upper12. By pulling the distal end42C back toward the medial side26, the distal end42C is releasable from the upper12and the ankle strap20is in an unsecured position.

The additional fastener54C on the ankle strap20of the article of footwear10is not a segmented fastener. However, the ankle strap20could have a segmented fastener, such as segmented additional fastener154C as shown in the alternative embodiment of an article of footwear110ofFIGS. 9 and 10. The additional fastener154C is secured to the ankle strap20, and is a segmented fastener with a distal segment58C and a proximal segment56C. The distal segment58C is spaced apart from the proximal segment56C so that the second fastener154C does not overlap and is not fixed to an exposed portion59C of the strap20between the segments56C,58C. Similar to the segmented second fasteners54A and54B, the segmented additional fastener154C is substantially inelastic. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of either segment of the additional fastener154C is less than or equal to about 5% elongation when the additional fastener154C is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate. The strap20stretches at the exposed portion59C when stretched in tension to secure to the first fastener50C, but once secured to the first fastener50C, the exposed portion59C is locked out from additional stretching (i.e., additional stretching is inhibited) because it is between the secured proximal segment56C and the secured distal segment58C, both of which are locked in position on the first fastener50C. In one non-limiting example, the elastic stretchability of the strap20at the exposed portion59C may be greater than or equal to about 20% elongation when the strap20is pulled along its length with 40 kilograms force at 500 millimeters per minute loading rate.

Although the laceless fastening system14described herein has three straps18A,18B, and20, a fastening system that uses only one of the straps18A,18B or both of straps18A,18B is included within the scope of the present teachings, and affords the adjustable fit, ease of foot insertion, and one-handed motion to secure the fastening system14, locking out the flexible, stretchable body30of the upper12to thereby fix the position of the foot relative to the footwear10during all foot movements.

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not as limiting.