Foot support article

An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper. The brace member may be provided with a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft may have a C-shape that curves around an ankle of a human foot positioned within the foot cavity.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear, and, more particularly, to articles of footwear having foot support members.

BACKGROUND

Ankle stability is a key and critical need from athletes and users who deal with lateral motion. There exists a need to provide a simple and lightweight cleat or shoe for athletes in order to offer better support for the foot and ankle region of a user wearing the cleat. Athletes and users take a tremendous amount of time and effort to tape and spat their feet, as well as add additional ankle and foot support braces. The ankle support systems add weight to a footwear system in which lightness is highly desired.

Injuries to the ankle are estimated to account for 15-20% of all musculoskeletal injuries, with approximately 85% being ankle sprains. The most common mechanism of injury is excessive Inversion, coupled with Plantar Flexion—approximately 75-80% involve the lateral ligament complex, primarily the Anterior Talofibular Ligament.

Typically, ankle sprains occur in 40-100 ms. Compared to average muscle latencies: reported latency of 69-85 ms, with approximately 90-110 ms to reach half max force, and an average of 250 ms to reach peak torque generation, the body is not able to adequately respond to an unexpected inversion. In comparison, during running, the stance phase lasts 200-250 ms, and the calf muscles are activated approximately 150 ms prior to heel impact, allowing the ankle adequate time to stabilize.

Players with a history of ankle sprains are 2-3 times more likely to have a recurrent injury than players without history of ankle injuries. Use of bracing or taping, as well as proprioceptive training have been shown to reduce the level of recurrence to the levels of players without history of injury.

In general, both bracing (lace-up and semi-rigid) and taping have been shown to reduce both the frequency and severity of ankle sprains during athletic activities. Semi-rigid braces tend to have a more positive effect for individuals with a history of ankle sprains than for athletes without history. Such lacing and taping methods currently used are time consuming and a waste of resources. Upon the completion of use, the user cuts off and discards the taping. This process increases the time and cost of providing support for the foot and ankle during athletic activities. Thus, improvements to support members that brace the foot and ankle of a person wearing the bracing are beneficial.

SUMMARY

In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole, an upper defining a foot cavity, and a brace member. The brace member is comprised of a non-elastic resilient material. The brace member is positioned within a pocket in the upper and extends from a heel portion to above an ankle portion of the upper.

In at least one embodiment, the brace member includes a top plate member and a base plate member with a central shaft extending between the top plate member and the base plate member. The central shaft portion may be a C-shaped shaft that extends around a proximal portion of an ankle of a wearer. The C-shaped shaft portion includes an inflection point that is wider than other portions of the C-shaped shaft.

In at least one embodiment, an article of footwear comprises a sole and a shoe upper connected to the sole. The shoe upper and the sole define a foot cavity configured to receive a human foot. Laces are positioned on the upper and configured to tighten the shoe upper on the human foot. An elastic wrap member is positioned in the foot cavity. The elastic wrap member is configured to stretch and when the laces tighten the upper on the human foot. In at least one embodiment, the elastic wrap member includes a cradle portion that extends from a heel portion to a top portion of the upper within the foot cavity and is configured to only partially surround the human foot within the foot cavity.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide an apparatus that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features as may be apparent to those reviewing this disclosure, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of any appended claims, regardless of whether they include or accomplish one or more of the advantages or features mentioned herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For a general understanding of the details for the footwear disclosed herein, the drawings are referenced throughout this document. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements. As used herein the term “foot” may refer to a portion of the human foot, a full human foot, and to the ankle. Various portions of the foot include, but are not limited to, the forefoot, midfoot, upper foot, heel, and ankle. The terms “medial” and “medial side” refer to the inner side of a foot extending from the large toe to the heel, and the terms “lateral” and “lateral side” refer to the outer side of the foot extending from the small toe to the heel. The term “user” may refer to a person wearing an article of footwear or another person such as an athletic trainer. The user may adjust the article of footwear to apply compression and support to the foot as described herein.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Members

FIGS. 1A-8depict an article of footwear, embodied here as a cleat10, having an inner layer12positioned inside of an outer shell13(illustrated by dotted line13inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B).FIG. 1Adepicts the medial side of cleat10, whileFIG. 1Bdepicts the lateral side of the cleat10.FIG. 2AandFIG. 2Bdepict the cleat10including features omitted fromFIG. 1AandFIG. 1Bfor clarity. Cleat10includes an inner layer12that conforms to the foot and ankle region of a user. The cleat10includes tensioning members16that may be adjusted by the user of the cleat10to provide compression to various portions of the foot14after the foot14is inserted into the cleat10. Tensioning members16include forefoot tensioning members16A-16B, midfoot tensioning members20A-20B, upper foot tensioning members30A-30B, and tensioning straps52, as explained below. Cleat10may be worn on a foot14that is inserted inside of the cleat10. While the illustrations ofFIG. 1A-FIG. 1Bdepict different numbers of tensioning members thanFIG. 2A-FIG. 2B, it will be understood that these figures depict the same embodiment of an article of footwear and that the different numbers of tensioning members16seen inFIG. 1A-FIG. 1Bare simply intended to illustrate that different numbers and arrangements of tensioning members16are possible within various embodiments of the article of footwear. WhileFIG. 1A-FIG. 2Bdepict a cleat10with one or more spikes17or other projections, alternative embodiments may include any suitable shoe, footwear, boot, and other articles that may be worn around the ankle and/or foot.

The inner layer12may be comprised of any material that provides the user with comfort and functionality. Such materials include, but are not limited to, compression fabrics, polypropylenes, webbing, neoprene, elastane, synthetics, and the like. The inner layer12may be formed as a flexible boot or sock that conforms to the foot and ankle. The inner layer12accommodates the foot14and is configured to fit snugly about the foot and ankle14. As seen inFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, one or more sleeves19may be affixed to the inner layer12. The sleeve19separates the tensioning members16from the outer shell13and includes one or more channels27. Channels27enclose the tensioning members16to enable tightening and loosening of the tensioning members16and to prevent tangling of the different tensioning members16in the article of footwear10. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, the article of footwear10provides a channel for each tensioning member in the article of footwear, but alternative configurations may include channels27for only a limited number of the tensioning members16.

The outer shell13may be formed from one or more flexible materials that enclose some or all of the inner layer12. Such materials include, but are not limited to, natural and synthetic leather, fabrics including nylon and canvas, rubber, and plastics. The outer shell13includes a lower portion or sole15that is attached to an upper portion25, referred to as an “upper” that is attached to the sole15. The sole15and upper25form a volume that is referred as a “foot cavity”. The foot cavity accommodates the foot of a person wearing the cleat10. The foot cavity also holds the inner layer12and portions of the tensioning members16. In various alternative embodiments described below, different support members and stabilizing members are also positioned inside the foot cavity. The inner layer12may be permanently attached to the outer shell13of the cleat10, or alternatives the outer shell13may be selectively removable from the inner layer12to aid in fitting the cleat10to the foot.

As shown inFIG. 1A-FIG. 8, the plurality of tensioning members16, include forefoot tensioning members16A and16B, midfoot tensioning members20A and20B, upper foot tensioning members30A and30B, and tensioning straps50A and50B. Each of the tensioning members16may be adjusted to apply a selected compressive force to a corresponding region of the foot14inside of the cleat10. As exemplified by forefoot tensioning member16B inFIG. 1A, each of the tensioning members16in cleat10has a first end16B1attached to the inner layer12inside of the foot cavity, and a second end16B2that extends to a position outside of the foot cavity and the outer shell13, depicted with a dotted line inFIG. 1A-FIG. 1B. In the example embodiment of cleat10, the end16B2that extends outside of the outer shell13is attached to a tab18B. Tab18B is one of the tension adjustment members18shown with cleat10. The tension adjustment members18provide a surface that the user may grip to tighten or loosen the tensioning members16that are attached to the corresponding tab18. The tension adjustment members18are also configured to be secured to the outer shell13or otherwise locked in place in order to enable the tensioning members16to continue to apply a compressive force to the foot14after the user adjusts and releases the tensioning members16. The tensioning members16included in cleat10are described in more detail below.

The exemplary embodiment of cleat10includes two sets of crisscrossing forefoot tensioning members16A and16B. As illustrated inFIGS. 1A-2Bas well asFIGS. 3, and 4, forefoot tensioning members16A-16B are located on a forefoot region of the cleat10.FIG. 1Bdepicts one set of forefoot tensioning members16A that are attached to the lateral side of the inner layer12and cross to the medial side of the cleat10.FIG. 1Adepicts another set of the forefoot tensioning members16B that are attached to the medial side of the inner layer12and cross to the lateral side of the cleat10. The tensioning members16A and16B are shown as straps formed from an inelastic fabric material. Alternative tensioning member configurations may use one or more members formed from an elastic or inelastic material, including one or more elastic bands that are configured to stretch in response to tension.FIG. 2A-FIG. 3depict the tensioning members16A and16B arranged in a crisscross pattern. The ends of each set of tensioning members16A and16B positioned outside of the outer shell13are affixed to one of a pair of forefoot tabs18A and18B, respectively. The forefoot tabs18A and18B each engage with one of corresponding fastening pads40A and40B, respectively, positioned on the outer shell13of the cleat10.

As best shown inFIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 4, tabs18A and18B include a hoop or loop material on an inner side designed to engage an opposing hook and loop material on the fastening pads40A and40B. The hooks may be either unidirectional or multidirectional. Fastening pads40A and40B are examples of fastening locations, which are predetermined locations positioned on the outer shell13that are configured to fasten one or more tensioning members in place. In lieu of to the hook and loop material, any fastener that holds the tabs18in position with respect to the outer shell13may be used including, for example, nanoadhesive materials, and snap closures. The tensioning members16may include ridged structures that engage a ratcheting fastening location to enable the tensioning member to lock in place. A lever or dial may provide mechanical advantage to enable application of force to tighten and loosen tensioning member.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A-FIG. 2B, in conjunction withFIG. 5, midfoot tensioning members20A and20B are located in a midfoot region of the cleat10. The midfoot tensioning members20A are attached to the lateral side of the inner layer12and extend to the medial side of the outer shell13terminating in midfoot tab22A. The midfoot tensioning members20B are attached to the medial side of the inner layer12and extend to the lateral side of the outer shell13terminating in midfoot tab22B.FIG. 5depicts midfoot tensioning members20B stitched to member23B that attaches the tensioning members20B to the inner layer12. The midfoot tensioning members22A and22B are arranged in a crisscross pattern across the midfoot region. Midfoot tabs22A-22B are configured to engage with a corresponding attachment pad40A-40B positioned on the outer shell13in a similar manner to the forefoot tensioning members16A-16B.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A-FIG. 2Bin conjunction withFIG. 6andFIG. 8, upper foot tensioning members30A and30B are located in an ankle and upper foot region of the cleat10. The upper foot tensioning members30A are attached to the lateral side of the inner layer12and cross to the medial side, terminating in an upper foot tab32A. Upper foot tensioning members30B are attached to the medial side of the inner layer12and extend to the lateral side, terminating in a second upper foot tab32B. The upper foot tensioning members30A and30B are arranged in a crisscross pattern across the upper foot region. Upper foot tabs32A and32B have a hook and loop material on an inner side and outer side of each tab. The hook and loop material on the inner side fastens to a corresponding hook and loop fastener positioned on the outer shell13. The hook and loop material on the outer side of each of the upper foot tabs32provides a fastening location for one of the tensioning straps50A and50B. As explained in further detail below, a user may adjust the tension of the upper foot tensioning members30A and30B and then secure the tabs32A and32B to the outer shell13in order to apply a continuing compressive force to the foot.

With particular reference toFIG. 2A-FIG. 2Bin conjunction withFIG. 7andFIG. 8, the cleat10further includes a pair of tensioning straps50A and50B. Each of the tensioning straps50A and50B has one end attached to the inner layer12, and a second end attached to a pull tab52. As shown inFIG. 7, tensioning strap50A has one end54attached to the inner layer12, and the tensioning strap50A is routed underneath the foot. A second tensioning strap50B crosses the first tensioning strap50A, extends longitudinally from the heel60, and terminates at a pull tab52.FIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 7show cleat10with two tensioning straps50A and50B. An alternative embodiment, however, may only use a single tensioning strap. The tensioning straps50A and50B crisscross and run substantially longitudinally along the ankle and lower leg and terminating with pull tabs52A and52B, respectively. Pull tabs52A and52B include a hook and loop fastener material that compliments the material on the outer surface of the upper foot tabs32. While in the present embodiment, tensioning straps50A and50B are shown as attached in the vicinity of the midfoot and forefoot, an alternate embodiment includes adjustable attachment means, such as hook and loop fasteners, rather than permanent attachment.

In operation, the user first inserts a foot14inside the inner layer12positioned in the foot cavity formed inside the sole15and upper25. The foot14slides into the inner layer12and seats the heel of the foot into the heel portion60. When inserting the foot14, tabs18A-18B,22A-22B,32A-32B and the pull tabs52A-52B are disengaged from counterpart fastening locations. The user may then apply a compressive force to the foot14using one or more of the tensioning members16on the cleat10. In one embodiment, the user pulls forefoot tabs18A and18B away from each other to apply a tensile force that tightens the forefoot tensioning members16A and16B. The user engages the forefoot tab18A-18B with the forefoot of the cleat10thus maintaining and locking in the applied tension on the forefoot tensioning members16A-16B. The user pulls midfoot tabs22A and22B away from each other to applying a tensile force that tightens the midfoot tensioning members20A and20B. The user then engages the midfoot tabs22A and22B with the midfoot of the cleat10thus maintaining and locking in the applied tension on the midfoot tensioning members20A and20B. The user pulls upper foot tabs32A and32B away from each other to apply a tensile force that tightens the upper foot tensioning members30A and30B. The user then engages the upper foot tabs32A and32B with the upper foot of the cleat10thus maintaining and locking in the applied tension on the upper foot tensioning members30A and30B. The forefoot tensioning members16A-16B, midfoot tensioning members20A-20B, and the upper foot tensioning members30A-30B may be tightened in any order.

Once tension has been applied to the tensioning members16A-16B,20A-20B, and30A-30B, the user uses pull tabs52to pull and apply a tensile force to the tensioning straps50. The user pulls the pull tabs52to apply a selected tensile force to the tensioning straps50A and50B, and engages pull tabs52A and52B with the upper foot tabs32A and32B, respectively, to secure the tensioning straps50A and50B in the selected position. The result of the aforementioned tensioning enables the user to fully lock the cleat10about the foot and ankle region. In an alternative embodiment, the tensioning straps50A and50B may have fastening material such as hook and loop material positioned on both sides of the tensioning straps50A and50B. In this embodiment, the user pulls on tensioning straps50A and50B to apply compression to the foot14prior to adjusting the upper foot tabs32A and32B.

When one of the tensioning members16A-16B,20A-20B,30A-30B, and50A-50B inside of the outer shell13is tightened, the effective length of the tightened tensioning member inside of the outer shell13decreases, and the effective length of the portion of the tensioning member that extends through the outer shell13increases. The term “effective length” refers to the proportion of the length of one or more of the tensioning members16that is either inside of or outside of the outer shell13. As the effective length of one of the tensioning members16increases inside the outer shell13, the corresponding effective length decreases outside of the outer shell13, and vice versa. Each of the tensioning members16A-16B,20A-20B,30A-30B, and50A-50B may be loosened as well as tightened. Each tensioning member may be loosened when a corresponding tension adjustment member18for a tensioning member16is detached from a corresponding attachment location of the cleat10. The user may loosen the tensioning member and then engage the tab with a corresponding attachment location to maintain the applied tension. When one of the tensioning members16A-16B,20A-20B,30A-30B, and50A-50B is loosened, the effective length of the loosened tensioning member inside of the outer shell13increases, and the effective length of the portion of the tensioning member that extends through the outer shell13decreases.

Article of Footwear with Support Members

With reference toFIG. 9-FIG. 10, an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear900is disclosed that includes support members100and102. The support members100and102enable the footwear article900to retain a predetermined shape and continue providing support to a foot inserted in the footwear article900when the various tensioning members described above apply compression to the foot14. The support members100and102provide a stiffening force to the footwear article900to prevent the ankle and foot from rolling or spraining. The support members100and102may be incorporated with any of the embodiments of footwear and modifications thereof that are described in this application.

Footwear article900includes vertical supports100and horizontal supports102shown inFIG. 9. Vertical supports100are oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction with the ankle and lower leg of a foot inserted in the footwear article900. The vertical supports100are integrated into an inner layer of the footwear article900similar to inner layer12seen above. Vertical supports100originate proximate the bottom of the inner layer and run the length thereof. The vertical supports100may be removable or permanently affixed to the inner layer. Additionally, the vertical supports may follow the contours of the foot. Additionally, the footwear article900may include horizontal supports102that are oriented in a substantially longitudinal with the foot inserted in the footwear article900. The horizontal supports102may be operably connected to the eyelets or lacing system104of the footwear article900or to the tensioning members16described above.

As shown inFIG. 10, the vertical supports100and horizontal supports102may be formed from one or more members formed from a polymer such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the TPU forming the supports100and102is approximately 3 mm thick, although different support configurations may have different thicknesses. Vertical supports100have a lower end105A near the sole of the footwear900with a wider width that tapers to a narrower width at an upper end105B proximate to the top of the footwear900. The inner layer12may further comprise a top layer120formed from a stretchable fabric material and a bottom layer128formed by an elastic material. The bottom layer128faces the foot, while the top120engages the tensioning members16and outer shell. The vertical support members100and horizontal support members102are positioned between the top layer120and bottom layer128.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Member Channels Over Support Members

FIG. 11depicts another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear, depicted here as a partial cutaway view of a cleat1100that includes support members integrated with an inner layer1112and channels such as channel1140to guide tensioning members1130. Inner layer1112is positioned inside of an outer shell1113. Cleat1100includes support members1104that are similar to the vertical support members100seen inFIG. 9-10. As shown inFIG. 11, the cleat1100may include one or more channels1140formed in the inner layer1112to enable movement of one or more of the tensioning members16described above. The inner layer1112further includes a top layer1120and bottom layer1128. Both the top layer1120and bottom layer1128are formed from a stretchable materials such as compression fabrics, polypropylenes, webbing, neoprene, elastane, synthetics, and the like. The channel1140is stitched into the top layer1120of the inner layer1112. The channel1140corresponds to the shape and configuration of one of the tensioning members in the cleat1110, exemplified by tensioning member1130. The tensioning member1130is arranged over one or more of the support members, such as vertical support1100, and under the channel1140in the top layer1120. In operation, the channel1140enables the tensioning member1130to tighten and loosen without interference from the outer shell1113. Multiple channels such as channel1140may also prevent fouling or tangling of different tensioning members in operation. WhileFIG. 11depicts a cleat1100that includes vertical support members1100, a similar embodiment may include vertical and horizontal support members as well.

Article of Footwear with Adjustable Stabilizing Members

In another alternative footwear embodiment, one or more adjustable stabilizing members are positioned within the footwear to provide additional stability to one or more portions of a foot that is inserted in the footwear.FIG. 12A-FIG. 12Edepict an inner layer1212of footwear1200that includes stabilizing members1202that provide stability to portions of the foot. The stabilizing members1202and are held in place using one or more tensioning members1215, embodied here as flexible straps1208and1220A-1220B. The stabilizing members1202are repositionable members placed between an inner layer1212and outer layer (omitted for clarity) inside of the foot cavity of an article of footwear. Each stabilizing member1202is configured to conform to one or more regions of the foot, such as the heel or ankle. One or more of the tensioning members1215engages each stabilizing member1202to enable the user to adjust the stabilizing member1202with respect to a foot in the footwear. One end of each tensioning member1215extends outside of the foot cavity and outer shell of the footwear, and may be secured in position after tension is applied. Thus, the user may tighten, loosen, or otherwise adjust the fit of each stabilizing member1202to the foot by tightening and loosening a tension member1215in a similar manner to the tensioning members16described above.

FIG. 12AandFIG. 12Bdepict an inner layer1212, heel stabilizing member1204, and tensioning member1208, seen here as a tensioning strap. Heel stabilizing member1204has a shape that conforms to the heel1260of a foot placed in the inner layer1212, and the stabilizing member1204is positioned behind the heel. The heel stabilizing member1204has a U-shaped configuration with a lower end1206positioned at the base of the heel1260and two upper ends1207A and1207B that extend toward the ankle. Alternative configurations of the heel stabilizing member1204may include different shapes that provide stability to the heel1260. The lower end1260is affixed to the inner layer1212. The upper ends1207A and1207B engage the tensioning member1208around the lateral and medial sides of the posterior of the heel1260. The tensioning member1208may be fixedly attached to the upper ends1207A and1207B of the stabilizing member1204, or may thread through openings formed in the upper ends1207A and1207B of the stabilizing member1204.

The tensioning member1208includes one end1232that is attached to the inner layer1212under the sole of the foot. The length of the tensioning member1208may be fixedly attached or threaded through the ends1207A and1207B of the stabilizing member1204. A second end of the tensioning member1236may end in a tension adjustment member, such as a tab or other attachment device that is configured to engage a fastening pad or other fastening mechanism positioned on the outside of the footwear in a similar manner to the embodiments ofFIG. 1A-FIG. 8.

FIG. 12C-FIG. 12Edepict two ankle stabilizing members1216A and1216B that conform to the medial side and lateral side, respectively, of an ankle. Both of the ankle stabilizing members1216A and1216B are formed with a U-shape. As seen inFIG. 12CandFIG. 12D, a curved end1217A of the U-shaped stabilizing member1216A is positioned to engage the posterior side of the medial malleolus1218A. The curved end1217A is affixed to the inner layer1212. The open ends1219A and1219B of the stabilizing member1216A extend above and below the medial malleolus, respectively, toward the anterior of the foot. The end1219A of the ankle stabilizing member1216A engages one end of a tensioning member1220A. The tensioning member1220A has a length that extends outside of the article of footwear to a second end. The user may pull on the second end of the tensioning member1220A or on a tension adjustment member affixed thereto in order to adjust the ankle stabilizing member1216A. The end1219B of the ankle stabilizing member1216A engages a strap1207that is affixed to the lateral side of the inner layer1212.

As seen inFIG. 12CandFIG. 12E, a curved end1217B of the U-shaped ankle stabilizing member1216B is positioned to engage the posterior side of the lateral malleolus1218B. The curved end1217B is affixed to the inner layer1212. The open ends1221A and1221B of the stabilizing member1216B extend above and below the lateral malleolus, respectively, toward the anterior of the foot. The end1221A of the ankle stabilizing member1216A engages one end of a tensioning member1220B. The tensioning member1220B has a length that extends outside of the article of footwear to a second end. The user may pull on the second end of the tensioning member1220B or on a tension adjustment member affixed thereto in order to adjust the ankle stabilizing member1216B. The end1221B of the ankle stabilizing member1216B engages a strap1205that is affixed to the medial side of the inner layer1212.

In a finished article of footwear, an outer shell, omitted inFIG. 12A-FIG. 12Efor clarity, encloses the stabilizing members1204,1216A and1216B. The stabilizing members1204,1216A, and1216B are not directly attached to the outer shell to enable adjustment of the semi-rigid members. The stabilizing members1204,1216A, and1216B are each formed from one or more semi-rigid materials to enable the stabilizing members to conform to the foot and ankle while resisting ankle rolls and other movements that may cause injuries. As used herein, the term “semi-rigid” refers to a material that resists deformation under stress, but deforms in response to a sufficient force and then returns to an un-deformed state when the force is removed. Common examples of semi-rigid materials include polymeric materials such as polyimides and thermoplastics. The stabilizing members depicted inFIG. 12A-12Emay be incorporated into any of the footwear embodiments and modifications thereof described in this application.

In operation, a user inserts the foot inside the inner layer1212located in the foot cavity to enable the heel1260to engage the stabilizing member1204and the ankle to engage the stabilizing members1216A and1216B. The user may first apply a selected tensioning force to the end of the tensioning member1208that extends outside of the footwear to draw the stabilizing member1204into further engagement with the heel1260to provide support to the heel1260when wearing the footwear. As described above, the tensioning member1208may be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease, respectively, the tightness of the stabilizing member1204with respect to the foot. The tensioning member1208is secured to an outer shell of the footwear in a similar manner to the embodiments ofFIG. 1-FIG. 8to retain the stabilizing member1204in the selected position.

After adjusting the tensioning member1208and associated heel stabilizing member1204, the user may then adjust the tensioning members1220A and1220B that engage ankle stabilizing members1216A and1216B, respectively. To accomplish this, the user applies a selected tensioning force to the ends of tensioning members1220A and1220B that extend outside of the footwear and secures them to the outer shell to engage the stabilizing members1216A and1216B, respectively, to the ankle. The foregoing description does not limit the order of adjusting the tensioning members1215and stabilization members1202. The user may adjust the tensioning members1208,1220A, and1220B and corresponding stabilization members1204,1216A and1216B in any order.

The stabilizing members1204,1216A, and1216B provide additional support to the heel and ankle. The tensioning members1215enable a user to adjust the stabilizing members1202to conform to the foot and ankle while wearing the footwear. While the foregoing embodiments depict stabilizing members1202engaging the heel and ankle regions of the foot, alternative embodiments may have stabilizing members for one of the heel and ankle, and may include similar stabilizing members that engage other areas of the foot.

Article of Footwear with a Locking Strap

FIG. 13illustrates an alternative embodiment of a cleat90that includes a locking strap96for securing a tensioning strap92in place after a user adjusts the tensioning strap to apply compression to a foot inserted into the cleat90. Cleat90includes tensioning strap92positioned in the foot cavity, shown here in a partial cutaway view, that is attached at an attachment point94in proximity to the forefoot or midfoot region of the cleat90. Cleat90also includes a locking strap96positioned on an outer shell95of the cleat90. The locking strap96includes a first end that is affixed to the outer shell95. The locking strap96wraps around the ankle region of a foot inserted into the cleat90, to surround an end of the tensioning strap92or a tensioning member affixed to the end of the tensioning strap92that extends out of the outer shell95. A second end97of the locking strap96is configured to be releasably secured to another portion of the locking strap96using a hook and loop material. Alternative embodiments may include various other fastening mechanisms that secure the second end97of the locking strap96in place.

The cleat90also includes a toe guard98. Toe guard98may comprise a material with an increased resistance to compression forces, such as those experiences when a large load is placed thereupon. Such materials exhibit a higher modulus of elasticity and include, but are not limited to, Kevlar fibers, plastics, and the like.

In operation, a user first inserts a foot into cleat90. The user then pulls on an end of tensioning strap92that extends out of the outer shell95to apply a tensile force to the tensioning strap92. Such application urges the heel of a foot inserted into the cleat90into the heel region91of the cleat90. The heel region91may include an external support member93that engages with the posterior end of the heel. The end of the tensioning strap92is secured to the outer shell95of the cleat90using a hook and loop type of engagement (although other known methods may also be used). The user then wraps locking strap96around the ankle region of the foot and the end of the tensioning strap92. After the locking strap96is wrapped around the foot, the user fastens the second end97of the locking strap. The locking strap96enables the tensioning strap92to remain in a position with the tensile force applied after the user tightens the tensioning strap92.

Article of Footwear with Serially Arranged Tensioning Members

FIG. 14depicts four views of another embodiment of an article of footwear1410that includes tensioning members engaged in series with adjustment tabs. In the embodiment ofFIG. 14, a first set of tensioning members1420A engage the mid foot region extending from a midfoot flap1426on the medial side of the footwear1410to a tab1422positioned on the medial side of the footwear1410. A second set of tensioning members1420B extend from the tab1422underneath the sole1418to another tab1424that engages a fastening pad1440A on the lateral side of the footwear. In a similar arrangement, a first set of tensioning members1430A extend from a flap1428on the lateral side of the footwear1410and extend to a first tab1434that may be secured to a fastening pad1444. A second set of tensioning members1430B extend from the first tab1434around the posterior of the ankle to another tab1436that is secured to the fastening pad1444on the lateral side of the foot. In the embodiment ofFIG. 14, fastening pad1444wraps around the posterior of the footwear1410to fasten flaps1434and1436on both the lateral and medial side of the footwear1410. An alternative embodiment may include separate fastening pads on the medial and lateral sides. Flaps1426and1428may overlap each other.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear1410. The user tightens tensioning members1420A by pulling on the tab1422, and then secures the tab1422to a medial fastening pad1440A. The user then tightens tensioning members1420B by pulling on the tab1424and securing the tab1424to a lateral fastening pad1440B. In a similar manner, the user may adjust tab1434first followed by tab1436to adjust the tensioning members1430A and1430B, respectively. The magnitude of compressive force applied to the foot by tensioning members1420A and1430A may be different than the compressive force applied by tensioning members1420B and1430B, respectively. The configuration of footwear1410provides compression to the medial and lateral sides of a foot without a crisscross arrangement of the tensioning members1430A and1430B.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Members Affixed to a Strap

FIG. 15depicts a medial and lateral view of another embodiment of an article of footwear1510that includes tensioning members that are attached to a strap. Footwear1510includes tensioning members1520that are attached to an inner layer1512near the heel of the foot. The tensioning members1520are attached to one end of a strap1530that wraps around the ankle and is configured to be fastened to the footwear1510at a location above the ankle. The strap1530is attached the tensioning members1520at a location between the inner layer1512and an outer shell1513, with the other end of the strap1530extending to the outside of the outer shell1513. The strap1530has a width that enables each of the tensioning members1520to be attached to one end of the strap1530. The strap1530is positioned within a sleeve1516formed outside of the inner layer1512. The sleeve1516enables the strap1530to be tightened and loosened in operation. The strap1530may be attached to tensioning members on either the medial or lateral side of the foot, and may wrap around the foot and ankle one or more times.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear1510. The user pulls on the end of the strap1530that extends outside of the outer shell1513. The tensioning members1520apply a compressive force to the heel, and the strap1520applies a compressive force to the ankle. The tensioning members1520are shown as engaging the heel, but may engage the forefoot and midfoot regions as well.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Strap and Support Members

FIG. 16depicts another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1610including tensioning straps and a support member. Article of footwear1610has an inner layer1612, with a strap1616that attached to the lateral side of the inner layer1612. The strap1616extends over the fore foot region through a D-ring1618on the medial side of the footwear1610. The strap1616extends back to the lateral side of the footwear1610, where an end of the strap1616may be fastened to the exterior of the footwear1610. A second strap1622includes one end attached to the upper edge of the sole1620around the forefoot, midfoot, and heel portions of the sole1622. Strap1622extends around the upper foot and wraps around the ankle in the footwear1610. The strap1622includes one end1624that extends outside of an outer shell of the footwear1610to enable tightening and loosening of the strap1620.

Footwear1610includes one or more pockets1628formed in the inner layer1612. A support member, embodied herein as a nylon support member1632is positioned within the pocket1628. The pocket1628is configured to enable the support member1632to move within the pocket1628. In the example ofFIG. 16, the pocket1628is configured with a length and a width that are 6 mm larger than the corresponding length and width of the support member1632. Strap1622wraps around the pocket1628and support member1632.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear1610. The user may pull on straps1616and1622to apply compression to the forefoot, midfoot, heel, and ankle regions of the foot. Tension may be applied to the straps1616and1622in any order. The support member1632may move within the pocket1628to provide support to the foot in different orientations when wearing the footwear1610.

Article of Footwear with Tensioning Strap Wrapped Around Foot

FIG. 17depicts another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1710including a tensioning strap1720that is configured to pass under the foot and around the ankle. Tensioning strap1720is attached to an inner layer1712of the footwear at a midfoot location1724on the lateral side of the footwear1710. The tensioning strap1720extends horizontally along the lateral side of the footwear1710, wraps around the medial side of the footwear1710, and returns to the midfoot region on the lateral side of the footwear1710. The tensioning strap1720further extends down the lateral side of the footwear1710, under the foot, and extends up the medial side of the footwear1710where an end1730is positioned outside of an outer shell of the footwear1710. The end1730may be fastened to the outer shell of the footwear1710.

In operation, a user inserts a foot into the footwear1710. The user may pull on the strap1720to apply compression to the midfoot and ankle regions of the foot. In the embodiment ofFIG. 17, a single strap1720applies compression to both the medial and lateral sides of the foot. While the strap1720is depicted as being attached to the lateral side of the footwear1710and extending through the medial side of the footwear1710, and alternative configuration may arrange a tensioning strap to extend from the medial side to the lateral side.

Article of Footwear with Internal Compression Wrap

FIGS. 18A-18Cdepict another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1810including a sole1815connected to a shoe upper1825(not shown inFIG. 18A, seeFIGS. 18B and 18C), and an elastic wrap member1830positioned within the foot cavity. In this embodiment, the sole1815is provided as a cleat, and the shoe upper1825is provided in the form of an athletic boot. The elastic wrap member1830is provided as a sheet of stretchable material within the foot cavity which acts as a cradle member to partially surround the foot1899of the wearer and provide compression to the foot1899of the wearer.

The elastic wrap member1830is comprised of an elastic fabric material similar to that commonly found in traditional ankle wraps. The material used to form the elastic wrap member1830includes a resilient stretchable component that allows the elastic wrap member1830to be stretched around a wearer's foot when tightened within the foot cavity, and then spring back to its original shape when loosened within the foot cavity. Accordingly, the elastic material may be provided as a woven fabric material that includes elastane or other elastic fibers. The elastic material may also include non-elastic fibers or less elastic fibers such as polyester, nylon or cotton fibers.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 18A-18Cthe elastic wrap member1830is located in an ankle region1850of the article of footwear1810. In particular, the elastic wrap member1830is positioned within the foot cavity such that a lower edge1832of the elastic wrap member1830is located in a heel region1852of the article of footwear1810. The elastic wrap member1830extends up from the heel region1852, over the ankle region1850, and to a top edge1854of the article of footwear1810. Accordingly, the elastic wrap member1830at least partially or completely covers the ankle of the wearer when the wearer's foot1899is positioned within the article of footwear.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 18A-18C, the elastic wrap member1830includes a generally cradle portion1840and adjustable edges1848. The cradle portion1840forms a C-shaped cylindrical member that extends along the interior of the shoe upper1825. The cradle portion1840includes a main body1842that is generally free-floating within the foot cavity and therefore separate from the shoe upper1825. However, although the main body1842is generally separate from the shoe upper1825, relatively small sections of the cradle portion1840may be fastened to the shoe upper1825at various locations, including along a forward seam1844that runs along the tongue slot on the shoe upper1825. In other embodiments, additional portions of the main body1842of the cradle portion1840may also be fastened to the shoe upper1825in addition to the forward seam1844. For example, as best shown inFIG. 18C, the main body1842of the cradle portion1840may be connected to the shoe upper1825along a vertical seam1846in the rear of the shoe upper1825. These seams1846,1844that fastens the cradle portion1840to the shoe upper1825may be provided using any of various means, such as stitching, adhesives, or other fastening means. However, even with the seams1846,1844, most of the main body1842of the cradle portion1840remains generally free-floating and moveable relative to the shoe upper1825. This includes the portions between the vertical seam1846and the forward seam1844of the cradle portion1840. Because substantial portions of the main body1842are free-floating relative to the shoe upper1825, the cradle portion1840may be tightly wrapped around the foot1899of the wearer even if the shoe upper is not as tightly wrapped around the foot1899.

The adjustable edges1848of the elastic wrap member1830are generally connected to the portion of the shoe upper1825that includes the shoelace eyelets1828for the article of footwear1810. Accordingly, the adjustable edges1848of the elastic wrap member1830may be connected to the shoe upper1825along the above-mentioned forward seams1842. However, in other embodiments, the adjustable edges1848may be coupled to other portions of the shoe upper, such as only the shoelace eyelets1828. As shown inFIG. 18A, the adjustable edges1848may include tab members1849that extend the elastic wrap member1830to the shoelace eyelets1828on the shoe upper1825. In some embodiments, the forward seam1844of the cradle portion1840does not extend to the shoelace eyelets1828on the shoe upper1825, but may be fastened to other areas on the shoe upper1825. For example, the forward seam1844of the cradle portion1840may extend along the tongue slot1829or other line that follows the eyelets1828on the shoe upper1825.

As described above, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 18A-18C, the elastic wrap member1830only partially surrounds the ankle of a wearer from the rear of the ankle (i.e., the Achilles tendon area) to a position forward of the ankle. For added support on the anterior portion of the ankle, the tongue1890may be provided as a thick padded member. For example, the tongue1890may be a custom molded open cell foam product that is flexible and provides cushioned support on the anterior portion of the foot, as shown inFIG. 8A. In some embodiments, the tongue1890may include various surface patterns or other features.

In operation, a wearer inserts his or her foot1899into the foot cavity of the article of footwear1810and pulls the ends of the shoe laces1826. This action draws the shoelace eyelets1828and related upper perimeter portions of the shoe upper1825together in a traditional fashion. Because the elastic wrap member1830is coupled to the shoe upper along the eyelets or other upper perimeter portions, pulling the shoe laces1826also pulls the elastic wrap member1830around the foot1899of the wearer, as illustrated by arrows1833inFIG. 18A. This results in the elastic wrap member1830being drawn to a stretched position as indicated by dotted lines1831inFIG. 18A. Accordingly, the elastic wrap member1830provides a convenient ankle wrap or other foot wrap that is integrated into the article of footwear1810without the need for a separate wrap member.

With particular reference now toFIG. 18B, in at least one embodiment, the outer shell of the shoe upper1825includes a non-elastic portion1870and an elastic portion1880. A seam1875may be formed on the article of footwear1810where the elastic portion1880meets the non-elastic portion1870of the shoe upper. The non-elastic portion1870is formed from more traditional materials for a shoe upper, such as leather, synthetic leather, or a soft plastic material. The elastic portion1880of the shoe upper1825comprises an elastic material with resilient qualities, similar to the elastic wrap member1830. In at least one embodiment, the elastic portion1880is comprised of a foam material adhered to one or more layers of elastic fabric. For example, the elastic portion1880may include an open cell foam that is sandwiched between two layers of stretch fabric comprised of elastane or other stretch material.

The non-elastic portion1870of the article of footwear is positioned in a midfoot region and a forefoot region of the shoe upper1825. The elastic portion1880is generally provided on the same portion of the article of footwear1810where the elastic wrap member1830is located (e.g., the ankle portion1850). Because the elastic portion1880of the shoe upper1825is both flexible and elastic, the elastic portion1880is allowed to more closely adhere to the foot1899of the wearer when the shoelaces1826are tightened on the article of footwear1810. Moreover, the combination of the stretched elastic wrap member1830and the tightened elastic portion1880of the shoe upper1825provides the wearer with a tight compression fit. In addition, because the relatively thick elastic portion1880of the shoe upper closely adheres to the foot of the wearer, the wearer is also provided with a feeling of additional support and soft flexible bulk than would be felt if only the elastic wrap member1830were closely adhered to the foot of the wearer.

Article of Footwear with Flexible Braces in Upper

FIGS. 19A-19Fdepict another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear1910including a sole1915connected to a shoe upper1925and two brace members1930. In this embodiment, the sole1915is provided as a cleat, and the shoe upper1925is provided in the form of an athletic boot. The two brace members1930include a lateral brace member1932and a medial brace member1934.

As best shown inFIGS. 19A and 19D-19F, each brace member1930includes a base portion1940, a central shaft portion1950(which may also be referred to herein as a stem1950), and a top plate1960, which together form a single integral component (i.e., a unitary component with inseparable sections that are integrally formed). The brace members1930may be formed using any of various conventional manufacturing methods, such as injection molding. Each brace member1930is comprised of a relatively hard and non-elastic, yet resilient material, such as nylon, or other polymer material. As explained in further detail below, this material allows each brace member1930to provide support to the foot1999of the wearer, deform when a substantial force is applied to the brace member, and then resiliently return to the original shape when the force is removed.

The base portion1940of the brace member1930is a plate-like structure with a triangular shape. A flange1942is provided near the bottom of the base portion1940. The flange1942is configured to fit under the insole of the article of footwear1910to provide a foundation for the brace member1930. The base portion1940extends upward from the flange1942to an apex1944. As best shown inFIG. 19A, the apex1944is located at a position above the heel and below the ankle on the foot1999of the wearer. An inner face1946and an opposing outer face1948are defined between the flange1942and the apex1944. The apex1944of the base portion1940feeds into and merges with the stem1950.

The stem1950of the brace member1930is a curved rod-like structure that begins at the apex1944of the base portion1940and extends rearward and upward toward a proximal inflection point1952located to the rear of the ankle of the wearer. From this inflection point1952, the stem1950extends forward and upward until it feeds into the top plate1960. Accordingly, the stem1940provides a C-shaped rod that curves around the rear of the ankle of the wearer. The stem1950is wider at the inflection point1952than at other locations on the brace. Thus, as measured in the lateral direction of the foot1999, the brace member1930is widest at the inflection point1952of the stem1950, and gradually tapers upward and downward from the inflection point1952to the thinnest areas that merge with the base1940and the top plate1960. While the brace member1930is widest in the lateral direction at this inflection point1952, it will be recognized that the brace member1930is deeper at the base1940and the top plate1960than at the stem1950(i.e., the brace1930has a greater length in the direction from toe to heel of the foot1999at the base1940and top plate1960than at the stem1950). As explained in further detail below, this configuration allows the brace member1930to bend/pivot in a forward direction (as indicated by arrow1933ofFIGS. 19A and 19D) about the inflection point1952.

The top plate1960of the brace member1930is triangular in shape and includes a curved upper edge1962, an inner face1966, and an opposite outer face1968. The inner face1966provides a generally flat support surface that faces the lower leg/foot of the wearer and provides support to the lower leg/foot of the wearer when lateral forces act against the top plate1960.

With reference now toFIGS. 19B and 19C, the brace members1930are configured to fit within closed pockets1927in the shoe upper1925(seeFIGS. 19B and 19C). The pockets1927are not open to the foot cavity or the exterior of the article of footwear1910. Accordingly, the brace members1930are embedded between an interior and exterior layers of the shoe upper1925where the pockets1927are formed.FIG. 19Bshows the shoe upper1925with the exterior layer1929that forms the outside of one of the pockets1927.FIG. 19Cshows the exterior layer1929as transparent such that the pocket1927is exposed with the brace member1930in the pocket. Because the brace members1930are completely enclosed within the pockets1927, the foot1999of the wearer is not in direct contact with the brace members1930. Additionally, the inner walls of the foot cavity may include padding along the pockets1927to cushion the foot of the wearer from the relatively hard brace members1930.

With reference again toFIG. 19A, in an alternative embodiment, the article of footwear1910may include support belts1970. The support belts1970are positioned within the support cavity and are comprised of a generally inelastic woven material, such as a woven polyester or nylon material. One end1972of each support belt1970is fastened to the top plate1960and an opposite end1974of the support belt1970is coupled to some portion of the upper1925, such as the eyelets1928of the article of footwear1910. A slot (not shown) may be formed on the inner layer of the shoe upper1925that allows the support belt1970to extend through the inner layer of the shoe upper and be fastened to the top plate1960of the brace member1930. The support belt1970may be fastened to the top plate1960using any of various means fastening means, such as adhesives, welding or mechanical fasteners (e.g., rivets, screws, etc.). As shown inFIG. 19A, the support belts1970generally extend downward from the top plate1960as a narrow strip of material, under the insole (and thus under the foot1999), and back to a perimeter of the tongue slot1929(e.g., to the eyelets1928). Thus, one end of each support belt1970is positioned on the lateral side of the article of footwear1910, and the opposite side of the support belt is positioned on the medial side of the article of footwear1910.

In operation, the brace members1930prevent unnatural lateral twisting of the ankle, but allow for natural forward pivoting of the ankle (such as that experienced during walking or running). In particular, the C-shaped structure of the stem1950allows the brace member1930to easily bend forward in the direction of arrow1933(seeFIGS. 19A and 19D), when the wearer walks or runs. This forward bending action is primarily experienced at the inflection point1952, which is the point at which the brace member1930is designed to bend. After bending forward, the resilient nature of the brace member1930allows the stem1950to return to its equilibrium position, as shown inFIG. 19A. Thus, the brace member1930has very little impact on the foot1999of the wearer during natural running or walking motions.

On the other hand, when the wearer experiences an unnatural twisting of the ankle (causing the brace member1930to experiences forces in the direction of arrow1935ofFIG. 19A), the brace member1930provides support to the foot of the wearer and helps prevent extreme twisting of the ankle. In particular, when the ankle begins to twist in a lateral or medial direction, the leg of the wearer presses against the top plate1960. However, the brace member1930is not designed to easily bend in the lateral or medial direction. Instead, the brace member1930is only designed to easily bend in a forward direction1933at the inflection point1952. The width and shape of the brace member1930at the inflection point1952means that the brace member1930significantly resists lateral bending (in the direction of arrow1935). This results in an opposing force against the leg of the wearer when the ankle begins to twist. If this opposing force is strong enough, the wearer may avoid or reduce the severity of an ankle sprain from lateral or medial twisting of the ankle.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of any appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.