Abstract:
An article of footwear including a fastening system. The fastening system can include a pull tab and one or more flaps that cooperate to provide a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear with a novel fastening system. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Various lacing systems for footwear have been proposed. In some cases, these lacing systems include features where the free ends of the laces are gathered together. Freed (U.S. Pat. No. 6,941,683) discloses a lacing system where four lace segments 1, 2, 3 and 4 are attached to a strap or movable fastener 160. Strap 160 is capable of tightening the laces with a single pull. See column 7, line 1 to line 21. 
         [0005]    Donnadieu et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,537,763) discloses a system for returning to a pre-set tension on the laces of a boot. Donnadieu discloses a tensioning and latching means 8 that includes a link 7, that is attached to free ends 7 a  and 7 b . Link 7 is attached to base 23 via connection means 14. By attaching link 7 to base 23 using connection means 14, the wearer is able to return the lacing system to a pre-set tension. Quellais (U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,697) teaches a tensioning system similar to the Donnadieu system. 
         [0006]    Sussmann (U.S. Pat. No. 6,757,991) discloses a sports shoe with a tensioning flap or shield. Tensioning flap 8 includes a row of lacing eyelets that correspond or are opposite to a row of eyelets disposed on the upper. In some embodiments, Sussmann teaches the use of a single pulling site for tensioning flap 8. 
         [0007]    Holzer et al. (U.S. patent application publication No. 2005/0060912) discloses a lacing system for a shoe that includes two lacing regions. A first lower region 13 where lace loops are laterally aligned and disposed across from one another, and a second region 14 where lace loops are generally vertically off-set. Holzer also teaches the use of a fixing means 18 attached to a tensioning means cord 30. 
         [0008]    While various fastening systems have been proposed, there is still a need for a fastening system that is simple, provides a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention is directed to an article of footwear with a fastening system. In one aspect, the article of footwear includes an upper and an outsole; the upper including a centerline dividing a first side of the upper with a second side of the upper; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first flap extending over the centerline and a second flap extending over the centerline; the first flap having a first flap fastener disposed on an underside of the first flap; the second flap having a second flap fastener; where the first flap fastener engages the second flap fastener when the first flap and the second flap are in a closed position. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the first flap fastener is a releasable fastener. 
         [0011]    In another aspect, the second flap fastener is a releasable fastener. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, a first strap has a first end attached to the first side of the upper and extends to the second side of the upper. 
         [0013]    In another aspect, a first end of a second strap is attached to the second side of the upper, the second strap having a central portion that extends to the first side of the upper, and wherein the central portion of the second strap is associated with the first side of the upper. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the second end of the second strap is attached to a pull tab. 
         [0015]    In another aspect, the first strap has a second end that is also attached to the pull tab. 
         [0016]    In another aspect, the pull tab includes a pull tab fastener disposed on the pull tab, and wherein the pull tab fastener engages the second flap fastener. 
         [0017]    In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a centerline dividing a first side of the upper with a second side of the upper; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap, the first strap including a first end attached to the first side of the upper, and a second end attached to a pull tab; the fastening system also including a second strap having a first end attached to the second side of the upper and a second end attached to the pull tab; the pull tab including a pull tab fastener; wherein the pull tab fastener engages a second flap fastener disposed on a second flap when the article of footwear is in a closed position; and wherein the second flap extends across the centerline when the article of footwear is in the closed position. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, the pull tab can be moved rearward and upwards when tightening and then attached to the second flap. 
         [0019]    In another aspect, the second flap fastener extends rearward, and wherein the pull tab can be attached to the second flap in various locations. 
         [0020]    In another aspect, the second flap fastener extends rearward, and wherein the pull tab can be attached to the second flap in various locations. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the second flap fastener extends along a collar disposed proximate to an opening of the article of footwear. 
         [0022]    In another aspect, the first strap is attached to the first flap. 
         [0023]    In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an upper and an outsole; the upper including a centerline dividing a first side of the upper with a second side of the upper; the upper including a fastening system; the fastening system including a first strap, the first strap including a first end attached to the first side of the upper, and a second end attached to a pull tab; the fastening system also including a second strap having a first end attached to the second side of the upper and a second end attached to the pull tab; and the first strap having an intermediate portion attached to the first flap. 
         [0024]    In another aspect, the intermediate portion of first strap is attached to the first flap by a stitch. 
         [0025]    In another aspect, the first flap extends across the centerline when the article of footwear is in a closed position. 
         [0026]    In another aspect, the fastening system includes a second flap disposed under the first flap when the article of footwear is in a closed position. 
         [0027]    In another aspect, the second flap extends across the centerline when the article of footwear is in the closed position. 
         [0028]    In another aspect, the second flap extends across the centerline when the article of footwear is in the closed position. 
         [0029]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear in a closed position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear in an open position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear in an open position; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear in a closed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    An article of footwear intended  FIG. 1  is a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear. Article of footwear  100  includes an upper  101 . Upper  101  is designed to receive the foot of wearer, and opening  102  is used to slide the foot inside upper  101 . Immediately surrounding opening  102  is collar  104 . Collar  104  preferably extends around the outer periphery of opening  102  and forms the upper portion of upper  101  near opening  102 . 
         [0036]    Upper  101  includes a forward portion  106  and a rearward portion  108 . Forward portion  106  is disposed near the wearer&#39;s toe, and rearward portion  108  is disposed near the wearer&#39;s heel. Upper  101  also includes first side  110  and second side  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , second side  112  is preferably disposed on the opposite side of upper  101  as first side  110 . 
         [0037]    In a preferred embodiment, upper  101  includes a fastening system  150 . Fastening system  150  is preferably designed to allow upper  101  to be opened and closed easily. Fastening system  150  allows the wearer to quickly and easily open upper  101  to insert or remove the wearer&#39;s foot. Fastening system  150  also provides a very simple and convenient closing system. 
         [0038]    Preferably, fastening system  150  includes first strap  152  and second strap  154 . In some embodiments, straps  152  and  154  may be elastic. Elastic straps may provide additional tension to upper  101  when the upper  101  is in the closed position, and may help to hold the wearer&#39;s foot more securely inside the article of footwear  100 . However, other embodiments may include flexible, but inelastic straps. 
         [0039]    First strap  152  includes a first end  160  and second end  162 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , first end  160  of first strap  152  is disposed on a forward portion of first side  110 . Second end  162  of first strap  152  is disposed on second side  112  of upper  110 . Second end  162  of first strap  152  is also disposed rearward of first end  160  of first strap  152 . 
         [0040]    Preferably, fastening system  150  includes second strap  154 . Preferably, second strap  154  includes a first end  164  and a second end  166 . Preferably, first end  164  of second strap  154  is disposed on a second side  112  of upper  101 . In other words, first end  164  of second strap  154  is disposed on the opposite side of upper  101  as the first end  160  of the first strap  152 . 
         [0041]    Preferably, the central portion  166  of second strap extends rearward and across upper  101 . Central portion  166  of second strap  154  is preferably threaded through ring  170 . In some embodiments, ring  170  can be an eyelet. Second strap  154  then continues and extends across upper  110  where second end  168  of second strap  154  terminates in pull tab  156 . 
         [0042]    Preferably, second end  168  of second strap  154  is disposed on the second side  112  of upper  101  when fastening system  150  is closed. In a preferred embodiment, second end  168  of second strap  154  is attached to pull tab  156 . The exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , second end  162  of first strap  152  is also connected to pull tab  156 . In other words, pull tab  156  is attached to the second ends  162  and  168  of both straps  152  and  154 . 
         [0043]    Different designs may place pull tab  156  on different sides of the wearer&#39;s foot. For example, in some embodiments. pull tab  156  may be disposed on the medial side of the wearer&#39;s foot when upper  101  is closed. While in other embodiments, pull tab  156  may be located on the lateral side when upper  101  is closed. In a preferred embodiment, pull tab  156  is located on the lateral side of the wearer&#39;s foot. 
         [0044]    In operation, the wearer can grasp pull tab  156  and move the tab in a rearward direction. Pull tab  156  can also be moved circumferentially around collar  104  towards second side  112 . Pull tab can also be moved vertically upwards towards opening  102 . Once pull tab  156  is moved in this manner, pull tab  156  is able to pull the second ends  162  and  168  of both straps  152  and  154  at the same time. 
         [0045]    Additional operational and structural details of the invention can be observed in  FIG. 2 , which is a preferred embodiment of a schematic diagram of upper  101  in an open position. Upper  101  includes a first flap  202  and a second flap  204 . First flap  202  is disposed on first side  110 , and second flap  204  is disposed on second side  112 . 
         [0046]    Preferably, first flap  202  includes a first flap base portion  212  and a first flap end portion  214 . Similarly, second flap  204  includes a second flap base portion  216  and a second flap end portion  218 . In a preferred embodiment, first flap  202  includes a fastener. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , first flap  202  includes a first flap fastener  206  that is disposed on first flap end portion  214 . Second flap  204  also preferably includes a fastener. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , second flap fastener  210  is disposed on second flap end portion  218  and extends rearward. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, first flap  202  and second flap  204  can be designed to eliminate the need for a conventional tongue. In some cases, this can be done by providing an overlapping arrangement of flaps. In a preferred embodiment, first flap  202  and second flap  204  overlap to provide a generally asymmetrical upper  101 . 
         [0048]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , first flap end portion  214  extends beyond center line  220  of upper  110  and into second side  112  of upper  101 . In some embodiments, portions of second flap  204  can also extend across center line  220 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , second flap end portion  218  extends beyond center line  220  and into first side  110 . Because the ends of both flaps extend into the opposite of the shoe, first and second flaps  202  and  204  may overlap. 
         [0049]    Preferably, fasteners can be used in combination with this overlap feature to provide a secure fastening system  150  for upper  101 . Some embodiments include provisions for joining the overlapping flaps. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , first flap  202  includes first flap fastener  206  disposed on first flap end portion  214 . First flap fastener  206  is preferably designed to engage second flap fastener  210  disposed on second flap  204 . Any fastener may be used, however a releasable fastener is preferred. 
         [0050]    In an exemplary embodiment, a hook and loop fastener may be used. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , first flap end portion  214  includes the hook side of a hook and loop fastener. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , second flap fastener  210  includes the loop side of a hook and loop fastener. Using this arrangement, first flap fastener  206  can engage second flap fastener  210  and securely close upper  101 . 
         [0051]    Some embodiments include provisions that allow pull tab  156  to engage a corresponding fastener on the second side  112  of upper  101 . In some embodiments, pull tab  156  engages the same fastener as first flap fastener  206 . In a preferred embodiment, second flap fastener  210  is large enough to accommodate both first flap fastener  206  and pull tab  156 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the underside of pull tab  156  preferably includes a fastener compatible with second flap fastener  210 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , pull tab fastener  156  includes the hook side of a hook and loop fastener. Using this arrangement, the first side  110  can be secured to the second side  112  by using multiple fasteners. This can provide a very secure closing system for upper  101 . 
         [0052]    In operation, the wearer&#39;s foot may be placed inside upper  101 , and then first flap fastener  206  may be pulled across from first side to second side and secured on second flap fastener  210 . After that has been done, the wearer may move pull tab  156  towards rearward portion  108 , the wearer may also move pull tab  156  in an upward direction as well, and attach pull tab  156  to second flap fastener  210 . It is also possible to move pull tab  156  and simultaneously engage first flap fastener  206  with second flap fastener  210  while pull tab  156  is also being engaged with second flap fastener  210 . Using this method, the wearer can close upper  101  with a single motion. 
         [0053]    Upper  101  can also be opened in a similar manner. Pull tab  156  may be disengaged from second flap fastener  210 , thus separating pull tab  156  from second flap fastener  210 . Some embodiments include provisions that assist the pull tab  156  in moving first flap  202 . In these embodiments, continuing to move pull tab  156  towards first side  110  will also release first flap fastener  206  from second flap fastener  210 . 
         [0054]    Preferably, either pull tab  156  or one of the straps  152  or  154  is joined in some way with first flap  202 . This joint helps to move first flap  202  when pull tab  156  is moved. In a preferred embodiment, optional stitch  302 , shown in  FIG. 1 , is provided to join first strap  152  with first flap  202 . This arrangement assists pull tab  156  in separating first flap fastener  206  from second flap fastener. Preferably, stitch  302  joins an intermediate portion  161  of first strap  152  to first flap  202 . Intermediate portion  161  is disposed between first end  160  of first strap  152  and second end  162  of first strap  152 . Because intermediate portion  161  is joined to first flap  202 , the motion of pull tab  156  causes intermediate portion  161  to also move, resulting in the motion of first flap  202 . Thus, upper  101  can be opened with a single motion of pull tab  156  from second side  112  to first side  110 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, pull tab  156  may not be able to disengage first flap fastener  206  with second flap fastener  210 . In those embodiments where pull tab  156  is unable to disengage first flap fastener  206  with second flap fastener  210 , the wearer may manually disengage first flap fastener  206  with second flap fastener  210 . 
         [0056]    In those embodiments where pull tab  156  is associated with first flap  202 , a joint or fastener may be used to associate one of the straps with first flap  202 . In a preferred embodiment, a central portion of first strap  152  is preferably stitched to first flap  202 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , stitch  302  can be observed joining first strap  152  with first flap  202 . 
         [0057]    The fastening system  150  provides a convenient and easy-to-use system that can be operated with one hand. In some embodiments, fastening system  150  can be used on a children&#39;s shoe. This can allow children who may find it difficult or inconvenient to lace shoes with a fastening system that is easier to operate. 
         [0058]    While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.