Patent Publication Number: US-10765175-B2

Title: Article with adjustable rearward covering portion

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0360049, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/913,632, filed Jun. 10, 2013 and titled “Article With Adjustable Rearward Covering Portion”, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. The appendix filed with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/913,632 is now U.S. Pat. No. 9,365,387, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present embodiments relate generally to articles of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear with an adjustable upper. 
     Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an article of footwear includes a longitudinal direction extending from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article of footwear, a lateral direction extending from a lateral side to a medial side of the article of footwear and a vertical direction that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. The article of footwear also includes a base portion for supporting a sole of a foot, where the base portion further includes a central portion and an outer peripheral portion. The article of footwear also includes a forward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the forward covering portion is associated with a forefoot of the foot and a rearward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the rearward covering portion is associated with a heel of the foot. The rearward covering portion further includes a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being associated with the outer peripheral portion of the base portion. The rearward covering portion has an open configuration for receiving the foot and a closed configuration for covering the foot. The article of footwear also includes a tensioning member associated with the rearward covering portion, where the tensioning member can be used to adjust the rearward covering portion between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The first peripheral portion has a vertical position that is substantially unchanged between the open configuration and the closed configuration. The vertical position of the second peripheral portion changes substantially between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a base portion for supporting a sole of a foot, the base portion further including a central portion and an outer peripheral portion. The article of footwear also includes a forward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the forward covering portion is associated with a forefoot of the foot and a rearward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the rearward covering portion is associated with a heel of the foot. The rearward covering portion further includes a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being attached to the outer peripheral portion of the base portion. The rearward covering portion has an open configuration where the rearward covering portion is approximately flat and the rearward covering portion has a closed configuration where the rearward covering portion has a three-dimensional shape. The rearward covering portion has a U-like shape in the open configuration. 
     In another aspect, an article of footwear includes a base portion for supporting a sole of a foot, the base portion further including a central portion and an outer peripheral portion. The article of footwear also includes a forward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the forward covering portion is associated with a forefoot of the foot and a rearward covering portion attached to the base portion, where the rearward covering portion is associated with a heel of the foot. The rearward covering portion further includes a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion, the first peripheral portion being associated with the outer peripheral portion of the base portion. The rearward covering portion has an open configuration and a closed configuration. The rearward covering portion includes a rear portion and a first side portion. The rearward covering portion includes at least one preconfigured folding portion associated with the rear portion and the first side portion. The preconfigured folding portion facilitates folding between the rear portion and the first side portion when the rearward covering portion moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments 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 embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments 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 embodiments. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a front isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including an adjustable rearward covering portion; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including an adjustable rearward covering portion, in which the lateral side of the article is visible; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including an adjustable rearward covering portion, in which the medial side of the article is visible; 
         FIG. 4  is a top down view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion; in which the rearward covering portion is closing; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion; in which the rearward covering portion is closing; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion; in which the rearward covering portion is closing; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a top down view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including a rearward covering portion in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear in which a rearward covering portion is shown schematically in an open position and a closed position; 
         FIG. 12  is a rear isometric view of a foot being inserted into an article of footwear with an open rearward covering portion, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a rear isometric view of a foot fully inserted into an article of footwear with an open rearward covering portion, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a rear isometric view of a foot fully inserted into an article of footwear with an open rearward covering portion closed around the foot, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear including an automated tensioning device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 through 3  illustrate schematic isometric views of an embodiment of an article of footwear  100 , also referred to simply as article  100 . Article  100  may be configured for use with various kinds of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments article  100  may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any other kinds of footwear, apparel and/or sporting equipment (e.g., gloves, helmets, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , for purposes of reference, article  100  may be divided into forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14 . Forefoot portion  10  may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion  12  may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion  14  may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. In addition, article  100  may include lateral side  16  and medial side  18  (see  FIG. 3 ). In particular, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may be opposing sides of article  100 . Furthermore, both lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may extend through forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14 . 
     It will be understood that forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14  are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article  100 . Likewise, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article  100  into two halves. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is closer to a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a portion of a footwear component that is further from a portion of a foot when an article of footwear is worn. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be used in describing individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole structure. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , article  100  may include an upper  102  as well as a sole structure  110 . In some embodiments, sole structure  110  may be configured to provide traction for article  100 . In addition to providing traction, sole structure  110  may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure  110  may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure  110  can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure  110  may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces. 
     Sole structure  110  is secured to upper  102  and extends between the foot and the ground when article  100  is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure  110  may include different components. For example, sole structure  110  may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. As discussed in further detail below, some embodiments may include sole structures with internal cavities or recesses for receiving various components, for example a cavity for receiving an electronic and/or mechanical device. 
     Generally, upper  102  may be any type of upper. In particular, upper  102  may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article  100  is a basketball shoe, upper  102  could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article  100  is a running shoe, upper  102  could be a low top upper. 
     An upper may be configured to cover some or all of a foot. In some embodiments, an upper may include multiple distinct portions that cover different portions of a foot. For example, in some cases, an upper may include a forward covering portion for covering portions of a foot including the forefoot and the toes. Likewise, in some cases, an upper may include a rearward covering portion for covering portions of a foot including the heel as well as portions of the foot adjacent to the heel. 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  may include a forward covering portion  130  and a rearward covering portion  150 . In some cases, forward covering portion  130  may be associated with the forefoot of a foot (including the ball of the foot and the toes), while rearward covering portion  150  may be associated with the heel of a foot. Therefore, forward covering portion  130  and rearward covering portion  150  may together provide full coverage of a foot. 
     In some embodiments, forward covering portion  130  may overlap with rearward covering portion  150 , such as at midfoot portion  12  of article  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, rearward covering portion  150  may include a first forward edge  151  and a second forward edge  153  that overlap with the rearward edge  131  of forward covering portion  130 . In other words, in some cases, the longitudinal positions of first forward edge  151  and/or second forward edge  153  may be forwards of the longitudinal position of rearward edge  131  of forward covering portion  130 . In some embodiments, the overlap of rearward covering portion  150  and forward covering portion  130  may help cover the entirety of the sides of the foot. In other embodiments, however, first forward edge  151  and second forward edge  153  may be spaced apart from rearward edge  131  such that a gap or space is formed between rearward covering portion  150  and forward covering portion  130 . In other words, in some other embodiments it is possible that first forward edge  151  and/or second forward edge  153  may be rearwards of rearward edge  131 , with respect to the longitudinal direction. 
     In some embodiments, forward covering portion  130  may include a throat portion  132  and a toe box portion  134 . Throat portion  132  and toe box portion  134  may together receive and cover the instep and toes of a foot. Forward covering portion  130  may also include a throat opening  136 , which provides entry for the forefoot into an interior cavity  138  (see  FIG. 5 ). Forward covering portion  130  may also include provisions for tightening throat portion  132 . In some embodiments, forward covering portion  130  includes eyelets  140  that receive a tensioning member  142  (e.g., a lace), which can be used to close or tighten throat portion  132  around the forefoot. The arrangement of tensioning member  142  within article  100  is discussed in further detail below. 
     Rearward covering portion  150  may generally cover the heel as well as some of the sides of the foot. More specifically, in some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may extend rearwardly from forward covering portion  130  and circumscribe the heel. In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may form an opening  120 , which provides access into the interior of upper  102 . 
     Embodiments can include provisions for facilitating easy foot entry into an article, especially for persons having injuries or other impairments that may make it difficult to maneuver the foot into the entry hole or opening of a traditional article of footwear. In some embodiments, a rearward covering portion may have different configurations to facilitate easier foot entry. For example, in some embodiments, a rearward covering portion could have an open configuration and a closed configuration. An open configuration may be one that allows easy entry of a foot into upper  102 . In contrast, a closed configuration may be one that prevents easy removal of the foot from upper  102 . In the open configuration, a user may easily insert his or her foot into forward covering portion  130  without interference from rearward covering portion  150 . In the closed configuration, rearward covering portion  150  may wrap around the heel and sides of the foot, thereby restraining movement of the foot within upper  102 . Moreover, in the open configuration, rearward covering portion  150  may provide substantially less coverage to the heel and sides of a foot than in the closed configuration. 
     In the current embodiments,  FIGS. 1 through 3  depict rearward portion  150  in a closed configuration. In contrast,  FIG. 4  illustrates a top down view of an embodiment of article  100 , in which rearward covering portion  150  is in an open configuration. As discussed in further detail below, rearward covering portion  150  may be put in the open configuration so that a foot can be easily received into forward covering portion  130 . Once the foot is positioned within forward covering portion  130 , rearward covering portion  150  may be put in the closed configuration to cover and support the heel and sides of the foot. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 4 , rearward covering portion  150  includes portions to cover the heel of a foot as well as portions of the sides of the foot. In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may therefore include a rear portion  152 , a first side portion  154  and a second side portion  156 . 
     Although the current embodiment includes a rear portion and two opposing side portions that enclose the heel and rear sides of the foot, other embodiments may be open at some portions. For example, in an alternative embodiment a rearward covering may not include first side portion  154 , and may therefore not cover a foot on lateral side  16 . Likewise, rear portion  152  and/or second side portion  156  could be optional in some embodiments. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1 through 3  it is clear that rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  may be integrally formed portions or sections of rearward covering portion  150 . However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, one or more of rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  could be disjoint or otherwise separated from adjacent portions. For example, in an alternative embodiment rear portion  152  may be separated from first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  by corresponding gaps or other provisions, such that rear portion  152  could move substantially independently of first side portion  154  and second side portion  156 . 
     Rearward covering portion  150  may also include a first peripheral portion  160  and a second peripheral portion  162 . First peripheral portion  160  may be associated with lower periphery  106  of upper  102 , which is a portion of upper  102  disposed adjacent to sole structure  110 . In contrast, second peripheral portion  162  may be associated with an upper periphery  108  of upper  102 , which is a portion of upper  102  that is disposed adjacent to throat fastening region  118  and opening  120 . In some embodiments, second peripheral portion  162  may be generally longer than first peripheral portion  160 . This increased length for second peripheral portion  162  may allow rearward covering portion  150  to be folded and unfolded between the flat open configuration and the contoured closed configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , first peripheral portion  160  may be attached to, or otherwise extend from, base portion  400  of article  100 . Base portion  400  may be configured to support a sole of a foot and may generally extend between forefoot portion  10  and heel portion  14  of article  100 . In some embodiments, base portion  400  may be a portion of sole structure  110 , including part of a midsole and/or insole. In other embodiments, however, base portion  400  could be a portion of an interior layer, such as an insert, which is disposed over sole structure  110 . In still other embodiments, base portion  400  could be a portion of upper  102 , for example, in embodiments where upper  102  extends across the lower surface of the foot. 
     In some embodiments, base portion  400  may include a central portion  402  and an outer peripheral portion  404 . In some embodiments, first peripheral portion  160  of rearward covering portion  150  may be attached to, or otherwise extend from, outer peripheral portion  404  of base portion  400 . The method and manner of attachment could vary from one embodiment to another. In one exemplary embodiment, first peripheral portion  160  may be joined to the outer surface of outer peripheral portion  404 , using adhesives, stitching or any other methods of joining/bonding materials. In another embodiment in which base portion  400  is an insole or other insert, first peripheral portion  160  could be attached to an inner surface of outer peripheral portion  404  that faces towards sole structure  110 . 
     Article  100  can include provisions to facilitate changing rearward covering portion  150  from the open configuration ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to the closed configuration ( FIGS. 1-3 ). In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may be configured to fold in one or more locations. In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may fold along some or all of first peripheral portion  160 . In other words, rearward covering portion  150  may fold at its region of attachment to, or extension from, base portion  400 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic isometric view of article  100  with rearward covering portion  150  in the open configuration. As seen by comparing the open configuration of  FIGS. 4 and 5  with the closed configuration of  FIGS. 1-3 , the geometry of rearward covering portion  150  may generally change between a relatively flat geometry and a three-dimensional geometry, respectively. This may be achieved by folding rearward covering portion  150  along first peripheral portion  160  so that rearward covering portion  150  achieves an approximately vertically upright position as discussed in further detail below. 
     With respect to the individual portions of rearward covering portion  150 , each of rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  may each fold about first peripheral portion  160 . Moreover, when folded, each of rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  moves from a generally horizontal configuration to a generally vertical configuration. 
     Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate folding between rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156 . For example, some embodiments can use one or more preconfigured folding portions. The term “preconfigured folding portion” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any portion that may be biased towards folding when certain kinds of forces are applied. In particular, a preconfigured folding portion may be used to ensure folding (or more generally bending) occurs at a predefined location. Thus, preconfigured folding portions can facilitate controlled folding of materials to ensure that a material is folded in a desired manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , rearward covering portion  150  may include a plurality of preconfigured folding portions  170 . Plurality of preconfigured folding portions  170  may include at least one preconfigured folding portion. An exemplary embodiment includes four preconfigured folding portions, including a first preconfigured folding portion  171 , a second preconfigured folding portion  172 , a third preconfigured folding portion  173  and a fourth preconfigured folding portion  174 . However, other embodiments could include any other number such as one, two, three, four, five or more than five preconfigured folding portions. 
     The positions and orientations of one or more preconfigured folding portions could vary. In some embodiments, the positions and/or orientations may be selected to ensure the desired folding occurs between rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156 . In some embodiments, first preconfigured folding portion  171  and second preconfigured folding portion  172  extend in a V-like configuration from first peripheral portion  160  to second peripheral portion  162 . Moreover, first preconfigured folding portion  171  and second preconfigured folding portion  172  are generally associated with first side portion  154  and rear portion  152 . In some embodiments, first preconfigured folding portion  171  and second preconfigured folding portion  172  may be disposed between first side portion  154  and rear portion  152 . In a similar manner, third preconfigured folding portion  173  and fourth preconfigured folding portion  174  extend in a V-like configuration from first peripheral portion  160  to second peripheral portion  162 . Moreover, third preconfigured folding portion  173  and fourth preconfigured folding portion  174  are generally associated with second side portion  156  and rear portion  152 . In some embodiments, third preconfigured folding portion  173  and fourth preconfigured folding portion  174  may be disposed between second side portion  156  and rear portion  152 . 
     In other embodiments preconfigured folding portions could be disposed in any other portions of rearward covering portion  150 . For example, in other embodiments, preconfigured folding portions could be disposed in the middle of first side portion  154  and/or second side portion  156 . Likewise, in some embodiments, preconfigured folding portions could be disposed in the middle of rear portion  152 . 
     In different embodiments, a preconfigured folding portion may be achieved in different ways. In some embodiments, a preconfigured folding portion can be formed in a material using heat and/or pressure to form permanent ridges or channels in a section of material that facilitate folding along the ridges or channels. For example, in a material incorporating a thermoplastic layer or structure, permanent ridges could be formed by melting the thermoplastic layer in a manner that forms ridges and cooling the layer to set the geometry. In other embodiments, however, a preconfigured folding portion could be formed by attaching two disjoint materials in a manner that predisposes them to bending. Still other embodiments could use any methods or provisions known in the art for forming permanent regions where folding occurs within a material. 
     Embodiments can include provisions to control the configuration of rearward covering portion  150 . In some embodiments, one or more tensioning members could be used to pull rearward covering portion  150  from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Examples of tensioning members that could be used include, but are not limited to: cables, cords, wires, laces, straps as well as any other kinds of tensioning members known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning member  142  has the form of a shoelace and may be used to control the configuration of rearward covering portion  150  as described below. 
     In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  can include one or more apertures for receiving tensioning member  142 . In some embodiments, rearward covering portion  150  may include plurality of apertures  180 . Plurality of apertures  180  may comprise eight apertures including first aperture  181 , second aperture  182 , third aperture  183 , fourth aperture  184 , fifth aperture  185 , sixth aperture  186 , seventh aperture  187  and eighth aperture  188 . It will be understood that while the embodiments in the figures include eight apertures, other embodiments could include any number of apertures. Some embodiments, for example, could include less than eight apertures. Still other embodiments could include more than eight apertures. 
     In different embodiments, the arrangement of one or more apertures on rearward covering portion  150  could vary. Generally, the arrangement of apertures could be selected to achieve a desired configuration for a tensioning member along rearward covering portion  150 . The following discussion describes one exemplary configuration, however the embodiments are not limited to this configuration. As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , first aperture  181  and second aperture  182  may be disposed on second side portion  156 , while seventh aperture  187  and eighth aperture  188  may be disposed on first side portion  154 . In addition, third aperture  183  and fourth aperture  184  may be disposed on opposing sides of third preconfigured folding portion  173 , while fifth aperture  185  and sixth aperture  186  may be disposed on opposing sides of second preconfigured folding portion  172 . 
     The specific arrangement of plurality of apertures  180  shown in the figures allows tensioning member  142  to be placed along rearward covering portion  150  in a manner that facilitates adjusting rearward covering portion  150  between the open and closed configurations. Starting from a first end portion  190 , tensioning member  142  may be inserted through first aperture  181 . From first aperture  181 , a portion of tensioning member  142  may extend along outward facing surface  157  of rearward covering portion  150  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ) to fourth aperture  184 . From fourth aperture  184 , a portion of tensioning member  142  may extend along inward facing surface  159  of rearward covering portion  150  to third aperture  183 . From third aperture  183 , a portion of tensioning member  142  may extend along outward facing surface  157  to second aperture  182 . From second aperture  182 , an intermediate portion of tensioning member  142  extends through eyelets  140  in order to tension throat portion  132  of forward covering portion  130 . 
     A portion of tensioning member  142  may exit eyelets  140  on forward covering portion  130  and extend to seventh aperture  187  on rearward covering portion  150 . From seventh aperture  187 , a portion of tensioning member  142  extends on outward facing surface  157  to sixth aperture  186 , then along inward facing surface  159  to fifth aperture  185 . From fifth aperture  185 , a portion of tensioning member  142  extends on outward facing surface  157  to eighth aperture  188  at which point tensioning member  142  extends outwardly and terminates at second end portion  192 . 
     This configuration for tensioning member  142  may facilitate folding rearward portion  150  into the closed position whenever tension is applied to tensioning member  142 , especially at first end portion  190  and second end portion  192 . Moreover, the specific configuration may facilitate both vertical folding of rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  and folding between portions. This includes folding between rear portion  152  and first side portion  154  as well as folding between rear portion  152  and second side portion  156 . 
     It will be understood that in some embodiments additional provisions could be used to control the positioning and travel of portions of tensioning member  142  through or along rearward covering portion  150 . As one example, some other embodiments could incorporate external guides that may be attached to outward facing surface  157  and/or inward facing surface  159  of rearward covering portion  150 . In some embodiments the relative dimensions of a rearward covering portion and a tensioning member could be selected so that the tensioning member can extend through tunnels or channels within the rearward covering portion (i.e., between inward facing surface  159  and outward facing surface  157 ). 
     In some embodiments, a single tensioning member could be used to tension forward covering portion  130  and rearward covering portion  150  simultaneously. Specifically, the tensioning member could be used to tighten forward covering portion  130  and also to move rearward covering portion  150  to the closed configuration (under the appropriate amount of tension). However, in other embodiments, forward covering portion  130  and rearward covering portion  150  could have independent tensioning members, which would allow for forward covering portion  130  and rearward covering portion  150  to be tensioned independently. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in some embodiments rearward covering portion  150  may be approximately flat in the open configuration. In particular, rearward covering portion  150  may be approximately parallel with the longitudinal and lateral directions in the open configuration. In other embodiments, however, rearward covering portion  150  may not be fully flat in the open configuration. Instead, in some cases, rearward covering portion  150  may still be substantially more flat in the open configuration than in the closed configuration. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  also clearly illustrate the U-like or horseshoe-like geometry of rearward covering portion  150 , especially in the open configuration. In particular, in some embodiments, first peripheral portion  160  and second peripheral portion  162  may comprise the inner and outer boundaries of a U-like or horseshoe-like section of material. This U-like shape helps to provide full coverage around the heel and adjacent sides of a foot, when rearward covering portion  150  is raised to the closed configuration. 
       FIGS. 6 through 9  illustrate schematic isometric views of various stages of article  100  in which rearward covering portion  150  is in various different positions or arrangements. In particular, starting first with  FIG. 5 ,  FIGS. 5 through 9  depict a sequence of configurations for rearward covering portion  150  between the open configuration ( FIG. 5 ) and the closed configuration ( FIG. 9 ).  FIGS. 6 through 8  in particular depict intermediate configurations that are between the open configuration and the closed configuration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 through 9 , as the tension of tensioning member  142  is increased, rearward covering portion  150  begins to fold. In some embodiments, rear portion  152 , first side portion  154  and second side portion  156  each fold about first peripheral portion  160  such that each portion folds towards an approximately upright (or vertical) position. In addition, as the tension in tensioning member  142  is increased, rearward covering portion  150  may fold along plurality of preconfigured folding portions  170 . Specifically, under enough tension, a first folded section  166  and a second folded section  168  are formed (see  FIGS. 7 through 9 ). First folded section  166  and second folded section  168  accommodate the excess material that forms as rearward covering portion  150  is closed. 
     As rearward covering portion  150  moves from the open configuration to the closed configuration, the position of second peripheral portion  162  can be seen to change. In particular, while first peripheral portion  160  remains approximately in place throughout the closing process, the vertical position (or height) of second peripheral portion  162  is increased from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In some embodiments, in the open configuration, second peripheral portion  162  may have a vertical position that is approximately equal to the vertical position of base portion  400  (which may also be the approximate vertical position of first peripheral portion  160 ). As clearly seen in  FIGS. 6 through 8 , as rearward covering portion  150  continues to move into the closed position, the vertical position of second peripheral portion  162  relative to base portion  400  gradually increases. Finally, as seen in  FIG. 9 , the vertical position of second peripheral portion  162  has a maximum vertical position relative to base portion  400  (indicated schematically as vertical position  900 ). This vertical position  900  may be approximately equal to the width of first side portion  154 . 
     Additionally, as rearward covering portion  150  closes, the horizontal distance (i.e. a distance in the longitudinal and/or lateral directions) between second peripheral portion  162  and first peripheral portion  160  decreases. This can be clearly seen by comparing the horizontal positions of first peripheral portion  160  and second peripheral portion  162  in  FIG. 5  with their positions in  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  illustrates a top down view of article  100  with rearward covering portion  150  in the closed configuration. In open configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , first peripheral portion  160  and second peripheral portion  162  are spaced apart in the horizontal direction by an amount approximately equal to the width of first side portion  154 , second side portion  156  or rear portion  152 . In the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 10 , second peripheral portion  162  is disposed over first peripheral portion  160 , so that their horizontal separation is substantially narrowed. 
     It will be understood that the terms open configuration and closed configuration as used throughout the detailed description and in the claims are intended to refer to relative configurations of rearward covering portion  150 . In some other embodiments, the open configuration and the closed configuration may be slightly different than the configurations illustrated in the figures. For example, the open configuration could be associated with any of the intermediate configurations shown in  FIGS. 6 through 8 . Likewise, the closed configuration could be associated with any of the intermediate configurations shown in  FIGS. 6 through 8 , as long as the closed configuration is closer to the vertically upright configuration (shown in  FIG. 9 ) than the open configuration. Moreover, in use, there are situations where rearward covering portion  150  may not achieve a closed position that is completely vertically upright. For example, if a user is wearing a cast that is substantially wider than base portion  400 , a fully closed configuration for rearward covering portion  150  may be closer to the approximate position shown in  FIG. 8 . This provides for increased versatility for article  100 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article  1100 , which is intended to schematically depict the folding of a rearward covering portion  1150 . In particular, the emphasis in  FIG. 11  is on the vertical folding of a rear portion  1152 , a first side portion  1154  and a second side portion  1156 . For purposes of clarity, folding between adjacent portions is not shown. Furthermore, provisions for adjusting rearward covering portion  1150  (including a tensioning member, apertures and preconfigured folding portions) are not shown in this embodiment to improve clarity. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , each of rear portion  1152 , first side portion  1154  and second side portion  1156  are attached to a base portion  1160  of article  1100 . Base portion  1160  includes a first side peripheral portion  1162 , a second side peripheral portion  1164  and a rear peripheral portion  1166 . In some cases, first side portion  1154  may be attached to base portion  1160  at first side peripheral portion  1162  and second side portion  1156  may be attached to base portion  1160  at second side peripheral portion  1164 . Likewise, rear portion  1152  may be attached to rear peripheral portion  1166 . 
     Each portion of rearward covering portion  1150  may be configured to fold from a generally horizontal position (shown in solid in  FIG. 11 ) to a generally vertical position (shown in phantom in  FIG. 11 ). For purposes of illustration, each portion is shown with an arrow that depicts the approximate orientation of the portion. In particular, each portion is depicted with an arrow that generally extends along the portion between an inner peripheral portion  1180  of rearward covering portion  1150  and an outer peripheral portion  1182  of rearward covering portion  1150 . Thus, first arrow  1170 , second arrow  1172  and third arrow  1174  depict the approximate orientations of rear portion  1152 , first side portion  1154  and second side portion  1156 , respectively. Here, each arrow is generally tangential to the surfaces of each portion. 
     As rear portion  1152 , first side portion  1154  and second side portion  1156  are folded from the open configuration to the closed configuration of rearward covering portion  1150 , each portion is rotated by a corresponding angle A 1 , angle A 2  and angle A 3 , respectively. In some embodiments, angle A 1 , angle A 2  and angle A 3  may be approximately similar angles. In other embodiments, two or more of angle A 1 , angle A 2  and angle A 3  may be substantially different angles. In one exemplary embodiment, angle A 1 , angle A 2  and angle A 3  may all have a value approximately in the range between 70 degrees and 110 degrees. In other embodiments, however, one or more angles could have values less than 70 degrees. In still other embodiments, one or more angles could have values greater than 110 degrees. As one example, angle A 1 , angle A 2  and angle A 3  are all depicted as having a value of about 90 degrees in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 12 through 14  depict an example of article of footwear  100  in use. As seen in  FIG. 12 , with rearward covering portion  150  in the open configuration, a user&#39;s foot  1200  may be inserted directly into forefoot covering portion  130  through throat opening  136 . As depicted in  FIG. 12 , foot  1200  may be inserted along a generally longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction (indicated schematically as direction  1201 ) may be approximately parallel with base portion  400 . This helps reduce any need for the foot to be bent during insertion into forefoot covering portion  130 . Such a provision may be helpful for users with foot injuries, or other medical conditions (such as arthritis in the foot) that might make inserting a foot into a traditional upper opening more difficult. 
     With foot  1200  full inserted into forefoot covering portion  130 , foot  1200  may supported below by base portion  400 , as seen in  FIG. 13 . Finally, rearward covering portion  150  can be closed around the heel of foot  1200  by increasing tension in tensioning member  142  in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 6 through 9 . The resulting configuration is shown in  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of an article  1500 . Article  1500  may be similar in some respects to article  100  described above. In particular, article  1500  includes upper  1502  with forward covering portion  1530  and rearward covering portion  1550 . 
     In order to facilitate easy tensioning of a tensioning member  1542 , which may be used to tighten forward covering portion  1530  as well as to open and close rearward covering portion  1550 , article  1500  may include a tensioning device  1580 . Tensioning device  1580  could be a manual tensioning device and/or an automated tensioning device. For purposes of clarity, tensioning device  1580  is shown schematically in the current embodiments. However, tensioning device  1580  may generally include provisions for receiving and winding tensioning members. Examples of different tensioning devices include, but are not limited to: reel devices with a ratcheting mechanism, reel devices with a cam mechanism, manual tensioning devices, automatic tensioning devices, as well as possibly other kinds of tensioning devices. Examples of a tensioning device comprising a reel and ratcheting mechanism that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Soderberg et al., U.S. Pat. 8,468,657, issued on Jun. 25, 2013 and titled “Reel Based Lacing System”, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of a motorized tensioning device that could be used with the current embodiments are disclosed in Beers et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,365,487, issued on Jun. 14, 2016, and titled “Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors”, the entirety being incorporated by reference herein. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning device  1580  could be a motorized reel-based tensioning device that winds a tensioning member onto a reel to increase the tension.  
     In different embodiments, the location of tensioning device  1580  could vary. In some embodiments, tensioning device  1580  could be associated with upper  1502 . In other embodiments, tensioning device  1580  may be associated with a sole structure  1510  of article  1500 . In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning device  1580  may be disposed within sole structure  1510 , for example in a cavity of a midsole of sole structure  1510 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , the tensioning member  1542  may extend along an outward facing surface  1552  of the rearward covering portion  1550  and extend from an outward facing surface  1532  of the forward covering portion  1530  through an opening  1534  located in the lower periphery of the outward facing surface  1532  of the forward covering portion  1530 . 
     A first end portion  1590  and a second end portion  1592  of tensioning member  1542  may be inserted into tensioning device  1580 . In some cases, first end portion  1590  and second end portion  1592  may be attached to a reel or spool inside tensioning device  1580 . As the reel or spool is rotated, tensioning member  1542  may be wound or unwound. In some embodiments, a motor may be used to power tensioning device  1580 . Furthermore, in some cases, a remote device may be used to control tensioning device  1580  using any wireless communication technology including, but not limited to: infrared communication, radio communication or any other kinds of wireless communication known in the art. 
     Some embodiments could make use of one or more sensors to automatically adjust the tension of tensioning member  1542 . For example, in one embodiment one or more sensors may detect when the foot has been inserted into forward covering portion  1530  and automatically adjust tensioning member  1542  to close rearward covering portion  1550  around the heel. 
     While some of the embodiments illustrate an article without a tongue, other embodiments of an article with foldable rearward covering portion may include a tongue. A tongue may therefore be optional and the decision to incorporate a tongue or not incorporate a tongue into an article may be determined by various factors such as desired instep cushioning and whether a tongue may be needed to help adjust the fit of the foot within the article. 
     While various embodiments 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 embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are 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.