Patent Description:
Footwear articles (e.g. boots) often include fastening systems (e.g. lacing systems, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc.) for tightening and securing the footwear around a foot and/or lower leg of a wearer. <CIT> describes a boot assembled of a sole, a foot surrounding part (<NUM>) and a long shaft. The shaft is divided into the main part surrounding the rear of the lower leg and two front segments, each of them joined with one edge to the main part using long laces and with the opposite edge to each other with a zip fastener with a two-way action. <CIT> describes a boot for a walking cast which includes a foot enclosure portion that is weathertight for the foot part of the cast, and which is integrally connected with an upwardly extended leg portion for covering the lower portion of the leg part of a walking cast.

The invention is defined by a footwear article as in independent claim <NUM>.

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention.

According to some aspects, a footwear article according to claim <NUM> forms part of the invention. Optionally, the footwear article is a boot for being worn on a foot and a lower leg of a wearer. Optionally, the footwear article includes: (a) an upper having a forefoot portion for covering a forefoot of the wearer, a rear portion opposite the forefoot portion for covering a rear of the foot and the lower leg of the wearer, and a pair of laterally spaced apart side portions extending between the forefoot and rear portions for covering opposite sides of the foot and the lower leg. The pair of side portions have corresponding front edges above the forefoot portion and spaced laterally apart from each other by a tongue opening. The boot further includes (b) a gusseted tongue covering the tongue opening. The gusseted tongue includes a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of gussets attaching opposite side edges of the tongue panel to corresponding side portions of the upper. The boot further includes (c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding side edges of the tongue panel to corresponding side portions of the upper. The tongue fasteners are configurable between an open configuration, in which each side edge of the tongue panel is spaced apart from the front edge of a corresponding side portion by a gap across which a corresponding gusset extends to expand a boot opening of the boot, and a closed configuration, in which each side edge of the tongue panel is fastened to, and adjacent the front edge of, a corresponding side portion to close the gap and collapse the gusset for contracting the boot opening. The boot further includes (d) an outboard lacing system on the side portions of the upper outboard of the tongue fasteners. The outboard lacing system includes a pair of outboard rows of lace guides. Each outboard row is adjacent the front edge of a corresponding side portion, and the pair of outboard rows are arranged for guiding lacing therebetween across the gusseted tongue and tongue fasteners when the tongue fasteners are in the closed configuration. The boot further includes (e) an inboard lacing system on the tongue panel inboard of the tongue fasteners. The inboard lacing system includes a pair of inboard rows of lace guides. Each inboard row is attached to the tongue panel adjacent a corresponding side edge, and the pair of inboard rows are arranged for guiding lacing therebetween across the tongue panel clear of the tongue fasteners and gussets when the tongue fasteners are in the open configuration.

In some examples, each tongue fastener comprises a zipper.

In some examples, the boot further includes a lower lacing system on at least the forefoot portion of the upper below the tongue fasteners. The lower lacing system includes a pair of lower rows of lace guides. Each lower row is positioned toward a corresponding side of the upper, and the pair of lower rows are arranged for guiding a lower portion of the lacing across at least the forefoot portion while an upper portion of the lacing is guided through either one of the inboard lacing system and the outboard lacing system.

In some examples, each inboard row of lace guides comprises a plurality of lace-receiving openings spaced apart from each other along a corresponding side edge of the tongue panel. In some examples, the inboard lacing system comprises a pair of strips attached to the tongue panel. Each strip extends along and adjacent a corresponding side edge of the tongue panel and has: (i) a plurality of attached portions attached to the tongue panel and spaced apart from each other along the side edge, and (ii) a plurality of detached portions interspersed between the attached portions and spaced apart from the tongue panel to define the lace-receiving openings.

In some examples, the rear and side portions of the upper have lower sections defining quarters of the boot, and upper sections defining a rear and sides of a shaft section of the boot. The shaft section extends upwards from the quarters to an upper periphery of the upper circumscribing the boot opening. The tongue panel, gussets, tongue fasteners, and gaps extend along generally an entire length of the shaft section.

According to an aspect of the invention, a footwear article includes (a) an upper having a tongue opening at a front thereof and a foot-receiving opening at a top thereof; (b) a gusseted tongue including a tongue panel positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel to the upper; (c) a pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten the corresponding sides of the tongue panel to and from the upper for collapsing and expanding the gussets to contract and expand, respectively, the foot-receiving opening; (d) a first lacing system on the upper and arranged for guiding lacing over the gusseted tongue and tongue fasteners when the sides of the tongue are fastened to the upper; and (e) a second lacing system on the tongue panel and arranged for guiding the lacing across the tongue panel clear of the tongue fasteners when the sides of the tongue panel are unfastened from the upper.

In some examples, the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lace guides attached to the upper on opposite sides of the gusseted tongue.

In some examples, the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lace guides attached to the tongue panel. Each second row is adjacent and extends along a corresponding side of the tongue panel.

In some examples, the footwear article further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first and second lacing systems. The third lacing system is arranged for guiding a lower portion of the lacing across the upper clear of the gusseted tongue and fasteners while an upper portion of the lacing is guided through either one of the first lacing system and the second lacing system. In some examples, the third lacing system includes a pair of third rows of lace guides attached to the upper. Each third row is positioned toward and extends along a corresponding side of the upper.

According to some aspects, a footwear article according to claim <NUM> forms part of the invention. The footwear article includes: (a) an upper; (b) at least one gusset in the upper; (c) at least one fastener configured to selectively expand and collapse the gusset for expanding and contracting, respectively, a foot-receiving opening of the footwear article; (d) a first lacing system on the upper and arranged for guiding lacing across the upper over the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener when the at least one gusset is collapsed; and (e) a second lacing system inboard of the first lacing system and arranged for guiding the lacing clear of the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener when the at least one gusset is expanded.

In some examples, the at least one fastener comprises a zipper.

In some examples, the first lacing system comprises a pair of first rows of lace guides, and the second lacing system comprises a pair of second rows of lace guides positioned between the pair of first rows.

In some examples, the footwear article includes a tongue panel having at least one side edge attached to the upper through the at least one gusset, and wherein the first lacing system is outboard of the tongue panel and the at least one gusset, and the second lacing system is on the tongue panel.

In some examples, the footwear article further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first and second lacing systems. The third lacing system is arranged for guiding a lower portion of the lacing across the upper clear of the at least one gusset and the at least one fastener while an upper portion of the lacing is guided through either one of the first lacing system and the second lacing system.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, systems, and methods of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:.

Footwear articles, such as, for example, boots, often include fastening systems used to contract and tighten the boot around a foot and lower leg of a wearer for a secure fit. It some situations, it may be necessary or desirable to leave the boot partially or completely unfastened and/or expanded during use (e.g. to accommodate insertion of thicker outerwear (e.g. snow pants) into the boot).

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a footwear article in the form of a boot includes an upper with one or more fasteners (e.g. zippers). The one or more fasteners can be selectively opened to expand a shaft section defining a foot-receiving boot opening of the boot for a looser fit (e.g. by permitting expansion of one or more gussets in the shaft section). The one or more fasteners can be closed to contract the shaft section and boot opening for a tighter fit (e.g. by collapsing the one or more gussets). The boot can further include alternate lacing systems, including a first lacing system for use when the fasteners are closed, and a separate second lacing system for use when the fasteners are open. The first lacing system can be used to adjust tightness of the boot opening and shaft section when contracted and guide lacing over the closed fasteners to, for example, inhibit undesired opening of the fasteners and facilitate a tighter and more secure fit. The second lacing system can be used to adjust tightness of the shaft section when the boot opening and shaft section are expanded, and/or keep lacing clear of the fasteners (e.g. to permit access to and use of the fasteners) and/or arranged in an organized and aesthetically pleasing manner. In some examples, the first lacing system can be provided outboard of the one or more fasteners to allow for the lacing to be guided over the fasteners by the first lacing system, and can be referred to as an outboard lacing system. The second lacing system can be provided inboard of the first lacing system (and in some examples, between a pair of the fasteners), and can be referred to as an inboard lacing system.

Referring to <FIG>, an example footwear article in the form of a boot <NUM> is illustrated. The boot <NUM> has a sole <NUM> and an upper <NUM> joined to the sole <NUM>. The upper <NUM> includes a forefoot portion <NUM> for covering a forefoot of a wearer, a rear portion <NUM> opposite the forefoot portion <NUM> for covering a rear of a foot and lower leg (including the ankle and Achilles Tendon) of the wearer, and a pair of laterally spaced apart side portions 110a, 110b extending between the forefoot and rear portions <NUM>, <NUM> for covering opposite (i.e. lateral and medial) sides of the foot and lower leg of the wearer. In the example illustrated, the forefoot portion <NUM> defines a vamp section <NUM> and toe cap section <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The rear and side portions <NUM>, 110a, 110b have lower sections that together define quarters <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, and upper sections that define a rear and sides of a shaft section <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The shaft section <NUM> extends upwardly from the quarters <NUM> to an upper periphery <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the upper periphery <NUM> defines a collar of the boot <NUM>. The upper periphery <NUM> circumscribes the rear and sides of a foot-receiving boot opening <NUM> of the boot <NUM>. The boot opening <NUM> is open to a top of the boot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the pair of side portions 110a, 110b have corresponding front edges 124a, 124b above the forefoot portion <NUM>. The front edges 124a, 124b are spaced laterally apart from each other by a tongue opening <NUM> open to a front of the upper <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the front edges 124a, 124b and tongue opening <NUM> are on the shaft section <NUM> of the boot <NUM>, and extend along generally an entire length of the shaft section <NUM>.

In the example illustrated, the boot <NUM> includes a gusseted tongue <NUM> covering the tongue opening <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tongue <NUM> defines a front of the shaft section <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the gusseted tongue <NUM> includes a tongue panel <NUM> positioned over the tongue opening <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tongue panel <NUM> has a lower end <NUM> attached to the forefoot portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, an upper end <NUM> adjacent the upper periphery <NUM> and circumscribing a front of the boot opening <NUM>, and a pair of side edges 136a, 136b extending on laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel <NUM> between the lower end <NUM> and upper end <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the gusseted tongue <NUM> has a pair of gussets 138a, 138b attaching corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> to corresponding side portions 110a, 110b of the upper <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each gusset 138a, 138b comprises a sheet of material, and extends lengthwise (vertically in the example illustrated) along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> between the lower end <NUM> and the upper end <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each gusset 138a, 138b extends laterally between an inner edge attached to the tongue panel <NUM> adjacent a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM>, and an outer edge attached to a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b adjacent the front edge 124a, 124b.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the boot <NUM> includes a pair of tongue fasteners 144a, 144b configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding side edges 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> to corresponding side portions 110a, 110b of the upper <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are configurable between an open configuration (shown in <FIG>) and a closed configuration (shown in <FIG>). Referring to <FIG>, when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, each side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> is spaced laterally apart from the front edge 124a, 124b of a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b by a gap 146a, 146b across which a corresponding gusset 138a, 138b extends to expand the boot opening <NUM> and shaft section <NUM>. This can help provide for a looser fit around the lower leg to, for example, accommodate thicker legwear (e.g. snow pants). Referring to <FIG>, when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the closed configuration, each side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> is fastened to, and adjacent the front edge 124a, 124b of, a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b to close the gap 146a, 146b and collapse a corresponding gusset 138a, 138b for contracting the boot opening <NUM> and shaft section <NUM>. This can allow for a tighter, and in some examples more secure, fit around the lower leg.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b comprises a zipper. Each zipper includes an outer row <NUM> of interlockable teeth extending along the front edge 124a, 124b of a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b, an inner row <NUM> of interlockable teeth extending along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM>, and a slider <NUM> movable upwards and downwards along the outer and inner rows <NUM>, <NUM> of teeth to zip and unzip the zipper.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b extends along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> from the lower end <NUM> to the upper end <NUM> of the tongue panel <NUM>. In the example illustrated, when the fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, each gap 146a, 146b extends along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM> from the lower end <NUM> to the upper end <NUM> of the tongue panel <NUM>, and each gap 146a, 146b is generally V-shaped and expands laterally in an upward direction toward the upper end <NUM> of the tongue panel <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the tongue panel <NUM>, gussets 138a, 138b, tongue fasteners 144a, 144b, and gaps 146a, 146b extend along generally the entire length of the shaft section <NUM> of the boot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the example illustrated, an outboard lacing system <NUM> is provided on the side portions 110a, 110b of the upper <NUM> outboard of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. In the example illustrated, the outboard lacing system <NUM> includes a pair of outboard rows 156a, 156b of corresponding outboard lace guides 158a, 158b. The outboard rows 156a, 156b are spaced laterally apart from each other, and each outboard row 156a, 156b is adjacent the front edge 124a, 124b of a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b. Each outboard row 156a, 156b includes a plurality of corresponding outboard lace guides 158a, 158b spaced apart from each other along the front edge 124a, 124b of a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b (see also <FIG>). In the example illustrated, the pair of outboard rows 156a, 156b are arranged to guide lacing <NUM> therebetween (e.g. in a crisscross or other lacing pattern) across the gusseted tongue <NUM> and tongue fasteners 144a, 144b when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the closed configuration (with the gaps 146a, 146b closed and the gussets 138a, 138b collapsed).

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, an inboard lacing system <NUM> is provided on the tongue panel <NUM> inboard of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. The inboard lacing system <NUM> includes a pair of inboard rows 162a, 162b of corresponding inboard lace guides 164a, 164b. The inboard rows 162a, 162b are spaced laterally apart from each other, and each inboard row 162a, 162b is attached to the tongue panel <NUM> adjacent a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b. Each inboard row 162a, 162b includes a plurality of corresponding inboard lace guides 164a, 164b spaced apart from each other along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b. The pair of inboard rows 162a, 162b are arranged to guide the lacing <NUM> therebetween (e.g. in a crisscross or other lacing pattern) across the tongue panel <NUM> inboard and clear of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration.

In the example illustrated, a lower lacing system <NUM> is provided on at least the forefoot portion <NUM> of the upper <NUM> below the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b and the outboard and inboard lacing systems <NUM>, <NUM>. The lower lacing system <NUM> includes a pair of lower rows 168a, 168b of corresponding lower lace guides 170a, 170b. The pair of lower rows 168a, 168b are spaced laterally apart from each other, and each lower row 168a, 168b is positioned toward a corresponding side of the upper <NUM>. Each lower row 168a, 168b includes a plurality of corresponding lower lace guides 170a, 170b spaced apart from each other along at least the forefoot portion <NUM>. The pair of lower rows 168a, 168b are arranged to guide a lower portion 159a of the lacing <NUM> across at least the forefoot portion <NUM> while an upper portion 159b of the lacing <NUM> is guided through either one of the inboard lacing system <NUM> and the outboard lacing system <NUM> (e.g. depending on whether the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in the closed configuration for use of the outboard lacing system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, or in the open configuration for use of the inboard lacing system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>). In the example illustrated, the lower lacing system <NUM> further includes a central lace guide <NUM> forward of and centered between the pair of lower rows 168a, 168b of lower lace guides 170a, 170b.

In the example illustrated, each of the outboard, inboard, and lower lacing systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided on an exterior of the boot <NUM>. In the example illustrated, each of the outboard, inboard, and lower lace guides 158a, 158b, 164a, 164b, 170a, 170b can comprise, for example, eyelets, hooks, loops, rings, openings, and/or a combination thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, the inboard lace guides 164a, 164b comprise a plurality of lace-receiving openings <NUM> spaced apart from each other along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM>. In the example illustrated, the inboard lacing system <NUM> comprises a pair of strips 176a, 176b attached to the tongue panel <NUM>. Each strip 176a, 176b extends along and adjacent a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue panel <NUM>. Each strip 176a, 176b has a plurality of attached portions <NUM> attached to the tongue panel <NUM> and spaced apart from each other along a corresponding side edge 136a, 136b, and a plurality of detached portions <NUM> interspersed between the attached portions <NUM> and spaced apart from the tongue panel <NUM> to define the lace-receiving openings <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the example illustrated, each outboard row 156a, 156b of outboard lace guides 158a, 158b comprises a plurality of eyelets <NUM> spaced apart from each other along the front edge 124a, 124b of a corresponding side portion 110a, 110b (see also <FIG>). In the example illustrated, each outboard row 156a, 156b of outboard lace guides 158a, 158b further comprises at least one upper D-ring <NUM> above the plurality of eyelets <NUM> and adjacent the upper periphery <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

Claim 1:
A footwear article (<NUM>) comprising:
a) an upper (<NUM>) having a tongue opening (<NUM>) at a front thereof and a foot-receiving opening (<NUM>) at a top thereof;
b) a gusseted tongue (<NUM>) including a tongue panel (<NUM>) positioned over the tongue opening (<NUM>) and a pair of gussets (138a, 138b) attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue panel (<NUM>) to the upper (<NUM>);
c) a pair of tongue fasteners (144a, 144b) configured to selectively fasten and unfasten corresponding sides of the tongue panel (<NUM>) to and from the upper (<NUM>) for collapsing and expanding the gussets (138a, 138b) to contract and expand, respectively, the foot-receiving opening (<NUM>); characterised in that it further comprises:
d) a first lacing system (<NUM>) on the upper (<NUM>) and configured for guiding lacing (<NUM>) over the gusseted tongue (<NUM>) and tongue fasteners (144a, 144b) when the sides of the tongue panel (<NUM>) are fastened to the upper (<NUM>); and
e) a second lacing system (<NUM>) on the tongue panel (<NUM>) and configured for guiding the lacing (<NUM>) across the tongue panel (<NUM>) clear of the tongue fasteners (144a, 144b) when the sides of the tongue panel (<NUM>) are unfastened from the upper (<NUM>).