Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a strap system for automatically tightening regions of the article of footwear in response to a wearer's foot movement.

Many conventional shoes or articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to a lower surface of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn and/or is in use. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole, and may provide cushioning and/or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot and/or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity.

The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, an upper extends over instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, the tongue being provided to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulated by a user to permit entry and/or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper and/or the sole.

The upper may comprise a wide variety of materials, which may be chosen based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper may also include portions comprising varying materials specific to a particular area of the upper. For example, added stability may be desirable at a front of the upper or adjacent a heel region to provide a higher degree of resistance or rigidity. In contrast, other portions of a shoe may include a soft woven textile to provide an area with stretch-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, or moisture-wicking properties.

The materials distributed among various portions of the upper generally provide certain support features (e.g., rigidity, flexibility, stretch-resistance, etc.) regardless of a user's foot and/or ankle movement. Further, lacing systems are generally meant to maintain the upper in a specific orientation with a desired tightness once laced. However, it may be desirable to utilize a footwear system that automatically adapts to a wearer. For example, it may be desirable to utilize a system that automatically adjusts the upper to secure the article of footwear to the wearer based on, for example, the wearer's foot movement. More specifically, it may be desirable to include a system that automatically adjusts upper tightness around regions of the foot and/or ankle based on the user's foot movement to help secure the shoe to the user's foot and/or help release the user's foot from the shoe.

Document <CIT> discloses an article of footwear according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Therefore, articles of footwear having systems with mechanics capable of automatic upper adjustments based on user's foot movement may be desired.

An article of footwear, as described herein, may have various configurations. In some examples an article of footwear includes a front end, a rear end, a sole structure, an upper attached to the sole structure, and a strap system engaged with the upper. The upper defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the article of footwear, and the upper and the sole structure together define an interior cavity. The strap system comprises a strap extending around the heel region and configured to tighten portions of the upper in response to the user's foot engaging the strap system within the interior cavity in the forefoot region or the midfoot region. The present invention is defined by an article of footwear according to the appended claim <NUM> and a method of self-tightening an article of footwear according to the appended claims <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the strap system comprises a rail and a strap. The rail is positioned at least partially within the interior cavity and includes a base portion. The base portion is movable between a first position and a second position based on the user's toe movement within the interior cavity. The strap is coupled to the rail and configured to tighten the portions of the upper based on a location of the base portion.

In some embodiments, the base portion is positioned adjacent the front end and includes a front portion configured to engage a distal end of at least one toe of the user when the user's foot is within the interior cavity. Additionally, in some embodiments, the base portion further includes a bump configured to engage an underside of at least one toe of the user when the user's foot is within the interior cavity.

In some embodiments, the rail further includes a cover portion coupled to the base portion. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the cover portion includes a strap engagement configured to engage the strap. In some embodiments, the rail is moveable relative to the cover portion. In some embodiments, the cover portion is embedded within the upper.

In some embodiments, the strap comprises a stirrup region and a tightening region. The stirrup region is positioned within the interior cavity and comprises a loop that receives the user's foot as it is inserted into the article of footwear. The tightening region is positioned outside the interior cavity and is coupled to the stirrup region. The tightening region is engaged with the upper in order to cause the upper to tighten around the user's foot along the midfoot region and the heel region of the upper in response to movement of the stirrup region.

In some embodiments, the tightening region crosses over itself in the midfoot region and loops around the heel region. Additionally, in some embodiments, the tightening region includes a crossing portion above the stirrup region, a heel portion adjacent the heel region, a lateral portion that extends from the crossing portion to the heel portion along a lateral side of the upper, and a medial portion that extends from the crossing portion to the heel portion along a medial side of the upper.

In some embodiments, the loop is moveable between a first position suspended within the interior cavity between the upper and the sole structure, and a second position adjacent the sole structure. Additionally, in some embodiments, the tightening region is pulled toward the interior cavity when the loop moves from the first position to the second position, causing the upper to tighten around the user's foot. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the loop is positioned within the midfoot region and the tightening region is positioned within the midfoot region and the heel region.

In some embodiments, the strap is configured to tighten the portions of the upper within the midfoot region and the heel region in response to the user's foot engaging the strap system within the interior cavity. Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper comprises a first aperture extending therethrough and a second aperture extending therethrough, and wherein the strap extends from the interior cavity to outside of the interior cavity through the first aperture and the second aperture.

In some embodiments, a method of self-tightening an article of footwear to a foot of a user is provided. The method includes providing a strap system engaged with an upper of the article of footwear. The strap system comprises a stirrup region and a tightening region coupled to the stirrup region and positioned within a midfoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The method also includes receiving the foot through the stirrup region within an interior cavity of the article of footwear and causing the stirrup region to press into the interior cavity in response to the user's bodyweight as the foot is pressed against the stirrup region within the interior cavity. The method further includes pulling the tightening region in response to the stirrup region pressing into the interior cavity, and tightening regions of the upper engaged with the tightening region around the foot within the midfoot region and the heel region as a result of the tightening region being pulled.

In some embodiments, a method of self-tightening an article of footwear to a foot of a user through a strap system engaged with an upper of the article of footwear is provided. The strap system comprises a rail and a strap coupled to the rail. The method includes receiving the foot within an interior cavity of the article of footwear and causing the rail to move within the interior cavity toward a front end of the article of footwear in response to movement of the user's toe within the interior cavity. The method further includes pulling the strap, positioned within at least a heel region of the article of footwear, in response to the rail moving toward the front end, and tightening regions of the upper engaged with the strap around the foot within the heel region as a result of the strap being pulled.

In some embodiments, the method further includes causing the rail to move within the interior cavity toward a rear end of the article of footwear in response to movement of the user's toe within the interior cavity, releasing the strap in response to the rail moving toward the rear end, and loosening regions of the upper engaged with the strap around the foot within the heel region as a result of the strap being released.

Other aspects of the articles of footwear described herein, including features and advantages thereof, will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the figures and detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of the articles of footwear are intended to be included in the detailed description and this summary.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a self-tightening system for the shoe. Although embodiments are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, soccer shoe or cleat, football shoe, track cleat, golf shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, and walking shoes, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the automatic tightening system may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels.

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear according to claim <NUM>.

Accordingly, <FIG> depict articles of footwear <NUM> each having an upper <NUM>, a sole structure <NUM>, and a strap system <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> such that the components define an interior cavity <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) into which a foot <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) of a user may be inserted. The strap system <NUM> includes one or more straps or harnesses configured to cause the upper <NUM> to tighten around the foot <NUM> in response to the foot's movement within the interior cavity <NUM>. <FIG> depict an article of footwear <NUM>, according to a first configuration, having a strap system <NUM> engaged by bodyweight via a mid-region or arch <NUM> of a foot <NUM>, while <FIG> depict an article of footwear <NUM>, according to a second configuration, having a strap system <NUM> engaged by toes <NUM> of a foot <NUM>.

With further reference to the bodyweight tightening configuration of <FIG>, <FIG> depicts an article of footwear <NUM>, configured as a left shoe, with an upper <NUM>, a sole structure <NUM>, and a strap system <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. As will be further discussed herein, the upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> such that the components define an interior cavity <NUM> into which a foot of a user may be inserted. The strap system <NUM> includes one or more straps or harnesses configured to extend into the interior cavity <NUM> and around portions of the upper <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> may also include additional components not specifically addressed herein. Furthermore, <FIG> further depict the article of footwear <NUM>, in part or in whole, in various configurations.

As discussed in greater detail below, the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> and, in particular, the strap system <NUM>, is intended to actively tighten around a user's foot upon receiving a user's bodyweight. More specifically, as the user's foot is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM> and through the strap system <NUM>, the user's bodyweight forces a portion of the strap system <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM> toward the sole structure <NUM>, causing other portions of the strap system <NUM> to tighten around the user's foot, heel, and/or ankle. These and other features will be described in greater detail below.

Though the article of footwear <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> as a single, left shoe <NUM>, the article of footwear <NUM> may be part of a pair of articles of footwear <NUM> (e.g., a footwear assembly) comprising a first or left shoe (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) and a second or right shoe (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The left shoe and the right shoe may be similar in all material aspects, except that the left shoe and the right shoe are sized and shaped to receive a left foot and a right foot of a user, respectively. Thus, for ease of disclosure, a single shoe, or article of footwear <NUM>, will be referenced to describe aspects of the disclosure. More specifically, the disclosure herein with reference to the article of footwear <NUM> is applicable to both the left shoe and the right shoe, though the article of footwear <NUM> is depicted as a right shoe in some figures and as a left shoe in other figures. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the left shoe and the right shoe other than the left/right configuration, or the left shoe may include one or more additional elements that the right shoe does not include, or vice versa.

Unless otherwise specified, with reference to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> may be defined by a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may generally correspond with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase portions of a foot <NUM> that include the toes or phalanges <NUM>, the ball of the foot <NUM>, and one or more of the joints <NUM> that connect the metatarsals <NUM> of the foot <NUM> with the toes or phalanges <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> is proximate and adjoins the forefoot region <NUM>. The midfoot region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase an arch <NUM> of the foot <NUM>, along with an instep or bridge <NUM> of the foot (e.g., a top of the foot opposite the arch <NUM>, shown in <FIG>). The heel region <NUM> is proximate to the midfoot region <NUM> and adjoins the midfoot region <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwear <NUM> that encase rear portions of the foot <NUM>, including the heel or calcaneus bone <NUM>, the ankle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), and/or the Achilles tendon (not shown).

Still referring to <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> collectively span an entire length of the article of footwear <NUM>, from a front end <NUM> (e.g., adjacent the toes <NUM> of the user) to a rear end <NUM> (e.g., adjacent the heel <NUM> of the user). The forefoot region <NUM> extends from the front end <NUM> to a widest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The widest portion <NUM> may be defined or measured along a first line <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The midfoot region <NUM> extends from the widest portion <NUM> to a thinnest portion <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> (which may be defined or measured along a second line <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>). The heel region <NUM> extends from the thinnest portion <NUM> to the rear end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> also defines a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> being shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, and the medial side <NUM> being shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. When a user is wearing the article of footwear <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> corresponds with an outside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM> while the medial side <NUM> corresponds with an inside-facing portion of the article of footwear <NUM>. As such, the left shoe and the right shoe have opposing lateral sides <NUM> and medial sides <NUM>, such that the medial sides <NUM> are closest to one another when a user is wearing the shoes <NUM>, while the lateral sides <NUM> are defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while the shoes <NUM> are being worn.

Generally, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> adjoin one another along a longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. As such, the longitudinal central plane or axis <NUM> may demarcate a central, intermediate axis between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. Put differently, the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> may extend between the rear end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and the front end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and may continuously define a middle of an insole <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM>, and/or the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, i.e., the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> is a straight axis extending from the rear end <NUM> at the heel region <NUM> to the front end <NUM> at the forefoot region <NUM>. Furthermore, the longitudinal plane or axis <NUM> may be perpendicular to the first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the medial side <NUM> begins at the front end <NUM> at the longitudinal, central axis <NUM> and bows outward along an inner side of the article of footwear <NUM> along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> reaches the first line <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> enters into the midfoot region <NUM> (i.e., upon crossing the first line <NUM>), and bows inward, toward the central, longitudinal axis <NUM>. That is, the medial side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, e.g., the widest portion <NUM> of the shoe <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, e.g., the thinnest portion <NUM> of the shoe <NUM>. Once reaching the second line <NUM>, at which point the medial side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM> (i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>), the medial side <NUM> bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>. The medial side <NUM> then bows back inward toward the rear end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the medial side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>.

The lateral side <NUM> also begins at the front end <NUM> at the longitudinal, central axis <NUM> and bows outward along an outer side of the article of footwear <NUM> (i.e., opposite the inner side) along the forefoot region <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> reaches the first line <NUM>, at which point the lateral side <NUM> enters into the midfoot region <NUM> (i.e., upon crossing the first line <NUM>), and bows inward, toward the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>. That is, the lateral side <NUM> extends from the first line <NUM>, e.g., the widest portion <NUM>, toward the second line <NUM>, e.g., the thinnest portion <NUM>. Once reaching the second line <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM> extends into the heel region <NUM> (i.e., upon crossing the second line <NUM>) and bows outward, away from the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> then bows back inward toward the rear end <NUM>, and terminates at a point where the lateral side <NUM> meets the longitudinal, central axis <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the medial side <NUM> are intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear <NUM>. To that end, the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the medial side <NUM> generally characterize sections of the article of footwear <NUM>. Certain aspects of the disclosure may refer to portions or elements that are coextensive with one or more of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and/or the medial side <NUM>. Further, the upper <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM>, and the strap system <NUM> may be characterized as having portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, and/or along the lateral side <NUM> and/or the medial side <NUM>. In other words, the upper <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM>, and the strap system <NUM>, and/or individual portions of the upper <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM>, and the strap system <NUM> may be disposed within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, and/or along the lateral side <NUM> and/or the medial side <NUM>.

It should be understood that numerous modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description, and individual components thereof, may be incorporated into numerous articles of footwear. Accordingly, aspects of the article of footwear <NUM> and components thereof, may be described with reference to general areas or portions of the article of footwear <NUM>, with an understanding that the boundaries of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and/or the medial side <NUM> as described herein may vary between articles of footwear. Furthermore, aspects of the article of footwear <NUM> and individual components thereof, may also be described with reference to exact areas or portions of the article of footwear <NUM> and the scope of the appended claims herein may incorporate the limitations associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, the heel region <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and/or the medial side <NUM> discussed herein.

With reference now to the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper <NUM> generally extends upwardly from the sole structure <NUM> and defines the interior cavity <NUM> that receives and helps secure a foot <NUM> of a user. The upper <NUM> may be defined by a foot region <NUM> and an ankle region <NUM>. Collectively, the foot region <NUM> and the ankle region <NUM> may completely or partially encase a user's foot and/or portions of the user's ankle. In general, the foot region <NUM> extends upwardly from the sole structure <NUM> and through the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. The ankle region <NUM> is primarily located in the heel region <NUM>; however, in some embodiments, the ankle region <NUM> may partially extend into the midfoot region <NUM>. Additionally, the ankle region <NUM> may extend upwardly from the foot region <NUM> and/or the sole structure <NUM> and terminate above the user's ankle <NUM> (e.g., a high-profile or high-top shoe <NUM>), at the ankle <NUM> (e.g., a mid-profile shoe <NUM>), or below the ankle <NUM> (e.g., a low-profile or low-top shoe <NUM>). For example, the articles of footwear <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be considered low-top shoes <NUM> as the ankle region <NUM> is sized to terminate below a user's ankle <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may be coupled to a strobel board (not shown) that lies adjacent the sole structure <NUM>.

Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements, e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and/or synthetic leather, which are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> is formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, one area of the upper <NUM> may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upper <NUM> may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the upper <NUM> may vary throughout the upper <NUM> by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the properties associated with the upper <NUM>, e.g., a stitch type, a weave type and/or direction, a yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types, weave types, or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetic appearance, thickness, air permeability, or scuff-resistance, may be varied.

In some embodiments, the upper <NUM> may also include additional structural elements. For example, a heel counter (not shown) may be incorporated within the upper <NUM> at the heel region <NUM> to provide added support to a heel <NUM> of a user. For example, the heel counter can extend upward from the sole structure <NUM> adjacent the rear end <NUM> to substantially wrap around a user's heel <NUM>. The heel counter can comprise one or more materials, such as plastic, that are substantially stiffer than the other material(s) that make up the upper <NUM> in order to support the heel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the heel counter may be located internal to or embedded within the other material(s) of the upper <NUM>, as is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other embodiments, the heel counter may be located external from materials of the upper <NUM>, such that it is visible outside the upper <NUM> adjacent the heel <NUM> or inside the upper <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM> adj acent the heel <NUM>, for example, coupled to the other material(s) of the upper <NUM>. Furthermore, in some instances, other elements, e.g., plastic material, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to an exterior surface of the upper <NUM> using glue or a thermoforming process.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the upper <NUM> comprises a generally continuous or closed exterior surface <NUM> adapted to extend across the bridge <NUM> of a user's foot from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM> (i.e., crossing the longitudinal axis <NUM>). In this manner, the upper <NUM> provides a tongueless or sock-fit closure system with a slip-on construction, wherein the material(s) of the upper <NUM> are configured to hug tightly against the user's foot to help secure the article of footwear <NUM> to the user's foot <NUM>. In such configurations, the upper <NUM> may include a corresponding gap <NUM> sized to permit entry and exit of the user's foot within the interior cavity <NUM>. In other embodiments, the upper <NUM> can include an interrupted exterior surface <NUM>, with an elongated central gap (not shown) between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> thereof at the bridge or instep of a user's foot. In such embodiments, the upper <NUM> can further include a tongue (not shown) that bridges the gap. In the closed or interrupted configurations, the upper <NUM> and its corresponding gap may be sized to permit insertion of the user's foot into the interior cavity <NUM>. As further described below, the strap system <NUM> may allow the article of footwear <NUM> to tighten itself around the user's foot <NUM> and/or ankle <NUM> as the foot <NUM> is inserted into the interior cavity <NUM>, regardless of the continuous or interrupted configuration of the upper <NUM>.

Referring now to the sole structure <NUM>, with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> is connected or secured to the upper <NUM> and extends between a foot <NUM> of a user and the ground when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the sole structure <NUM> may include an outsole <NUM> that provides structural integrity to the sole structure <NUM>, along with providing traction for a user, a midsole (not shown) that provides a suspension and/or cushioning system, and the insole <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <NUM>) that provides, for example, support for an arch <NUM> of a user. For example, the outsole <NUM> may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts an exterior surface, e.g., the ground, when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn. As such, in some applications, the outsole <NUM> may include specific structures configured to enhance traction, such as studs <NUM> (or other protrusions, spikes, cleats, or structures). The insole <NUM> may be defined as a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that at least partially contacts a user's foot <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is worn. For example, in some embodiments, the insole <NUM> may be positioned on top of a strobel board (not shown). That is, the insole <NUM> can be a separate element that is inserted into the interior cavity <NUM> atop of the strobel board. Finally, the midsole may be defined as at least a portion of the sole structure <NUM> that extends between and connects the outsole <NUM> with the insole <NUM>. Furthermore, the outsole <NUM>, the midsole, and the insole <NUM>, and/or any components thereof, may include portions within the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and/or the heel region <NUM>. Further, the outsole <NUM>, the midsole, and the insole <NUM>, and/or any components thereof, may include portions on the lateral side <NUM> and/or the medial side <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, at the forefoot region <NUM>, the outsole <NUM> may curve around the midsole (which may taper toward the front end <NUM>) to extend upward and contact or nearly contact the upper <NUM>.

Referring now to the strap system <NUM>, according to some embodiments, generally, the interaction of a foot <NUM> during the insertion process into the article of footwear <NUM> causes the article of footwear <NUM> to tighten itself. More specifically, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include at least one strap configured to tighten portions of the upper <NUM> within the midfoot region <NUM> and the heel region <NUM> in response to the user's bodyweight pressing against the strap as the user's foot is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>. The at least one strap is therefore moveable within the interior cavity <NUM> as a result of the user's bodyweight pressing against the strap as the user's foot <NUM> is inserted into the interior cavity <NUM>. That is, the strap moves from a first position suspended within the interior cavity <NUM>, e.g., away from the insole <NUM>, to a second position adjacent the insole <NUM> upon receiving the user's foot <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM>. The strap, and/or one or more additional straps or mechanisms, can further wrap around the user's foot <NUM>, heel <NUM>, and/or ankle <NUM> and tighten around the user's foot <NUM>, heel <NUM>, and/or ankle <NUM> as a result of the strap moving toward the second position, as further described below. As a result, once the user's foot <NUM> is inserted into the interior cavity <NUM> and the strap is in the second position, the article of footwear <NUM> can be secured to the user's foot <NUM> via the strap system <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> can therefore self-tighten around the user's foot <NUM> through the application of bodyweight, providing more security than a sock-style shoe without the need for lacing, buckles, or other manual tightening systems.

More specifically, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate one example of the strap system <NUM> according to some embodiments. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the strap system <NUM> interacts with the upper <NUM> and forms a stirrup region <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a tightening region <NUM>. Generally, in some embodiments, the stirrup region <NUM> can be located in the midfoot region <NUM>, while the tightening region <NUM> can extend from the midfoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM>. Both the stirrup region <NUM> and the tightening region <NUM> can extend across the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the stirrup region <NUM> can generally extend into the interior cavity <NUM>, while the tightening region <NUM> can generally extend out of the interior cavity <NUM>, such as exterior to, or embedded within, material of the upper <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, a first strap <NUM> forms both the stirrup region <NUM> and the tightening region <NUM> of the strap system <NUM>. While the first strap <NUM> may comprise one, integral strap (e.g., the stirrup region <NUM> and the tightening region <NUM> are integrally coupled together), as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may comprise one or more separate straps coupled together. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may form the stirrup region <NUM> and be coupled to one or more additional straps or other mechanisms, or portions of the upper <NUM>, that form the tightening region <NUM>. Thus, while the following discussion with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> may refer to the first strap <NUM> in the singular, it should be understood that the discussion may apply to the first strap <NUM> as multiple straps coupled together or one or more straps and/or additional mechanisms without specifically noting such. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may incorporate one or more materials with sufficient flexibility that are capable of stretching, such as elastic materials.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first strap <NUM> can extend downward into the interior cavity <NUM> from the upper <NUM> from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM> to form a loop <NUM> suspended within the interior cavity <NUM>, e.g., in the midfoot region <NUM>. In such embodiments, this first portion of the first strap <NUM> comprising the loop <NUM> forms the stirrup region <NUM> of the strap system <NUM>. The loop <NUM> is suspended within the interior cavity <NUM> and can receive a user's foot <NUM> as it is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>. For example, while at rest, the loop <NUM> may be located centrally within the interior cavity <NUM>, or closer to the upper <NUM> than the sole structure <NUM>. As further described below, a user's bodyweight can press the loop <NUM> toward the sole structure <NUM> as the foot is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>. That is, as the foot is inserted into the interior cavity <NUM>, the foot engages or extends through the loop <NUM>, like a stirrup, as shown in <FIG>. As the foot is further pressed into the interior cavity <NUM>, the user's bodyweight forces the loop <NUM> toward the sole structure <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For example, in some embodiments, when the user's foot is fully inserted into the interior cavity <NUM>, the arch <NUM> of the user's foot <NUM> can engage the loop <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, pressing it toward the sole structure <NUM>. Thus, the loop <NUM> may be maintained within the midfoot region <NUM> to engage the user's arch <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the loop <NUM> may instead or additionally extend into the forefoot region <NUM>. For example, the loop <NUM> may engage the arch <NUM> and/or the widest portion <NUM> of the user's foot and, thus, extend into both the midfoot region <NUM> and the forefoot region <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the first strap <NUM> can extend out of the interior cavity <NUM> via a first aperture <NUM> of the upper <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> and via a second aperture <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the upper <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM>. From the first aperture <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>, the first strap <NUM> can cross over the upper <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>, e.g., along the midfoot region <NUM> and crossing the central axis <NUM>, and thereafter extend toward the rear end <NUM>. In embodiments without a continuous upper <NUM>, the first strap <NUM> can extend from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> across the gap over the tongue. Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, from the second aperture <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM>, the first strap <NUM> can cross over the upper <NUM> and over itself to the medial side <NUM>, e.g., along the midfoot region <NUM> and crossing the central axis <NUM>, and thereafter extend toward the rear end <NUM>, looping around the rear end <NUM> back to the lateral side <NUM>. While the first strap <NUM> is shown and described herein as crossing over itself in a first orientation, i.e., lateral-to-medial extension crossing over medial-to-lateral extension, some embodiments may incorporate crossovers in other orientations, e.g., medial-to-lateral extension crossing over lateral-to-medial extension. Additionally, while this portion of the first strap <NUM> extending out of the interior cavity <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> to extend over the upper <NUM> as well, i.e., over the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, in some embodiments, this portion of the first strap <NUM> may be fully exterior to the upper <NUM>, may be interspersed through or embedded in between material(s) of the upper <NUM>, and/or may be interlaced through the upper <NUM>, e.g., extending into and out of the interior cavity <NUM> via additional apertures. In any such embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may engage the upper <NUM>, but freely translate relative to the upper <NUM> in order to move into and out of the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM> and across or through the upper <NUM> along the midfoot region <NUM> and around the heel region <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the upper <NUM> can include exterior loops (not shown) coupled to the exterior surface <NUM> through which the first strap <NUM> may be routed.

This second portion of the first strap <NUM> described above that extends out of the interior cavity <NUM> can form the tightening region <NUM> of the strap system <NUM>. More specifically, as discussed above, the stirrup region <NUM>, or loop <NUM>, presses toward the sole structure <NUM> as a user's foot <NUM> is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>, i.e., due to the user's bodyweight. As a result of the loop <NUM> being forced downward in the interior cavity <NUM>, portions of the tightening region <NUM> are also pulled toward the interior cavity <NUM> through the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture <NUM>, e.g., as shown by arrows <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. This causes the first strap <NUM> to tighten around the upper <NUM> along the heel region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM>, as the first strap <NUM> loops around the heel region <NUM> and crisscrosses over the midfoot region <NUM>, thus causing portions of the upper <NUM> within the heel region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM> to tighten around the user's foot <NUM>.

Accordingly, in embodiments comprising the first strap <NUM>, the stirrup region <NUM>, formed by the loop <NUM>, is situated within the interior cavity <NUM> along both the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, crossing over the central axis <NUM>, within the midfoot region <NUM> and/or the forefoot region <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The tightening region <NUM> is generally situated outside of the interior cavity <NUM> along both the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, generally above the stirrup region <NUM> within the midfoot region <NUM> (and/or the forefoot region <NUM>) and again crossing over the central axis <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Further, the tightening region <NUM> extends from the midfoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM> and, in some embodiments, extends around the heel region <NUM>. Along the heel region <NUM> and/or the midfoot region <NUM>, the tightening region <NUM> may be routed through the foot region <NUM> and/or may extend into the ankle region <NUM>. More specifically, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the tightening region <NUM> can include a crossing portion <NUM>, a lateral portion <NUM>, a medial portion <NUM>, and a heel portion <NUM>. The crossing portion <NUM> can be located within the midfoot region <NUM> (and/or the forefoot region <NUM>), generally above the stirrup region <NUM> where the first strap <NUM> crosses over itself. The heel portion <NUM> can be located in the heel region <NUM> where the first strap <NUM> extends around the heel region <NUM>. The lateral portion <NUM> can extend across the lateral side <NUM> from the crossing portion <NUM> to the heel portion <NUM>, and the medial portion <NUM> can extend across the medial side <NUM> from the crossing portion <NUM> to the heel portion <NUM>.

By way of example, <FIG> illustrates the strap system <NUM> in an "at rest" or "non-worn" state without a foot <NUM> inserted. As shown in <FIG>, the stirrup region <NUM> (e.g., the loop <NUM>) is suspended within the interior cavity <NUM>. Furthermore, the tightening region <NUM> can be fully outside of the interior cavity <NUM>, and loose enough around the heel region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM> to permit foot insertion into the interior cavity <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the strap system <NUM> in a "worn" or "engaged" state with a foot inserted (not shown). As shown in <FIG>, generally, the stirrup region <NUM> is pressed toward or against the sole structure <NUM> and also is pressed outward toward or against an interior surface of the upper <NUM> within the midfoot region <NUM>, as a result of the user's foot <NUM> engaging the loop <NUM>. Thus, in the worn state, the stirrup region <NUM> can contact portions of the sole structure <NUM> and the upper <NUM> that the user's foot <NUM>, e.g., around the arch <NUM>, would normally contact when inserted into the interior cavity <NUM>. Movement of the stirrup region <NUM> causes the tightening region <NUM> to tighten around the user's heel <NUM> and bridge <NUM>. More specifically, as a result of the tightening region <NUM> extending over or interspersed through the upper <NUM> in the heel region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM>, the tightening region <NUM> causes portions of the upper <NUM> to tighten around the user's heel <NUM> and bridge <NUM> upon foot insertion, securing the user's foot <NUM> within the article of footwear <NUM>. Additionally, in the "engaged" state, some of the tightening region <NUM> may extend into the interior cavity <NUM>. It should be noted that reference herein to the strap system <NUM> causing portions of the upper <NUM> to tighten around the user's foot <NUM> may be a general reference to tightening around any portion of the user's foot <NUM>, bridge <NUM>, heel <NUM>, and/or ankle <NUM>.

In light of the above, some embodiments provide a strap system <NUM> that can self-tighten around a user's foot upon insertion into the interior cavity <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. More specifically, upon insertion of the foot into the interior cavity <NUM>, the foot (e.g., the arch <NUM> and the bridge <NUM>) interacts with the stirrup region <NUM> and the user's bodyweight causes the stirrup region <NUM> to press toward the sole structure <NUM>. When bodyweight is applied to the stirrup region <NUM>, the tightening region <NUM> is automatically pulled toward the interior cavity <NUM>, causing the upper <NUM> to tighten around the heel <NUM> and/or bridge <NUM> of the foot <NUM>, thereby securing the foot within the article of footwear <NUM>.

In the embodiments shown and described above, the self-tightening is accomplished via a strap system <NUM> with a single strap <NUM> that loops within the interior cavity <NUM> and extends out of the interior cavity <NUM> to cross over the user's bridge <NUM> and loop around the user's heel <NUM>. As a result, tightening of the upper <NUM> around the user's foot <NUM> is accomplished by the strap system <NUM> at both the midfoot region <NUM> (e.g., along the bridge <NUM>) and the heel region <NUM> (e.g., around the heel <NUM>). More specifically, the strap system <NUM> pulls the upper <NUM> against the user's bridge <NUM> and heel <NUM> to secure the user's foot <NUM> within the article of footwear <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> may incorporate additional or other structures to accomplish self-tightening. For example, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may not extend completely around the heel <NUM>, e.g., may not include a heel portion <NUM>. Rather, the strap <NUM> may be coupled to the upper <NUM> at the heel region <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. That is, the lateral portion <NUM> can be coupled to the heel region <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial portion <NUM> can be coupled to the heel region <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. When the strap <NUM> is tightened, it pulls the heel region <NUM> of the upper <NUM> at the coupling locations, causing the upper <NUM> to pull toward the user's heel <NUM> to secure the foot <NUM> within the article of footwear. Thus, whether the strap <NUM> completely loops around the heel region <NUM> or is only coupled to portions of the upper <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>, tightening is still accomplished by the strap system <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>. Furthermore, while the strap system <NUM> and, more specifically, the tightening region <NUM>, illustrated herein is configured to loop around the heel region <NUM> generally adjacent a user's heel <NUM>, the tightening region <NUM> may be additionally or alternatively configured to loop around the heel region <NUM> within the ankle region <NUM>, generally adjacent the user's ankle <NUM>.

Additionally, while the first strap <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as having a uniform width through the stirrup region <NUM> and the tightening region <NUM>, in some embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may have a non-uniform width. For example, in some embodiments, a width of the first strap <NUM> may be smaller along the lateral portion <NUM> and the medial portion <NUM> than the crossing portion <NUM>, the heel portion <NUM>, and/or the loop <NUM>. In some embodiments, the width of the first strap <NUM> may be non-uniform within the loop <NUM> itself. For example, in some embodiments, the loop <NUM> can have a larger width along the medial side <NUM> to provide better arch support. In yet other embodiments, the first strap <NUM> may have a non-uniform width within any one of the crossing portion <NUM>, the lateral portion <NUM>, the medial portion <NUM>, the heel portion <NUM>, and/or the loop <NUM>.

Furthermore, while the first strap <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> as having a continuous length, in some embodiments, the first strap <NUM> can include a non-continuous and/or adjustable length. For example, <FIG> illustrates an article of footwear <NUM> including a releasable first strap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first strap <NUM> can include two separate ends <NUM>, <NUM> that are coupled together. As a result, the first strap <NUM> can be "released" by decoupling or separating the two ends <NUM>, <NUM> from each other. When in the non-worn state, releasing the first strap <NUM> can cause the stirrup region <NUM> (e.g., the loop <NUM>) to no longer be suspended within the interior cavity <NUM> but, rather, rest in a relaxed state toward or against the sole structure <NUM>. Furthermore, the tightening region <NUM> can remain loose enough around the heel region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM> to permit foot insertion into the interior cavity <NUM>. Accordingly, releasing the first strap <NUM> can provide a smoother instep and easier foot insertion through the loop <NUM>. It should be noted, however, that the first strap <NUM> having two ends <NUM>, <NUM> coupled together can operate in the same manner as the constant-length first strap <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. That is, in embodiments having a first strap <NUM> with two separate ends <NUM>, <NUM>, a user may still insert the foot when the two ends <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled together, e.g., when the loop <NUM> is suspended in the interior cavity <NUM>.

Referring still to the releasable strap configuration of <FIG>, when in the worn state, that is, after a foot <NUM> has been inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>, a user can again couple the two ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first strap <NUM> together in order to tighten the first strap <NUM> around the foot in response to the user's bodyweight pressing against the loop <NUM>, as described above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the two ends <NUM>, <NUM> can be coupled together at more than one location, thus permitting a length of the first strap <NUM> to be adjusted. As a result, an overall tightness of the first strap <NUM> when in the worn state can be adjusted (e.g., the first strap <NUM> is pulled tighter around the foot, for example, for a more secure fit). Accordingly, providing an adjustable tightness can be beneficial to accommodate different foot widths and volumes. For a user to move from the worn state to the at rest state, the user may pull their foot <NUM> out of the interior cavity <NUM> while the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first strap <NUM> remain coupled together. Alternatively, the user may first release the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the first strap <NUM> in order to loosen the first strap <NUM>, and then pull their foot <NUM> out of the interior cavity <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the releasable first strap <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> coupled to the first end <NUM> via fastening elements <NUM>, such as mating hook and loop fasteners. In some embodiments, the fastening elements <NUM> can be variable fastening elements, e.g., allowing different coupling locations to provide an adjustable first strap length. Variable fastening elements can include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners (as shown in <FIG>), and multiple sets of buttons, snaps, or clips positioned along a length of one or both of the ends <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the fastening elements <NUM> can be discrete fastening elements, e.g., allowing a single coupling location such that the adjustable first strap <NUM> may either be in a released state or a coupled state with a single, set first strap length. Discrete fastening elements can include, but are not limited to, a single button, snap, or clip on each end <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the two ends <NUM>, <NUM> can be coupled together adjacent the crossing portion <NUM>, the lateral portion <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), the medial portion <NUM>, or the heel portion <NUM>. As the first strap <NUM> may be freely moveable through the upper <NUM> and/or the apertures <NUM>, <NUM> in some embodiments, this coupling location may vary based on user preference.

In light of the above, the strap system <NUM> can secure a user's foot <NUM> within an article of footwear <NUM> without the need for traditional lacing or buckling systems. This provides enhanced ease-of-use for individuals with impaired dexterity or ability to reach their feet, in that the article of footwear <NUM> is self-tightening and a user need not reach down to tie laces or buckle buckles. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can provide a smooth upper <NUM> across the entire top of the foot <NUM> (e.g., as opposed to lacing systems which would interrupt a smooth upper <NUM>). This can be beneficial for sports such as soccer, providing a larger smooth surface area for improved contact with a ball.

Additionally, the strap system <NUM> need not require locking mechanisms, as the construction of the strap system <NUM>, e.g., tightening across the bridge <NUM> and around the heel <NUM>, maintains the self-tightening function in response to the user's bodyweight. However, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include additional locks, buckles, or other mechanisms configured to further tighten and/or maintain the tightening region <NUM> in place, such as, but not limited to, the example illustrated in <FIG>. As another example, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include a tightening mechanism (not shown), e.g., engaging the first strap <NUM> at the midfoot region <NUM> where the first strap <NUM> crosses over itself, or at the heel region <NUM>. If a user desires further tightening after the foot <NUM> is inserted, the user can engage or twist the tightening mechanism, causing the tightening mechanism to further pull the strap <NUM> in the direction of arrows <NUM>, thus further tightening the tightening region <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> having toe-engagement configurations may include similar components and features as described above with respect to the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG>. Thus, in <FIG>, like numerals illustrate like components as described above with respect to the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG>. And, while any of the above-described features of the like components of the bodyweight configurations of <FIG> can be incorporated into the toe-engagement configurations of <FIG> in some embodiments, such features may not be described in detail again below for the sake of brevity.

Accordingly, <FIG> depicts the article of footwear <NUM>, configured as a right shoe, with an upper <NUM>, a sole structure <NUM>, and a strap system <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> is attached to the sole structure <NUM> such that the components define an interior cavity <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) into which a foot <NUM> of a user may be inserted. The strap system <NUM> includes a rail accessible within the interior cavity <NUM> and one or more straps configured to extend from the rail around portions of the upper <NUM>. Furthermore, <FIG> further depicts the article of footwear <NUM> and <FIG> depict the strap system <NUM>, in part or in whole, in various configurations. The article of footwear <NUM> may also include additional components not specifically addressed herein.

As discussed in greater detail below, the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> and, in particular, the strap system <NUM>, is intended to actively tighten or loosen the upper <NUM> around a user's foot in response to the user engaging the strap system <NUM>. More specifically, when the user's foot <NUM> is inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>, the user's toes can engage a rail of the strap system <NUM>. The user can push their toes against the rail to "lock" the strap system <NUM>, causing portions of the strap system <NUM> to tighten the upper <NUM> around the user's foot, heel, and/or ankle, and the user can retract their toes away from the rail to "unlock" the strap system <NUM>, causing portions of the strap system <NUM> to loosen the upper <NUM> around the user's foot, heel, and/or ankle. These and other features will be described in greater detail below.

Though the article of footwear <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> as a single, right shoe <NUM>, the article of footwear <NUM> may be part of a pair of articles of footwear <NUM> (e.g., a footwear assembly) comprising a first or right shoe (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) and a second or left shoe (not shown). The right shoe and the left shoe may be similar in all material aspects, except that the right shoe and the left shoe are sized and shaped to receive a right foot and a left foot of a user, respectively. Thus, for ease of disclosure, a single shoe, or article of footwear <NUM>, will be referenced below to describe aspects of the disclosure. More specifically, the disclosure herein with reference to the article of footwear <NUM> is applicable to both the right shoe and the left shoe, though the article of footwear <NUM> is depicted as a right shoe in the present figures. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the right shoe and the left shoe other than the right/left configuration, or the right shoe may include one or more additional elements that the left shoe does not include, or vice versa.

With reference now to the upper <NUM> and <FIG> and <FIG>, as discussed above, an ankle region <NUM> may extend upwardly from a foot region <NUM> and/or a sole structure <NUM> and terminate above a user's ankle <NUM> (e.g., a high-profile or high-top shoe <NUM>), at the ankle <NUM> (e.g., a mid-profile shoe <NUM>), or below the ankle <NUM> (e.g., a low-profile or low-top shoe <NUM>). Here, the article of footwear <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may be considered a mid-profile shoe <NUM> as the ankle region <NUM> is sized to terminate at a user's ankle <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper <NUM> provides a tongueless or sock-fit closure system with a slip-on construction, wherein the material(s) of the upper <NUM> are configured to hug tightly against the user's foot <NUM> to help secure the article of footwear <NUM> to the user's foot <NUM>. In some embodiments, a loop <NUM> can be coupled to a top of the upper <NUM>, for example, to assist a user to pull the upper <NUM> onto the foot <NUM>. While <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the loop <NUM> adjacent a top of the upper <NUM>, e.g., in front of the ankle <NUM> adjacent the bridge <NUM>, some embodiments may additionally or alternatively include the loop <NUM> along other locations of the upper <NUM>, such as adjacent a rear of the upper <NUM> at the rear end <NUM>, e.g., behind the ankle <NUM>. Also, in some embodiments, the upper <NUM> can include an interrupted exterior surface <NUM>, with an elongated central gap (not shown) between the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> thereof at the bridge <NUM> or instep of a user's foot <NUM>. In such embodiments, the upper <NUM> can further include a tongue (not shown) that bridges the gap and a tightening mechanism (such as laces, straps, buckles, etc.) configured to tighten the medial and lateral sides of the upper <NUM> over the tongue, allowing the user to adjust shoe tightness. Furthermore, as further described below, the strap system <NUM> may allow the article of footwear <NUM> to tighten itself around the user's foot <NUM> and/or ankle <NUM>, regardless of the continuous or interrupted configuration of the upper <NUM>.

Referring now to the sole structure <NUM>, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the sole structure <NUM> may include an outsole <NUM> that provides structural integrity to the sole structure <NUM>, along with providing traction for a user, a midsole <NUM> that provides a suspension and/or cushioning system, and the insole <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that provides, for example, support for an arch <NUM> of a user, as described above with respect to the article of footwear of <FIG>.

Referring now to the strap system <NUM>, according to some embodiments, generally, the interaction of at least one toe <NUM> with the strap system <NUM> causes the article of footwear <NUM> to tighten or loosen itself. More specifically, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include a rail and at least one strap engaged with the rail and configured to tighten the upper <NUM> around the user's foot <NUM>. The at least one strap is moveable as a result of the user's toe(s) pressing or pulling the rail inside the interior cavity <NUM>. That is, the strap moves from a first position when the user's toes press the rail outward toward the front end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, thus tightening the article of footwear <NUM>, to a second position when the user's toes bend to pull the rail inward toward the rear end <NUM>, thus loosening the article of footwear <NUM>. The strap, and/or one or more additional straps or mechanisms, can wrap around the user's foot <NUM>, heel <NUM>, and/or ankle <NUM> and tighten around the user's foot <NUM>, heel <NUM>, and/or ankle <NUM> as a result of the strap moving toward the first position, as further described below. The article of footwear <NUM> can therefore self-tighten around the user's foot <NUM> through toe movement, providing more security than a sock-style shoe without the need for lacing, buckles, or other manual tightening systems.

More specifically, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate one example of the strap system <NUM> according to some embodiments. The strap system <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and at least one strap <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). Generally, the rail <NUM> can be positioned within the forefoot region <NUM> such that a user's toes <NUM> can interact with the rail <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For example, the rail <NUM> can be positioned in the forefoot region <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM>, such as along a forward-most edge of the interior cavity <NUM> at the front end <NUM>. The rail <NUM> can extend from the front end <NUM> around the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> toward the midfoot region <NUM> (such as to the first line <NUM> shown in <FIG>). However, in some embodiments, the rail <NUM> can extend into the midfoot region <NUM>. The at least one strap <NUM> can engage the rail <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) and can extend from the forefoot region <NUM>, across the midfoot region <NUM>, to the heel region <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>). The at least one strap <NUM> can extend across the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, and can generally extend into the interior cavity <NUM> to engage the rail <NUM> as well as out of the interior cavity <NUM>, such as exterior to, or embedded within, material of the upper <NUM>.

With further reference to the rail <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the rail <NUM> can include a base portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and a cover portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> can be made of plastic. However, other materials may be used in different embodiments. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> can be integral pieces. However, in other embodiments, the base portion <NUM> and the cover portion <NUM> can be separate pieces coupled together. In some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> and/or the cover portion <NUM> can be permanently fixed within the article of footwear <NUM> or removable from the article of footwear <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the cover portion <NUM> can be fixed within the article of footwear <NUM> (e.g., integrated with the upper <NUM>) and the base portion <NUM> can be removable from the article of footwear <NUM>, capable of being interlocked with the cover portion <NUM> when inserted into the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, generally, the base portion <NUM> can be positioned on the insole <NUM> and moveable within the interior cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can be separate from the insole <NUM>. In other embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can be coupled to the insole <NUM>. In yet other embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can be an integral part of the insole <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG>, some or all of the forefoot region <NUM> of the insole <NUM> may comprise the base portion <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can be freely moveable within the interior cavity <NUM>, or moveable along a set distance. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> can be movable within the interior cavity <NUM> between a first position X and a second position Y (wherein the difference between X and Y equals the set length). The first position X may indicate a "locked" or "tightened" position while the second position Y may indicate an "unlocked" or "loosened" position, as further described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the base portion <NUM> can include a front portion <NUM> configured to engage or contact a distal portion of a user's toes <NUM> when the user's foot <NUM> is within the interior cavity <NUM>. As such, the front portion <NUM> can extend up from the insole <NUM>, such as along a curved or straight incline. For example, one or more of the user's toes <NUM> can engage the front portion <NUM> to push the base portion <NUM> forward, i.e., toward the front end <NUM>, toward the first position X. In some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can also include an inner bump <NUM> configured to engage an underside of the user's toes <NUM>, e.g., below the joints <NUM>, thus allowing the user to grasp the base portion <NUM> when folding or curling their toes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For example, one or more of the user's toes <NUM> can engage the inner bump <NUM> to pull the base portion <NUM> backward, i.e., toward the rear end <NUM>, toward the second position Y.

In some embodiments, the base portion <NUM>, or a portion thereof, can be movable between the first position X and the second position Y by freely sliding across the insole <NUM>. Additionally, in some embodiments, the base portion <NUM> can be moveable between the first position X and the second position Y by sliding across a track (not shown). For example, the track can include notches near the first position X and the second position Y to hold the base portion <NUM> at either position, requiring the user to apply sufficient force to overcome this hold in order to move the base portion <NUM> along the track between the positions. Additionally, in some embodiments, the track can include further notches between the first position X and the second position Y to permit gradual adjustments, as further discussed below.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover portion <NUM> can be arranged adjacent a distal end of the base portion <NUM> and at the front end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> can be coupled to the base portion <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> may remain stationary at the front end <NUM> while the base portion <NUM> slides between the first position X and the second position Y. Furthermore, the cover portion <NUM> can be shaped to generally follow a shape of the upper <NUM> at the front end <NUM> and extend over a portion of the user's toes <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The cover portion <NUM> can also extend around the front end <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> within the forefoot region <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> may extend into the midfoot region <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the cover portion <NUM> can include a strap engagement <NUM> configured to receive the strap <NUM>. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the strap engagement <NUM> may be part of the base portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the strap <NUM> can be routed into the cover portion <NUM> (or the base portion <NUM>) via the strap engagement <NUM>. For example, the strap engagement <NUM> can include one or more internal mechanisms configured to pull the strap <NUM> into the cover portion <NUM> (or the base portion <NUM>) in order to tighten the strap <NUM> around the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and to release the strap <NUM> out of the cover portion <NUM> (or the base portion <NUM>) in order to loosen the strap <NUM> around the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As such, the strap <NUM> is configured to tighten portions of the upper <NUM> based on a location of the base portion, e.g., along the set distance between and including the first position X and the second position Y.

By way of example, in some embodiments, the strap engagement <NUM> can include an internal mechanism such as a rotating buckle <NUM>, configured to rotate in response to movement of the base portion <NUM>. That is, when the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the first position X, the movement causes the rotating buckle <NUM> to rotate in a first direction that winds the strap <NUM> into the buckle <NUM>, thus pulling the strap <NUM> into the cover portion <NUM> and tightening the strap <NUM> around the upper <NUM>. When the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the second position Y, the movement causes the rotating buckle <NUM> to rotate in a second direction that unwinds the strap <NUM> and releases the strap <NUM> out from the cover portion <NUM>, thus loosening the strap <NUM>. Other internal mechanisms or features may be contemplated in some embodiments that pull the strap <NUM> when the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the first position X, and release the strap <NUM> when the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the second position Y.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the strap engagement <NUM> may only hold the strap <NUM>. That is, the strap <NUM> is coupled to the strap engagement <NUM> and not moveable within or relative to the strap engagement <NUM>. In such embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> can be coupled to and moveable with the base portion <NUM>. As a result, in such embodiments, tightening is caused by moving the cover portion <NUM>, and the strap <NUM>, toward the front end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, i.e., pulling the strap <NUM> toward the front end <NUM>, and loosening is caused by moving the cover portion <NUM>, and the strap <NUM>, away from the front end <NUM>.

Referring now to the strap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the strap <NUM> can extend from the strap engagement <NUM> adjacent the front end <NUM> to the rear end <NUM> to extend around the user's heel <NUM>. That is, the strap <NUM> can extend from the strap engagement <NUM>, around the lateral side <NUM>, to the rear end <NUM>, loop around the rear end <NUM>, around the medial side <NUM>, and back to the strap engagement <NUM>. While the strap <NUM> may comprise one, integral strap, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may comprise one or more separate straps coupled together. As such, while the present discussion with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may refer to the strap <NUM> in the singular, it should be understood that the discussion may apply to the strap <NUM> as multiple straps coupled together or one or more straps and/or additional mechanisms without specifically noting such. Additionally, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may have a uniform width across its entire length, or have varying widths, and can incorporate one or more materials with sufficient flexibility that are capable of stretching, such as elastic materials. In some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foil. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may be adhered or otherwise coupled to the upper <NUM> at one or more locations along the upper <NUM>.

As discussed above, the strap <NUM> can extend into the interior cavity <NUM>, such as at the strap engagement <NUM>. However, in some embodiments, the cover portion <NUM> may be integrated into the upper <NUM>. Thus, in such embodiments, the strap <NUM> may be interspersed or embedded within the upper <NUM> rather than within the interior cavity <NUM>. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> can extend from the strap engagement <NUM> through the upper <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> to the rear end <NUM>, looping around the rear end <NUM> (i.e., crossing the central axis <NUM>) and back to the lateral side <NUM> until reaching the strap engagement <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the strap <NUM> can extend out of the interior cavity <NUM>, or from within the material of the upper <NUM>, via a first aperture <NUM> of the upper <NUM> along the medial side <NUM> and via an opposite second aperture (not shown) of the upper <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM>. Accordingly, from the first aperture <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>, the strap <NUM> can exit the upper <NUM> and extend over the exterior surface <NUM> to the rear end <NUM>, looping around the rear end <NUM> (i.e., crossing the central axis <NUM>) and back to the lateral side <NUM> until reaching the second aperture. In some embodiments, the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture can be located along the midfoot region <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, in other embodiments, the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture can be located along the forefoot region <NUM> or the heel region <NUM>. Additionally, while the strap <NUM> is illustrated and described as extending along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> and crossing over the central axis <NUM> by looping around rear end <NUM>, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may cross over the central axis <NUM> at different and/or multiple locations. For example, the strap <NUM> may cross over itself, and over the central axis <NUM>, in the midfoot region <NUM>, such as over the bridge <NUM> of the foot <NUM> (e.g., similar to the first strap <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>). In yet other embodiments, the strap <NUM> may not cross the central axis <NUM> but, rather, may be coupled to the upper <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and along the medial side <NUM> adjacent the rear end <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the upper <NUM> can include one or more exterior loops <NUM> coupled to the exterior surface <NUM> through which the strap <NUM> may be routed. While one exterior loop <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and <FIG> along the rear end <NUM>, additional exterior loops <NUM> may be positioned along the medial side <NUM> between the first aperture <NUM> and the rear end <NUM>, and/or along the lateral side <NUM> between the second aperture and the rear end <NUM>. Furthermore, while <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a portion of the strap <NUM> extending out over the upper <NUM>, i.e., over the exterior surface <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, in some embodiments, this portion of the strap <NUM> may instead be interspersed through or embedded in between material(s) of the upper <NUM>, as noted above, and/or may be interlaced through the upper <NUM>, e.g., extending into and out of the interior cavity <NUM> via additional apertures.

In any such embodiments, the strap <NUM> may engage the upper <NUM>, but freely translate relative to the upper <NUM> in order to move into and out of the first aperture <NUM> and the second aperture and across or through the upper <NUM> along the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and around the heel region <NUM>. As a result, when the rail <NUM> or, more specifically, the base portion <NUM>, is moved into the first position X, i.e., a "tightened" or "engaged" position, the strap <NUM> is pulled toward the rail <NUM> so that it tightens around portions of the upper <NUM> along the heel region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, as the strap <NUM> loops around the heel region <NUM> and converges toward the front end <NUM>. When the rail <NUM> is moved toward the second position Y, i.e., a "loosened" or "at rest" position, the strap <NUM> is released and allowed to pull away from the rail <NUM> so that it loosens around portions of the upper <NUM> along the heel region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

A discrete first position X and second position Y of the base portion <NUM> of the rail <NUM> are discussed herein. In some embodiments, the rail <NUM> may be engaged so that the strap <NUM> is only tightened once the first position X is reached, and only loosened once the second position Y is reached. However, in other embodiments, the rail <NUM> may be engaged so that the strap <NUM> is gradually tightened as the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the first position X and gradually loosened as the base portion <NUM> is moved toward the second position Y. In such embodiments, the user can selectively tighten or loosen the strap <NUM> to a desired state based on moving the base portion <NUM> relative to the first position X or the second position Y.

In light of the above, some embodiments provide a strap system <NUM> that can self-tighten around a user's foot <NUM> based on movement of the user's toes <NUM> within the interior cavity <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The self-tightening is accomplished via a rail <NUM> engaged with a strap <NUM> that extends from a front end <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to loop around the user's heel <NUM> at the rear end <NUM>. As a result, tightening of the upper <NUM> around the user's foot <NUM> is accomplished by the strap system <NUM> at the midfoot region <NUM> and/or the heel region <NUM> (e.g., around the heel <NUM>). More specifically, the strap system <NUM> pulls the upper <NUM> against the user's foot <NUM> to secure the user's foot <NUM> within the article of footwear <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> may incorporate additional or other structures to accomplish self-tightening. For example, in some embodiments, the strap <NUM> may not extend completely around the heel <NUM>. Rather, the strap <NUM> may be coupled to the upper <NUM> at the heel region <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. When the strap <NUM> is tightened, it pulls the heel region <NUM> of the upper <NUM> at the coupling locations, causing the upper <NUM> to pull toward the user's heel <NUM> to secure the foot <NUM> within the article of footwear <NUM>. Thus, whether the strap <NUM> completely loops around the heel region <NUM> or is only coupled to portions of the upper <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>, tightening is still accomplished by the strap system <NUM> at the heel region <NUM>. Furthermore, while the strap <NUM> is illustrated herein as looping around the heel region <NUM> generally adjacent a user's heel <NUM>, the strap <NUM> may be additionally or alternatively configured to loop around the heel region <NUM> within the ankle region <NUM>, generally adjacent the user's ankle <NUM>.

In light of the above, the strap system <NUM> can therefore secure a user's foot <NUM> within an article of footwear <NUM> without the need for traditional lacing or buckling systems. This provides enhanced ease-of-use for individuals with impaired dexterity or ability to reach their feet, in that the article of footwear <NUM> is self-tightening and a user need not reach down to tie laces or buckle buckles. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can provide a smooth upper <NUM> across the entire top of the foot <NUM> (e.g., as opposed to lacing systems which would interrupt a smooth upper <NUM>). However, in other embodiments, the strap system <NUM> may be used in conjunction with a lacing or buckling system.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include additional locks, buckles, or other mechanisms configured to further tighten and/or maintain the strap <NUM> in place. For example, in some embodiments, the strap system <NUM> can include an additional tightening mechanism (such as an additional rotating buckle mechanism, not shown) engaging the strap <NUM>. If a user desires further tightening after the base portion is fully moved to the first position X, the user can engage or twist the tightening mechanism, causing the tightening mechanism to further tighten the strap <NUM> around the upper <NUM>.

In light of the above, the article of footwear of some embodiments comprises a front end, a rear end, a sole structure, and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper defines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and the upper and the sole structure together define an interior cavity. The article of footwear also includes a strap system engaged with the upper, where the strap system comprises a strap extending around the heel region and is configured to tighten portions of the upper in response to the user's foot engaging the strap system within the interior cavity in the forefoot region or the midfoot region. For example, in some configurations, the strap system is configured to tighten portions of the upper in response to the user's midfoot or arch engaging the strap system within the interior cavity in at least the midfoot region such that the user's bodyweight pressing against the strap causes portions of the upper to be tightened. In other configurations, the strap system is configured to tighten portions of the upper in response to the user's toe engaging the strap system within the interior cavity in the forefoot region such that the user's toe movement causes portions of the upper to be tightened.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>) for a user, comprising:
a front end (<NUM>);
a rear end (<NUM>);
a sole structure (<NUM>);
an upper (<NUM>) attached to the sole structure, the upper defining a forefoot region (<NUM>), a midfoot region (<NUM>), and a heel region (<NUM>) of the article of footwear, the upper and the sole structure together defining an interior cavity (<NUM>); and
a strap system (<NUM>) engaged with the upper, the strap system comprising a strap (<NUM>) extending around the heel region and configured to tighten portions of the upper in response to the user's foot (<NUM>) engaging the strap system within the interior cavity in one of the forefoot region or the midfoot region,
characterized in that
the strap system comprises:
a rail (<NUM>) positioned at least partially within the interior cavity and including a base portion (<NUM>), the base portion movable between a first position (X) and a second position (Y) based on the user's toe (<NUM>) movement within the interior cavity; and
a strap coupled to the rail and configured to tighten the portions of the upper based on a location of the base portion; or
in that the strap system comprises:
a stirrup region (<NUM>) positioned within the interior cavity, the stirrup region comprising a loop (<NUM>) that receives the user's foot as it is inserted into the article of footwear; and
a tightening region (<NUM>) positioned outside the interior cavity and coupled to the stirrup region, the tightening region engaged with the upper in order to cause the upper to tighten around the user's foot along the midfoot region and the heel region of the upper in response to movement of the stirrup region.