Patent Description:
Footwear typically includes a sole configured to be located under a wearer's foot and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper typically surrounds the sides and top of the foot. An upper may include a lacing system, a buckle, or other fastening system to tighten the upper around the foot. Donning the footwear often requires manipulating the upper to widen the ankle opening for foot entry, and then manipulating a lace or other fastening system to secure the upper around the foot. These steps may be difficult for some wearers, such as those with limited dexterity and young children. <CIT> describes that a shoe has an apron front extending to form a tongue which is releasably fixed to the quarters of the shoe so as to provide a very large aperture for access for the foot into the shoe. The quarters are fixed by touch-and-close pads and an additional strap is provided to hold the parts engaged. <CIT> describes a closure system for footwear. The footwear has an outsole, an upper defining a tongue opening, and a closure assembly configured to selectively close the tongue opening. <CIT> describes a skate shoe having a shoe sole, a shoe upper, and a protective cover over the shoe upper shoelaces to prevent premature wear and failure. <CIT> relates to a footwear article and can particularly be used in the field of children's footwear. The footwear article includes an upper with two side walls, one of which at least includes an upper edge, and with a tongue having at least one side edge, and also includes a means for blocking the tongue in an open position. <CIT> relates to a flexible ankle brace for a shoe, said brace being attached to the shoe sole beneath the arch of the foot and including extensions on opposite sides of the sole of sufficient length to encircle the ankle and that portion of the leg immediately above the ankle, the extensions having terminal end fastener means.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the claimed invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

The claimed invention relates to an article of footwear that has an upper with a pivoting tongue that enables easy foot entry, and one or more anchoring straps configured to be easily movable and securable over the tongue for use. The footwear may be implemented for all sizes, and is especially useful for young children as it may enable them to independently don and doff their footwear.

An article of footwear according to the claimed invention includes a footwear upper that has a base layer, a tongue, and a strap, as defined in claim <NUM>. The base layer defines a throat opening, and the tongue has a forward end fixed to the base layer forward of the throat opening. The tongue is pivotable about the forward end between an access position and a use position. For example, the tongue may be configured to easily reflect (e.g., fold or bend) about the forward end to uncover most or all of the throat opening in the access position. A larger entry area is thus available for foot entry when the tongue is in the access position.

The tongue extends over and covers the throat opening in the use position, and rests against the exterior of the base layer at a medial side of the base layer and at a lateral side of the base layer. Stated differently, the tongue covers over the top side of the throat opening and overlaps the base layer on either side of the throat opening.

The strap has an anchored end fixed at the base layer (e.g., fixed relative to the base layer, including indirectly fixed to the base layer). The strap has a securing end selectively securable at the base layer (e.g., selectively securable relative to the base layer, including indirectly securable to the base layer). The strap crosses over an exterior of the tongue with the securing end secured at the base layer and the tongue in the use position. The strap thus holds the tongue in place over the foot during use.

The strap may be configured to be easily securable and releasable. For example, a first fastener, such as a hook-and-loop fastener may be fixed at the securing end of the strap, and a second fastener may be fixed at a side of the upper opposite from the side at which the anchored end of the strap is fixed. The strap may thus be secured simply by pressing the first fastener against the second fastener, and released by pulling the securing end of the strap away from the second fastener to release the first fastener from the second fastener.

In some examples, only a single strap is selectively securable over the tongue. Other examples include a first strap and a second strap, e.g., a medial strap and a lateral strap, that cross over the tongue to opposite sides of the upper, with one of the straps crossing over the other strap.

Other features of the article of footwear may include a tongue pull, a heel pull, binding or reinforcing skin that helps stiffen the perimeter of the upper around the throat opening to maintain the opening shape for easy entry, and that provides structure at the side and rear edges of the tongue. Foam cushioning on the underside of the tongue and at a heel collar of the upper may also be used to provide structure to maintain the opening size and tongue shape, as well as to increase comfort.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the claimed invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the claimed invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though in the following Figures embodiments may be separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components, <FIG> shows an article of footwear <NUM> that includes an upper <NUM> with a pivotable tongue <NUM> and two straps 16A, 16B (also referred to as anchoring straps) that are configured to enable easy donning and doffing of the footwear <NUM> as described herein.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of the article of footwear <NUM> showing the upper <NUM> secured to a sole structure <NUM> to together define a foot-receiving cavity <NUM> in which a foot is disposed when the footwear <NUM> is worn. The article of footwear <NUM> may also be referred to herein as footwear <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> has a forefoot region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> generally corresponds with rear portions of a wearer's foot including the calcaneus bone, with the foot corresponding to the size of the article of footwear <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> generally includes portions of the article of footwear <NUM> corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the foot. The midfoot region <NUM> generally corresponds with an arch area of the foot, and extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM>, midfoot region <NUM>, and heel region <NUM> are used herein to describe portions of both the sole structure <NUM> and portions of the upper <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a lateral side <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, and <FIG> shows an opposite medial side <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> are used herein to describe portions of both the sole structure <NUM> and portions of the upper <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> extend through each of forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> and correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear <NUM> divided by a longitudinal axis LM (indicated in <FIG>), which may be a longitudinal midline of the article of footwear <NUM>.

The forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear <NUM>, but are instead intended to represent general areas of the article of footwear <NUM> to aid in the discussion. As is evident in the top view of <FIG>, the article of footwear <NUM> is for a right foot. A pair of footwear includes the article of footwear <NUM>, and an article of footwear for a left foot that is a mirror image of the article of footwear <NUM>. Accordingly, the description of the footwear <NUM> applies equally to a right foot article of footwear and a left foot article of footwear, both of which are within the scope of the claimed invention.

The sole structure <NUM> may include any or all of an outsole, a midsole, and one or more fluid-filled or foam cushioning elements. Additionally, the sole structure <NUM> may be equipped with spikes, cleats, or other ground-engaging members. In the embodiment shown, the sole structure <NUM> is a unisole serving as both a midsole and an outsole, and may include outsole components at high wear areas of the sole structure <NUM>, such as a forefoot outsole component <NUM> and a heel outsole component <NUM>. For example, the outsole components <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise rubber.

The upper <NUM> includes multiple components that cooperate to provide comfort and support. For example, as best shown in <FIG>, the upper <NUM> includes a base layer <NUM> coupled at a lower extent to the sole structure <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> defines a throat opening <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> extends in both the forefoot region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM>, and into the heel region <NUM> where it is secured to heel foxing <NUM> that extends around and defines a rear of the upper <NUM>. The base layer <NUM> may comprise, but is not limited to, a textile, such as a woven or knit textile. A toe guard <NUM>, may be secured at a front of the base layer <NUM>, and may be, but is not limited to, a leather material.

A heel collar <NUM> is secured to an upper extent of the heel foxing <NUM> and defines an ankle opening <NUM> (see <FIG>) that extends rearward from the throat opening <NUM>. Stated differently, the throat opening <NUM> extends into (e.g., merges with) the ankle opening <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the tongue <NUM> is shown in a use position and the straps 16A, 16B are shown crossing over an exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> and secured relative to the base layer <NUM>. The straps 16A, 16B maintain the tongue <NUM> in the use position while the article of footwear <NUM> is worn for various activities, and then may be released to enable the tongue <NUM> to be pivoted to an access position, shown and discussed with respect to <FIG>.

The medial strap 16A is also referred to herein as a first strap and has an anchored end <NUM> that is fixed to the sole structure <NUM> and/or to a lower extent of the base layer <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. Similarly, the lateral strap 16B is also referred to herein as a second strap and has an anchored end <NUM> that is fixed to the sole structure <NUM> and/or to a lower extent of the base layer <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM>. By fixing the anchored ends <NUM>, <NUM> to the sole structure <NUM> and/or to the base layer <NUM>, the anchored ends <NUM>, <NUM> are thus fixed relative to the base layer <NUM> in that they do not move relative to the base layer <NUM>. The anchored ends <NUM>, <NUM> are also referred to as fixed ends.

The strap 16A has a securing end <NUM> that is selectively securable relative to the base layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, the strap 16B has a securing end <NUM> that is selectively securable relative to the base layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The securing ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the straps 16A, 16B may be referred to as free ends as they are unfixed and freely movable relative to the base layer <NUM>, the tongue <NUM>, and the sole structure <NUM>, except when they are selectively secured to the article of footwear <NUM> as described herein.

As used herein, an "end" of the strap 16A or 16B generally refers to an extremity of the strap 16A or 16B, and is not limited to but includes the absolute extremity of the strap 16A or 16B such as the terminal end of the strap 16A or 16B.

As best shown in <FIG>, each strap 16A, 16B crosses over the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> with the securing end <NUM>, <NUM> secured relative to the base layer <NUM> at the heel foxing <NUM>. More specifically, the lateral strap 16B is shown wrapped first over the tongue <NUM> with the securing end <NUM> secured at the medial side <NUM>. The medial strap 16A is shown wrapped next over the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> and also over the lateral strap 16B with the securing end <NUM> secured at the lateral side <NUM>. A portion of the lateral strap 16B is thus between the medial strap 16A and the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. Alternatively, the medial strap 16A could be wrapped first over the tongue <NUM> with the securing end <NUM> secured at the lateral side <NUM>. The lateral strap 16B could then be wrapped next over the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> and also over a portion of the medial strap 16A with the securing end <NUM> secured at the medial side <NUM>. A portion of the medial strap 16A would be between the lateral strap 16B and the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> in this alternative arrangement.

<FIG> is a plan view of an outer side <NUM> of the first strap 16A. <FIG> is a plan view of an outer side <NUM> of the second strap 16B. Each strap 16A, 16B tapers in width from the respective anchoring end <NUM>, <NUM> (also referred to as the fixed end) to the respective securing end <NUM>, <NUM> (also referred to as the free end). The wider anchoring ends <NUM>, <NUM> provide greater support to the foot at the lateral and medial sides <NUM>, <NUM> than would a narrower strap, which may be helpful during side-to-side movement.

<FIG> is plan view of a first embodiment of the first strap 16A of <FIG>. The description of the first strap 16A in <FIG> and the alternative first strap 16AA in <FIG> applies equally to the second strap 16B. As shown in <FIG>, a first fastener <NUM> is fixed at the securing end <NUM> of the strap 16A at an inner side <NUM> of the strap 16A. The first fastener <NUM> may also be referred to as a first strap fastener portion (or a second strap fastener portion when a like fastener <NUM> is secured to the second strap 16B), and includes a plurality of hooks <NUM> of a hook-and-loop fastener material. Suitable material with hooks <NUM> and loops <NUM> for the heel foxing <NUM> is available from <NUM> Company at <NUM> Center, St. Paul, Minnesota under the trade name VELCRO ™.

The first strap 16A includes an outer layer <NUM> that may be referred to as a skin and defines the outer side <NUM>. The outer layer <NUM> may be leather or another durable material that is relatively inextensible. Additionally, the strap 16A, including the outer layer <NUM>, may be sectioned and may include an elastic gore that may be disposed between and connect the sections, as described with respect to the elastic gore <NUM> and sections <NUM> and <NUM> of the strap 1416B of <FIG>. Accordingly, the first strap 16A, the second strap 16B, and any of the straps shown and discussed with respect to other embodiments herein may be configured to be relatively inextensible except at a gore section to maintain the fit of the upper to the foot during wear.

Referring to <FIG>, the first strap 16A includes an inner layer <NUM> that defines the inner side <NUM>. The first fastener <NUM> is fixed to the inner layer <NUM> such as by sewing, heat bonding, adhesive, or otherwise.

A substrate layer <NUM> is disposed between the outer layer <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the outer layer <NUM> covers the edges of the substrate layer <NUM> defining a ridge <NUM> to provide a three-dimensional effect at the outer layer <NUM>. The substrate layer <NUM> increases the overall thickness of the strap 16A, and may be compressed at one or more locations to help define various designs and images pressed into the outer layer <NUM>. The second strap 16B may be configured in the same manner as the first strap 16A.

An alternative construction of the first strap 16A and the second strap 16B is represented by an alternative first strap 16AA shown in <FIG>. An alternative outer layer 59A defines the outer side <NUM>. An alternative inner layer 60A may be secured directly to the outer layer 59A without the substate layer <NUM> of <FIG>. The outer layer 59A may be a synthetic material and the inner layer 60A may be natural leather, for example. The outer layer 59A may be heat formed to create the ridge <NUM>. As with strap 16A, the strap 16AA, including the outer layer <NUM>, may be sectioned and may include an elastic gore that may disposed between and connect the sections, as described with respect to the elastic gore <NUM> and sections <NUM> and <NUM> of the strap 1416B of <FIG>.

The exterior of the heel foxing <NUM> has a plurality of loops <NUM>, and the hooks <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) are configured to engage the loops <NUM> to releasably secure the first fasteners <NUM> of the free ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the straps 16A, 16B as shown in <FIG>. The heel foxing <NUM> and loops <NUM> are referred to as the second fastener to which the first fasteners <NUM> are releasably securable. Alternatively, the first fastener <NUM> could be loop material (e.g., a plurality of loops) and the outer side of the heel foxing <NUM> could be a hook material (e.g., a plurality of hooks). In another alternative, both the first fastener <NUM> and the outer side of the heel foxing <NUM> could include a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks such that the first fastener <NUM> is releasably securable to the heel foxing <NUM>.

Although the embodiments herein illustrate hook-and-loop material for fastening the straps 16A, 16B to the heel foxing <NUM>, as an alternative to the hooks <NUM> and loops <NUM>, the first fastener at the free ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the straps 16A, 16B could instead be snaps, magnets, or buttons for example, with a first portion of the snap or magnet fixed to the free ends <NUM>, <NUM> and a second portion that secures to the first portion fixed to the heel foxing <NUM> (or with a button hole on the free end <NUM>, <NUM> and a button on each of the lateral side <NUM> and on the medial side <NUM> of the heel foxing <NUM>). The hook-and-loop material of the first fastener <NUM> and the heel foxing <NUM> provides a more finely-tuned fit adjustment than snaps or magnets, however, as the spacing between hooks and loops is minimal to allow a greater number of incremental secured positions of the straps 16A, 16B than if spaced snaps or magnets were used, for example. Additionally, hook-and-loop fastening may be easier for young children and those with limited dexterity to manipulate than other fastener types.

The heel foxing <NUM> is also configured to aid in proper securement of the straps 16A, 16B. More specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the heel foxing <NUM> has a medial edge 36A at the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> that angles upwards and forward from the heel region <NUM> through the midfoot region <NUM>. The angle of the medial edge 36A is selected so that the lower edge <NUM> of the strap 16B can be aligned with the medial edge 36A and the alignment places the strap 16B in a snug and untwisted position against the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

Similarly, as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the heel foxing <NUM> has a lateral edge 36B at the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> that angles upwards and forward from the heel region <NUM> through the midfoot region <NUM>. The angle of the lateral edge 36B is selected so that the lower edge <NUM> of the strap 16A can be aligned with the lateral edge 36B and the alignment places the strap 16A in a snug and untwisted position against the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, with the tongue <NUM> in the use position and the securing ends <NUM>, <NUM> secured as described, the medial strap 16A crosses over the medial edge <NUM> and the lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> at the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and the lateral strap 16B crosses over the medial edge <NUM> and the lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> at the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. The straps 16A, 16B thus maintain the tongue <NUM> in the use position until the wearer decides to release the straps 16A, 16B by lifting the ends <NUM>, <NUM> away from the heel foxing <NUM> with sufficient force to peel the hooks <NUM> out of the loops <NUM>.

The tongue <NUM> has many features that enable it to be easily pivotable between the access position of <FIG> and the use position of <FIG>, and consistently cover the entire width of the throat opening <NUM> and lay against the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> without wrinkling or twisting so that the tongue <NUM> rests comfortably over the foot each time it is pivoted to the use position and anchored against the base layer <NUM> by the straps 16A, 16B.

For example, the tongue <NUM> has a forward end <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>) that is fixed to the base layer <NUM> forward of the throat opening <NUM>. Although the tongue <NUM> is removed in <FIG>, a phantom line in <FIG> indicates the outer boundary 14A of the tongue <NUM> when the tongue <NUM> is disposed in the use position. The forward end <NUM> is secured slightly forward of the forwardmost end 34A of the throat opening <NUM> at the portion of the outer boundary 14A labelled 80A. The forward end <NUM> could be fixed at an interior side of the base layer <NUM> (and any inner layer or layers, such as a liner) or may be fixed to the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

A medial edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) rests against the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> when the tongue <NUM> is in the use position. Accordingly, the medial edge <NUM> extends further medially than the medial edge 34B of the throat opening <NUM>, as indicated by a portion of the outer boundary 14A labelled 84A in <FIG>, representing the position of the medial edge <NUM> when the tongue <NUM> is in the use position.

A lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) rests against the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> when the tongue <NUM> is in the use position. Accordingly, the lateral edge <NUM> extends further laterally than the lateral edge 34C of the throat opening <NUM>, as indicated by a portion of the outer boundary 14A labelled 86A in <FIG>, representing the position of the lateral edge <NUM> when the tongue <NUM> is in the use position.

The tongue <NUM> is fixed to the base layer <NUM> only at the forward end <NUM> forward of the forwardmost end 34A of the throat opening <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> includes an outer layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM> and an inner layer <NUM> and webbing <NUM> may also extend to the forward end <NUM> (see <FIG>). Accordingly, the forward end <NUM> is a relatively thin portion of the tongue <NUM> particularly adapted for pivoting, as the relatively thin outer layer <NUM>, inner layer <NUM>, and webbing <NUM> are able to fold or bend during pivoting more readily than would a thicker and stiffer portion of the tongue <NUM> (e.g., a portion including foam <NUM> and/or edge binding <NUM> discussed herein).

The tongue <NUM> may be fixed to the base layer <NUM> by a first series of stitches <NUM> (see <FIG>) extending through and stitching the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> to the base layer <NUM> forward of the throat opening <NUM>. The first series of stitches <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, in which the upper <NUM> is only partially assembled, and are indicated with hidden lines in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the portions 90A, 90B of the outer layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> are illustrated with part of a center seam <NUM> displaced and not completely sewn to one another in order to illustrate a tongue pull 120A in a perspective view. When fully assembled, the inner peripheral edges 90C, 90D of the respective portions 90B, 90A abut along their entire lengths at the seam <NUM> and the stitching <NUM> extends along the entire length of the edges 90C, 90D.

After the tongue <NUM> is stitched to the base layer <NUM> with the first series of stitches <NUM>, a cover skin <NUM> may be disposed over the first series of stitches <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The cover skin <NUM> may be, for example, leather or another material that protects the first series of stitches <NUM> and is readily flexible as it bends or folds as the tongue <NUM> pivots.

A second series of stitches <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The second series of stitches <NUM> may extend through the cover skin <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> to stitch the cover skin <NUM> and the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> to the base layer <NUM> forward of the throat opening <NUM>. The second series of stitches <NUM> may be disposed over the first series of stitches <NUM>, extending along the same path as the first series of stitches <NUM>, to reinforce the first series of stitches <NUM> in addition to securing the cover skin <NUM> to the base layer <NUM>.

<FIG> thus show the progression of securing the tongue <NUM> to the base layer <NUM> by first disposing the forward end <NUM> shown in <FIG> on the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> shown in <FIG> forward of the forwardmost end 34A of the throat opening <NUM>. In <FIG>, the base layer <NUM> is spread into a relatively flat position, and the securement of the tongue <NUM> to the base layer <NUM> occurs prior to securing the lower extent of the base layer <NUM> to the sole structure <NUM>. When secured to the sole structure <NUM>, rear edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> are positioned adjacent one another at the heel region <NUM>. In <FIG>, the cover skin <NUM> is first placed over the first series of stitches <NUM> and then stitched to the base layer <NUM> with the second series of stitches <NUM>.

Although the tongue <NUM> is configured to be relatively thin and flexible at its forward end <NUM> by having an outer layer <NUM> and the thin inner layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> has features configured to reinforce the remaining edges of the outer layer <NUM> (e.g., the remaining perimeter other than the forward end <NUM>, including the edges <NUM>, <NUM>) so that the tongue <NUM> will tend to remain relatively spread out or fanned out as opposed to folding or wrinkling at the perimeter of the tongue <NUM>. This enables the tongue <NUM> to reliably extend outward of the medial and lateral edges 34B, 34C of the throat opening <NUM> when secured during use as discussed. The outer layer <NUM> may be, for example, the same material as the base layer <NUM>, such as a textile.

In the embodiment of the article of footwear <NUM>, a tongue edge binding <NUM> is secured along the medial edge <NUM>, along the lateral edge <NUM>, and along a rear end <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>. In the drawings, for purposes of illustration, the edges <NUM>, <NUM>, and end <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> are indicated as coincident with the edges of the tongue edge binding <NUM> as the tongue edge binding <NUM> may be relatively thin and is wrapped tightly around the edges of the outer layer <NUM>. In an example, the tongue edge binding <NUM> may be nylon, polyester, leather, etc. As shown in <FIG>, there may be a small gap between the edges <NUM>, <NUM> and the tongue edge binding <NUM>. Stitching <NUM> extends through the tongue edge binding <NUM> and the outer layer <NUM> to secure the tongue edge binding <NUM> to the outer layer <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. The stitching <NUM> also extends through an inner layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and is shown as having a zig-zag pattern (see <FIG>). The tongue edge binding <NUM> is thus also wrapped around the outer edge of the inner layer <NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> may be thinner than the outer layer <NUM>, and may be, but is not limited to, a nylon liner.

In order to maintain the flexibility of the forward end <NUM> for pivoting between the access position and the use position, the tongue edge binding <NUM> does not extend to the forward end <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the tongue edge binding <NUM> has a medial terminal end 102A rearward of the forward end <NUM>, and a lateral terminal end 102B rearward of the forward end <NUM>. Accordingly, the medial edge <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> has an unbinded portion 84A exposed between the medial terminal end 102A of the tongue edge binding <NUM> and the forward end <NUM>. Similarly, and the lateral edge <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> has an unbinded portion 86A exposed between the lateral terminal end 102B of the tongue edge binding <NUM> and the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. Even when the cover skin <NUM> is secured to the outer layer <NUM>, at least some of the unbinded portions 84A, 86A may still be exposed, as best shown in <FIG>. The tongue <NUM> may tend to bend or fold at these unbinded portions 84A, 86A when pivoting near the forward end <NUM> rather than more rearward where the edges <NUM>, <NUM> are covered by the binding <NUM> and where, therefore, the tongue <NUM> is thicker. The portions 84A, 86A of the edges <NUM>, <NUM> remain a relatively thin portion of the edges <NUM>, <NUM>, as only the outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM> and not the binding <NUM> extend at these portions of the edges <NUM>, <NUM>. The tongue edge binding <NUM> thus helps to control the location of pivoting of the tongue to near the forward end <NUM>, which results in the greatest exposure of the throat opening <NUM> for access when donning the footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, edge binding <NUM> may also be secured to the base layer <NUM> along a perimeter of the throat opening <NUM> at a medial edge 34B of the throat opening and at a lateral edge 34C of the throat opening <NUM>. In an example, the edge binding <NUM> may be nylon, polyester, leather, etc. The edge binding <NUM> further extends along and is secured to the collar <NUM> at a perimeter of the ankle opening <NUM>. It is noted that in the plan views herein, the cushioning of the collar <NUM> bulges inward below the top of the ankle opening <NUM>.

The edge binding <NUM> terminates rearward of the forwardmost end 34A of the throat opening <NUM> such that the forwardmost end 34A and forward portions of the medial and lateral edges 34B, 34C of the throat opening <NUM> are free from any edge binding <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the edge binding <NUM> has a medial terminal end 110A disposed along the medial edge 34B rearward of the forwardmost end 34A, and a lateral terminal end 110B disposed along the lateral edge 34C rearward of the forwardmost end 34A. Accordingly, the medial edge 34B has an unbinded portion 112A exposed between the medial terminal end 110A of the edge binding <NUM> and the forwardmost end 34A. Similarly, and the lateral edge 34C has an unbinded portion 112B exposed between the lateral terminal end 110B of the edge binding <NUM> and the forwardmost end 34A. Because the throat opening <NUM> is rounded at the intersection of the medial edge 34B with the forwardmost end 34A and at the intersection of the lateral edge 34C with the forwardmost end 34A, some bending or folding may occur at the unbinded portions 112A, 112B during pivoting of the tongue <NUM>. Leaving these portions 112A, 112B unbinded reduces their thickness in comparison to the portions of the edges 34B, 34C with binding <NUM>, allowing more flexibility to reduce resistance to pivoting of the tongue <NUM> from the use position to the access position, and from the access position to the use position.

<FIG> show the construction of the tongue <NUM>. The outer layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> includes a medial side portion 90A and a lateral side portion 90B. An inner peripheral edge 90C of the lateral side portion 90B is joined to an inner peripheral edge 90D of the medial side portion 90A at a seam <NUM> with serge stitching <NUM>. The medial side portion 90A and the lateral side portion 90B may be mirror images of one another.

Webbing <NUM> is disposed over and along the seam <NUM> and stitched to the medial side portion 90A and the lateral side portion 90B with stitching <NUM>. The webbing <NUM> is thus secured along a central portion <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> between the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, but does not extend completely to the rear end <NUM>. Instead, the stitching <NUM> ends partway between the rear end <NUM> and the forward end <NUM>, and the webbing <NUM> is doubled over to create a loop portion serving as the tongue pull 120A and is secured to itself (and to the underlying outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM>) by a box stitch 120B disposed at and defining an anchor location 120C. The outer layer <NUM> includes the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>.

Foam <NUM> is disposed at an inner side <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The foam <NUM> is divided into a medial foam component 131A at the medial side <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and a lateral foam component 131B at the lateral side <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. The medial foam component 131A and the lateral foam component 131B are separated from one another by a gap <NUM> extending along a length of the inner side <NUM> of the outer layer <NUM>. The relatively thin and flexible, inner layer <NUM> is able to extend into the gap <NUM> and be stitched to the outer layer <NUM> with the stitching <NUM> in the gap <NUM>. When the tongue <NUM> is in the use position, the foam <NUM> is positioned over the throat opening <NUM>. Providing the gap <NUM> allows greater flexibility of the foam <NUM> to provide a more customized fit to the top of the foot as the two foam components 131A, 131B can be moved closer together (e.g., closing the gap <NUM>) as the tongue <NUM> conforms to the top of the foot and to the exterior of the base layer <NUM> and is held in position by the straps 16A, 16B.

Referring to <FIG>, a forwardmost-edge 130C of the foam <NUM> is rearward of the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. Stated differently, the outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM> extend forward further than the foam <NUM> to ensure flexibility at the forward end <NUM>. Stitching <NUM> (partially visible in <FIG>) may secure the outer layer <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> forward of the stitching <NUM> of the tongue edge binding <NUM>.

The webbing <NUM> forms the tongue pull 120A extending in a loop from the anchor location 120C that is disposed between the rear end <NUM> of the tongue and the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> along the central portion <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, after the medial side portion 90A and the lateral side portion 90B are joined at the seam <NUM>, the stitching <NUM> secures a lower portion of the webbing <NUM> to the outer layer <NUM> and inner layer <NUM>, and the box stitch 120B is added well below the rear end <NUM> so that that portion of the webbing <NUM> forming the tongue pull 120A is not secured to the outer layer <NUM> rearward of the anchor location 120C.

The straps 16A, 16B will generally be disposed over the anchor location 120C and act to maintain part of the tongue pull 120A flattened under the straps 16A, 16B when the tongue <NUM> is in the use position and the straps 16A, 16B are secured, making it more difficult to access the tongue pull 120A until the straps 16A, 16B are released.

Additionally, by placing the anchor location 120C significantly forward of the rear end <NUM>, pulling the tongue pull 120A a given distance will pivot the tongue <NUM> further than if the anchor location 120C were closer to or at the rear end <NUM> and the tongue pull 120A was pulled the same distance.

Referring to <FIG>, webbing <NUM> is secured to the heel foxing <NUM> and to the heel collar <NUM> at a rear of the heel region <NUM>. The webbing <NUM> is doubled over and stitched or otherwise secured to itself to define a heel pull 130A secured to the collar <NUM> rearward of the ankle opening <NUM>. The heel pull 130A may be used to pull the footwear <NUM> onto the foot when inserting the foot into the foot-receiving cavity <NUM>, and may also be used to pull the footwear off of the foot when the straps 16A, 16B are unsecured and the tongue <NUM> is in the access position.

<FIG> shows the upper <NUM> in greater detail at the collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> includes an outer layer <NUM> and the upper <NUM> also includes an inner layer <NUM> (e.g., a lining) that extends to the upper edge of the outer layer <NUM> where it is stitched to the outer layer <NUM> by stitching <NUM> that also secures the binding <NUM>. The inner layer <NUM> thus forms the inner side of the collar <NUM>.

Foam <NUM> is disposed between the outer layer <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> so that the foam <NUM> extends along an inner side <NUM> of an outer layer <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. The foam <NUM> may be sufficiently thick to cause a significant outward bulge of the outer layer <NUM> and inward bulge of the inner layer <NUM>.

A substrate <NUM> may be disposed inward of the heel foxing <NUM> and may be the same material as the substrate <NUM> of the strap 16A, for example. The substrate <NUM> helps to provide structure so that the substrate <NUM> and heel foxing <NUM> function as a heel counter.

A thin layer of foam <NUM> may be disposed between the substrate <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> and compresses to conform to the wearer's heel to improve the fit of the article of footwear <NUM>. The upper edge of the heel foxing <NUM> and substrate <NUM> are folded over and stitching <NUM> extends through the heel foxing <NUM>, the substrate <NUM>, the foam <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an article of footwear <NUM> having many of the same components of the article of footwear <NUM>, referred to with like reference numbers, including an upper <NUM> with a base layer <NUM>, a tongue <NUM> secured to the base layer <NUM> at a forward end <NUM> and pivotable at the forward end <NUM> between access and use positions, a first strap 16A, and a second strap 16B. <FIG> shows the tongue <NUM> in a partially open position (e.g., a position between the use position and the access position). The first and second straps 16A, 16B are shown unsecured, with the first strap 16A (e.g., the medial strap) being crossed over the tongue <NUM> first (e.g., prior to the second strap 16B).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the article of footwear <NUM> with the tongue <NUM> in the use position and the first and second straps 16A, 16B in secured positions, but with the second strap 16B (e.g., the lateral strap) instead crossed over the tongue <NUM> prior to the first strap 16A so that the second strap 16B is disposed between the tongue <NUM> and the first strap 16A.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the article of footwear <NUM> with the tongue <NUM> in the use position and the first and second straps 16A, 16B in secured positions, but with the first strap 16A (e.g., the medial strap) crossed over the tongue <NUM> prior to the second strap 16B so that the first strap 16A is disposed between the tongue <NUM> and the second strap 16B. A wearer may choose to cross over and secure the straps 16A, 16B in either order, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a medial side view of an article of footwear <NUM> having many of the same components of the article of footwear <NUM>, referred to with like reference numbers, including an upper <NUM> with the base layer <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> secured to the base layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM> and pivotable at the forward end <NUM> between access and use positions, the second strap 16B, and instead of the first strap 16A, a wider first strap 316A (e.g., medial strap). The first and second straps 316A, 16B are shown in secured positions overlaying the tongue <NUM>. The first strap 316A has a wider fixed end <NUM>. Stated differently, the fixed end <NUM> extends over a greater length of the medial side <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>, extending further back into the midfoot region <NUM> than strap 16A. The strap 316A may thus provide greater support at the medial side <NUM> around the forefoot region <NUM> and midfoot region <NUM> than the strap 16A with the narrower fixed end <NUM>. Additionally, a larger forefoot outsole element <NUM> is provided in place of forefoot outsole component <NUM>. Although not limited to any age group, the article of footwear <NUM> may be configured for an older subset of wearers of the footwear <NUM>, such as preschoolers as opposed to toddlers, and the wider strap 316A remains in place under the relatively higher loads applied by, on average, these larger and heavier wearers.

<FIG> is a medial side view of another alternative embodiment of an article of footwear <NUM> having many of the same components of the article of footwear <NUM>, referred to with like reference numbers, including an upper <NUM> with the base layer <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> secured to the base layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM> and pivotable at the forward end <NUM> between access and use positions, with the tongue <NUM> shown in a use position. Webbing <NUM> defining a heel pull 430A is secured only at discrete areas to the heel foxing <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> includes only the single strap 16A (e.g., the medial strap), and the strap 16B (e.g., the lateral strap) is not provided. Because there is no strap 16B, no fastener loops <NUM> need be provided on the heel foxing <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. Although not limited to any age group, the article of footwear <NUM> may be configured for a younger subset of wearers, such as toddlers as opposed to preschoolers, as the single strap 16A is sufficient to remain in place under the relatively lower loads applied by, on average, these smaller and lighter wearers. Additionally, it may be easier for these younger wearers to manipulate the single strap 16A as opposed to securing two separate straps.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of an embodiment of an article of footwear <NUM> according to the claimed invention. The article of footwear (<NUM>) utilizes only a single anchoring strap <NUM>. Many of the components of the article of footwear <NUM> are the same as those of the article of footwear <NUM>, and are referred to with like reference numbers. The footwear <NUM> has an upper <NUM> with a base layer <NUM>, which may comprise a textile or other material. The base layer <NUM> extends to the rear of the heel region <NUM>, as there is no heel foxing as on the footwear <NUM>. The footwear <NUM> includes a tongue <NUM>, and the single anchoring strap <NUM>, with the tongue <NUM> shown in a use position and the strap <NUM> shown crossing over the tongue <NUM> and secured at the base layer <NUM>. The strap <NUM> crosses over the medial edge <NUM> and the lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> and rests against the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> with the tongue in the use position, as best shown in the top view of <FIG>. The tongue <NUM> extends over the throat opening <NUM> of <FIG> and rests on the exterior <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> at both the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>, as the medial edge <NUM> and the lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> extend further outward than the respective edges 34B, 34C.

More specifically, the strap <NUM> crosses over the exterior <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> from an anchored end <NUM> (also referred to as a fixed end) of the strap <NUM> fixed at the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> in <FIG> to a securing end <NUM> (also referred to as a free end) shown selectively secured at the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> in <FIG>. In an alternative arrangement, the strap <NUM> and upper <NUM> could be configured with the fixed end at the lateral side <NUM> and the selectively securable free end at the medial side <NUM>.

Similar to the strap 16A, the first fastener <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) is fixed at an inner side of the securing end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>. A second fastener <NUM> is fixed at the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, for example. The first fastener <NUM> is constructed to releasably secure to the second fastener <NUM>. For example, the first fastener <NUM> includes the plurality of hooks <NUM> (see <FIG>), and the second fastener <NUM> includes a plurality of loops <NUM> (see <FIG>). As discussed with respect to the article of footwear <NUM>, the first fastener <NUM> could instead be loop material (e.g., a plurality of loops) and the second fastener <NUM> could instead be a plurality of hooks (hook material). In another alternative, both the first fastener <NUM> and the second fastener <NUM> could include a plurality of loops and a plurality of hooks such that the first fastener <NUM> is releasably securable to the second fastener <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes a medial-side quarter overlay 537A (see <FIG>) and a lateral-side quarter overlay 537B (see <FIG>). The quarter overlays 537A, 537B may also be referred to as foxing overlays, and are stitched to the base layer <NUM> and secured to the sole structure <NUM>. The fixed end <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is stitched to the medial-side quarter overlay 537A and may extend under the quarter overlay 537A to the sole structure <NUM>, at a terminal edge 516A of the strap <NUM> shown in <FIG> (covered by the medial-side quarter overlay 537A in <FIG>).

The second fastener <NUM> is fixed to the lateral-side quarter overlay 537B, such as by stitching <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) a fixed end 536A of the second fastener <NUM> to the lateral-side quarter overlay 537B as discussed in greater detail with respect to <FIG>. The quarter overlays 537A, 537B may be a relatively inextensible material, such as leather, which may be a synthetic leather, or other synthetic material such that they provide a stable anchor for the strap <NUM> and for the second fastener <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, the strap <NUM> includes an outer layer 59A establishing an outer side <NUM> of the strap <NUM>, and an inner layer 60A establishing an inner side <NUM> of the strap <NUM>, similar to the strap 16A. A foam layer <NUM> is disposed between the inner layer 60A and the outer layer 59A, a substrate layer <NUM> is disposed at an inner side of the foam layer <NUM>, and the inner layer 60A is disposed at an inner side of the substrate layer. The inner layer 60A, the foam layer <NUM>, the outer layer 59A, and the substrate layer <NUM> may be secured to one another, such as by thermal bonding or with adhesive, with a ridge <NUM> like that of the strap 16A defined in the outer layer 59A.

The fastener <NUM> is secured to a layer <NUM> that may be the same material as the inner layer 60A (e.g., leather) by stitching, adhesive, or otherwise. Another connecting layer <NUM> overlays adjacent portions of the outer sides of the layers 59A and <NUM>. The layers <NUM>, <NUM>, and 59A are stitched to one another with stitching <NUM>. The layer <NUM> establishes the securing end <NUM> of the strap <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second fastener <NUM> has a fixed end 536A fixed at the base layer <NUM> by the stitching <NUM>. The second fastener <NUM> also has a free end 536B opposite from the fixed end 536A that is not fixed relative to the base layer <NUM>. Stated differently, the free end 536B can be manipulated away from the base layer <NUM> by pulling the free end 536B outward, for example.

<FIG> shows a substrate layer <NUM> and a skin layer <NUM>, such as a leather skin layer, added to provide stiffness and structure to the second fastener <NUM>, preventing the free end 536B from flopping outward or folding. The substrate layer <NUM> may be adhered to the backing 536C of the second fastener <NUM> and to the skin layer <NUM>, or otherwise secured thereto. A substrate layer <NUM> is also added at the underside of the quarter overlay 537B and may be stitched or otherwise secured thereto. The stitching <NUM> extends through the quarter overlay 537B, the substrate <NUM>, as well as the rear edge of the outer layer <NUM> and a front edge of the outer layer <NUM> (not visible but under the reinforcing skin <NUM> in <FIG>). The reinforcing skin <NUM> extends further than the edges of the outer layer <NUM>, onto and overlaying a portion of the outer side of the inner layer <NUM>, but terminates prior to (e.g., does not extend to) the outer perimeter <NUM> of the inner layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The strip of reinforcing skin <NUM> is thus disposed along and over an outer perimeter of the outer layer <NUM> and onto an outer side of the inner layer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner layer <NUM> extends further forward than the reinforcing skin <NUM>, and further forward than the outer layer <NUM> and thus defines the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. Similar to tongue <NUM>, the forward end <NUM> is disposed forward of the forwardmost end 34A of the throat opening <NUM>, such as at location 80A in <FIG>. The first series of stitches <NUM> in <FIG> extends only through the relatively thin inner layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> to secure the tongue <NUM> to the base layer <NUM>. The cover skin <NUM> is then disposed over the stitches <NUM> and stitched to the inner layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> with the second series of stitches <NUM>, similar to the process described with respect to tongue <NUM>.

The reinforcing skin <NUM> serves the stiffening function of the edge binding <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> tends to bend or fold at the relatively thin inner layer <NUM> when pivoting near the forward end <NUM> rather than more rearward where the reinforcing skin <NUM> is disposed. The reinforcing skin <NUM> thus helps to control the location of pivoting of the tongue <NUM> to near the forward end <NUM>, which results in the greatest exposure of the throat opening <NUM> for access when donning the footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> includes a heel band <NUM> that is fixed at the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> and at the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> and extends along the exterior of a rear of the upper <NUM> from the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. More specifically, the heel band <NUM> is stitched at the lateral side <NUM> to the lateral-side quarter overlay 537B with stitches <NUM> (see <FIG>), and stitched at the medial side <NUM> to the medial-side quarter overlay 537A with stitches <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The heel band <NUM> serves the function of maintaining the heel region <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> against the foot. Like the strap <NUM>, the heel band <NUM> may be an inextensible material, such as leather. Alternatively, the heel band <NUM> may be <NUM>, as well as the rear edge of the outer layer <NUM> and a front edge of the outer layer <NUM> (not visible but under the reinforcing skin <NUM> in <FIG>). The reinforcing skin <NUM> extends further than the edges of the outer layer <NUM>, onto and overlaying a portion of the outer side of the inner layer <NUM>, but terminates prior to (e.g., does not extend to) the outer perimeter <NUM> of the inner layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The strip of reinforcing skin <NUM> is thus disposed along and over an outer perimeter of the outer layer <NUM> and onto an outer side of the inner layer <NUM>.

The reinforcing skin <NUM> serves the stiffening function of the edge binding <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> may tend to bend or fold at the relatively thin inner layer <NUM> when pivoting near the forward end <NUM> rather than more rearward where the reinforcing skin <NUM> is disposed. The reinforcing skin <NUM> thus helps to control the location of pivoting of the tongue <NUM> to near the forward end <NUM>, which results in the greatest exposure of the throat opening <NUM> for access when donning the footwear <NUM>.

The heel band <NUM> serves the function of maintaining the heel region <NUM> of the base layer <NUM> against the foot. Like the strap <NUM>, the heel band <NUM> may be an inextensible material, such as leather. Alternatively, the heel band <NUM> may be elastic in some embodiments. As shown in <FIG>, the heel band <NUM> includes an outer layer <NUM>, a thin foam layer <NUM> secured to the inner side of the outer layer <NUM>, and a skin layer <NUM>, such as a leather material, secured at the inner side of the foam layer <NUM>.

Webbing <NUM> is stitched to the base layer <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> below the heel band <NUM> at stitches <NUM> and to the reinforcing skin <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> above the heel band <NUM> at stitches <NUM>, but leaving a portion of the webbing <NUM> between the stitches <NUM>, <NUM> unstitched, creating an opening through which the heel band <NUM> extends under the webbing <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The webbing <NUM> is then doubled over to create a loop serving as a heel pull 530A, and may be box stitched or otherwise secured to itself at the location <NUM> to complete and close the loop.

Foam <NUM> is shown disposed between the inner layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> establishing a portion of a heel collar <NUM>. <FIG> shows the heel collar <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. Stitching <NUM> extends through the inner layer <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> above the foam <NUM>, and may also extend through the reinforcing skin <NUM>, or the reinforcing skin <NUM> may be otherwise secured over the upper edge of the base layer <NUM> as described. The fixed end of the strap <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>), is added in <FIG> where it is stitched to the medial-side quarter layer 537A with stitching <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an article of footwear <NUM> configured for a right foot and having many of the same components as footwear <NUM>, which are indicated with like reference numbers. An upper <NUM> includes a fixed forefoot strap <NUM> extending over a tongue <NUM> shown with only a layer <NUM> serving as the outer layer that includes the forward end <NUM>. Additionally, the tongue <NUM> is depicted as a unitary component rather than two portions secured at a center seam. No tongue pull is included on the tongue <NUM>, but the tongue pull 120A could be included. The fixed forefoot strap <NUM> is fixed at both the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> to the sole structure <NUM> with stitching. The fixed forefoot strap <NUM> limits the pivoting of the tongue <NUM> to an access position shown in <FIG>. The access position of <FIG> shows the tongue <NUM> pivoting and bending at the fixed strap <NUM> rather than at the forward end <NUM>. The fixed strap <NUM> provides a secure fit of the tongue <NUM> over the forward portions of the foot. The fixed strap <NUM> may be relatively inextensible material, and may be constructed of multiple layers similar to the strap <NUM>, in some embodiments, or may be single layer of an elastic material in other embodiments.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an article of footwear <NUM> configured for a right foot and having many of the same components previously discussed. An upper <NUM> is shown with the tongue <NUM> in an access position, and the strap <NUM> unsecured. A tongue pull <NUM> is added and is secured near the rear end of the tongue <NUM> but without any webbing forming the loop of the tongue pull <NUM> extending down the length of the center portion of the tongue <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an article of footwear <NUM> configured for a left foot and having many of the same components previously discussed. An upper <NUM> has a reinforcing skin <NUM> with a circular shape stitched or otherwise secured over the ends of the webbing forming the tongue pull <NUM> to secure the tongue pull <NUM> to the outer layer <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>. A strap <NUM> is similar to strap <NUM> except the fixed end is secured further forward than strap <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>. For example, the strap <NUM> may be secured to the sole structure <NUM> rather than to quarter foxing at the medial side. Securing the fixed end further forward causes the strap <NUM> to angle rearward more from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> than strap <NUM> when a securing end <NUM> (having the fastener <NUM> at the inner side of the strap <NUM>, not shown in <FIG>) is secured to the second fastener <NUM>.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of an article of footwear <NUM> configured for a left foot and having the components of the article of footwear <NUM>, except that the sole structure <NUM> is replaced with sole structure <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> includes a forward sole portion 918A comprised of a first foam and a rear sole portion 918B comprised of a second foam different than the first foam. For example, the first foam and the second foam may have different material characteristics, such as different stiffnesses, different densities, or other different characteristics. For example, the rear sole portion 918B may be less stiff than the forward sole portion 918A to provide greater resiliency for heel impacts.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of an article of footwear <NUM> alike in all aspects to the article of footwear <NUM>, except with respect to the strap <NUM> and webbing <NUM> as discussed. The strap <NUM> included in the upper <NUM> does not have the connecting layer <NUM>, and the outer side <NUM> of the strap <NUM> is instead connected directly to the layer <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> may be configured for smaller sizes than footwear <NUM>, such that the strap <NUM> may be of a lesser length. For example, the footwear <NUM> may be in a size typical of preschool children, while the article of footwear <NUM> may be in a size typical for a toddler.

Additionally, the webbing <NUM> on the tongue <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> extends forward onto the base layer <NUM>, forward of the tongue <NUM>, at a portion 120D of the webbing <NUM>, with a portion 120E bridging over and above the area of the forward end <NUM> and the skin <NUM> so as not to inhibit pivoting of the tongue <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of a sole structure <NUM> for any of the articles of footwear of <FIG>, showing a foot-facing surface <NUM>. <FIG> is a bottom view of the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG>, showing a ground-engaging surface <NUM> having lateral grooves <NUM>, <NUM> of different widths and depths (only some of which are indicated with reference numbers), and longitudinal grooves <NUM> of different lengths. <FIG> is a front view of the sole structure <NUM> showing a forward end <NUM>, and <FIG> is a rear view of the sole structure <NUM> showing a rear end <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> taken at lines <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>, illustrating the different depths of the lateral grooves <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> is a view of the lateral side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> showing the grooves <NUM>, <NUM> wrapping partially up a lateral side wall <NUM>. <FIG> is view of the medial side <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> showing the grooves <NUM>, <NUM>, wrapping partially up a medial side wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of another alternative sole structure <NUM> for any of the articles of footwear of <FIG>. The sole structure <NUM> has lateral grooves <NUM> and a longitudinal groove <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> has a main body portion 1218A that extends in each of the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. The main body portion 1218A may serve as both a midsole and an outsole. Various outsole portions with different tread elements are secured to the main body portion 1218A. For example, a forefoot outsole portion 1218B with square tread elements is in the forefoot region <NUM>. A ball outsole portion 1218C is generally circular and is disposed at an area of the forefoot region <NUM> that generally is disposed under the ball of the foot of a wearer. The ball outsole portion 1218C has arced tread elements that together establish a circular tread pattern. A first heel outsole portion 1218D has tread elements of a variety of shapes (circles, zig zags, lines, etc.) in an irregular pattern. A second heel outsole portion 1218E has tread elements in a zig-zag tread pattern. The various outsole portions 1218B, 1218C, 1218D, and 1218D with their different tread elements serve both the functional purpose of providing desired traction levels at the different regions of the sole structure <NUM> and may also provide aesthetic variety. The outsole portions 1218B, 1218C, 1218D, and 1218E may comprise a material configured for durability and traction, such as rubber.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of an article of footwear <NUM> having many of the same components of the article of footwear <NUM>, referred to with like reference numbers. <FIG> is a medial side view of the article of footwear <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> includes the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The article of footwear <NUM> also includes an upper <NUM> with a base layer <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is secured to the base layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and is pivotable at the forward end <NUM> between access and use positions. Additionally, the upper <NUM> includes the first anchoring strap 16A and the second anchoring strap 16B configured as described with respect to the article of footwear <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the footwear upper <NUM> includes heel foxing <NUM>. The heel foxing <NUM> is secured to the base layer <NUM> and defines a rear of the footwear upper <NUM>. The heel foxing <NUM> is similar to the heel foxing <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> in that the heel foxing <NUM> includes a plurality of loops <NUM> that serve as the second fastener to which the plurality of hooks <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> on the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16B secure, and also includes a plurality of loops <NUM> that serve as the second fastener to which the plurality of hooks of the fastener <NUM> on the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16A secure. However, the plurality of loops <NUM> are limited to just a portion of the lateral side <NUM> of the heel foxing <NUM> (indicated as plurality of loops 70A in <FIG>) and to just a portion of the medial side <NUM> of the heel foxing <NUM> (indicated as plurality of loops 70B in <FIG>) instead of covering the entire exterior of the heel foxing <NUM> as the loops <NUM> cover the entire exterior of the heel foxing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the portion of the heel foxing <NUM> that has the plurality of loops 70A serving as the second fastener for the anchoring strap 16A is configured so that the loops <NUM> form a lower edge 1336A and an upper edge 1336B, with the edges 1336A, 1336B being linear. The lower edge 1336A is hidden by the anchoring strap 16A in <FIG> but follows the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16A and is indicated with hidden lines. The lower edge 1336A is configured like lower edge 36B in <FIG>. The edges 1336A and 1336B angle upward and forward so that an upper edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16A is aligned with the upper edge 1336B, and the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16A is aligned with the lower edge 1336A when the anchoring strap 16A is in the secured position. The upward and forward angles of the edges 1336A, 1336B are thus selected so that the edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the strap 16A can be aligned with the edges 1336A, 1336B when securing the anchoring strap 16A, and the alignment places the strap 16A in a snug and untwisted position against the lateral side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

Similarly, as shown in <FIG>, the portion of the heel foxing <NUM> that has the plurality of loops 70B serving as the second fastener for the anchoring strap 16B is configured so that the loops <NUM> form a lower edge 1336C and an upper edge 1336D, with the edges 1336C, 1336D being linear. The lower edge 1336C is hidden by the anchoring strap 16B in <FIG> but follows the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16B and is indicated with hidden lines. The lower edge 1336C is configured like lower edge 36A in <FIG>. The edges 1336C and 1336D angle upward and forward so that an upper edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16B is aligned with the upper edge 1336D, and the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16B is aligned with the lower edge 1336C when the anchoring strap 16B is in the secured position. The upward and forward angles of the edges 1336C, 1336D are thus selected so that the edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the strap 16B can be aligned with the edges 1336C, 1336D when securing the anchoring strap 16B, and the alignment places the strap 16B in a snug and untwisted position against the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a lateral side view of an article of footwear <NUM> having many of the same components of the article of footwear <NUM>, referred to with like reference numbers. The article of footwear <NUM> includes the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG>. The article of footwear <NUM> also includes an upper <NUM> with a base layer <NUM>, the tongue <NUM> secured to the base layer <NUM> at the forward end <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>, and pivotable at the forward end <NUM> between access and use positions.

The upper <NUM> includes a single anchoring strap 1416B, and an auxiliary strap <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is shown in the use position, and the anchoring strap 1416B is shown in a secured position extending over the tongue <NUM> from the fixed end <NUM> (also referred to as the anchored end) of the anchoring strap 1416B at the lateral side <NUM> to the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B, which is secured at the medial side <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The fastener <NUM> (shown in detail in <FIG>) is fixed at an inner side of the securing end <NUM> of the strap 1416B, as described with respect to strap 16A herein.

The auxiliary strap <NUM> has a first fixed end <NUM> and a second fixed end <NUM>. The first fixed end <NUM> is spaced apart from the fixed end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B on the same side of the upper <NUM> as the fixed end <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the fixed ends <NUM>, <NUM> are on the lateral side <NUM>, and the anchoring strap 1416B crosses over the tongue <NUM> and secures at the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In an alternative embodiment, the fixed ends <NUM>, <NUM> could instead be on the medial side <NUM>, and the anchoring strap 1416B could cross over the tongue <NUM> and secure at the lateral side <NUM>.

The second fixed end <NUM> of the auxiliary strap <NUM> is secured to an inner side of the anchoring strap 1416B between the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 16B and the fixed end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B. The auxiliary strap <NUM> extends under the anchoring strap 1416B, as is evident in <FIG>, and the second fixed end <NUM> is hidden under the anchoring strap 1416B when the anchoring strap 1416B is in the secured position. Accordingly, the second fixed end <NUM> is indicated with hidden lines in <FIG>. A portion of the auxiliary strap <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows that the anchoring strap 1416B includes a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM>, and a gore <NUM> that connects the first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM>. The first section <NUM> includes the fixed end <NUM>. The second section <NUM> includes the securing end <NUM>. The first section <NUM> and the second section <NUM> may be configured as described with respect to straps 16A, 16AA, and 16B, with the gore <NUM> added where indicated. The gore <NUM> may be referred to as an elastic gore and is stitched at its opposing ends to the first section <NUM> and to the second section <NUM>. A skin 1425A overlays the stitching securing the gore <NUM> to the first section <NUM>, which may be the same stitching that stitches the end <NUM> of the auxiliary strap <NUM> to the first section <NUM>. Similarly, a skin 1425B overlays the stitching securing the gore <NUM> to the second section <NUM>/.

<FIG> indicates that the auxiliary strap extends across the lateral edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> when the anchoring strap 1416B is in the secured position. In the embodiment shown, the fixed end <NUM> is disposed over the exterior of the tongue <NUM>, but does not extend over the medial edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM> when the anchoring strap 1416B is in the secured position. However, the auxiliary strap <NUM> could be made longer in another embodiment so that the fixed end <NUM> is closer to the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B, in which case the auxiliary strap <NUM> would also cross over the medial edge <NUM> of the tongue <NUM>.

When donning their footwear, young children may sit cross-legged, or may tend to crouch down and splay their feet outward. Additionally, it is easier for young children to pull toward the midline of their body than away from their body. In light of this, the anchoring strap 1416B and the auxiliary strap <NUM> are configured so that the fixed ends <NUM>, <NUM> are on the lateral side <NUM> and the securing end <NUM> is on the medial side <NUM> in the secured position of the anchoring strap 1416B, which may make it easier for young children to secure and release the anchoring strap 1416B than if the securing end <NUM> were secured at the lateral side <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the footwear upper <NUM> includes heel foxing <NUM>. The heel foxing <NUM> is secured to the base layer <NUM> and defines a rear of the footwear upper <NUM>. The heel foxing <NUM> is similar to the heel foxing <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> in that the heel foxing <NUM> includes a plurality of loops <NUM> that serve as the second fastener to which the plurality of hooks <NUM> of the fastener <NUM> on the securing end <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B secure. However, the plurality of loops <NUM> are limited to just a portion of the medial side <NUM> of the heel foxing <NUM> instead of covering the entire heel foxing <NUM> as the loops <NUM> cover the entire heel foxing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the portion of the heel foxing <NUM> that has the plurality of loops <NUM> serving as the second fastener is configured so that the loops <NUM> form a lower edge 1436A and an upper edge 1436B, with the edges 1436A, 1436B being linear. The lower edge 1436A is hidden by the anchoring strap 1416B in <FIG> but follows the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B and is indicated with hidden lines. The lower edge 1436A is like lower edge 1336C and lower edge 36A described herein. The edges 1436A and 1436B angle upward and forward so that an upper edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B is aligned with the upper edge 1436B, and the lower edge <NUM> of the anchoring strap 1416B is aligned with the lower edge 1436A when the anchoring strap 1416B is in the secured position. The upward and forward angles of the edges 1436A, 1436B are thus selected so that the edges <NUM>, <NUM> of the strap 16B can be aligned with the edges 1436A, 1436B when securing the anchoring strap 1416B, and the alignment places the strap 1416B in a snug and untwisted position against the medial side <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>.

The term "longitudinal" particularly refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to particularly refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to particularly refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term "transverse" particularly refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" particularly refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term "upward" or "upwards" particularly refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" particularly refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>) comprising:
a footwear upper (<NUM>) including:
a base layer (<NUM>) defining a throat opening (<NUM>);
a tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) having a forward end (<NUM>) fixed to the base layer (<NUM>) forward of the throat opening (<NUM>);
a strap (16A, 16B; 316A; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1416B; <NUM>) having an anchored end (<NUM>, <NUM>) fixed at the base layer (<NUM>) and a securing end (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) selectively securable at the base layer (<NUM>);
wherein the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is pivotable about the forward end (<NUM>) between an access position and a use position, is configured to extend over and cover the throat opening (<NUM>) in the use position, and is configured to rest against an exterior of the base layer (<NUM>) at a medial side (<NUM>) of the base layer (<NUM>) and at a lateral side (<NUM>) of the base layer (<NUM>) in the use position;
wherein the strap (16A, 16B; 316A; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1416B; <NUM>) crosses over an exterior of the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) with the securing end (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>) secured at the base layer (<NUM>) and the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) in the use position;
wherein the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is fixed to the base layer (<NUM>) only at the forward end (<NUM>) of the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and forward of a forwardmost-edge (34A) of the throat opening (<NUM>); and
characterized in that
the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) includes:
an outer layer (<NUM>);
an inner layer (<NUM>) that extends further forward than the outer layer (<NUM>) and includes the forward end (<NUM>) of the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); and
a strip of reinforcing skin (<NUM>) disposed along and over an outer perimeter of the outer layer (<NUM>) and onto an outer side of the inner layer (<NUM>); and
the inner layer (<NUM>) extends further forward than the reinforcing skin (<NUM>) so that the tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to tend to bend or fold at the inner layer (<NUM>) when pivoting near the forward end (<NUM>) rather than more rearward where the reinforcing skin (<NUM>) is disposed.