阅读说明：本技术 具有包裹闭合系统和/或足部包裹固定系带的鞋类制品 (Article of footwear with wrap closure system and/or foot wrap securing strap ) 是由 格拉尔德·沙利文 于 2018-11-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：鞋类制品(200、300)可包括由一个或多个鞋面部分(例如,302A、302B)形成的鞋面(202),其中至少一个鞋面部分限定所述鞋面(202)的脚踝包含部分(210),并且至少一个鞋面部分(相同的鞋面部分或不同的鞋面部分)限定所述鞋面(200)的脚背包含部分(220)。所述鞋面(202)的足插入开口(206)(其可以包括闭合系统(230))可以按以下方式延伸：(i)从所述鞋面(202)的所述脚踝包含部分(210)的第一侧(210AL),(ii)围绕所述鞋面(202)的后足跟或脚踝区域(210AR),(iii)沿着所述鞋面(202)的所述脚踝包含部分(210)的第二侧(210AM),(iv)跨过所述鞋面(202)的所述脚背包含部分(220),并且(v)到达所述鞋面(202)的所述脚背包含部分(220)的第一侧(220IL)。所述闭合系统(230)可以包括轨道(230T)(例如,拉链轨道)和滑动件(230S),所述滑动件(230S)可沿着所述轨道(230T)移动,以使所述闭合系统(230)/足插入开口(206)在打开配置(足插入配置或足移除配置)和关闭配置(足接合配置)之间改变。可以设置一个或多个附加的系带(例如,脚踝系带(240)、一个或多个内部靴系带(320A、320B)等)、紧固件(240E、240S)和/或锁件(330),以将所述鞋面(202)/鞋类(200、300)与穿着者的脚接合。(An article of footwear (200, 300) may include an upper (202) formed from one or more upper portions (e.g., 302A, 302B), wherein at least one upper portion defines an ankle-containing portion (210) of the upper (202), and at least one upper portion (the same upper portion or a different upper portion) defines an instep-containing portion (220) of the upper (200) a foot insertion opening (206) (which may include a closure system (230)) of the upper (202) may be extended (I) from a first side (210A L) of the ankle-containing portion (210) of the upper (202), (ii) around a heel or rear heel area (210AR) of the upper (202), (iii) along a second side (210AM) of the ankle-containing portion (210) of the upper (202), (iv) across the instep-containing portion (220) of the upper (202), and (v) to a first side (220I L) of the instep-containing portion (220) of the upper (202), and (v) may be configured to move the upper (202) across the instep-containing portion (220) to engage the foot-containing portion (230) with the foot-engaging system (230) or the foot-engaging system (230) to change the configuration of the one or more of the foot-engaging system (230) between closing system (230) and the foot-inserting configuration, E, e.g., the foot-inserting the foot-closing system (230) and the foot-inserting system (230) may change the one or the foot-inserting system (230) to change the foot-inserting the foot-E, or the foot-E, the foot-E, or the foot-E.)

1. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper formed from one or more upper portions, wherein at least one upper portion defines an ankle-containing portion of the upper and at least one upper portion defines an instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a closure system engaged with the upper, wherein the closure system comprises:

(a) a track extending from a first end located at a first side of the ankle-containing portion to a second end located at the instep-containing portion, wherein the track extends around a rear ankle region of the ankle-containing portion, along a second side of the ankle-containing portion, to the instep-containing portion of the upper; and

(b) a slider engaged with the track, wherein the slider is movable along the track to change the closure system between an open state and a closed state.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the slider; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to the upper at the second side of the ankle-containing portion when the closure system is in the closed state.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the ankle strap extends from the first side of the ankle-containing portion to the second side of the ankle-containing portion when the closure system is in the closed state.

4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein a portion of the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion is located less than 1 inch (2.54cm) from at least a portion of the fastener.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the fastener is located between the track and a top of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

6. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the ankle strap extends across the instep-containing portion.

7. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein a rearmost ankle portion of the track is located less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm) from a rearmost top point of the upper when the article of footwear is positioned on a horizontal support surface.

8. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first end of the track is located a distance of less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm) from a top of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

9. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein a portion of the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion is located a distance of less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm) from a top of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

10. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second end portion of the track is located on a first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper, and the track extends across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper.

11. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the track comprises a zipper track and the slider comprises a zipper slider.

12. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the upper includes an outer component and an inner component, wherein the closure system is engaged with the outer component, and wherein the inner component includes a foot-receiving boot.

13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the interior component further comprises at least one strap engaged with the foot-receiving boot, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a securing system adapted to releasably secure the at least one strap in tension.

14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the interior component comprises: (a) a first strap section extending from a first side of a heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to a second side of the foot-receiving boot forward of a foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot; and (b) a second strap section extending from a second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to the first side of the foot-receiving boot forward of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the first strap section intersects the second strap section forward of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot.

16. The article of footwear of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first strap section extends along the first side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location interior to the exterior component of the upper, wherein the second strap section extends along the second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location interior to the exterior component of the upper, wherein the first strap section extends to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at a first rear heel region of the upper, and wherein the second strap section extends to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at the first rear heel region of the upper or at a second rear heel region of the upper.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, further comprising a latch located at a rear heel region of the outer component of the upper, wherein the first and second lace segments engage the latch and are releasably retained by the latch when the first or second lace segments are in tension.

18. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, further comprising:

at least one lace engaged with the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the upper or sole structure of the article of footwear and releasably retaining the at least one lace in tension.

19. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, further comprising:

a first lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the first lace section;

a second lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the second lace section; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

20. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the instep-containing portion of the upper includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the article of footwear further includes:

a first lace section that extends from a first side of a heel-containing region of the upper to the second side of the instep-containing portion of the upper;

a second strap section extending from a second side of the heel-containing region of the upper to the first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

21. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the instep-containing portion of the upper includes a first side and a second side, and wherein the article of footwear further includes:

a first lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the first lace section, wherein the first lace section extends from a first side of a heel-containing region of the upper to the second side of the instep-containing portion of the upper;

a second strap section extending between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the second strap section, wherein the second strap section extends from a second side of the heel-containing region of the upper to the first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

22. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the first strap section intersects the second strap section forward of a foot-receiving opening of the upper.

23. The article of footwear according to claim 18, wherein the securing system is located at a rear heel region of the upper.

24. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first side of the ankle-containing portion and a first side of the instep-containing portion are located on an outward-facing side of the upper.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More particularly, aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear having a closure system that at least partially wraps a wearer's foot and/or includes a securing strap that at least partially wraps a wearer's foot.

Term/general information

First, some general terms and information are provided that will aid in understanding the various portions of this specification and the invention described herein. As mentioned above, the present invention relates to the field of footwear. "footwear" means any type of apparel for the foot, which term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, athletic shoes, sandals, slippers, flip-flops, slippers, sleeping shoes, sandals, athletic shoes (e.g., running shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross-training shoes, etc.), and the like.

FIG. 1 also provides information that may be used to explain and understand the description and/or aspects of the present invention. More specifically, fig. 1 provides an illustration of a footwear component 100, which in this illustrated example constitutes a portion of a sole structure of an article of footwear. The same general definitions and terms described below may apply generally to footwear and/or other footwear components or portions thereof, such as an upper, a midsole component, an outsole component, a ground-engaging component, and the like.

First, as shown in fig. 1, unless otherwise indicated or clear from context, the terms "forward" or "forward direction" as used herein refer to an orientation or direction toward the forward-most toe ("FT") area of the footwear structure or component 100. The terms "rearward" or "rearward direction" as used herein refer to a direction or orientation toward the rearmost heel region ("RH") of footwear structure or component 100, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context. The terms "lateral" or "outward-facing side," as used herein, refer to the lateral or "little toe" side of the footwear structure or component 100, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context. The terms "medial" or "medial-lateral" as used herein refer to the medial or "big toe" side of the footwear structure or component 100, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context.

In addition, various example features and aspects of this invention may be disclosed or explained herein with reference to a "longitudinal" and/or "longitudinal direction" of footwear component 100 (e.g., a footwear sole structure, a footwear upper, or an entire article of footwear), as shown in fig. 1, a "longitudinal direction" is determined as a direction of a line extending from a rearmost heel position (RH in fig. 1) to a forwardmost toe position (FT in fig. 1) of the footwear component 100 in question (in this illustrated example, a sole structure or foot support member), a "longitudinal length" L is a length dimension measured from the rearmost heel position RH to the forwardmost toe position FT), when the component 100 (e.g., a sole structure or foot support member, optionally as part of an article of footwear or foot-receiving device in this illustrated example) is positioned in an unloaded state on a horizontal support surface S (e.g., no weight or force is applied thereto other than the sole structure or foot support member, optionally as part of a footwear or foot-receiving device), may be positioned in a non-loaded state on a horizontal support surface S (e.g., with respect to a sole structure or foot support member or foot-receiving device) if the rearmost heel position is located at a forward most toe position, and/or a forward most toe position, a forward most toe position constitutes a forward toe separation point separation of a forward toe position, or a forward most toe separation point, and/or a forward most toe separation point, a forward most toe separation point constituting a forward toe separation of a forward toe separation point, or a forward toe separation point, regardless of a forward toe separation of a forward most heel position of a forward toe separation point, or a forward toe separation point.

Once the longitudinal direction of the component or structure 100 has been determined, with the component 100 positioned in an unloaded state on the horizontal support surface S, a plane may be positioned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., into the plane of the page of fig. 1.) the positions of these vertical planes may be determined based on their position along the longitudinal length L, with the vertical plane intersecting the longitudinal direction between the rearmost heel position RH and the foremost toe position FT in this illustrated example of fig. 1, the rearmost heel position RH is considered to be the origin of measurement (or "O L position") and the foremost toe position FT is considered to be the end of the longitudinal length of the component (or "1. O L position"). a plane position may be specified based on its position along the longitudinal length L1 (between O L and 1.O L), in this example measured forward from the rearmost heel position, based on its position along longitudinal length 631, and may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the horizontal plane S or vertical plane VP 460, VP 5 may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction VP 5, VP 55, VP 5, and VP 5, or VP 5, where the horizontal, a horizontal plane may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, and vertical plane, and/5, where the horizontal plane may be oriented parallel to the horizontal plane.

Drawings

The following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like reference numerals identify the same or similar elements in all the various views in which the reference numeral appears.

FIG. 1 is provided to help illustrate and explain background and defining information for understanding certain terms and aspects of the present invention;

2A-2D provide various views of articles of footwear according to at least some embodiments of the invention, including details of various external features of such articles of footwear;

3A-3E provide various views of articles of footwear according to at least some embodiments of the invention, including details of various internal and external features of such articles of footwear;

figures 4A-4G provide various views of lace locks that may be included in articles of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention; and

fig. 5A and 5B provide various views illustrating features of a strap and an article of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention.

The reader should understand that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to various aspects of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which various aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other configurations and environments may be used, and structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described configurations and functions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Summary of the invention

While potentially usable with any type or style of footwear, aspects of the present invention are particularly beneficial for boots, athletic shoes (including basketball shoes), or other footwear (including footwear having a high-top upper).

Articles of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention may include an upper formed from one or more upper portions, where at least one upper portion defines an ankle-containing portion of the upper and at least one upper portion (the same upper portion or a different upper portion) defines an instep-containing portion of the upper. The foot insertion opening of the upper (which may include a closure system) may extend partially or continuously in the following manner: (i) from a first side of the ankle-containing portion of the upper, (ii) around a rear heel or ankle region of the upper, (iii) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the upper, and (iv) to the instep-containing portion of the upper. In some embodiments, the foot insertion opening may extend across an instep-containing portion of the upper and to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper). In other embodiments, the foot insertion opening may extend to a location in the forefoot portion of the upper at or near a central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper (e.g., not across the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper). One or more additional straps (e.g., an ankle strap, one or more internal boot straps, etc.), fasteners, and/or locking elements may be provided to engage the upper/footwear with the foot of the wearer.

Some aspects of the invention relate to an article of footwear, comprising: (a) an upper formed from one or more upper portions that are engageable with a sole structure of an article of footwear, wherein at least one upper portion defines an ankle-containing portion of the upper and at least one upper portion (the same upper portion or a different upper portion) defines an instep-containing portion of the upper; and (b) a closure system engaged with the upper. Closure systems according to at least some examples of this aspect of the invention may include: (i) a track extending from a first end (e.g., an open end) located at a first side of an ankle-containing portion of the upper to a second end (e.g., a closed end) located at an instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., at the first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper, at the second side of the instep-containing portion, at an outward side of the article of footwear, at an inward side of the article of footwear, at or on either side of a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper, etc.), wherein the track extends around a rear ankle region of the ankle-containing portion, along the second side of the ankle-containing portion, and to the instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., in some embodiments, across a central portion of the instep-containing portion located between the first side of the instep-containing portion and the second side of the instep-containing portion, across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper in some embodiments, or to a location at or near the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper in some embodiments); and (ii) a slider engaged with the track. The slider is movable along the track to change the closure system between an open state (foot insertion state or foot removal state) and a closed state (foot securing state). The track may extend across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a location forward of the foot insertion opening of the upper, or it may terminate at a forefoot portion of the upper at or near the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper. The track and slider may constitute a zip link, an interlocking pressure track structure, or other closure system that uses a movable slider to open and close along the track.

In at least some examples of this aspect of the invention, the ankle strap may be engaged with the slider member, and the ankle strap may include and/or may releasably engage a fastener. At least a portion of the fastener may be disposed on or as part of the upper, such as on a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the upper. The fastener may engage the ankle strap with the upper when the closure system is in the closed state to secure the upper about the ankle/foot of the wearer. At least a portion of the fastener may be located between the track and a top of the foot insertion opening of the upper, it may bridge the track, and/or it may be located below the track. The fastener may comprise any type of releasable securing means, such as one or more of the following: one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more buckles, one or more straps or bands, one or more magnets, and the like.

The ankle strap (when present) may extend from a first side of the ankle-containing portion (e.g., at an end of the slider track, e.g., on an outward-facing side of the article of footwear), across a front of the wearer's foot/ankle (e.g., across an instep-containing portion of the upper), and to a second side of the ankle-containing portion (e.g., on an inward-facing side of the article of footwear) when the closure system is in the closed state and the fastener for the ankle strap is engaged. At least a portion of the fastener for the ankle strap may be located on a medial side of the footwear upper.

Various example dimensional features of an upper/article of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention will now be described. At least some examples of the invention may include any one or more of the following features:

(a) at least some portion of the track at the second side (e.g., the medial side) of the ankle-containing portion may be located a distance of less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), and in some examples, less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm), less than 1 inch (2.54cm), or even less than 0.75 inches (1.91cm) from at least some portion of the fastener (e.g., from a portion of the ankle-strap fastener that the upper engages) -note dimension D1 in fig. 2A and 3B;

(b) when the article of footwear is oriented in an unloaded state on a horizontal support surface, the rearmost ankle portion of the track may be located at a distance of less than 2 inches (5.08cm) from at least some portion of the top edge of the upper (e.g., from the rearmost top point and/or top edge of the upper, from the top point or top edge of the foot insertion opening of the upper at the rearmost heel position RH of the upper, etc.), and in some examples, less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm) — note dimension D3 in fig. 2D;

(c) the first end of the track (e.g., the open end of the slider track) may be located at a distance of less than 2 inches (5.08cm), and in some examples, less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm) from at least some portion of the top of the foot insertion opening of the upper (e.g., a top point or top edge of the foot insertion opening at a location directly above the first end of the track when the article of footwear is positioned on a horizontal support surface in an unloaded state) -note dimension D4 in fig. 2B and 3A; and/or

(d) At least some portion of the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion (e.g., on the inward-facing side of the upper) may be located at a distance of less than 2.25 inches (5.72cm), less than 2 inches (5.08cm), less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm) from at least some portion of the top of the foot insertion opening of the upper (e.g., at a location directly above the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion when the article of footwear is positioned on a horizontal support surface in an unloaded state — note dimension D2 in fig. 2A and 3B.

Uppers and/or articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include an exterior component and an interior component. In such a configuration, the closure system (e.g., the track) may engage the outer component, and/or the inner component may include a foot-receiving boot (e.g., for containing the wearer's foot, either completely or partially, within the footwear upper). The interior component may also include at least one strap that engages the foot-receiving boot, and the article of footwear (e.g., upper, sole structure, etc.) may also include a latch that releasably retains the at least one strap in tension around the wearer's foot. As more specific examples, the internal components may include: (a) a first strap section extending from a first side of a heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to a second side of the foot-receiving boot forward of a foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot; and (b) a second strap section extending from a second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to the first side of the foot-receiving boot forward of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot. The first and second lace sections (which may be portions of one lace or two separate laces) may cross each other, for example, at a location forward of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot. In at least some examples of this aspect of the invention, (a) the first strap section may extend along a first side of a heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location that is interior to the exterior component of the upper, (b) the second strap section may extend along a second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location that is interior to the exterior component of the upper, (c) the first strap section may extend to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at a first rear heel region of the upper, and/or (d) the second strap section may extend to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at the first rear heel region of the upper or at a second rear heel region of the upper.

A latch according to these examples/aspects of the invention may be any type of securing system for maintaining one or more laces in tension, and the latch may be located anywhere on the article of footwear. As a more specific example, at least a portion of the lock may be located at a rear heel area of the outer member of the upper or a rear heel area of the sole structure. The first lace section and/or the second lace section can engage the latch, and the latch will releasably hold the first lace section and/or the second lace section in tension (e.g., around a foot of a wearer). As some even more specific examples, the lock may include: one or more spring-loaded support surfaces that grip the first and/or second strap sections to hold them/them in place under tension; a ratchet-type take-up spool for one or more of the lace segments; one or more clamps; one or more clips; one or more holders; and so on.

In other example articles of footwear according to at least some aspects of this invention, the articles of footwear will include at least one strap engaged with the upper and a latch having at least one portion engaged with at least one of the upper or the sole structure. A locking element, which may have any of the structures and/or features described above, will be configured and positioned to releasably secure at least one lace in tension. The at least one strap may further comprise: (a) a first lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper for at least a portion of a length of the upper (e.g., and extends from a first side of a heel-containing region of the upper to a second side of an instep-containing portion of the upper); and (b) a second strap section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper for at least a portion of the length of the upper (e.g., and from a second side of the heel-containing region of the upper to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper). The first strap section may intersect the second strap section forward of the foot-receiving opening of the upper. The locking element may include one or more portions that engage one or more of the lace segments, and in some instances, will include structure that engages the first lace segment and the second lace segment. The lock may be located at any position and/or engaged with any portion of the footwear structure (e.g., on a side of the upper and/or the sole structure, in an instep area of the upper, in a rear heel area of the upper and/or the sole structure, etc.).

Additional examples or aspects of the invention may include an article of footwear having: (a) an upper (e.g., having at least a first upper component and a second upper component in at least one embodiment); and/or (b) a first lace section that extends along the upper (e.g., between the first upper component and the second upper component) and across an instep-containing portion of the upper; and/or (c) a second lace section that extends along the upper (e.g., between the first upper component and the second upper component) and across an instep-containing portion of the upper; (d) a sole structure engaged with the upper; and/or (e) a latch engaged with at least one of the upper, the first strap section, the second strap section, or the sole structure (e.g., in a rear heel region of the article of footwear), wherein the latch releasably retains at least one of the first strap section or the second strap section in tension. The first lace segment may extend from a medial-lateral side of the article of footwear (e.g., from a medial midfoot region or a medial forefoot region of the article of footwear), across an instep region of the article of footwear, around a lateral ankle region of the article of footwear, and to a heel position where it engages the locking element. The first strap section may be secured (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc.) to the upper (e.g., to the first upper component and/or the second upper component) and/or the sole structure (and/or another footwear component) in a medial midfoot and/or a medial forefoot region (e.g., where the upper, the sole structure, and the first strap portion meet). Additionally or alternatively, the second lace segment may extend from an outward side of the article of footwear (e.g., from a lateral midfoot or lateral forefoot region of the article of footwear), across an instep region of the article of footwear, around a medial ankle region of the article of footwear, and to a heel position where it engages the locking element. The second strap section may be secured (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc.) to the upper (e.g., to the first upper component and/or the second upper component) and/or the sole structure (and/or another footwear component) in a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot region (e.g., where the upper, the sole structure, and the second strap portion meet). The article of footwear according to this aspect of the invention may have any type of upper, foot insertion opening and/or closure system, including any of the uppers, foot insertion openings and/or closure systems described above and/or in more detail below.

Articles of footwear according to additional and/or other aspects of this invention may include:

(a) a first upper component (formed of one or more portions, such as an exterior upper component);

(b) a second upper component (formed of one or more portions, such as an interior upper component and/or a foot-containing boot);

(c) a foot insertion opening (which may include a closure system) defined by the first upper component, wherein the foot insertion opening (and/or the closure system, if present) extends in the following manner: (i) from a first side of the ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, (ii) around a rear heel or ankle region of the first upper member, (iii) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, and (iv) reaching an instep-containing portion of the upper (in some embodiments: (a) the foot insertion opening and/or the closure system may extend across and to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the first upper component, (b) the foot insertion opening and/or the closure system may extend across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper; and/or (c) the foot insertion opening and/or the closure system may extend to the forefoot portion of the upper at or near a central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper (e.g., not across the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper);

(d) a first lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across (e.g., underneath) an instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

(e) a second lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across (e.g., underneath) an instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

(f) a sole structure engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component; and

(g) a latch engaged with at least one of the first upper component, the second upper component, the first lace section, the second lace section, or the sole structure, for example, at a rear heel region of any one or more of these components, wherein the latch releasably holds at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section in tension (e.g., around a foot of a wearer).

A closure system may be provided that extends along the length of the foot insertion opening, for example, including a track and, in some instances, a slider (e.g., a zipper or other slider-based closure system as described above) that engages the track, wherein movement of the slider along the track changes the closure system (and changes the foot insertion opening) between an open state and a closed state. Additionally or alternatively, the closure system (when present) may comprise one or more of the following: one or more buttons, one or more snaps, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more buckles, one or more securing straps, one or more pressure interlocking track structures (e.g., tracks that can be opened and closed without a slider, but by hand pressure or other pressure sources), one or more straps, one or more magnets, etc., all disposed at one or more locations along the length of the foot insertion opening. As another alternative or possible feature, this type of closure system may be omitted (e.g., and the foot insertion opening may be held closed by an ankle strap (e.g., of the type described above and/or described in more detail below) or other structure).

The article of footwear according to these examples/aspects of this invention may also include an ankle strap disposed as part of or engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component (e.g., an ankle strap that extends across a central longitudinal axis of the article of footwear and/or the upper and/or across an instep-containing portion of the first upper component and/or the second upper component). The ankle strap (when present) may include and/or engage a fastener that releasably (partially or fully) maintains the foot insertion opening (and/or the closure system (when present)) in a closed state.

In these examples/aspects of the invention, the first strap section may extend along a first side of the heel-containing region of the second upper component, and the second strap section may extend along a second side of the heel-containing region of the second upper component. In at least some examples of this invention, the first strap section may extend through the first upper component, e.g., at a first rear heel region of the first upper component, and/or the second strap section may extend through the first upper component, e.g., at the first rear heel region of the first upper component or at a second rear heel region of the first upper component. These lace segments can engage the lock at the rear heel area.

Although the above description refers to an "first side" of an article of footwear, upper, or other footwear component as being an outward-facing side, and a "second side" of the article of footwear, upper, or other footwear component as being an inward-facing side, at least in some example structures according to aspects of this invention, the "first side" may be an inward-facing side, and the "second side" may be an outward-facing side.

More specific examples of the structure and aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Second, detailed description of footwear and footwear Components according to examples of the invention

Fig. 2A-2D provide medial, lateral, front, and rear views, respectively, of an article of footwear 200 in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention. The exemplary article of footwear 200 is a high-top boot or basketball shoe. However, aspects of the invention may also be used in other events and/or other types of footwear for use or activities. Article of footwear 200 includes an upper 202 and a sole structure 204 engaged with upper 202. Upper 202 and sole structure 204 may be joined together in any manner, including in manners commonly known and used in the footwear art (e.g., by adhesives or cements, by stitching or sewing, by mechanical connectors, etc.). Upper 202 also defines a foot insertion opening 206 that allows a user's foot to enter the interior foot-receiving chamber of footwear 200. The foot-receiving chamber may be at least partially defined by footwear upper 202, at least partially defined by sole structure 204, and/or at least partially defined by other footwear components.

Sole structure 204 may be made from any material and/or components without departing from this invention, including conventional materials and/or conventional component/components that are known and used in the footwear art. As some more specific examples, sole structure 204 may include one or more midsole components (e.g., to provide one or more of impact attenuation, wearer comfort, etc.) and/or one or more outsole components (e.g., to provide one or more of wear-resistance, traction, ground-contacting members, etc.). The midsole component (when present) may include one or more of the following components: one or more polymer foam portions (e.g., made of polyurethane foam, ethyl vinyl acetate foam, etc.); one or more fluid-filled bladders; one or more mechanical shock absorbers; and so on. The midsole component (if any) may be engaged with the upper, e.g., directly with one or more upper components, such as strobel (strobel) members, exterior upper components, interior upper components, boot components, and the like. The outsole components (if any) can be made from conventional outsole materials, such as natural or synthetic leather, natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer materials, and the like. The outsole component (if any) may be engaged with one or more midsole components, one or more upper components, and/or with another footwear component. As another alternative feature that may be present in one or more embodiments, a single sole structure component or portion may serve as both the impact-attenuating component and the ground-contacting component of article of footwear 200 (e.g., as both a midsole component and an outsole component).

As shown in fig. 2A-2D, upper 202 of this example article of footwear 200 includes one or more upper portions that define:

(a) the ankle-containing portion 210 having a first side (e.g., lateral outward side 210A L), a second side (e.g., medial inward side 210AM), and a rear portion 210AR, and

(b) the instep includes a portion 220 having a first side (e.g., an outward facing side 220I L), a second side (e.g., an inward facing side 220IM), and a central portion 220 IC.

Upper 202 (and the portions defining ankle-containing portion 210 and/or the portions defining instep-containing portion 220) may be made from any material and/or number of components without departing from this invention, including conventional materials and/or conventional component/components known and used in the footwear art.

This example article of footwear 200 includes a closure system 230 engaged with the upper 202, and this closure system 230 is used to change the foot insertion opening 206 (and closure system 230) of the upper 202 between an open state (in which a user may insert or remove his/her foot) and a closed state (in which the upper 202 is secured to the wearer's foot). in this illustrated example, the closure system 230 includes a track 230T that extends from a first end 230A (e.g., an open end) located at a first side (e.g., an outward side) of the ankle-containing portion 210A L of the upper 202 to a second end 230B (e.g., a closed end) located at a first side (e.g., an outward side) of the instep-containing portion 220I L of the upper 202. in this manner, as shown in fig. 2A-2D, the track 230T may extend a) around a rear region 210 of the ankle-containing portion 210 of the upper 202, (B) along a second side (e.g., an inward side) of the ankle-containing portion 210 of the upper 202, (B) may extend a) around a rear region 210 of the upper 202 in a central area 210 of the ankle-containing portion 220 c of the upper 202 in a manner that the track 220 c is inserted between the heel-containing portion 220 and the heel-side of the upper 202, e.g., across the heel-containing portion 220, and the heel-containing portion 220, e.g., a longitudinal opening 220 located at a central side of the heel-c of the upper 202, or across the heel-containing portion 220, e.g., a central side of the heel-containing portion 202, and a longitudinal side of the heel-c of the heel-containing upper 202, e.g., located between the heel-containing portion 202.

In this example footwear 200 configuration, slider 230S engages track 230T. The slider 230S is movable along the track 230T to change the exemplary closure system 230 between an open state (e.g., a foot insertion state or a foot removal state) and a closed state (e.g., a foot securing state). The track 230T and slider 230S can constitute a zipper-type closure system or other slider-based closure system (e.g., an interlocking track structure with a slider, etc.). As another alternative or possible feature, the slider 230S may be omitted and the track 230T may constitute an interlocking track that may be closed by applying pressure to the interlocking track portion and opened by separation/pulling force (e.g., similar to a closed track along a resealable food storage bag). Additionally or alternatively, the closure system 230 may include one or more of the following: one or more buttons, one or more snaps, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more buckles, one or more securing straps (e.g., including an ankle strap), one or more straps, one or more magnets, etc., each disposed at one or more locations along the length of the foot insertion opening 206 and/or the length of the track 230T of the closure system 230 (e.g., from the first end 230A to the second end 230B along the track 230T).

Fig. 2A-2D also show that this example article of footwear 200 includes an ankle strap 240, e.g., ankle strap 240 extends around forefoot ankle-covering portion 210AF and/or extends across central instep-containing portion 220IC of upper 202 to help secure article of footwear 200 to the wearer's foot. In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, ankle strap 240 may be engaged with slider 230S of closure system 230. Ankle strap 240 of this example includes and/or engages with a fastener to releasably secure upper 202. As a more specific example, the fastener can include an engagement element 240E that releasably engages a securing component 240S, the securing component 240S engaging the upper 202, for example, at a second side (e.g., the medial side 210AM) of the ankle-containing portion. In this example, the ankle strap 240 is releasably engaged with the securing member 240S such that the ankle strap 240, the foot insertion opening 206, and/or the entire closure system 230 changes between an open state (in which the ankle strap 240 is disengaged from the securing member 240S, as described in more detail in connection with fig. 3A-3E) and a closed state (in which the ankle strap 240 is engaged with the securing member 240S, as shown, for example, in fig. 2A-2D). Any type of fastener may be used without departing from the invention, including one or more of the following: a combination of an engaging element 240E including an ankle strap 240 and a securing component 240S engaged with the upper 202; one or more snap fasteners; one or more buttons; one or more magic tapes; one or more buckles; one or more straps or bands; one or more magnets; and so on. In this particular illustrated example, the fastener includes a combination of a securing element 240E and a securing component 240S that mates therewith, the securing element 240E and the securing component 240S that mates therewith being structurally part of a conventional releasable snap connection.

As further shown in fig. 2A-2D, in this example footwear structure 200, ankle strap 240 extends from a first side 210a L of ankle-containing portion 210 (e.g., the lateral-outward side) of upper 202 to a second side 210AM (e.g., the medial-inward side) of ankle-containing portion 210 when foot insertion opening 206, closure system 230, and/or strap 240 are in a closed state-additional details of this ankle strap 230, its engagement with upper 202, and its transition between an open state and a closed state will be described in more detail in connection with fig. 3A-3E.

Fig. 2A-2D illustrate additional exemplary features of an article of footwear 200 and components thereof, according to at least some examples of this invention. For example, as shown in fig. 2A, a portion of track 230 at a second side 210AM (e.g., the medial side) of ankle-containing portion 210 may be located at a distance D1 of less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), and in some embodiments, less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm), less than 1 inch (2.54cm), or even less than 0.75 inches (1.91cm), from engaging element 240E (when ankle strap 240 is secured) or at least a portion of securing component 240S engaged therewith. In addition, as shown in fig. 2A-2D, the engagement element 240E and/or its corresponding securing component 240S may be located between the track 230T and a top (e.g., top edge 206E) of the foot insertion opening 206 of the upper 202. Additionally or alternatively, in at least some examples of this invention, a portion of track 230T at second side 210AM (e.g., the medial side) of ankle-containing portion 210 may be located at a distance D2 of less than 2.25 inches (5.72 centimeters), less than 2 inches (5.08cm), less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm) from the top (e.g., top edge 206E) of foot insertion opening 206 of upper 202.

As another or alternative potential dimensional feature, as shown in fig. 2D, in at least some examples of this invention, when article of footwear 200 is positioned on a horizontal base surface, the top of the rearmost ankle portion of track 230 (and/or the entire rearmost ankle portion of track 230) may be located at a distance D3 of less than 2 inches (5.08cm), and in some examples, less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm), from the rearmost top point or top edge 206E of upper 202. In some examples, distance D3 may be measured from the top of track 230T at the rearmost heel position RH of upper 202 to the rearmost top point or rearmost top edge 206E of foot insertion opening 206 of upper 202 at the rearmost heel position RH of upper 202. In accordance with at least some examples of this invention, as shown in fig. 2B, for example, when upper 202 and foot insertion opening 206 are in a closed state and footwear 200 is supported in an unloaded state on a horizontal base surface, first end 230A of track 230 (e.g., the open end of foot insertion opening 206) may be located at a distance D4 of less than 2 inches (5.08cm), and in some embodiments, less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm), less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm), or even less than 1.25 inches (3.18cm), from the top of foot insertion opening 206 of upper 202 (e.g., top edge 206E).

According to at least some examples of the invention, first end 230A of track 230 and/or foot insertion opening 206 may be located at first side 210A L of ankle-foot containing portion 210 of upper 202, e.g. between parallel planes at P-0.25L 0 and P-0.45L along longitudinal direction L of article of footwear 200 (where P-0.34L, as shown in fig. 2B), and additionally or alternatively, foot insertion opening 206 and/or track 230T may extend rearwardly from first end 230A to rearmost opening/track position PT, e.g. located between P-0L and P-0. L along longitudinal direction L of article 200, e.g. between parallel planes at P-0B 27 and P-0, e.g. 2B 2, or P-0, e.g. 2B 2, e.g. between P-0B 27 and P-0, e.g. 5, P-0B 2, P-B2, P-B, and/or P-B, and/P-B, and/c, c.

Fig. 2A-2D also show that the upper 202 of the example article of footwear 200 includes a heel support 250, the heel support 250 extending at least around a heel area of the upper 202. The heel support 250 may function, at least in part, as a conventional heel counter-type structure or other heel support structure for the article of footwear 200. In this illustrated example, the heel support 250 of the upper 202 includes a lock 330, which will be described in more detail below, e.g., in conjunction with fig. 3A-4G.

Additional or alternative potential features of articles of footwear and uppers in accordance with at least some examples of this invention will be described below in conjunction with fig. 3A-3E, including, for example, examples of articles of footwear 200 and uppers 202 of fig. 2A-2D. In addition to illustrating possible and exemplary structural features of such articles of footwear and uppers, fig. 3A-3E also illustrate articles of footwear and uppers that include the article of footwear 200, the upper 202, the closure system 230, and the lace 240 of fig. 2A-2D, which may be altered between an open state (e.g., a foot-inserting configuration or a foot-removing configuration) and a closed state (e.g., a foot-securing configuration). When the reference numbers used in fig. 3A-3E are the same as the reference numbers used in fig. 2A-2D, these reference numbers represent the same or similar components/structures (and these components/structures in fig. 2A-2D may have the same alternatives and/or features as their corresponding components described above in connection with fig. 2A-2D). A repetitive description of these same or similar components/structures will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 3A-3E, this example article of footwear 300 includes a first upper component 302A (e.g., an outer upper component) and a second upper component 302B (e.g., an inner upper component). these upper components 302A and 302B may be secured together or may be separated from one another. in this example article of footwear 300, the foot insertion opening 206 is at least partially defined by the first upper component 302A. in this particular illustrated example article of footwear 300, the foot insertion opening 206 extends in a manner that (a) includes a first side 210a L of the portion 210 from the ankle of the first upper component 302A, (B) surrounds a heel or ankle region 210AR of the first upper component 302A, (c) includes a portion 220 along a second side 210AM of the portion 210 included on the ankle of the first upper component 302A, (d) includes a portion 220 across the instep of the first upper component 302A, and (E) to a first side 220I L of the instep portion 220 of the first upper component 302A, and (E) may also include other types of footwear components such as a closure elements 230 and/or other upper elements that may be inserted into the upper component 302A or other upper component 302A.

The article of footwear 300 shown in fig. 3A-3E may also include an ankle strap 240 and/or a fastener (e.g., 240E/240S) for the ankle strap 240, such as with any of the features and/or alternatives of the components of fig. 2A-2D described above.

As shown in fig. 2A-3D, foot insertion opening 206 and/or closure system 230 may be transitionable between (a) a closed state (e.g., a foot securing state as shown in fig. 2A-2D) in which footwear 200, 300 may be secured to a wearer's foot, and (b) an open state (e.g., a foot insertion state or a foot removal state as most fully shown in fig. 3C) in which the foot may be inserted into upper 202/302A or removed from upper 202/302A. The ankle-containing portion 210 of the upper 202/302a (which may be formed of one or more portions) may constitute a "flap" of material or other flexible component that wraps around the foot/ankle of the wearer and is releasably secured around the foot/ankle of the wearer (e.g., using the closure system 230 and/or ankle strap 240).

As best seen by comparing fig. 2B and 3A, the ankle-containing portion 210 of these example uppers 202/302A includes a first end portion 310A that meets (and may overlap) with a second end portion 310B when the ankle-containing portion 210 of upper 202/302A is in a closed state. These ends 310A/310B may define an ankle-wrapping portion of the example upper 202/302 a. In the example article of footwear 200/300 shown in fig. 2A-3E, when the ankle-containing portion 210 of the upper 202/302A is in a closed state, the first ankle-wrapping end 310A overlaps the second ankle-wrapping end 310B. In some footwear structures, a fastener may be provided at one or both of first ankle-wrapping end 310A and/or second ankle-wrapping end 310B to secure these ends 310A/310B together. Such fasteners may include one or more of the following: one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more hook and loop fasteners, one or more buckles, one or more straps or ties, one or more magnetic connectors/fasteners, and the like. However, in the example shown, no fasteners are included at the two ends 310A/310B, but when in the closed configuration, the ends 310A/310B simply overlap. As shown in fig. 3A, when the ankle-covering portion 210 is positioned in the closed position (or closed) and the article of footwear 300 is supported on a horizontal support surface, the second ankle-wrapping end 310B of the ankle-containing portion 210 is vertically aligned with or vertically overlaps the first end 230A of the track 230T (and/or the end of the foot-insertion opening 206 is vertically aligned with or vertically overlaps the second ankle-wrapping end 310B). In this manner, when the foot insertion opening 206 and/or the closure system 230 (when present) are fully closed (e.g., when the slider 230S is located at the end 230A of the track 230T), the top of the ankle-covering portion 210 of the upper member 302A will fully enclose the wearer' S ankle/leg.

As another possibility, the two ends 310A/310B do not overlap, but may be in close proximity to each other or each other (the term "close proximity" as used in this particular context means that at least some portion of the first ankle-wrapping end 310A is within 1 inch (2.54cm) of at least some portion of the second ankle-wrapping end 310B). Additionally or alternatively, the degree of overlap or separation of the ends 310A/310B may depend at least in part on the circumference of the wearer's legs, the degree of elastic stretch in the top edge 206E (if any), and/or the desired tightness of the user with respect to the top edge 206E of the foot insertion opening 206 around his/her legs.

A second upper component 302B of the upper (e.g., an "interior" upper component) of this example article of footwear 300 will now be described in greater detail. As shown in fig. 3A and 3C-3E, in this illustrated example, the second upper component 302B constitutes a boot that at least partially defines an interior chamber 308 for receiving a foot of a wearer. The second upper component 302B may completely or partially define the interior chamber 308, and it may be completely or partially contained/housed within the first upper component 302A (which may constitute an exterior upper component). Access to the interior chamber 308 is provided through the foot insertion opening 306 defined by the second upper component 302B. As shown in fig. 3B, the second upper part 302B may be completely concealed when the first upper part 302A, the foot insertion opening 206, and/or the closure system 230 are in a closed state. However, if desired, certain portions of the second upper part 302B may be visible and/or exposed when the first upper part 302A, the foot insertion opening 206, and/or the closure system 230 are in a closed state.

In this particular illustrated example, as shown in figures 3D-3E (and also in the examples of figures 2A-2D), article of footwear 300 includes a first strap section 320A that extends between first upper component 302A and second upper component 302B and across a central instep-containing portion 220IC of first upper component 302A (and beneath it). article of footwear 300 also includes a second strap section 320B that extends between first upper component 302A and second upper component 302B and across a central instep-containing portion 220I L of the entire upper and medial ankle-containing portion 210 AM.. the article of footwear 300 also includes a medial strap section 320B that extends between first upper component 302A and second upper component 302B and across a central instep-containing portion 220IC of first upper component 302A and/or medial instep-containing portion 210A of the entire upper and/or medial instep-containing portion 320A, and/or medial instep-containing portion 220 c of the entire upper 302A, and/or medial instep-containing portion 320B of the article of footwear 302A, and optionally contains a strap section 320B that is releasably engaged with the medial instep-containing portion 220IC (and/or medial instep-containing portion 320B of the article of footwear 300 at a and/or medial instep-containing portion 320B, and/or medial instep-containing a medial instep-containing portion 320B, and/or medial sole-containing a-or medial sole-containing portion 320B-or medial sole-containing a-or medial sole-containing portion 320B-or medial sole-and/or medial sole-containing a-or medial sole-containing portion 320B-or medial sole-containing portion 320B-containing.

Referring to fig. 3A-4G, first strap section 320A extends along medial ankle-containing portion 210AM on an interior of first upper component 302A and an exterior of second upper component 302B, and exits from this intermediate location to reach an area exterior to first upper component 302A at a rear heel area of first upper component 302A (e.g., through opening 304M disposed at the rear heel area, such as opening 304M through heel support 250 shown in fig. 4D, 4F, and 4G.) similarly, second strap section 320B extends along lateral ankle-containing portion 210A L on the interior of first upper component 302A and the exterior of second upper component 302B, and exits from this intermediate location to reach an area exterior to first upper component 302A at the rear heel area of first upper component 302A (e.g., through opening 304L disposed at the rear heel area, such as opening 304 through heel support 250 shown in fig. 4D, 4F, and 4G 63304 a, first strap section 320A may extend through the same opening 302B in the first upper component 302A and/B as the heel-containing portion 302A, and may extend through the opening 320B in the first upper component 302A, and/or through the first strap section 320A, 3B, and/or through the opening 320B, and through the first strap section 320A opening 320B, and through the same upper component 302B (e.g).

In the illustrated example (and in the example of fig. 2A-2D), the rear heel area of first upper component 302A includes a latch 330 for engaging one or both lace sections 320A/320B. Lock 330 may be engaged with at least one of first upper component 302A, second upper component 302B, first lace section 320A, second lace section 320B, and/or sole structure 204 of the article of footwear. The latch 330 releasably holds at least one of first strap section 320A and second strap section 320B in tension, for example, about the foot of the wearer. In the example shown, lock 330 engages first lace section 320A and second lace section 320B. Lace segments 320A/320B of this example are joined together at their free ends by pull tabs 322. Pull tab 322 may be formed from a separate portion to which the free ends of lace segments 320A/320B are joined (e.g., by stitching, adhesive, mechanical connectors, etc.), and/or pull tab 322 may be formed by securing the free ends of lace segments 320A/320B together without a separate portion (e.g., joining the free ends of lace segments together by stitching, adhesive, mechanical connectors, etc.).

As shown by a comparison of fig. 4B and 4C, first lace section 320A and second lace section 320B may be tightened around the wearer's foot by pulling pull tab 322 outward. This action is illustrated by arrow 324 in fig. 4B, and it shortens the length of first lace section 320A and second lace section 320B on the interior of the upper (e.g., in the volume between first upper part 302A and second upper part 302B), thereby tightening lace section 320A/320B around the wearer's foot. This action is also shown in sequence by changing the arrangement shown in fig. 4B to the arrangement shown in fig. 4C. Once at the user's desired tension, the latch 330 (examples of which are described in more detail below) may be activated to maintain the lace portions 320A/320B in a fixed position relative to the latch 330 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4C). Lace sections 320A/320B may be tightened before or after first upper component 302A is secured around the foot of the wearer. First upper component 302A may be secured around the foot of a wearer in the following manner, for example: (a) the ankle strap 240 is secured around the wearer' S ankle/leg by sliding the slider 230S along the track 230T from the second end 230B to the first end 230A, or otherwise closing the closure system 230, and/or (B) by engaging the fastener element 240E with a mating fastener element 240S or otherwise securing the fastener.

As shown in fig. 3C-3E, in this illustrated example article of footwear 300, first lace section 320A and second lace section 320B engage an additional component, such as additional lace section 320C, and that additional component acts to loosen first lace section 320A and/or second lace section 320B from their/their tensioned state about the wearer's foot. More specifically, in this example, the loosening element (e.g., lace section 320C) forms a loop and first lace section 320A and second lace section 320B pass through the loop. The loop of loose elements (e.g., lace section 320C) is located at a central instep-covering portion of the overall upper (e.g., between first upper element 302A and second upper element 302B) and/or forward of foot insertion opening 306 of second upper element 302B, for example, as shown in fig. 3E. The release member need not constitute a lace portion. As other examples, it may constitute a pull tab, loop, hardware element, or any other type of structure that will allow a user to pull one or more of lace portions 320A and/or 320B upward and/or forward from the wearer's foot and away from the wearer's leg/ankle, thereby releasing lace portions 320A and/or 320B from tension.

The footwear 300 removal process will now be described in more detail with reference to fig. 3A-3E, for example, starting with a fixed shoe as shown in fig. 2A-2D. First, ankle strap 240 is loosened, such as by separating the ankle strap fastener (e.g., by separating ankle strap fastener element 240E from upper-based fastener component 240S). The foot insertion opening 206 of the first upper part 302A is then opened by unfolding the ankle-containing flap 210 of the first upper part 302A from around the wearer's leg. If the article of footwear 300 is so equipped, such action may entail moving the slider 230S along the track 230T from the first end 230A to the second end 230B (or otherwise disengaging any current type of closure system for the foot-receiving opening 206). Lock 330 may then be unlocked and the wearer may then pull the loosening element (e.g., lace section 320C) forward, for example, as shown by arrow 326 in fig. 3C-3E. By pulling the loosening element (lace section 320C) forward, this also pulls lace sections 320A and 320B forward and inwardly toward lace section 320A/320B exposed at the rear heel area (as indicated by arrow 328 in fig. 4C, and also as indicated by the sequence in which the arrangement shown in fig. 4C changes to that shown in fig. 4B). Once first strap section 320A and second strap section 320B are sufficiently loosened, the wearer's foot may be removed from interior chamber 308 through foot insertion opening 306 and foot insertion opening 206. Separate loosening elements (e.g., lace section 320C) may be omitted and lace sections 320A and/or 320B may be loosened by pulling them back onto the upper. The above-described steps may also occur in a different order and/or some of the steps may occur simultaneously.

Without departing from the invention, any type of latch 330 structure may be provided, in this particular illustrated example, the latch 330 includes a base 330B having one or more openings defined through the base 330B, the lace sections 320A and 320B extending through the base 330B (e.g., aligned with or as part of the openings 304L and 304M in the upper member 302A/heel support 250) the spring-loaded latch 330L may engage the base 330B in a manner such that the spring-loaded latch 330L may slide inward and outward relative to the base 330B as shown in fig. 4F when the spring 330S of the spring-loaded latch 330L is in a "relaxed" or "extended" state, at least one of the first lace section 320A and/or the second lace section 320B is "clamped" between two (or more) support surfaces 404 to maintain the lace section 320A in a "clamped" position relative to at least some portion of the latch 330 (e.g., the latch 330B) in a "clamped position with respect to at least some portion of the spring-loaded latch 330A/320A/or" tensioned "base 330B to hold the lace section 320A in a" clamped position and/or "tensioned state with respect to the upper member 320A, the" stretched condition, as shown in fig. 4F, 320B "stretched" and "stretched condition, and" stretched by the example, the spring-stretched condition of the upper member 320A, 320B and/or "stretched condition of the upper member 320B.

4D, 4E, and 4G, when spring 330S of spring-loaded lock 330L is in a "compressed" state (e.g., when a user pushes inward on opposing ends of lock 330L as indicated by arrow 402 with sufficient force to overcome the biasing force of spring 330S), at least one of first lace segment 320A and/or second lace segment 320B will no longer be "pinched" between two support surfaces 404. this "compressed" lock 330 state opens at least one of openings 304L/304M and allows lace segment 320A/320B to move relative to at least some portion of lock 330 (e.g., lock base 330B). The state of compressed lock 330 also allows lace segment 320A/320B to be tightened or loosened as desired by the user. in the "compressed" state, at least some portion of opening 304L and/or 304M is "opened" to allow lace segment 320A/320B to move relative to base lock 330B, upper component 302A, and/or heel support component 302B and/or 250 easily.

Many variations in lace segments, latch 330 structures, and/or different types of latch structures and locking mechanisms may be provided without departing from this invention. As an example, the two lace segments 320A and 320B may form portions of a single continuous lace. Additionally or alternatively, only one of lace segments 320A or 320B may engage a locking element (whether lace segment 320A/320B constitutes a portion of one lace or two separate laces), and the other lace segment may be secured relative to the footwear upper (e.g., to allow only one lace segment to be tightened or loosened, to allow one lace segment to be tightened or loosened with a locking element to tighten or loosen both lace segments (when both lace segments are part of a single continuous lace), etc.). Separate locking elements may be provided for each lace section 320A, 320B. As another example, one or more locks may be located elsewhere on the shoe 300 structure, such as at one or more of the following: the area 220IC, etc. is included on the lateral heel and/or lateral ankle side of the upper and/or sole structure, on the medial heel and/or medial ankle side of the upper and/or sole structure, on the top instep of the upper.

Other types of locks may include, for example, one or more of a ratchet-type take-up reel engaged (e.g., rotationally) with one or more of the lace segments 320A/320B, one or more clips (e.g., which prevent the lace segments from moving inwardly through the openings 304L/304M), one or more clips (e.g., which prevent the lace segments from moving inwardly through the openings 304L/304M), one or more buckles, one or more buttons, one or more snaps, one or more retaining elements, and the like.

Although foot insertion opening 206 and track 230 are described above and shown in fig. 2A-3E as extending across central instep-containing portion 220IC of upper 202 (e.g., across the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper) from the second side of the instep-containing portion (e.g., 220IM) to the first side of the instep-containing portion (e.g., 220I L), these features are not required in all embodiments of the invention, rather, in some embodiments of the invention, as shown by arrow 230B (a L T) in fig. 3C, foot insertion opening 206 and/or track 230T of upper 202 may extend (I) from a first side of the ankle-containing portion (e.g., 210a L) of upper 202, (ii) around a rear heel or ankle region (e.g., AR 210) of upper 202, (iii) along the second side of the ankle-containing portion (e.g., 210AM) of upper 202, and (iv) to reach instep-containing portion 202. in at least some embodiments of the invention, the foot insertion opening 206 and track 230 may be located at the central foot-containing portion 202, e.g., near the central longitudinal axis of foot-containing portion 202 (e.g., axy) of upper 202).

Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate another example and/or additional details of an article of footwear 500, a first upper component 502 (which may constitute an interior upper component fitted to or at least partially contained within an exterior upper component), and/or a lace portion 520A/520B according to at least some examples of this invention. When the same reference numerals are used in fig. 5A and 5B as are used in other figures, the reference numerals designate the same or similar components as described above, including any of the various alternatives, features and/or variations described above. The relative arrangement of lace portions 520A and 520B, first upper component 502, and/or these portions as described in more detail below in connection with fig. 5A and 5B may also be used in the various embodiments of the present invention described above in connection with fig. 2A-4G.

This example footwear 500 structure includes at least a first upper component 502, a second upper component 550, and a sole structure 504 engaged with at least one of the first upper component 502 and/or the second upper component 550. In this example footwear structure 500, first upper component 502 is at least partially contained within second upper component 550. In another alternative embodiment, first upper part 502 is completely contained within second upper part 550. In this illustrated example, lace portions 520A and 520B are provided as separate laces that are joined at their free ends, e.g., by pull tabs 322, e.g., in any of the manners described above for lace section 320A/320B. First lace section 520A extends from a medial side of article of footwear 500 (e.g., from a medial midfoot region or a medial forefoot region of article of footwear 500), across an instep area of article of footwear 500, inside second upper component 550 and between second upper component 550 and first upper component 502, through an opening at a lateral heel side area of second upper component 550 (to an exterior of second upper component 550), along an exterior of the lateral heel side area of second upper component 550, to lock 330 and pull tab 322. First strap section 520A may be secured (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc.) to first upper component 502 and/or sole structure 504 (and/or another footwear component) in a medial midfoot and/or medial forefoot region (e.g., where first upper component 502, sole structure 504, and first strap portion 520A meet).

Similarly, second lace section 520B extends from an outward side of article of footwear 500 (e.g., from a lateral midfoot region or a lateral forefoot region of article of footwear 500), across an instep area of article of footwear 500, inside second upper component 550 and between second upper component 550 and first upper component 502, through opening 504M at a medial heel side area of second upper component 550 (to an exterior of second upper component 550), along an exterior of the medial heel side area of second upper component 550, to lock 330 and pull tab 322. Second strap portion 520B may be secured (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, mechanical connectors, etc.) to first upper component 502 and/or sole structure 504 (and/or another footwear component) in a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot region (e.g., where upper 502, sole structure 504, and second strap portion 520B meet). The outward side of second upper component 550 may have an opening that is the same as opening 504M shown on the inward side of fig. 5A, and first lace section 520A may extend through the outward side opening to the exterior of second upper component 550, as described above. The two lace segments 520A/520B cross each other at an instep area of the article of footwear 500 (e.g., in front of and/or over any foot-receiving opening 5020 of the upper member 502).

First upper component 502 and/or second upper component 550 may be at least partially located inside another upper component (not shown in fig. 5A, but may be similar to upper component 302A), and latch 330 may engage the additional upper component. Additionally or alternatively, lock 330 may engage second upper component 550 and/or first upper component 502. In some examples, the second upper member 550 may constitute a heel support member (e.g., similar to the heel support 250 and/or heel counter) and/or may be an exterior member of the article of footwear 500 (e.g., similar to the heel counter). Alternatively, first upper component 502 may have another upper component at least partially (or even completely) contained therein.

As shown, strap sections 520A, 520B of this example include a wider forefoot and/or instep section 522 (e.g., having a width W1), a tapered section 524, and a narrower midfoot and/or heel/ankle section 526 (e.g., having a width W2). The width of tapered section 524 tapers from W1 to W2. the wider forefoot and/or instep section 522 has a longitudinal length L1, the tapered section 524 has a longitudinal length L2, and the narrower midfoot and/or heel/ankle section 526 has a longitudinal length L3. strap sections 520A, 520B may have any one or more of the following dimensional characteristics:

w1 ═ 1.2 × W2 to 3 × W2

W1 ═ 20mm to 50mm, and in some examples 30mm

W2 ═ 10mm to 25mm, and in some examples 15mm

L1-0.5 ×L 3-1.5 ×L 3

L1-0.65 ×L 3-0.9 ×L 3 ═ 0.65

L1-2 ×L 2-6 ×L 2

L1-3 ×L 2-5 ×L 2

L3-3 ×L 2-8 ×L 2

L3-4 ×L 2-6 ×L 2

L1 + L2 + L3 ═ 10 × W1 to 16 × W1

L1 + L2 + L3 ═ 20 × W2 to 32 × W2

L1 mm to 250mm, and in some examples 150mm

L2 mm to 100mm, and in some examples 40mm

L3 mm to 300mm, and in some examples 200mm

The wider forefoot and/or instep section 522 (e.g., having width W1) of strap portions 520A and/or 520B (as compared to midfoot and/or heel/ankle section 526) may provide a wider area over which force is applied to the wearer's foot as strap portions 520A, 520B tighten, thereby improving comfort of strap portions 520A/520B on the wearer's foot and directly engaging a larger portion of the wearer's foot.

Alternatively, one or both of lace segments 520A and/or 520B can have a constant width throughout its longitudinal length; one or both of lace segments 520A and/or 520B can have a continuously tapered width throughout its longitudinal length; and/or one or both of lace segments 520A and/or 520B may have one or more stepped or otherwise varying width changes over its longitudinal length.

Third, conclusion

The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments and/or features. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the features of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For the avoidance of doubt, this application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered clauses:

clause 1. an article of footwear comprising:

an upper formed from one or more upper portions, wherein at least one upper portion defines an ankle-containing portion of the upper and at least one upper portion defines an instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a closure system engaged with the upper, wherein the closure system comprises:

(i) a track extending from a first end at a first side of the ankle-containing portion to a second end at the instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., at the first side of the instep-containing portion, at a second side of the instep-containing portion, at an outward-facing side of the article of footwear, at an inward-facing side of the article of footwear, at or on either side of a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper, etc.), wherein the track extends around a rear ankle region of the ankle-containing portion, along a second side of the ankle-containing portion, and to the instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., in some embodiments, across a central portion of the instep-containing portion between the first side of the instep-containing portion and the second side of the instep-containing portion), in some embodiments, across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper, or in some embodiments, to a location at or near the central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper); and

(b) a slider engaged with the track, wherein the slider is movable along the track to change the closure system between an open state and a closed state.

Clause 2. the article of footwear of clause 1, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the slider; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to the upper at the second side of the ankle-containing portion when the closure system is in the closed state.

Clause 3. the article of footwear of clause 2, wherein the ankle strap extends from the first side of the ankle-containing portion to the second side of the ankle-containing portion when the closure system is in the closed state.

Clause 4. the article of footwear of clause 2 or 3, wherein at least some portion of the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion is located less than 1 inch (2.54cm) from at least some portion of the fastener.

Clause 5. the article of footwear of any of clauses 2-4, wherein at least some portion of the fastener is located between the track and a top of the foot insertion opening of the upper.

Clause 6. the article of footwear of any of clauses 2-5, wherein the ankle strap extends across the instep-containing portion.

Clause 7. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a rearmost ankle portion of the track is located at a distance of less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm) from at least some portion of a top edge of the upper (e.g., from a rearmost top point and/or top edge of the upper, from a top point and/or top edge of the foot insertion opening of the upper at a rearmost heel location of the upper, etc.) when the article of footwear is positioned on a horizontal support surface.

Clause 8. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the track is located a distance of less than 1.5 inches (3.81cm) from a top of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

Clause 9. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein a portion of the track at the second side of the ankle-containing portion is located a distance of less than 1.75 inches (4.45cm) from a top of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

Clause 10. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the track extends across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a location forward of a foot insertion opening of the upper.

Clause 11. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the track comprises a zipper track and the slider comprises a zipper slider.

Clause 12. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the upper includes an outer component and an inner component, wherein the closure system is engaged with the outer component, and wherein the inner component includes a foot-receiving boot.

Clause 13. the article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the interior component further comprises at least one strap engaged with the foot-receiving boot, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a securing system adapted to releasably secure the at least one strap in tension.

Clause 14. the article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the interior component comprises: (a) a first strap section extending from a first side of a heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to a second side of the foot-receiving boot forward of a foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot; and (b) a second strap section extending from a second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot to the first side of the foot-receiving boot forward of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot.

Clause 15. the article of footwear of clause 14, wherein the first lacing section intersects the second lacing section in front of the foot-receiving opening of the foot-receiving boot.

Clause 16. the article of footwear of clause 14 or 15, wherein the first strap section extends along the first side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location that is interior to the exterior component of the upper, wherein the second strap section extends along the second side of the heel-containing region of the foot-receiving boot at a location that is interior to the exterior component of the upper, wherein the first strap section extends to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at a first rear heel region of the upper, and wherein the second strap section extends to an exterior of the exterior component of the upper at the first rear heel region of the upper or at a second rear heel region of the upper.

Article of footwear according to clause 16, further comprising a latch located at a rear heel region of the outer component of the upper, wherein the first and second lace segments engage the latch and are releasably retained by the latch when the first or second lace segments are in tension.

Clause 18. the sole structure of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising:

at least one lace engaged with the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the upper or sole structure of the article of footwear and releasably retaining the at least one lace in tension.

Clause 19. the sole structure of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising:

a first lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the first lace section;

a second lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the second lace section; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

Clause 20. the sole structure of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising:

a first lace section that extends from a first side of a heel-containing region of the upper to the second side of the instep-containing portion of the upper;

a second strap section extending from a second side of the heel-containing region of the upper to the first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

Clause 21. the sole structure of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising:

a first lace section that extends between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the first lace section, wherein the first lace section extends from a first side of a heel-containing region of the upper to the second side of the instep-containing portion of the upper;

a second strap section extending between overlapping layers of the upper over at least a portion of a length of the second strap section, wherein the second strap section extends from a second side of the heel-containing region of the upper to the first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper; and

a lock engaged with at least one of the first or second lace sections and releasably retaining the at least one of the first or second lace sections in tension.

Clause 22. the article of footwear of any of clauses 19-21, wherein the first strap section intersects the second strap section forward of a foot-receiving opening of the upper.

Clause 23. the article of footwear of any of clauses 18-22, wherein the securing system is located in a rear heel region of the upper.

Clause 24. the article of footwear of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first side of the ankle-containing portion and the first side of the instep-containing portion are located on an outward-facing side of the upper.

Clause 25. an article of footwear comprising:

a first upper component;

a second upper component;

a foot insertion opening at least partially defined by the first upper component, wherein the foot insertion opening extends partially or continuously in the following manner: (a) from a first side of an ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, (b) around a rear heel or ankle region of the first upper member, (c) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, and (d) to an instep-containing portion of the first upper member (e.g., in some embodiments (i) the foot insertion opening may extend across the instep-containing portion of the first upper member and to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the first upper member (e.g., across a central longitudinal axis of the first upper member at a forefoot portion of the first upper member), (ii) the foot insertion opening may extend at or near the central longitudinal axis of the first upper member at the forefoot portion of the first upper member to a location in the forefoot portion of the first upper member (e.g., not across the central longitudinal axis of the first upper component at the forefoot portion of the first upper component);

a first lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

a second lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

a sole structure engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component; and

a latch engaged with at least one of the first upper component, the second upper component, the first lace section, the second lace section, or the sole structure, wherein the latch releasably retains at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section in tension.

Clause 26. the article of footwear of clause 25, further comprising: a track engaged with the first upper component and a slider engaged with the track, wherein movement of the slider along the track changes the foot insertion opening between an open state and a closed state.

Clause 27. the article of footwear of clause 26, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the slider; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component when the foot insertion opening is in the closed state.

Clause 28. the article of footwear of clause 27, wherein the ankle strap extends across a central longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

Clause 29. the article of footwear of clause 27 or 28, wherein at least a portion of the fastener is located between the track and an uppermost edge of an ankle opening of at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component.

Clause 30. the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-29, wherein the ankle strap extends across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component.

Clause 31. the article of footwear of clause 25, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component when the foot insertion opening is in a closed state.

Clause 32. the article of footwear of clause 31, wherein the ankle strap extends across a central longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

Clause 33. the article of footwear of clause 31 or 32, wherein the ankle strap extends across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component.

Clause 34. the article of footwear of any of clauses 25-33, wherein the first upper component comprises an exterior upper component, and wherein the second upper component is at least partially received in the exterior upper component.

Clause 35. the article of footwear of clause 34, wherein the second upper component comprises a foot-receiving boot.

Clause 36. the article of footwear of clause 34, wherein the first lace section extends along a first side of a heel-containing region of the second upper member and the second lace section extends along a second side of the heel-containing region of the second upper member.

Clause 37 the article of footwear of clause 36, wherein the first strap section extends through the first upper component at a first rear heel region of the first upper component, and wherein the second strap section extends through the first upper component at the first rear heel region of the first upper component or at a second rear heel region of the first upper component.

Clause 38 the article of footwear of any of clauses 25-37, wherein the lock engages at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section, and wherein the lock is located at a rear heel region of at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component.

Clause 39. an article of footwear comprising:

an upper formed from one or more portions;

a first lace section that extends along the upper and across an instep-containing portion of the upper;

a second lace section that extends along the upper and across the instep-containing portion of the upper;

a sole structure engaged with the upper; and

a latch engaged with at least one of the upper, the first strap section, the second strap section, or the sole structure, wherein the latch releasably retains at least one of the first strap section or the second strap section in tension.

Clause 40. the article of footwear of clause 39, further comprising a foot insertion opening at least partially defined by the upper, wherein the foot insertion opening extends in the following manner: (a) from a first side of an ankle-containing portion of the upper, (b) around a rear heel or ankle region of the upper, (c) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the upper, and (d) to an instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., in some embodiments: (i) the foot insertion opening may extend across and to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the upper (e.g., across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper); or (ii) the foot insertion opening may extend at or near a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the upper to a location in the forefoot portion of the upper (e.g., not across the central longitudinal axis of the upper at the forefoot portion of the upper).

Clause 41. the article of footwear of clause 39 or 40, further comprising: a track engaged with the upper and a slider engaged with the track, wherein movement of the slider along the track changes the foot insertion opening between an open state and a closed state.

Clause 42. the article of footwear of clause 41, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the slider; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to the upper when the foot insertion opening is in the closed state.

Clause 43. the article of footwear of clause 40, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the upper; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to the upper when the foot insertion opening is in the closed state.

Clause 44. the article of footwear of any of clauses 39-43, wherein the lock engages at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section, and wherein the lock is located at a rear heel region of the upper.

Clause 45 the article of footwear of any of claims 39-44, wherein:

the first strap section extends from a medial midfoot and/or medial forefoot region of the upper, across the instep-containing portion of the upper, around the lateral ankle region of the upper, and to a rear heel region of the upper; and/or

The second strap section extends from a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot region of the upper, across the instep-containing portion of the upper, around the medial ankle region of the upper, and to the rear heel region of the upper.

Clause 46. an article of footwear comprising:

a first upper component;

a second upper component;

a first lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

a second lace section that extends between the first upper component and the second upper component and across the instep-containing portion of the first upper component;

a sole structure engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component; and

a latch engaged with at least one of the first upper component, the second upper component, the first lace section, the second lace section, or the sole structure, wherein the latch releasably retains at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section in tension.

Clause 47. the article of footwear of clause 46, further comprising a foot insertion opening at least partially defined by the first upper component, wherein the foot insertion opening extends in the following manner: (a) from a first side of an ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, (b) around a rear heel or ankle region of the first upper member, (c) along a second side of the ankle-containing portion of the first upper member, and (d) to an instep-containing portion of the first upper member (e.g., in some embodiments (i) the foot insertion opening may extend across the instep-containing portion of the first upper member and to a first side of the instep-containing portion of the first upper member (e.g., across a central longitudinal axis of the upper at a forefoot portion of the first upper member), or (ii) the foot insertion opening may extend at or near the forefoot portion of the first upper member to a location in the forefoot portion of the first upper member (e.g., not across the central longitudinal axis of the first upper component at the forefoot portion of the first upper component).

Clause 48. the article of footwear of clause 46 or 47, further comprising: a track engaged with the first upper component and a slider engaged with the track, wherein movement of the slider along the track changes the foot insertion opening between an open state and a closed state.

Clause 49 the article of footwear of clause 48, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with the slider; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component when the foot insertion opening is in the closed state.

Clause 50. the article of footwear of clause 46, further comprising:

an ankle strap engaged with at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component; and

a fastener releasably securing the ankle strap to at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component when the foot insertion opening is in a closed state.

Clause 51. the article of footwear of any of clauses 46-50, wherein the first upper component comprises an exterior upper component, and wherein the second upper component is at least partially received in the exterior upper component.

Clause 52. the article of footwear of clause 51, wherein the second upper component comprises a foot-receiving boot.

Clause 53. the article of footwear of clause 51 or clause 52, wherein the first lace section extends along a first side of a heel-containing area of the second upper member and the second lace section extends along a second side of the heel-containing area of the second upper member.

Clause 54. the article of footwear of clause 53, wherein the first strap section extends through the first upper component at a first rear heel region of the first upper component, and wherein the second strap section extends through the first upper component at the first rear heel region of the first upper component or at a second rear heel region of the first upper component.

Article 55 the article of footwear of any of articles 46-54, wherein the lock engages at least one of the first lace section or the second lace section, and wherein the lock is located at a rear heel region of at least one of the first upper component or the second upper component.

Article of footwear according to any one of claims 46 to 55, wherein: (a) the first strap section extends from a medial midfoot and/or medial forefoot region of the article of footwear, across the instep-containing portion of the upper, around the lateral ankle region of the upper, and to a rear heel region of the upper; and/or (b) the second strap section extends from a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot region of the article of footwear, across the instep-containing portion of the upper, around the medial ankle region of the upper, and to the rear heel region of the upper.