阅读说明：本技术 具有鞋领提升器的鞋类制品 (Article of footwear with collar lifter ) 是由 W.弗拉纳根 T.P.霍普金斯 A.J.奥兰德 A.B.韦斯特 P.P.威廉姆斯二世 于 2019-12-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种鞋类制品包括鞋领提升器,该鞋领提升器使踝部鞋领从有助于穿上的降低状态返回到在穿着期间固定穿着者足部的升高状态。鞋领提升器包括杠杆臂。杠杆臂可以是可变形的并且朝向升高状态偏置。杠杆臂可以用偏置力铰接,该偏置力将该杠杆臂推动到升高状态。杠杆臂也可以具有多种横截面。杠杆臂从基部延伸,该基部可以是鞋类制品的鞋底部分。杠杆臂与基部可以是成整体的、永久相连的、可拆卸地相连的或以其他方式连接的。(An article of footwear includes a collar lifter that returns an ankle collar from a lowered condition that facilitates donning to a raised condition that secures a wearer's foot during donning. The collar lifter includes a lever arm. The lever arm may be deformable and biased towards the raised condition. The lever arm may be hinged with a biasing force that urges the lever arm to the raised condition. The lever arm may also have a variety of cross-sections. The lever arm extends from a base, which may be a sole portion of the article of footwear. The lever arm and the base may be integral, permanently connected, removably connected, or otherwise connected.)

1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter comprising: the lever assembly includes a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first lever arm and the distal end of the second lever arm are non-contiguous.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm is continuous with the base.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the base is disposed below an insole and above a midsole.

4. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the base extends to a proximal end of the second lever arm.

5. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the base is a U-shaped element extending around a heel end of the sole between a first lever proximal end and a second lever distal end.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first lever arm proximal end is distinct from and connected to a base.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the base is disposed below an insole and above a midsole.

8. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the base extends to a proximal end of the second lever arm.

9. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the base is a U-shaped member extending around a heel end of the sole between the first lever proximal end and the second lever distal end.

10. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the first lever arm and the base are releasably connected or permanently connected.

11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first lever arm extends in a heel-ward direction from the proximal end toward the distal end.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a heel puller at a heel end of the upper.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a collar runner having a proximal end and a distal end, the collar runner proximal end extending from the ankle collar at an uppermost heel end of the ankle collar; wherein the first lever arm extends from the sole toward the ankle collar in a raised condition position at a first angle that is greater than a second angle defined by the collar slider relative to the sole also in the raised condition position.

14. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a collar post having a first end on a medial side of the upper and a second end on a lateral side of the upper, the collar post extending around a heel end of the upper at the ankle collar.

15. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole includes a groove that receives a resilient member; wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm includes a protrusion extending into the slot.

16. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of facets in the sole; wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm is positioned within the multifaceted aperture in a first orientation that provides a first angle between the first lever arm and the sole or a second orientation that provides a second angle between the first lever arm and the sole.

17. An article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first lever arm is independently movable relative to the sole; and a heel puller at a heel end of the upper.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, wherein the collar lifter further includes a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first and second lever arm distal ends are non-contiguous, and at least one of the first and second lever arm distal ends overlaps a portion of the heel puller.

19. An article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; a collar runner having a proximal end and a distal end, the collar runner proximal end extending from the ankle collar at an uppermost heel end of the ankle collar; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered condition to the raised condition, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first lever arm distal end is independently movable relative to the sole and extends from the sole toward the ankle collar in a raised condition position at a first angle that is greater than a second angle defined by the collar slide relative to the sole also in the raised condition position.

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first and second lever arm distal ends are non-contiguous, and at least one of the first and second lever arm distal ends overlaps at least a portion of a width comprising the collar slide.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear with a collar lifter.

Background

Some articles of footwear include an ankle collar that is manipulated while the article of footwear is worn. For example, the ankle collar may be depressed toward the sole when the wearer's foot is slid into the upper. In addition, some of these articles of footwear include a collar lifter operable to move the ankle collar from a depressed or lowered state to a raised state. One example of one type of collar lifter is described in U.S. patent No. 9,820,527, and examples of other collar lifters are described in U.S. patent publication 2018/0110292 and U.S. patent publication 2018/0289109.

Drawings

Some of the subject matter described in this disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an article of footwear according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

3A-3C depict another article of footwear having a collar lifter according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

4A-4C depict another article of footwear with an alternative collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter integral with a base in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter connected to a base in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter integral with a base in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

9A-9B depict another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter and heel puller in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

10A-10B depict another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter overlapping a heel puller according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C depicts a cross-section along section line 10C-10C of FIG. 10B, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 depicts another article of footwear having a collar lifter and collar slider according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 depicts another article of footwear having a collar lifter and a low-profile ankle collar in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

13A-13B depict another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter and collar stays in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

14A-14B depict another article of footwear having a bifurcated collar lifter overlapping a collar post according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14C depicts a cross-section along section line 14C-14C of FIG. 14B, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 depicts another article of footwear having an asymmetric collar lifter integral with the base, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 depicts another article of footwear having an asymmetric collar lifter connected with a base in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 depicts another article of footwear having an asymmetric collar lifter integral with a base, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 depicts another article of footwear having an asymmetric collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

19A-19B depict another article of footwear having a contoured collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

20A-20B depict another article of footwear having a contoured collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 depicts another article of footwear having a C-shaped pronged collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 depicts another article of footwear having an offset collar lifter according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 depicts another article of footwear with a continuous collar lifter and multi-portion base according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 depicts another article of footwear with a bifurcated collar lifter and multi-portion base according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 25A depicts another article of footwear having an adjustably oriented collar lifter at the base, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25B depicts a perspective view of an article of footwear having an adjustably oriented collar lifter at the base of FIG. 25B, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25C depicts another article of footwear having a collar lifter at the base with a greater adjustable orientation relative to FIG. 25A, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 26A depicts another article of footwear having a collar lifter at the base with another adjustable orientation in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26B depicts a perspective view of an article of footwear having an adjustably oriented collar lifter at the base of FIG. 26B, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26C depicts another article of footwear having a collar lifter at the base with a greater adjustable orientation relative to FIG. 26A, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

27A-27C depict another article of footwear having a linearly offset configuration for a collar lifter according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

28A-28C depict another article of footwear having another linearly offset configuration for a collar lifter according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29A depicts another article of footwear with a variable cross-section collar lifter according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

29B-29C depict cross-sections along the respective cut lines of FIG. 29A, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30A depicts another article of footwear having another variable cross-section collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

fig. 30B-30C depict cross-sections along the respective cut lines of fig. 30A according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31A depicts another article of footwear with a variable slit collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31B depicts the variable slit collar lifter of FIG. 31A in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A depicts another article of footwear having another variable cross-section collar lifter according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

fig. 32B-32C depict cross-sections along the respective cut lines of fig. 32A according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

To meet statutory requirements, the subject matter has been described in detail and particularly in connection with throughout the specification. The aspects described throughout this specification are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements equivalent to the ones described in this specification, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. After reading this disclosure, alternative aspects may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having regard to the described aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

The subject matter described in this specification relates generally to an article of footwear with a collar lifter.

As will be described in detail below, the collar lifter facilitates donning and/or doffing of the article of footwear. It is contemplated that any combination of the following elements and concepts of the paragraphs and specification as a whole may be formed by the present disclosure. The specification and drawings detail various configurations of collar lifter arms, such as bifurcated, asymmetrical, offset, and contoured collar lifters. The specification and drawings also detail various configurations, such as integral, mechanically connected, glued, variably oriented, slidably connected and integral, at the proximal ends of the arms forming the collar lifter. The specification and drawings also provide details of various configurations of the proximal ends of the arms forming the collar lifter extending to the base, such as U-shaped elements, bifurcated plates, integral with the sole, and layering with the sole. In addition, the description and the drawings provide details of the cross-sectional shape of the arms forming the collar lifter. In addition, the specification and drawings provide details of various footwear upper configurations in combination with collar lifters, such as heel loops and collar stays. These different configurations are introduced here to emphasize any combination of the details contemplated herein. For purposes of illustration, specific combinations of collar lifter arms, joints, bases, cross-sections, and/or upper elements will be discussed and depicted, but any combination may be formed from a selection of the details provided herein, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary.

To assist in explaining and understanding aspects of the present description, elements of an exemplary article of footwear 10 will now be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2, which article of footwear 10 may include tongue reinforcement. Fig. 1 depicts a lateral side of an article of footwear 10, and fig. 2 depicts a top of the article of footwear. When describing the various figures referred to in this disclosure, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

Article of footwear 10 includes at least two primary elements, including a sole structure 12 and an upper 14. When article of footwear 10 is worn (as intended on the foot), sole structure 12 is generally located adjacent a plantar surface of the foot (i.e., the bottom of the foot). Sole structure 12 may protect the bottom of the foot and, in addition, attenuate ground reaction forces, absorb energy, provide traction, and control foot motions, such as pronation and supination. Upper 14 is coupled to sole structure 12 and, together with sole structure 12, forms a foot-receiving cavity 16. That is, although sole structure 12 generally surrounds the bottom of the foot, upper 14 extends over and at least partially covers a back portion of the foot (i.e., the top or instep of the foot) and secures article of footwear 10 to the foot. Upper 14 includes a foot-insertion opening 18 through which a foot is disposed in foot-receiving void 16 when article of footwear 10 is donned.

As shown in fig. 1, article of footwear 10 may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, a heel region 24, and an ankle region 26. Forefoot, midfoot and heel regions 20, 22, 24 extend through sole structure 12 and upper 14. Ankle region 26 is located in a portion of upper 14. Forefoot region 20 generally includes portions of article of footwear 10 corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 22 generally includes portions of article of footwear 10 corresponding with the arch and instep areas of the foot. Heel region 24 corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The ankle region 26 corresponds with an ankle. Forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, heel region 24, and ankle region 26 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of article of footwear 10, but are instead intended to represent general areas of article of footwear 10 to aid in understanding various aspects of the present description. In addition, portions of the article of footwear may be described in relative terms using these general zones. For example, the first structure may be described as being more toward the heel than the second structure, in which case the second structure would be more toward the forefoot and closer to the forefoot.

Article of footwear 10 also has a medial side 28 (identified in fig. 2 and not visible in fig. 1) and a lateral side 30 (identified in fig. 2 and visible in fig. 1). Medial side 28 and lateral side 30 extend through each of forefoot region 20, midfoot region 22, heel region 24, and ankle region 26, and correspond with opposite sides of article of footwear 10, each falling on opposite sides of a longitudinal midline reference plane 29 of article of footwear 10, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, longitudinal midline reference plane 29 may pass through a forward-most point of the sole structure and a rearward-most point of the sole structure. Thus, the inner side 29 is considered to be opposite the outer side 30. Generally, the lateral side corresponds with an exterior region of the foot (i.e., a surface facing away from the other foot), and the medial side corresponds with an interior region of the foot (i.e., a surface facing the other foot). In another aspect, the article of footwear includes a forward portion 33 and a rearward portion 35 that fall on opposite sides of a latitudinal midline reference plane 31 of the article of footwear 10. Latitudinal midline reference plane 31 extends perpendicular to longitudinal midline reference plane 29 and the ground plane, and is evenly spaced between the forward-most point of article of footwear 10 and the rearward-most point of article of footwear 10. In addition, these terms may also be used to describe the relative positions of different structures. For example, a first structure closer to an interior portion of an article of footwear may be described as being medial to a second structure that is closer to an exterior region and more lateral.

In describing the article of footwear, the relative terms "below" and "above" may also be used. For example, the upper portion generally corresponds to a top portion oriented toward closer to the person's head when the person's feet are lying on a level ground and the person is standing upright, while the lower portion generally corresponds to a bottom portion oriented toward further away from the person's head and closer to the ground.

Sole structure 12 may be constructed from a variety of materials and may include a variety of elements. For example, sole structure 12 may include a midsole 32 and an outsole 34. Midsole 32 may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or vinyl acetate (EVA) foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) as it is compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other procedures. In other aspects, midsole 32 may include fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. Midsole 32 may be a single one-piece midsole or may be multiple components integrated into a single unit. In some aspects, midsole 32 may be integrated with outsole 34. Outsole 34 may be a single piece, or may be several outsole components, and may be formed of a wear-resistant rubber material that may be textured to impart traction and/or may include traction elements, such as treads or cleats, secured to midsole 32. Outsole 34 may extend the entire length and width of the sole or only partially across the length and/or width.

Upper 14 may also be constructed from a variety of materials and may include a variety of features. For example, upper 14 may be constructed from leather, textiles, or other synthetic or natural materials. In addition, upper 14 may be a knitted textile, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, a laminated fabric, or any combination thereof. Upper 14 may have various material characteristics related to air-permeability, stretchability, flexibility, wicking, water-resistance, and the like.

Upper 14 generally includes a portion that overlaps sole structure 12 and is connected to sole structure 12, and the junction of this connection may be referred to as a location line. In addition, upper 14 may include a "thole" that includes a panel of material that extends from upper 14 and across at least a portion of the foot-facing surface of sole structure 12, and that may be used to retain upper 14 on a last when sole structure 12 is attached to upper 14. In other words, sole structure 12, as integrated into article of footwear 10, includes a foot-facing surface, and in some cases, upper 14 may include a panel (referred to as a base fabric) that extends inward from about the welt area and at least partially covers the foot-facing surface. In this case, the base fabric is positioned under the foot when the article of footwear is worn. The base fabric may be covered by an insole or other material layer.

Upper 14 includes other features. For example, the upper 14 includes an ankle collar 36 that forms a perimeter around at least a portion of the foot insertion opening 18. In addition, the upper 14 includes a throat 38, the throat 38 generally extending from the ankle collar 36 and forming a perimeter along at least one or more sides of the elongated opening 40. A tongue 42 is positioned in the elongated opening 40, and the size of the elongated opening 40 may be adjusted using various closure systems. For example, fig. 1 illustrates a lace 44, and other closure systems may include elastic bands, hook and loop straps, zippers, buckles, and the like. The location of tongue 42 and the attachment of the closure system may be adjusted to vary the size of the foot insertion opening and the elongated opening, such as by making the opening larger when the article of footwear is being put on or taken off and smaller when the article of footwear is being secured to the foot. It is contemplated that other aspects of the elongated opening 40 (which may also be referred to as a forefoot opening) may be omitted, and instead, the medial and lateral sides of the upper converge and are continuous over the area that conventionally includes the elongated opening 40. Accordingly, in some aspects, tongue 42 is integral with, continuous with, contiguous with, and/or similar to the upper.

The article of footwear 10 may comprise athletic footwear, which may be worn, for example, while running or walking, and the description of the article of footwear 10 (including the elements described with respect to fig. 1 and 2) may also apply to other types of footwear, such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, football shoes, soccer shoes, casual or casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, hiking boots, and the like.

Having described fig. 1 and 2, some other aspects of the disclosure are now described with reference to fig. 3A-3C and 4A-4C. Each of fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C depicts an article of footwear 310 that includes an upper 314 coupled to a sole 312, and the upper 314 includes an ankle region 326 having an ankle collar 336. Ankle collar 336 is movable between a lowered position (as shown in fig. 3C) and a raised position (as shown in fig. 3A and 3B). In the lowered state, ankle collar 336 is positioned closer to sole 312, and in the raised state, ankle collar 336 is positioned further from sole 312.

In addition, article of footwear 310 includes collar lifter 350, collar lifter 350 being coupled to upper 314 near heel region 324 and/or ankle region 326 and operable to move ankle collar 336 from the lowered condition to the raised condition. More specifically, collar lifter 350 includes a portion that is positioned in heel region 324 and extends upwardly into ankle region 326. As previously mentioned, there is not necessarily an accurate delineation between heel region 324 and ankle region 326; conversely, describing the positioning of collar lifter 350 relative to these areas is one way to describe collar lifter 350 extending from a lower portion closer to the sole to an upper portion closer to ankle collar 336. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 350 to upper 314 near heel region 324 and/or near ankle region 326, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 350 may be coupled to the upper in heel region 324, to ankle collar 336 in ankle region 326, or any and all combinations thereof. Collar lifter 350 is an example of a collar lifter that is operable to move an ankle collar from a lowered state to a raised state, and as will be described in other portions of this disclosure, the collar lifter may include one or more alternative structures in addition to those depicted in fig. 3A-3C. For example, fig. 4A-4C depict an article of footwear 410 having a collar lifter 450, the collar lifter 450 being operable to move the ankle collar 436 from a lowered state (e.g., fig. 4C) to a raised state (e.g., fig. 4A and 4B) and having a different structure than collar lifter 350. Further, fig. 5-8 depict examples of bifurcated collar lifters, and fig. 15-18 depict examples of asymmetric collar lifters. Other figures and disclosure in this specification provide other alternative collar lifter configurations as described below.

For illustrative purposes, upper 314 and upper 414 are shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

Collar lifters, such as collar lifters 350 and 450, may include various elements. In one aspect, the collar lifter includes a medial lever arm, a lateral lever arm, and (optionally) a central connecting strap that couples the medial lever arm to the lateral lever arm and is located in the heel portion of the ankle collar. For purposes of this specification, the terms medial lever arm and lateral lever arm may be replaced with the terms first lever arm and second lever arm when relative positions with respect to the upper are not intended. In another aspect, each lever arm is affixed to the base, and the base remains stationary relative to the lever arms as the lever arms deform and/or articulate when the ankle collar is moved to the lowered position. The base may be a portion of an article of footwear, such as a portion of a sole or a portion of an upper. In addition, the base may be one or more other anchors attached directly or indirectly to the sole, the sole itself, or any combination thereof. US 9,820,527 describes one or more collar lifters, some of which may be referred to as deformable members or deformable members (with or without a base), and the entire disclosure of US 9,820,527 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the deformable members described in US 9,820,527 include an inboard lever arm, an outboard lever arm, and a central connecting strap coupling the inboard lever arm to the outboard lever arm. In other examples, US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 each describe a number of other collar lifts, some of which are referred to as levers (with or without a base), and the entire disclosures of US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least some of the control levers described in US 2018/0110292 and US 2018/0289109 include an inboard lever arm, an outboard lever arm, and a central connecting strap coupling the inboard lever arm to the outboard lever arm.

Each of the collar lifts 350 and 450 shown depict an example of medial lever arms 352 and 452, respectively. In addition, each of the collar lifters 350 and 450 shown depict examples of lateral lever arms 354 and 454 and central connecting straps 356 and 456, respectively. Further, lever arms 352 and 354 are attached to base 358, and lever arms 452 and 454 are attached to base 458, which has a different structure than base 358. The base portion 358 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of the sole 312, and the base portion 358 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet or material laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Wherein the base 358 may include a rigid portion or section to which the lever arms 352 and 354 are anchored. Fig. 4A-4C depict different aspects in which the base 458 may be attached to a portion of the upper (e.g., the heel main heel), a portion of the midsole sidewall, or any combination thereof, and the base 458 wraps around the back of the article of footwear, as opposed to extending through the footbed in the manner described with respect to the base 358. Fig. 4A-4C depict similar features to the upper depicted in fig. 3A-3C, such as ankle collar 436, ankle region 426, heel region 424, and portions 425 of the upper under the central connecting band may include one or more textiles that are more flexible than other portions of the upper.

The medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the central connecting band may be a single continuous body such that there is no clear demarcation (i.e., a unitary structure) between the medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the central connecting band. For example, the medial and lateral arms and the central connecting strap may be molded, cast, 3D printed, or otherwise formed as a single integrally formed unit, such as a unitary structure. In other aspects, the medial and lateral lever arms may be separate, discrete and distinct elongated members that are connected to the central connecting band, for example, by mechanical or chemical coupling, friction fit, nesting, or other coupling means.

Having generally described some of the structural elements of the collar lifter, some operational aspects of the collar lifter will now be described. As briefly described above, the collar lifter moves the ankle collar from a lowered condition to a raised condition. More specifically, at least a portion of the collar lifter is affixed to a portion of the upper. In one aspect, the central connecting strap may be affixed near the heel portion of the ankle collar. For example, the central connecting strap may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by adhesive, connecting tabs, heat staking, stitching, or the like. In this way, the first lever arm may deform to a more compressed or loaded position as the ankle collar moves closer to the lowered position of the sole. In other words, when an applied force moves the ankle collar from a raised state to a lowered state, the collar lifter stores potential energy by elastically deforming from a less compressed configuration (e.g., fig. 3A and 4A) to a more compressed configuration (e.g., fig. 3C and 4C). Upon removal of the applied force, the potential energy returns the collar lifter to a less compressed configuration, and the ankle collar also moves from the lowered state to the raised state as the collar lifter is affixed to or otherwise physically associated with the upper. Although the compression of the collar lifter may be greater when the ankle collar is moved to the lowered state (as compared to the raised state), in the raised state the collar lifter may still store potential energy in an at least partially deformed state (i.e., preloaded compression) so as to be able to retain the rear heel portion of the ankle collar around the wearer's heel. For example, if a collar lifter is attached to the upper heel region and/or the upper ankle region, portions of the upper may retain or retain the collar lifter in a preloaded configuration when the ankle collar is in a raised condition. In other aspects, the collar lifter may be unloaded when the ankle collar is in the raised condition.

In one aspect, portion 325 of the upper below the central connecting strip may include one or more walls of textile, the one or more textile being more flexible than other portions of the upper. For example, the more flexible region of the upper may be at least partially in the heel main heel region. Wherein the more flexible portion 325 of the upper may collapse more easily when the ankle collar moves to a lower state and may provide less resistance to the collar lifter (as compared to other portions of the article of footwear or a less flexible upper in a typical article of footwear) when the collar lifter returns to a less compressed state.

In some aspects, the combination of the medial lever arm, the lateral lever arm, and the central connecting band may be referred to as a deformable element. The term "deformable element" refers to a resiliently flexible member that can be bent or compressed but has a bias to move toward an unbent or uncompressed state. The deformable element may comprise a single integrally formed deformable element extending continuously from the inner lever arm to the outer lever arm. In other aspects, the medial and lateral lever arms can be two or more separate and distinct deformable elements connected to a central connecting strap, which can also be referred to as a heel member. As will be described herein, the deformable element may be a first lever arm, a second lever arm, an asymmetric collar lifter, a wave collar lifter, a C-shaped spring, and/or any other element effective to provide a return force to the upper from a first worn position to a second position securing the wearer's foot.

In some aspects, the deformable element may be directly coupled, mounted, or attached to the base. In other aspects, the base can include one or more anchors that engage and hold the deformable element in place. For example, the anchor may be located at the junction between the lever arm and the base (e.g., 359 and 459). Such anchors may be integrally formed with the sole portion (e.g., insole, midsole, outsole), coupled to the sole portion and/or located within, between, or external to the sole portion. For example, the anchors may be provided in blocks, plates, or wedges that are layered in, on, or under the sole of the shoe. In some cases, a portion of the sole (e.g., the midsole) may be carved or cut to attach to or accommodate the anchor. In another aspect, a base extending in a medial-lateral orientation (e.g., base 358) includes an anchor receptacle into which the anchor engages by a resistance fit, a compression fit, a snap fit, or via an interlocking mechanism/configuration. In other examples, the anchor may be integrally formed with, coupled to, and/or located within, between, or external to portions of the upper. For example, the anchor may be located in the upper, heel main heel, or any combination thereof. A single anchor may extend the entire width of the footwear, or two anchors may be positioned on opposite sides of the footwear (e.g., on the medial and lateral sides). The deformable member may be attached to the base or anchor at an angle. For example, the deformable member may be attached to the base at a perpendicular angle and then bent or curved back. In another aspect, the deformable members may be attached at a forward oblique angle (i.e., upward and forward) or a rearward oblique angle (i.e., upward and rearward) before being arched rearward.

The connection between the deformable member and the base or anchor may be described in various ways. For example, in one aspect, the deformable element does not pivot (i.e., does not pivot) about the base (e.g., about the insole, midsole, or outsole). In other words, the deformable element may be non-rotatably coupled to the base. In various aspects, the engagement between the deformable element and the base (or anchor) is free of play, meaning that there is little or no relative movement between the two components. In other aspects, the deformable element may be adjustably oriented with the base (or anchor), as will be depicted in fig. 25A-26B and discussed below. Further, the deformable element may have a slidable engagement with a base (e.g., a sole) as will be described and discussed in connection with fig. 27A-28C.

The deformable element may comprise one or more of a tube, a wire, a spring, a shape memory structure or material, or the like. Further, the deformable element may comprise one or more materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, nickel titanium (nitinol) and other metals and alloys (shape memory alloys or others), polymers (shape memory polymers or others), composites, foams, graphite, carbon fiber, fiberglass, thermoplastic polyester elastomer ("TPC-ET"), silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane ("TPU"), and polycarbonate. For example, the deformable element may comprise titanium or a titanium wire. Further, one or more of the deformable elements may be made of a first material (e.g., titanium) and one or more additional deformable elements may be made of a second material (e.g., graphite). Furthermore, various combinations of materials may be used in the formation of the deformable element. For example, a first material may form a first portion of a deformable element, and a second (different) material may form a second portion of the same deformable element.

In some aspects, the deformable element may comprise a single unitary piece. For example, a first end of the deformable element (e.g., an end of the first lever arm) may be embedded in or attached to the medial anchor; the second end of the deformable element (e.g., one end of the second lever arm) may be embedded in or attached to the lateral anchor; and an intermediate portion of the deformable element (e.g., a central connecting band) may extend around the heel or ankle portion of the upper or be embedded within some additional heel member structure.

In other aspects, the deformable element may comprise a plurality of separate and distinct components, such as a bifurcated configuration. For example, the deformable element may include two separate components, with a first component (e.g., a first lever arm) having a first end (i.e., a proximal end) embedded in or attached to the medial anchor and a second end (i.e., a distal end) embedded in, attached to, or otherwise positioned relative to the upper. As such, the second component (e.g., the second lever arm) may similarly include a first end embedded in or attached to the lateral anchor and a second end embedded in, attached to, or otherwise positioned relative to the upper. The plurality of separate and distinct components may be formed, for example, with one or more of tape, woven housing, overmold (e.g., TPU), heat shrink tubing, etc., each of which may provide different stability and strength. For example, the deformable element may comprise one or more wires that are individually encapsulated or encapsulated together in a cover, sleeve, overmold, or heat shrink tube. The one or more wires may arch, bend and swing and then return to an initial/normal state to facilitate elastic deformation of the deformable element.

In still other aspects, the deformable element may be connected to, extend from, or otherwise secured to the base at only one location (e.g., an asymmetrical configuration). In an asymmetric configuration, the deformable element may comprise a single component having a first end (i.e., a proximal end) embedded in or attached to a medial anchor, a lateral anchor, or a midline anchor (e.g., an achilles tendon location at the heel end) and a second end (i.e., a distal end) embedded in, attached to, or otherwise positioned relative to the upper. As will be discussed below in connection with fig. 15-18, the asymmetric deformable member is secured by the base on a first side (e.g., an inner side) of the base at a proximal end of the deformable member that extends from the proximal end toward a distal end that is not secured to the base. As the deformable members extend around the heel and upper to a distal end on an opposite side of the upper (e.g., a lateral side of the upper) relative to the proximal end.

The deformable element may have variable mechanical properties along its length and/or at different points along its length. Such variation may be provided by the deformable element (e.g., by a thread or bundle of two or more threads), by a fixture surrounding all or a portion of the deformable element, a cross-sectional shape/size/orientation, or any combination thereof. For example, the deformable elements and/or anchors may have variable cross-sections, variable densities, variable materials, etc. along their lengths, as will be described in fig. 29A-32B. Conversely, a variable cross-section may be provided by a variation in thickness or shape, or alternatively a distortion of the deformable element having a constant thickness or shape along its length.

As briefly described above, the deformable element may include a covering, sleeve, overmold, or other suitable structure that may protect other elements of the deformable element (e.g., wires, springs, etc.) and that may control, guide, support, and/or otherwise affect the deflection or compression of the deformable element. In some aspects, the covering, based on its material of manufacture, shape, geometry, etc., is configured to facilitate mechanical stress distribution by transferring mechanical bending/deforming forces from the deformable element (e.g., from a wire or spring) to the covering to prevent or at least inhibit the deformable element from damage or breakage that may result from concentrated and repeated mechanical stresses experienced by the deformable element. For example, the covering may have a dimension that varies along its length, such as a funnel-like tapered shape, to help distribute stress and to help dynamic deflection of the deformable element. In the event of a break in the deformable element, the covering may still provide at least some degree of bias, still assisting in moving the ankle collar from the lowered position to the raised position. Further, the covering may provide additional padding and/or support to the deformable element, and may prevent or at least inhibit the wearer from feeling the deformable element.

As briefly described above, when the central connecting band is included in a collar lifter configuration, the central connecting band may also be referred to as a heel member. The central connecting strap may be integrally formed with the inboard and outboard lever arms as a single continuous unit. In other aspects, the central connecting strap may be a separate piece extending between and bridging the medial and lateral lever arms. Wherein the central connecting strap may provide a coupling with the upper and may provide a frame to the ankle collar to inhibit the ankle collar from collapsing into the foot-receiving opening upon insertion of the foot. Some aspects contemplated herein (e.g., a bifurcated collar lifter) may omit the central connecting strap entirely.

When worn by a wearer, an article of footwear having collar lifters (e.g., collar lifters 350 and 450) may be slid on by the wearer without requiring the wearer to use his or her hands to manipulate the article of footwear. For example, the toe of the wearer may be inserted through foot insertion opening 318 or 418, while the arch or heel of his or her foot is used to press ankle collar 336 or 436 down toward sole 312 or 412. Adjusting the ankle collar 336 or 436 to a lowered position closer to the sole can increase the size of the foot insertion opening 318 or 418. Once the wearer's foot slides into the foot-receiving void 316 or 416, the collar lifter 350 or 450 moves the ankle collar from the lowered state (i.e., FIGS. 3C and 4C) to the raised state (i.e., FIGS. 3A and 4A) to help secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot.

Among other things, collar lifts 350 and 450 may reduce potential structural damage to the upper heel region and upper ankle region over time by providing a frame operable to return to or be biased in a raised state, which structural damage may result from repeated hands-free donning. In addition, collar lifters 350 and 450 may allow a user to more easily don (i.e., wear) his or her shoe without the use of hands and/or without the need to bend down to tighten the lace, without the use of a shoehorn, or without the use of other such adjustment features, elements, or mating mechanisms. In addition, articles of footwear 310 and 410 may more easily receive or guide a wearer's foot into or with respect to the foot-receiving opening. One reason for this potential easier donning may be that collar lifters 350 and 450 help provide a larger foot insertion opening without allowing the ankle collar cuff to fold inward toward the foot-receiving void.

The operation of articles of footwear 310 and 410 may be described in various ways. For example, ankle collars 336 and 436 may be elastic or may include gusset elements that allow foot insertion openings 318 and 418 to expand, for example, when the ankle collars are moved to a lowered state. In the lowered state, foot insertion openings 318 and 418 may be enlarged by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15%. The enlargement of the measurement can be detected in various ways. For example, a first circumference of the foot insertion opening may be measured when the ankle collar is in a first state, and a second circumference may be measured when the ankle collar is in a second state, the ankle collar being closer to the sole (relative to the first state) when in the second state. In the first and second states, the distance of the ankle collar from the sole can be measured in a vertical plane (i.e., perpendicular relative to a horizontal reference plane that includes a flat ground surface on which the ground contact surface is located in a resting position), and the distance can be measured from a last point of the ankle collar cuff edge to the cuff edge of the sole (e.g., where the sole is attached to the upper at a line). Thus, the distance in the first state will be longer than the distance in the second state, and in one aspect, the second distance is equal to or less than 75% of the first distance. Continuing with the example above, the perimeter may be expanded by at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, or at least about 15% in a second state where the distance is equal to or shorter than 75% of the distance in the first state. In another example, the perimeter of foot insertion openings 318 and 418 may be expanded by at least about 1.0 inch (about 2.54 centimeters) when the ankle collar is in a second state at a distance equal to or less than 75% of the distance in the first state. The amount of expansion of foot insertion openings 318 and 418 may vary with the style and size of the shoe. In other aspects, ankle collars 336 and 436 are about 50% lower in height in the lowered state than in the raised state than sole 312 and 412, however, this may vary depending on the type and size of the shoe for other parameters.

As described elsewhere in this disclosure, collar lifts 350 and 450 provide a return force when ankle collars 336 and 436 are moved from a lowered state to a raised state. In some aspects, the return force ranges between about 1 to about 15 pounds of force, and this can be measured at various locations of the ankle collar. For example, as described above, the ankle collar may include a first state having a first distance from the sole and a second state having a second distance from the sole, the second distance being shorter than the distance in the first state. In one aspect, collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a return force in a range between about 1 to about 15 pounds-force in a second state at a distance equal to or less than about 85% of the distance in the first state. In another aspect, collar lifters 350 and 450 provide a return force in a range between about 1 to about 15 pounds-force in a second state at a distance equal to or less than about 75% of the distance in the first state. Further, collar lifters 350 and 450 may provide a return force in a range between about 1 to about 15 pounds-force in a second state at a distance equal to or less than about 50% of the distance in the first state. The return force may be strong enough that the rear portion of the ankle collar springs back from the second state and fits snugly around the wearer's heel. For example, when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered position is less than 85%, or 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised position, the ankle collars 336 and 436 may rise from the lowered position to the raised position in less than about 1 second. In other aspects, ankle collars 336 and 436 may rise from a lowered state to a raised state in less than about 0.5 seconds when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is less than 85%, or 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised state. And in other aspects, ankle collars 336 and 436 may rise from the lowered state to the raised state in less than about 0.2 seconds when the distance between the ankle collar and the sole in the lowered state is less than 85%, or 75%, or 50% of the distance in the raised state. This rebound time is measured without any counteracting external forces, such as friction that may be applied by the wearer's heel.

The collar lifter examples of fig. 3A to 4C are generally referred to as continuous collar lifters. As provided in connection with fig. 3A to 4C, it is envisaged that the continuous collar lifter may be formed of discrete parts connected as a common element. For example, the separate medial and lateral lever arms are described as being connected by a connecting strap. In this example, even though three separate elements are provided, they are connected or otherwise physically combined into a common element to represent a continuous collar lifter. This is in contrast to the bifurcated collar lifter or asymmetric collar lifter that will be provided below. The bifurcated collar lifter has a first lever arm and a second lever arm, wherein the first lever arm and the second lever arm are not adjacent to each other. In other words, the connecting straps of fig. 3A-4C are omitted such that the distal end of the first lever arm and the distal end of the second lever arm are able to move independently of each other, as will be discussed in more detail below. In addition, asymmetric collar lifters lack symmetry between a first side (e.g., a medial side) of the article of footwear and a second side (e.g., a lateral side) of the article of footwear. For example, the asymmetric collar lifter may extend from the base on a first side of the article of footwear toward a distal end that is decoupled from the base and a second side of the article of footwear, as will be discussed in more detail below. The function, response, construction, assembly and configuration of each of the continuous collar lifter, bifurcated collar lifter and asymmetric collar lifter are variable and provide alternative advantages.

Turning to fig. 5, an article of footwear 510 with a collar lifter 550 is depicted in accordance with aspects herein. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of a bifurcated collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 552 having a proximal end 502 and a distal end 504 and a second lever arm 554 having a proximal end 506 and a distal end 508. The bifurcated collar lifter differs from the collar lifter 350 of fig. 3A in that the first lever arm distal end 504 and the second lever arm distal end 508 are not contiguous. Non-contiguous lever arms are lever arms having a gap, spacing, disconnection, interruption, non-contiguous, non-touching or non-adjacent in space, disconnection, separation, or other avoidance of a continuous physical connection therebetween. For example, the central connecting strap 356 of fig. 3A provides a bridge between the first and second lever arms. The omission of the central connecting strap 356 of fig. 3A is one example of a bifurcated collar lifter.

In some examples, the bifurcated collar lifter provides advantages to the footwear assembly. In one example, instead of forming the footwear upper around the continuous collar lifter or threading the continuous collar lifter from the first side to the second side of the footwear through a channel of the footwear upper during assembly, the bifurcated collar lifter may be more easily incorporated because of the non-contiguous nature of the curve around the heel end. In examples where bifurcating includes eliminating collar lifter material, additional advantages of bifurcating collar lifters may include reducing the material and associated mass of the non-contiguous portions. Other potential advantages of a bifurcated collar lifter over a continuous collar lifter include a variable response such that, in some examples, the first lever arm can respond independently of the second lever arm. Thus, in some examples, bifurcated collar lifters provide a variety of advantages from continuous collar lifters (such as those depicted in fig. 3A).

In one example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may terminate (e.g., distal) before wrapping around a portion of the heel end. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first lever arm may have a different length than the second lever arm, thereby creating an asymmetric configuration in which there is at least one connection to the base through each lever arm. It is also contemplated that the first lever arm may extend from a first location of the base at a first location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear and the second lever arm extends from the base at a second location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear that is different than the first location.

The article of footwear 510 includes an upper 514 coupled to a sole 512, and the upper 514 includes an ankle region 526 with an ankle collar 536. Ankle collar 536 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, the ankle collar 536 is positioned closer to the sole 512, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 536 is positioned further from the sole 512.

In addition, article of footwear 510 includes collar lifter 550, collar lifter 550 coupled to upper 514 near heel region 524 and/or ankle region 526 and operable to move ankle collar 536 from the lowered state to the raised state. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 550 to upper 514 near heel region 524 and/or near ankle region 526, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 550 may be generally coupled to upper 514, heel region 524, ankle region 526, to ankle collar 336, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 514 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

First lever arm 552 and second lever arm 554 are integral with base 558. A unitary construction is a construction formed or composed of materials without joints or seams. Thus, the joint 559 between the second lever arm 554 and the base 558, the joint 559 between the collar lifting device and the base, or other joints, are free of joints, seams, or other connections. Instead, the material forming the base 558 extends continuously to the second lever arm 554. For example, in one example, the lever arm and the base may be formed as co-operating common parts, such as by a molding operation.

Base 558 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 512, and base 558 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a foundation, a sheet or plate laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Wherein base 558 may include a rigid portion or section to which lever arms 552 and 554 are anchored.

Fig. 6 depicts an alternative article of footwear 610 having a collar lifter 650, in accordance with aspects herein. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of a bifurcated collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 652 having a proximal end 602 and a distal end 604 and a second lever arm 654 having a proximal end 606 and a distal end 608.

In one example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may terminate (e.g., distal) before wrapping around a portion of the heel end. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first lever arm may have a different length than the second lever arm, thereby creating an asymmetric configuration in which there is at least one connection to the base through each lever arm. It is also contemplated that the first lever arm may extend from a first location of the base at a first location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear and the second lever arm extends from the base at a second location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear that is different than the first location.

The article of footwear 610 includes an upper 614 coupled to a sole 612, and the upper 614 includes an ankle region 626 having an ankle collar 636. The ankle collar 636 is movable between a lowered state and a raised state. In the lowered state, the ankle collar 636 is positioned closer to the sole 612, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 636 is positioned further from the sole 612.

In addition, article of footwear 610 includes collar lifter 650, collar lifter 650 being coupled to upper 614 proximate heel region 624 and/or ankle region 626 and being operable to move ankle collar 636 from the lowered state to the raised state. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 650 to upper 614 near heel region 624 and/or near ankle region 626, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 650 may be generally coupled to upper 614, heel region 624, ankle region 626, to ankle collar 336, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 614 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

The first lever arm 652 and the second lever arm 654 are distinct from the base 658 and are connected to the base 658. The connection configuration may be reversible or permanent. Permanent joints may be achieved by adhesive bonding, welding, or other methods that produce irreversible chemical or physical connections between the components. Reversible connection between the components may be achieved by creating a mechanical connection of the joints. For example, fig. 6 depicts a base 658 having a slot 616 with a latch 618 extending from the proximal end 606 into the slot 616. The latch 618 is mechanically connected to the base 658 and the second lever arm 654 when inserted into the slot 616. The mechanical coupling may be achieved by interference of the material forming the latch and slot, by friction, snap, ratchet, compression, and other techniques. By having a joint between the base 658 and the lever arm, assembly of the article of footwear may be simplified, as the lever arm may be incorporated into the upper before the lever arm is connected to the base. As such, base 658, which may be sole 612 or integrated with sole 612, may be assembled in a conventional manner for an article of footwear, and upper 614 may be assembled in a more conventional manner, while incorporating the lever arm, with sole 612 and upper 614 then having the lever arm. For example, when sole 612 is attached to upper 614, the lever arm may be attached to the base at the same time.

Base 658 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 612, and base 658 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a ground fabric, a sheet of material or material laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Wherein the base 658 may include a rigid portion or section to which the lever arms 652 and 654 are anchored.

Fig. 7 depicts an alternative article of footwear 710 having a collar lifter 750 in accordance with aspects herein. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of a bifurcated collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 752 having a proximal end 702 and a distal end 704 and a second lever arm 754 having a proximal end 707 and a distal end 708.

In one example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may terminate (e.g., distal) before wrapping around a portion of the heel end. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first lever arm may have a different length than the second lever arm, thereby creating an asymmetric configuration in which there is at least one connection to the base through each lever arm. It is also contemplated that the first lever arm may extend from a first location of the base at a first location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear and the second lever arm extends from the base at a second location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear that is different than the first location.

The article of footwear 710 includes an upper 714 coupled to a sole 712, and the upper 714 includes an ankle region 726 having an ankle collar 736. Ankle collar 736 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, ankle collar 736 is positioned closer to sole 712, and in the raised state, ankle collar 736 is positioned further from sole 712. As provided herein, a sole may be an outsole, a midsole, and an insole, or any combination thereof.

In addition, article of footwear 710 includes collar lifter 750, collar lifter 750 coupled to upper 714 near heel region 724 and/or ankle region 726 and operable to move ankle collar 736 from the lowered state to the raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 750 is coupled to upper 714 near heel region 724 and/or near ankle region 726, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 750 may be generally coupled to upper 714, heel region 724, ankle region 726, to ankle collar 337, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 714 is shown in phantom, and the collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

First lever arm 752 and second lever arm 754 are distinct from and incorporated into, for example, the base of sole 712. Joining of components includes forming one component after forming another component. For example, first lever arm 752 and second lever arm 754 may be positioned in a tool that will be used to mold sole 712 (or a portion of the sole, outsole, midsole, insole, or a location of the sole) prior to or while forming the sole. For example, each lever arm can be positioned in a mold into which the polymeric composition is introduced (e.g., injected or poured). When the polymer composition is introduced, the polymer composition surrounds the anchor portions 716, 718, and the anchor portions 716, 718 are embedded within the sole 712 such that the portion of the lever arm extending from the proximal end to the distal end is exposed. In further examples, a cavity, opening, or other volume may be maintained during the initial forming of the sole 712 or as a result of a post-forming operation, such that the anchors 716, 718 may be inserted into these spaces and embedded therein by a second process, such as filling the volume holding the anchors with a material. In this example, the lever arm may be introduced with the sole after initial formation of both, but a second process combines the lever arm with the sole, for example by curing of a polymeric material complementary to the material forming the sole.

The anchors 716, 718 can be of any size or shape. In the depicted aspect, the anchors 716, 718 extend in the heel-ward direction and have a cross-sectional shape that resists displacement through the openings created at the sole 712 at each proximal end of the lever arm. In an alternative aspect, it is contemplated that the anchor can extend in a toe-to-toe direction from a junction point on a foot-facing surface of the sole. In other examples, it is contemplated that the anchors may extend in opposite directions (e.g., toward the heel and toward the toes) from a junction on the foot-facing surface of the sole. Any other combination of size, orientation and shape is contemplated for the anchors.

Fig. 8 depicts an alternative article of footwear 810 having a collar lifter 850 in accordance with aspects herein. Specifically, collar lifter 850 is an example of a bifurcated collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 852 having a proximal end 802 and a distal end 804 and a second lever arm 854 having a proximal end 806 and a distal end 808.

In one example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the bifurcated collar lifter may terminate (e.g., distal) before wrapping around a portion of the heel end. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the first lever arm may have a different length than the second lever arm, thereby creating an asymmetric configuration in which there is at least one connection to the base through each lever arm. It is also contemplated that the first lever arm may extend from a first location of the base at a first location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear and the second lever arm extends from the base at a second location along the longitudinal length of the article of footwear that is different than the first location.

Article of footwear 810 includes an upper 814 coupled to a sole 812, and upper 814 includes an ankle region 826 having an ankle collar 836. Ankle collar 836 is movable between a lowered condition and a raised condition. In the lowered state, ankle collar 836 is positioned closer to sole 812, and in the raised state, ankle collar 836 is positioned further from sole 812.

In addition, article of footwear 810 includes a collar lifter 850, collar lifter 850 coupled to upper 814 near heel region 824 and/or ankle region 826 and operable to move ankle collar 836 from a lowered state to a raised state. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 850 to upper 814 near heel region 824 and/or near ankle region 826, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 850 may be generally coupled to upper 814, heel region 824, ankle region 826, to ankle collar 338, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 814 is shown in phantom, and the collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

Fig. 8 depicts different aspects of a base, wherein the base 816 may be attached to a portion of an upper (e.g., the main heel of the heel), a portion of the midsole sidewall, or any combination thereof, and the base 816 wraps around the back of the article of footwear, as opposed to extending through the footbed in the manner described with respect to the base 558 of fig. 5. This is a similar configuration to previously provided fig. 4A-4C, but with a bifurcated collar lifter. Similar to other bases discussed herein, the base 816 may be integral with, connected to, or otherwise formed with one or more lever arms. Further, while depicted as having an upper edge above the foot-facing surface of sole 812, it is contemplated that in alternative aspects, base 816 may be recessed or incorporated into sole 812.

As depicted in fig. 5-8, it is contemplated that the collar lifter may be bifurcated such that the distal ends of the first and second lever arms are independent of each other and without a central connecting strap. In some aspects, it is contemplated that each bifurcated lever arm is secured by a material forming at least a portion of the upper; however, even if such common materials are indirectly connected to the bifurcating lever arm, they are still considered to be independent of each other and thus bifurcating. Further, it is contemplated that any gap may be formed between the distal ends of the bifurcated lever arms (as will be described below in fig. 9B and 9C). For example, in other examples, the void may be less than 1mm or may be greater than 100 cm. The void may be measured along a surface of the upper from between the distal ends in the raised position.

As will be understood throughout and as indicated previously, it is envisaged: any combination of base, joint/coupling/extension between base and lever arm, lever arm size, lever arm shape, lever arm cross-section, angle between base and lever arm, position of base and/or lever arm, and orientation of lever arm is contemplated as being associated with a bifurcated collar lifter. Further, any materials provided herein in connection with the collar lifter and base are contemplated as being suitable for use in the bifurcated collar lifter configuration.

Fig. 9A and 9B depict another article of footwear 910 having a bifurcated collar lifter 950 and a heel puller 916 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The initial annotation of fig. 9A and 9B is that there is no overlap between distal ends 904, 908 of bifurcated collar lifter 950 and heel puller 916. As will be discussed in more detail below, heel puller 916 is operatively connected to bifurcated collar lifter 950 to raise ankle collar 936 to a raised condition. In addition, heel puller 916 effectively returns upper 914 in ankle region 926 from a toe-to-heel position between the lever arms of bifurcated collar lifter 950, which may occur during donning, as described below.

The article of footwear 910 includes an upper 914 coupled to a sole 912, and the upper 914 includes an ankle region 926 having an ankle collar 936. Ankle collar 936 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, the ankle collar 936 is positioned closer to the sole 912, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 936 is positioned further from the sole 912.

In addition, article of footwear 910 includes a collar lifter 950, collar lifter 950 being coupled to upper 914 near heel region 924 and/or ankle region 926 and being operable to move ankle collar 936 from a lowered condition to a raised condition. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 950 to upper 914 near heel region 924 and/or near ankle region 926, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 950 may be generally coupled to upper 914, heel region 924, ankle region 926, to ankle collar 339, or any and all combinations thereof.

The disclosure of fig. 5-8 is applicable to the heel puller configuration of fig. 9A-9B, and is therefore incorporated. For example, any base structure (e.g., integral, connected, bonded, and/or U-shaped) may be implemented. Bifurcated collar lifter 950 includes a first lever arm 952 and a second lever arm 954. First lever arm 952 has distal end 904 and second lever arm 954 has distal end 908. A distance 922 extends between distal end 904 and distal end 908. Distance 922 is measured as a straight line between the most distant points of each distal end. In this example, the direct line measurement does not take into account the curvature of upper 914 around the heel end. Alternative examples contemplate that the distance may be measured along the upper between the distal ends (e.g., along the curvature of the heel).

Heel puller 916 is depicted in a loop; however, it is contemplated that heel puller 916 may alternatively be made of wings or other materials having any thickness or number of layers. The heel puller may be integrally formed with upper 914 or it may be attached to upper 914. Heel puller 916 extends from upper 914 in ankle region 926 at connection location 918. In one example, the attachment location 918 can be a mechanical fastening location (e.g., suture, rivet, snap) or an adhesive location (e.g., weld, adhesive). In another example, attachment location 918 can also be an aperture in an exterior layer of upper 914 through which heel puller 916 extends outward from a more interior location. The connected location may be a lowermost location of heel puller 916 on upper 914 (e.g., closest to sole 912). Heel puller 916 has a width 920 at attachment location 918. In one example, the width 920 is a direct line measurement. In an alternative example, width 920 is measured on a surface of upper 914 when upper 914 is in a desired configuration.

Fig. 9A and 9B depict width 920 as being less than distance 922. In this example, heel puller 916 therefore does not overlap with either distal end 904 or distal end 908. As such, in this example, heel puller 916 can be used to retract ankle region 926 from between first lever arm 952 and second lever arm 954 as ankle region 926 is retracted (e.g., the intended shape of being concave at the heel end rather than convex at the heel end). In one example, as distance 922 expands based on lifter collar configuration changes, the likelihood of a depression forming during donning of the article of footwear increases. In this way, the heel puller works in conjunction with collar lifter 950 to resist ankle region 926 and return ankle region 926 to the desired convex configuration (from an exterior perspective).

Fig. 10A and 10B depict another article of footwear 1010 having a bifurcated collar lifter 1050 and a heel puller 1016 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The initial annotation of fig. 10A and 10B is the overlap between the distal ends 1004, 1008 of the bifurcated collar lifter 1050 and the heel puller 1016. As will be discussed in more detail below, the heel puller 1016 is operatively connected with a bifurcated collar lifter 1050 to raise the ankle collar 1036 to a raised condition. In addition, heel puller 1016 effectively returns upper 1014 in ankle region 1026 from a toe-to-heel position between the lever arms of bifurcated collar lifter 1050, which may occur during donning, as described below.

Article of footwear 1010 includes upper 1014 coupled to sole 1012, and upper 1014 includes ankle region 1026 having ankle collar 1036. Ankle collar 1036 is movable between a lowered state and a raised state. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1036 is positioned closer to sole 1012, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1036 is positioned further from sole 1012.

In addition, article of footwear 1010 includes a collar lifter 1050, collar lifter 1050 being coupled to upper 1014 proximate heel region 1024 and/or ankle region 1026 and operable to move ankle collar 1036 from the lowered state to the raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 1050 is coupled to upper 1014 near heel region 1024 and/or near ankle region 1026, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 1050 may be generally coupled to upper 1014, heel region 1024, ankle region 1026, to ankle collar 3310, or any and all combinations thereof.

The disclosure of fig. 5-8 is applicable to the heel puller configuration of fig. 10A-10B, and is therefore incorporated. For example, any base structure (e.g., integral, connected, bonded, and/or U-shaped) may be implemented. The bifurcated collar lifter 1050 includes a first lever arm 1052 and a second lever arm 1054. The first lever arm 1052 has a distal end 1004 and the second lever arm 1054 has a distal end 1008. A distance 1022 extends between distal end 1004 and distal end 1008. Distance 1022 is measured as a straight line between the most distal points of each distal end. In this example, the direct line measurement does not take into account the curvature of upper 1014 around the heel end. Alternative examples contemplate that the distance may be measured along the upper between the distal ends (e.g., along the curvature of the heel).

The heel puller 1016 is depicted as a ring; however, it is contemplated that the heel puller 1016 may alternatively be made of wings or other materials having any thickness or number of layers. The heel puller can be integrally formed and it can be attached to upper 1014. Heel puller 1016 extends from upper 1014 in ankle region 1026 at attachment location 1018. In one example, the attachment location 1018 can be a mechanical fastening location (e.g., suture, rivet, snap) or an adhesive location (e.g., weld, adhesive). In another example, the attachment location 1018 may also be an aperture in an outer layer of the upper 1014 through which the heel puller 1016 extends outward from a more interior location. The attachment location may be a lowermost location of heel puller 1016 on upper 1014 (e.g., closest to sole 1012). Heel puller 1016 has a width 920 at attachment location 1018. In one example, the width 920 is a direct line measurement. In an alternative example, width 920 is measured on a surface of upper 1014 when upper 1014 is in a desired configuration.

Fig. 10A and 10B depict width 920 as being greater than distance 1022. In this example, heel puller 1016 thus overlaps both distal end 1004 or distal end 1008. Thus, in this example, the heel puller 1016 helps to add an indirectly connected bridge between the distal ends to resist concave deformation of the ankle region 926 during donning. For example, in addition to the heel puller 1016 helping the collar lifter 1050 return the ankle collar 1036 to the raised position, the heel puller 1016 helps the upper 1014 resist deformation of the depression between the distal ends 1004 and 1008 by increasing the thickness of the material in the void formed between the distal ends 1004 and 1008.

Fig. 10C provides a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear along section line 10C-10C of fig. 10B, in accordance with aspects herein. As depicted in this example configuration, inner material 1021 (e.g., a liner) is on an inner side of first lever arm 1052, and outer material 1019 is on an outer surface of first lever arm 1052. The heel puller is depicted as overlapping a portion of the first lever arm 1052. In addition, the outer material 1019 is positioned between the first lever arm 1052 and the heel puller 1016 such that the heel puller is indirectly connected with the bifurcated collar lifter. Thus, in this example, heel puller 1016 is part of upper 1014 and the collar lifter remains bifurcated (e.g., non-continuous). The interposition of an outer material (or any material) between the heel puller 1016 and the first lever arm 1052 allows the first lever arm and the second lever arm to move independently.

While a bifurcated collar lifter is depicted in fig. 9A-10C, it is contemplated that the heel puller may be used in conjunction with an alternative collar lifter. For example, a continuous collar lifter, an asymmetric collar lifter, or a contoured collar lifter may all be used in conjunction with the heel pullers provided herein.

Fig. 11 depicts another article of footwear 1110 having a collar lifter 1150 and collar slide 1116 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; collar slide 1116 provides enhanced entry for the wearer's foot during the donning operation. For example, the collar slider extends toward the heel at an angle that facilitates the donning operation from a heel position 1118 of upper 1114.

The article of footwear 1110 includes an upper 1114 coupled to a sole 1112, and the upper 1114 includes an ankle region 1126 having an ankle collar 1136. Ankle collar 1136 is movable between a lowered condition and a raised condition. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1136 is positioned closer to sole 1112, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1136 is positioned further from sole 1112.

Further, article of footwear 1110 includes collar lifter 1150, collar lifter 1150 being coupled to upper 1114 near heel region 1124 and/or ankle region 1126 and being operable to move ankle collar 1136 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 1150 is coupled to upper 1114 near heel region 1124 and/or near ankle region 1126, the coupling may take a variety of forms. For example, collar lifter 1150 may be generally coupled to upper 1114, heel region 1124, ankle region 1126, to ankle collar 3311, or any and all combinations thereof.

The disclosure of fig. 5-8 applies to the collar slider configuration of fig. 11 and 12, and is therefore incorporated. For example, any base structure (e.g., integral, connected, bonded, and/or U-shaped) may be implemented. Bifurcated collar lifter 1150 includes first and second lever arms 1154. The first lever arm has a distal end and the second lever arm 1154 has a distal end 1108.

Horizontal line 1103 represents the ground-contacting surface of article of footwear 1110 in a conventional orientation and position. Line 1103 is tangent to ground-contacting surface 1101 of sole 1112. A plurality of reference lines extending from line 1103 are depicted. The first is line 1105. Line 1105 represents a tangent line extending from collar slide 1116 near heel end 1118. As previously described, heel end 1118 is the forward position of upper 1114 (e.g., toward the heel) before it transitions to collar slide 1116. A reference line 1113 extends between a heel-ward position on the sole 1112 and a heel-most position on the upper 1114 to help determine the transition of the heel end 1118 to the collar slide 1116. Line 1105 forms an angle 1107 with line 1103.

Second line 1109 is a reference line that extends tangentially to the proximal end 1106 of second lever arm 1154. The second line 1109 forms an angle 1111 with the line 1103. In one example, in order for the collar slide to effectively assist in donning the article of footwear 1110, it is contemplated that angle 1107 is less than angle 1111. In some examples, the angle 1111 is 60 degrees or less. In other aspects, the angle 1111 is 45 degrees or less. In some examples, angle 1107 is 45 degrees or less. In further examples, angle 1107 is 35 degrees or less. In some aspects, the angles provided provide an effective collar slide 1116.

The collar slide has a proximal end at 1118, the uppermost heel end of ankle collar 1136. The collar slider may be integral with upper 1114 at ankle collar 1136. In other aspects, ankle collar 1136 may be a different component that is connected to upper 1114 at ankle collar 1136. In some aspects, collar slide 1116 resists deformation, at least in part, such that collar slide 1115 maintains a ramped interface with ankle collar 1136 even in the event of a force being applied on collar slide 1115 during a donning operation. As also depicted, it is contemplated that the distal end of lever arm 1154 is below (e.g., underneath) collar slide 1116. This relative positioning allows a downward force to be applied by the wearer's foot during the donning operation to begin moving ankle collar 1136 into a lowered state against collar lifter 1150.

Fig. 12 depicts another article of footwear 1210 having a collar lifter 1250 and collar slide 1216 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; collar slide 1216 provides enhanced entry for the wearer's foot during the donning operation. For example, a collar slider extends toward the heel from heel end position 1218 of upper 1214 at an angle that facilitates the donning operation. Fig. 12 provides an alternative ankle collar configuration having a lower contoured heel end than the article of footwear 1110 of fig. 11.

The article of footwear 1210 includes an upper 1214 coupled to a sole 1212, and the upper 1214 includes an ankle region 1226 having an ankle collar. The ankle collar is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, the ankle collar is positioned closer to the sole 1212, and in the raised state, the ankle collar is positioned further from the sole 1212.

In addition, article of footwear 1210 includes collar lifter 1250, collar lifter 1250 coupled to upper 1214 near heel area 1224 and/or ankle area 1226 and operable to move the ankle collar from a lowered condition to a raised condition. To the extent that the collar lifter 1250 is coupled to the upper 1214 near the heel area 1224 and/or near the ankle area 1226, the coupling may take various forms. For example, the collar lifter 1250 may be generally coupled to the upper 1214, the heel area 1224, the ankle area 1226, to the ankle collar 3312, or any and all combinations thereof. Bifurcated collar lifter 1250 includes first and second lever arms 1254. The first lever arm has a distal end and the second lever arm 1254 has a distal end 1208.

Horizontal line 1203 represents the ground-contacting surface of article of footwear 1210 in a conventional orientation and position. Line 1203 is tangent to ground-contacting surface 1201 of sole 1212. A plurality of reference lines are depicted extending from line 1203. The first is line 1205. Line 1205 represents a tangent line extending from collar slide 1216 near heel end 1218. As previously described, heel end 1218 is the forward location of upper 1214 (e.g., toward the heel) before it transitions to collar slide 1216. A reference line 1213 extends between a heel-ward position on the sole 1212 and a heel-most position on the upper 1214 to help determine the transition of the heel end 1218 to the collar slider 1216. Line 1205 forms an angle 1207 with line 1203.

Second line 1209 is a reference line that extends tangentially to the proximal end 1206 of second lever arm 1254. The second line 1209 forms an angle 1211 with the line 1203. In one example, in order for the collar slide to effectively assist in donning the article of footwear 1210, it is contemplated that angle 1207 is less than angle 1211. In some examples, angle 1211 is 60 degrees or less. In other aspects, the angle 1211 is 45 degrees or less. In some examples, the angle 1207 is 45 degrees or less. In further examples, the angle 1207 is 35 degrees or less. In some aspects, the angles provided provide for an efficient collar slide 1216.

The collar slider has a proximal end at 1218, the uppermost heel end of the ankle collar. The collar slider may be integral with upper 1214 at the ankle collar. In other aspects, the ankle collar may be a distinct component that is connected to upper 1214 at the ankle collar. In some aspects, collar slide 1216 is at least partially resistant to deformation such that collar slide 1215 maintains a ramp interface with the ankle collar even if a force is applied on collar slide 1215 during a donning operation. As also depicted, it is contemplated that the distal end of lever arm 1254 is below (e.g., below) collar slide 1216. This relative positioning allows a downward force to be applied by the wearer's foot during the donning operation to begin moving the ankle collar to a lowered state against collar lifter 1250.

While a bifurcated collar lifter is depicted in fig. 9A-10C, it is contemplated that the heel puller may be used in conjunction with an alternative collar lifter. For example, a continuous collar lifter, an asymmetric collar lifter, or a contoured collar lifter may all be used in conjunction with the heel pullers provided herein.

Fig. 13A-13B depict another article of footwear 1310 having a bifurcated collar lifter 1350 and collar stud 1316 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 13A provides a side perspective view of article of footwear 1310, while fig. 13B provides a heel end view of article of footwear 1310.

The initial notation of fig. 13A and 13B is that there is no overlap between the distal ends 1304, 1308 of the bifurcated collar lifter 1350 and the collar post 1316. As will be discussed in more detail below, collar brace 1316 effectively returns upper 1314 into ankle region 1326 to resist the formation of a depression in ankle collar 1336 during a donning operation.

Article of footwear 1310 includes upper 1314 coupled to sole 1312, and upper 1314 includes ankle region 1326 with ankle collar 1336. Ankle collar 1336 is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. Ankle collar 1336 is positioned closer to sole 1312 in the lowered condition, and ankle collar 1336 is positioned farther from sole 1312 in the raised condition.

In addition, article of footwear 1310 includes collar lifter 1350, collar lifter 1350 coupled to upper 1314 near heel region 1324 and/or ankle region 1326 and operable to move ankle collar 1336 from a lowered state to a raised state. With respect to the coupling of collar lifter 1350 to upper 1314 near heel area 1324 and/or near ankle area 1326, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 1350 may be generally coupled to upper 1314, heel region 1324, ankle region 1326, to ankle collar 3313, or any and all combinations thereof.

The disclosure of fig. 5-8 applies to the collar post construction of fig. 13A-13B and is therefore incorporated. For example, any base structure (e.g., integral, connected, bonded, and/or U-shaped) may be implemented. The bifurcated collar lifter 1350 includes a first lever arm 1352 and a second lever arm 1354. First lever arm 1352 has a distal end 1304 and second lever arm 1354 has a distal end 1308. Distance 1320 extends between distal end 1308 and second end 1318 of collar post 1316. Distance 1321 extends between distal end 1304 and first end 1319 of collar post 1316. Thus, in this example, there is no overlap between collar post 1316 and the lever arms of bifurcated collar lifter 1350.

Collar stud 1316 is a polymeric composition having a stiffness greater than upper 1314 in ankle region 1326 (i.e., stiffness is the degree to which an object resists deformation in response to an applied force). The supplemental stiffness provided by collar post 1316 resists deformation into a depression during donning operations. In addition, by preventing overlap between collar post 1316 and the distal end of collar lifter 1350, collar lifter 1350 has greater independent movement between first lever arm 1352 and second lever arm 1354, which may facilitate operation of collar lifter 1350 in some examples.

Fig. 14A and 14B depict another article of footwear 1410 having a bifurcated collar lift 1450 and collar post 1416 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The initial notation of fig. 14A and 14B is the overlap between distal ends 1404, 1408 of bifurcated collar lift 1450 and collar strut 1416. As will be discussed in more detail below, collar strut 1416 is operatively connected with bifurcated collar lift 1450 to prevent upper 1414 in ankle region 1426 from deforming into a concave configuration between the lever arms of bifurcated collar lift 1450 during donning, as will be described below.

Article of footwear 1410 includes upper 1414 coupled to sole 1412, and upper 1414 includes ankle region 1426 having ankle collar 1436. Ankle collar 1436 is movable between a lowered condition and a raised condition. In the lowered state, the ankle collar 1436 is positioned closer to the sole 1412, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 1436 is positioned farther from the sole 1412.

In addition, article of footwear 1410 includes a collar lifter 1450, collar lifter 1450 being coupled to upper 1414 proximate heel region 1424 and/or ankle region 1426 and operable to move ankle collar 1436 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 1450 couples to upper 1414 near heel region 1424 and/or near ankle region 1426, the coupling may take various forms. For example, the collar lifter 1450 may be generally coupled to the upper 1414, the heel region 1424, the ankle region 1426, to the ankle collar 3314, or any and all combinations thereof.

The disclosure of fig. 5-8 applies to the collar post construction of fig. 14A-14C and is therefore incorporated. For example, any base structure (e.g., integral, connected, bonded, and/or U-shaped) may be implemented. Bifurcated collar lift 1450 includes a first lever arm 1452 and a second lever arm 1454. First lever arm 1452 has a distal end 1404 and second lever arm 1454 has a distal end 1408. Collar strut 1416 overlaps both distal end 1404 and distal end 1408.

The overlap of collar struts 1416 and bifurcated collar lifter 1350 allows for the transfer of forces in a direction resulting from the insertion of a wearer's foot into article of footwear 1410 during a donning operation. In ankle region 1426, the increased stiffness of collar strut 1416 relative to upper 1414 effectively transfers toe-to-toe forces to collar lifter 1350. This transfer of force allows the ankle collar 1436 to resist deformation into a depression. In other words, collar strut 1416 effectively converts the toe-ward force into a lateral force acting as a bridge, which is then transmitted by first and second lever arms 1452, 1454 to resist deformation of the ankle collar inward toward the toe end.

Fig. 14C provides a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear along section line 14C-14C of fig. 14B, in accordance with aspects herein. As depicted in this example configuration, inner material 1421 (e.g., a liner) is on an inner side of first lever arm 1452, and outer material 1419 is on an outer surface of first lever arm 1452. Collar post 1416 is depicted as overlapping a portion of first lever arm 1452. Further, outer material 1419 is positioned between first lever arm 1452 and collar post 1416 such that collar post 1416 is indirectly connected with the bifurcated collar lifter. Thus, in this example, collar strut 1416 is part of upper 1414 and the collar lifter remains bifurcated (e.g., non-continuous). The interposition of an outer material 1419 (or any material) between collar strut 1416 and first lever arm 1452 allows the first and second lever arms to move independently.

While a bifurcated collar lifter is depicted in fig. 14A-14C, it is contemplated that a collar strut may be used in conjunction with an alternative collar lifter. For example, a continuous collar lifter, an asymmetric collar lifter, or a contoured collar lifter may be used in conjunction with the collar posts provided herein.

Turning to fig. 15, an article of footwear 1510 having a collar lifter 1550 according to aspects herein is depicted. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of an asymmetric collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 1552 having a proximal end 1502 and a distal end 1504. The asymmetric collar lifter differs from the collar lifter 350 of fig. 3A in that the first lever arm distal end 1504 is discontinuous with the base (e.g., sole) and the proximal end 1502 is continuous, connected, bonded, or otherwise connected with the base.

In some examples, the asymmetric collar lifter provides advantages to the footwear assembly. In one example, due to the discontinuous nature of the lever arm relative to the base on both ends of the lever arm, instead of forming the footwear upper around the continuous collar lifter or threading the continuous collar lifter from the first side to the second side of the footwear through a channel of the footwear upper during assembly, the asymmetric collar lifter may be more easily incorporated. Other advantages of an asymmetric collar lifter may include reduced material and associated mass at the distal end 1504. In one example, other potential advantages of an asymmetric collar lifter over a continuous collar lifter include a variable response such that the first lever arm has a different response on a first side of the article of footwear than on another side of the article of footwear. Thus, in some examples, asymmetric collar lifts provide a variety of advantages from continuous collar lifts (such as those depicted in fig. 3A).

In one example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may terminate before wrapping around a portion of the heel end (e.g., the distal end).

The article of footwear 1510 includes an upper 1514 coupled to a sole 1512, and the upper 1514 includes an ankle region 1526 having an ankle collar 1536. Ankle collar 1536 is movable between a lowered condition and a raised condition. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1536 is positioned closer to sole 1512, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1536 is positioned farther from sole 1512.

In addition, article of footwear 1510 includes a collar lifter 1550, collar lifter 1550 coupled to upper 1514 proximate heel region 1524 and/or ankle region 1526 and operable to move ankle collar 1536 from a lowered state to a raised state. With respect to the coupling of collar lifter 1550 to upper 1514 near heel region 1524 and/or near ankle region 1526, the coupling can take various forms. For example, collar lifter 1550 may be generally coupled to upper 1514, heel region 1524, ankle region 1526, to ankle collar 3316, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 1514 is shown in phantom, and the collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

First lever arm 1552 is integral with base 1558. A unitary construction is a construction formed or composed of materials without joints or seams. Thus, there is no joint, seam, or other connection at the junction between first lever arm 1552 and base 1558. Instead, the material forming base 1558 extends continuously to second lever arm 1554. For example, in one example, the lever arm and the base may be formed as co-operating common parts, such as by a molding operation.

The base 1558 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of the sole 1512, and the base 1558 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet of material or material laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Among other things, base 1558 may include a rigid portion or section to which lever arms 1552 and 1554 are anchored.

Fig. 16 depicts an alternative article of footwear 1610 with a collar lifter 1650 in accordance with aspects herein. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of an asymmetric collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 1652 having a proximal end 1602 and a distal end 1604.

In one example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may terminate before wrapping around a portion of the heel end (e.g., the distal end).

The article of footwear 1610 includes an upper 1614 coupled to a sole 1612, and the upper 1614 includes an ankle region 1626 having an ankle collar 1636. Ankle collar 1636 is capable of moving between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1636 is positioned closer to sole 1612, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1636 is positioned further from sole 1612.

Further, article of footwear 1610 includes collar lifter 1650, collar lifter 1650 being coupled to upper 1614 near heel region 1624 and/or ankle region 1626 and operable to move ankle collar 1636 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 1650 couples to upper 1614 near heel region 1624 and/or near ankle region 1626, the coupling may take a variety of forms. For example, collar lifter 1650 may generally be coupled to upper 1614, heel region 1624, ankle region 1626, to ankle collar 3316, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 1614 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

First lever arm 1652 is distinct from base portion 1658 and is connected to base portion 1658. The connection configuration may be reversible or permanent. Permanent joints may be achieved by adhesive bonding, welding, or other methods that produce irreversible chemical or physical connections between the components. Reversible connection between the components may be achieved by creating a mechanical connection of the joints. For example, fig. 16 depicts a base 1658 having a slot 1616 into which a latch 1618 extends from a distal end 1606. The latch 1618 is mechanically coupled to the base 1658 and the first lever arm 1652 when inserted into the slot 1616. The mechanical coupling may be achieved by interference of the material forming the latch and slot, by friction, snap, ratchet, compression, and other techniques. By having a joint between the base portion 1658 and the lever arm, assembly of the article of footwear may be simplified because the lever arm may be incorporated into the upper prior to connecting the lever arm to the base portion. As such, base 1658, which may be sole 1612 or integral with sole 1612, may be assembled in a conventional manner for an article of footwear, and upper 1614 may be assembled in a more conventional manner while incorporating a lever arm, then sole 1612 and upper 1614 have a lever arm. For example, when the sole 1612 is attached to the upper 1614, the lever arm can be attached to the base at the same time.

Base 1658 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 1612, and base 1658 can be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet or material laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Base portion 1658 may include a rigid portion or section to which lever arm 1652 is anchored, among other things.

Fig. 17 depicts an alternative article of footwear 1710 with a collar lifter 1750 according to aspects herein. Specifically, the collar lifter is an example of an asymmetric collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 1752 having a proximal end 1702 and a distal end 1704.

In one example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may terminate before wrapping around a portion of the heel end (e.g., the distal end).

The article of footwear 1710 includes an upper 1714 coupled to a sole 1712, and the upper 1714 includes an ankle region 17216 with an ankle collar 17316. Ankle collar 1736 is capable of moving between a lowered position and a raised position. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1736 is positioned closer to sole 1712, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1736 is positioned further from sole 1712.

In addition, article of footwear 1710 includes collar lifter 1750, collar lifter 1750 coupled to upper 1714 near heel region 1724 and/or ankle region 1726 and operable to move ankle collar 1736 from a lowered state to a raised state. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 1750 to upper 1714 near heel region 1724 and/or near ankle region 1726, this coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 1750 may be generally coupled to upper 1714, heel region 1724, ankle region 1726, to ankle collar 1736, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 1714 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

First lever arm 1752 is different from and incorporated into, for example, the base of sole 1712. Joining of components includes forming one component after forming another component. For example, first lever arm 1752 may be positioned in a tool used to mold sole 1712 (or a portion of the sole) prior to or while forming the sole. For example, the lever arm can be positioned in a mold into which the polymeric composition is introduced (e.g., injected or poured). When the polymer composition is introduced, the polymer composition surrounds the anchor portion 1716, and the anchor portion 1716 is embedded within the sole 1712 such that the portion of the lever arm extending from the proximal end to the distal end is exposed. In further examples, during initial shaping of the sole 1712, a cavity, opening, or other volume may be maintained such that the anchor 1716 may be inserted into and embedded into these spaces by a second process, such as filling the volume holding the anchor with a material. In this example, the lever arm may be introduced with the sole after initial formation of both, but a second process combines the lever arm with the sole, for example by curing of a polymeric material complementary to the material forming the sole.

The anchors 1716 can be of any size or shape. In the depicted aspect, the anchor 1716 extends in the heel-ward direction and has a cross-sectional shape that resists displacement through the opening created at the sole 1712 at the proximal end of the lever arm. In an alternative aspect, it is contemplated that the anchor can extend in a toe-to-toe direction from a junction point on a foot-facing surface of the sole. In other examples, it is contemplated that the anchors may extend in opposite directions (e.g., toward the heel and toward the toes) from a junction on the foot-facing surface of the sole. Any other combination of size, orientation and shape is contemplated for the anchors.

Fig. 18 depicts an alternative article of footwear 1810 having a collar lifter 1850, according to aspects herein. Specifically, collar lifter 1850 is an example of an asymmetric collar lifter comprised of a first lever arm 1852 having a proximal end 1802 and a distal end 1804.

In one example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may extend around the heel end of the article of footwear. In another example, the lever arm of the asymmetric collar lifter may terminate before wrapping around a portion of the heel end (e.g., the distal end).

The article of footwear 1810 includes an upper 1814 coupled to a sole 1812, and the upper 1814 includes an ankle region 1826 having an ankle collar 1836. Ankle collar 1836 is movable between a lowered state and a raised state. In the lowered state, ankle collar 1836 is positioned closer to sole 1812, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1836 is positioned further from sole 1812.

In addition, article of footwear 1810 includes collar lifter 1850, collar lifter 1850 being coupled to upper 1814 near heel region 1824 and/or ankle region 1826 and operable to move ankle collar 1836 from the lowered state to the raised state. With regard to the coupling of collar lifter 1850 to upper 1814 near heel region 1824 and/or near ankle region 1826, the coupling may take a variety of forms. For example, collar lifter 1850 may generally be coupled to upper 1814, heel region 1824, ankle region 1826, to ankle collar 1836, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 1814 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

Fig. 18 depicts different aspects of a base, wherein the base 1816 may be attached to a portion of an upper (e.g., the heel main heel), a portion of the midsole sidewall, or any combination thereof, and the base 1816 wraps around the back of the article of footwear, as opposed to extending through the insole in the manner described with respect to the base 1558 of fig. 15. This is a similar configuration to previously provided fig. 4A-4C, but with an asymmetric collar lifter. Similar to the other bases discussed herein, the base 1816 may be integral with, connected to, or otherwise formed with the lever arm. Further, while depicted as having an upper edge above the foot-facing surface of the sole 1812, it is contemplated that in alternative aspects, the base 1816 can be recessed or incorporated into the sole 1812.

As will be understood throughout and as indicated previously, it is envisaged: any combination of base, joint/coupling/extension between base and lever arm, lever arm size, lever arm shape, lever arm cross-section, angle between base and lever arm, position of base and/or lever arm, and orientation of lever arm is contemplated as being associated with an asymmetric collar lifter. Further, any materials provided herein in connection with the collar lifter and base are contemplated as being suitable for use in an asymmetric collar lifter configuration.

Fig. 19A-19B depict another article of footwear 1910 with a contoured collar lifter 1950 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 19A depicts article of footwear 1910 in a raised state, and fig. 19B depicts article of footwear 1910 in a lowered state.

The article of footwear 1910 includes an upper 1914 coupled to a sole 1912, and the upper 1914 includes an ankle region 1926 having an ankle collar 1936. Ankle collar 1936 is movable between a lowered state (fig. 19B) and a raised state (fig. 19A). In the lowered state, ankle collar 1936 is positioned closer to sole 1912, and in the raised state, ankle collar 1936 is positioned further from sole 1912.

In addition, article of footwear 1910 includes a collar lifter 1950, collar lifter 1950 coupled to upper 1914 near heel region 1924 and/or ankle region 1926 and operable to move ankle collar 1936 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 1950 is coupled to upper 1914 near heel region 1924 and/or near ankle region 1926, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 1950 may be generally coupled to upper 1914, heel region 1924, ankle region 1926, to ankle collar 1936, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 1914 is shown in phantom, and the collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

The contoured collar lifter 1950 is comprised of a first lever arm 1952 having a proximal end 1902 and a distal end 1904 and a second lever arm 1954 having a proximal end 1906 and a distal end 1908. The lever arm in this example is corrugated in nature. The undulating lever arm is a horizontal arm having a continuous curve, which may be undulating, curved or acute in alternating directions for at least a portion of the length between the proximal and distal ends of the lever arm. The corrugated structure is effective to dynamically change in at least two ways. The first way of changing or moving is an elongation along the longitudinal length, much like a spring in tension (e.g., fig. 19A and 19B) or compression (e.g., fig. 20A and 20B). The second manner of changing or moving is in a plane defined by the undulating structure (e.g., a plane in which a continuous change in direction occurs) when the structure is curved or bent to change the shape or form of one or more undulating portions of the structure. Thus, in the case of fig. 19A and 19B, the example wave structures effectively elastically accommodate elongation and bending to create a wider opening for donning and then return to a natural position for securing the article of footwear about the foot of the wearer.

In fig. 19A, in the raised state, the first lever arm 1952 is depicted as having a length 1916 between the proximal end 1902 and the distal end 1904. Additionally, an exemplary angle 1917 is depicted between undulations on the upper side of the first lever arm 1952. In the lowered state of fig. 19B, the length of the first lever arm 1952 is depicted as length 1918 and angle 1919 is depicted as between undulations on the upper side of the first lever arm 1952. As previously mentioned, the undulating structure is effectively elastically elongated and curved to aid in donning. Thus, length 1918 is greater than length 1916 to indicate elongation in the lowered state. Similarly, angle 1919 is greater than angle 1917 to indicate a bend or hinge that occurs to achieve the lowered state. Since the contoured lever arm is contemplated as being formed of a resilient material as provided herein, the contoured structure is effectively biased against elongation and bending to return to the raised state.

First lever arm 1952 and second lever arm 1954 may be integral with, separate from, connected to, coupled to, or otherwise connected to base 1958. The base 1958 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of the sole 1912, and the base 1958 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet or plate laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Among other things, base 1958 may include a rigid portion or section to which lever arms 1952 and 1954 are anchored. Any infrastructure is envisaged as being associated with one or more undulating lever arms.

Fig. 20A-20B depict another article of footwear 2010 having a contoured collar lifter 2050 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. 20A depicts article of footwear 2010 in a raised state, while fig. 20B depicts article of footwear 2010 in a lowered state.

The article of footwear 2010 includes an upper 2014 coupled to the sole 2012, and the upper 2014 includes an ankle region 2026 having an ankle collar 2036. The ankle collar 2036 is movable between a lowered state (fig. 20B) and a raised state (fig. 20A). In the lowered state, the ankle collar 2036 is positioned closer to the sole 2012, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 2036 is positioned further from the sole 2012.

In addition, article of footwear 2010 includes collar lifter 2050, collar lifter 2050 being coupled to upper 2014 near heel region 2024 and/or ankle region 2026 and being operable to move ankle collar 2036 from the lowered condition to the raised condition. To the extent that collar lifter 2050 is coupled to upper 2014 near heel region 2024 and/or near ankle region 2026, the coupling may take various forms. For example, collar lifter 2050 may generally be coupled to upper 2014, heel region 2024, ankle region 2026, to ankle collar 2036, or any and all combinations thereof.

For purposes of illustration, upper 2014 is shown in phantom, and collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

The contoured collar lifter 2050 is comprised of a first lever arm 2052 having a proximal end 2002 and a distal end 2004. In this example, the first lever arm 2052 is positioned at the heel end, which may also be referred to as the achilles area of the article. This configuration may also sometimes be referred to as a spinal column or shoehorn configuration due to the more vertical orientation and centered position between the medial and lateral sides. The first lever arm 1952 is resilient in nature and has a natural preference for the raised state of fig. 20A. However, during donning of article of footwear 2010, collar lifter 2050 is compressible and capable of flexing in the longitudinal direction of the article of footwear (toward the heel in the example of fig. 20B). This compressibility is shown by the difference in length 2016 of fig. 20A and length 2018 of fig. 20B extending between the proximal end 2002 and the distal end 2004. Length 2018 is less than length 2016. Compressibility can also be demonstrated by the change in the angle of the undulations of the first lever arm 2052. The angle 2017 of the undulations in the raised state of fig. 20A is greater than the angle 2019 of the undulations in the lowered state of fig. 20B.

First lever arm 2052 can be integral with, separate from, connected to, coupled to, or otherwise connected to base 2058. Base 2058 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 2012, and base 2058 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet or plate laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Wherein the base 2058 may include a rigid portion or section to which the lever arm 2052 is anchored. Any base construction is envisaged as being associated with a corrugated lever arm.

Fig. 21 depicts another article of footwear 2110 with a C-shaped bifurcated collar lifter 2150 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

The article of footwear 2110 includes an upper 2114 coupled to a sole 2112, and the upper 2114 includes an ankle region 2126 having an ankle collar 2136. Ankle collar 2136 is movable between a lowered state and a raised state. In the lowered state, the ankle collar 2136 is positioned closer to the sole 2112, and in the raised state, the ankle collar 2136 is positioned further from the sole 2112.

In addition, the article of footwear 2110 includes a collar lifter 2150, the collar lifter 2150 being coupled to the upper 2114 near the heel region 2124 and/or ankle region 2126 and operable to move the ankle collar 2136 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 2150 is coupled to upper 2114 near heel region 2124 and/or near ankle region 2126, the coupling may take a variety of forms. For example, collar lifter 2150 may be generally coupled to upper 2114, heel region 2124, ankle region 2126, to ankle collar 2136, or any and all combinations thereof.

For illustrative purposes, upper 2114 is shown in phantom, and the collar lifter may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

C-shaped collar lifter 2150 is comprised of a first lever arm 2152 having a proximal end 2102 and a distal end 2104 and a second lever arm 2154 having a proximal end 2106 and a distal end 2108. The lever arm in this example has a "C" shaped profile with proximal and distal ends directed toward the heel of the curved central portion. It is contemplated that for some aspects herein, the "C" shaped profile may alternatively be positioned in opposite orientations proximally and distally to the toes. The C-shaped structure is effectively elastically compressed in the vertical direction. Additionally, it is contemplated that the C-shape may roll or otherwise move in the heel-ward direction during donning operations to further open access for the foot to enter the article of footwear.

The first and second lever arms 2152, 2154 can be integral with, separate from, connected to, coupled to, or otherwise connected to the base 2158. The base 2158 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of the sole 2112, and the base 2158 can be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a ground fabric, a sheet or plate laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Wherein the base 2158 may include a rigid portion or section to which the lever arms 2152 and 2154 are anchored. Any infrastructure is envisaged as being associated with one or more C-shaped lever arms.

Fig. 22 depicts another article of footwear 2210 with an offset collar lifter 2250 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

The article of footwear 2210 includes an upper 2214 coupled to a sole 2212, and the upper 2214 includes an ankle area 2226 having an ankle collar 2236. Ankle collar 2236 is movable between a lowered condition and a raised condition. In the lowered state, ankle collar 2236 is positioned closer to sole 2212, and in the raised state, ankle collar 2236 is positioned further from sole 2212.

In addition, article of footwear 2210 includes a collar lifter 2250, with collar lifter 2250 being coupled to upper 2214 near heel area 2224 and/or ankle area 2226 and operable to move ankle collar 2236 from a lowered state to a raised state. To the extent that collar lifter 2250 is coupled to upper 2214 near heel area 2224 and/or near ankle area 2226, the coupling may take a variety of forms. For example, collar lifter 2250 may generally be coupled to upper 2214, heel region 2224, ankle region 2226, to ankle collar 2236, or any and all combinations thereof.

For purposes of illustration, upper 2214 is shown in phantom, and collar lifters may be disposed in various positions relative to the upper. For example, a collar lifter may be affixed at least partially, and possibly entirely, between the outer layer and the inner lining in the heel region, in the ankle collar, or any and all combinations thereof. In another aspect, the collar lifter may be at least partially exposed and disposed on an exterior or outer surface of the upper. In another aspect, at least a portion of the collar lifter may be disposed on the foot-facing surface of the medial side of the inner liner. In another aspect, a collar lifter may be disposed on the exterior of the article of footwear and may be attached to the heel portion of the ankle collar by tabs, heat staking, adhesives, stitching, or other connectors.

Collar lift 2250 is formed from heel structure 2201, with heel structure 2201 flexibly connected to base 2258 at location 2207. The heel structure extends in an upward direction to near the top edge 2209 of ankle collar 2236. Heel structure 2201 may be any material, but in some aspects heel structure 2201 is formed from a material having a greater stiffness than upper 2214 in heel area 2224. Heel structure 2201 may also be referred to herein as a lever arm or first lever arm. The heel structure 2201 is depicted as having a curve extending in a medial to lateral direction. In one example, it is this curve that enhances the resistance of the heel structure 2201 to bending (e.g., from the depicted raised state to the lowered state). For example, during a donning operation, top edge 2209 can move in the heel-ward direction and toward sole 2212 to provide greater access into the article of footwear. This directional movement of heel region 2224 is biased in several ways.

The first bias is the curvature discussed previously in the medial to lateral direction through heel area 2224. This curvature provides a natural resistance to bending when curvilinear deformation occurs, such that the heel structure 2201 bends to a lowered state. The second biasing means is the resilient nature of the material forming the heel structure 2201. Having the resilient material as provided herein form at least a portion of the heel structure 2201, the heel structure 2201 will be deformed to achieve a lowered state, thereby providing a restoring force to a raised state. The third biasing means is provided by the first and second resilient members 2203, 2205. The elastic members may be elastic in nature such that they have, for example, a Young's modulus (Young's) that is lower than the heel structure 2201. Each elastic member extends between sole 2212 (e.g., base 2258) and heel structure 2201 in an orientation effective to resist transitioning from the raised state to the lowered state. In exemplary aspects, the elastic member can be formed from an elastomeric composition, such as an elastic thread or other elastic material. Each elastic member may be bonded, adhered, mechanically attached, or otherwise connected to sole 2212, base 2258, and/or heel structure 2201 with sole 2212, base 2258, and/or heel structure 2201.

Heel structure 2201 can be integral with base 2258, discrete, connected, joined, or otherwise connected to base 2258. Base 2258 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 2212, and base 2258 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet of material or material laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Base 2258 may include, among other things, a rigid portion or section to which heel structure 2201 is anchored. Any infrastructure is contemplated as being associated with heel structure 2201.

Fig. 23 depicts another article of footwear 2310 having a continuous collar lifter 2350 and a multi-portion base 2358, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; the multipart base 2358 is another example of a base structure, which may provide a number of advantages in some examples. In a first example, having a multipart base 2358 including first and second anchors 2301, 2303 provides increased flexibility to footwear article 2310, with collar lifter components extending from first and second anchors 2301, 2303. For example, if the anchors are formed of a more rigid material than the sole 2312 to which they are attached, the anchors may limit some of the functions of the sole 2312. For example, flexibility and ability to accommodate as a foot support surface may be hindered by a continuous base structure under the foot, but having a multi-part base allows independent movement of the base element to compensate for force variations. In one example, this ability to better compensate for force variations may also translate into the response characteristics of the sole 2312 due to the coupling between the sole 2312 and the anchor.

Another example of an advantage of the multi-part base 2358 is from an assembly perspective. Having a multi-part base allows for alternative assembly of an article of footwear, as positioning the smaller part may provide additional assembly flexibility in positioning and securing a single base unit of similar size or dimensions as the multiple parts forming the base. Additionally, in some instances, it is contemplated that a multi-part base may be utilized to achieve material cost savings and mass reduction as compared to a unitary base.

Continuous collar lifter 2350 may be integral with, discrete from, connected to, coupled with, or otherwise connected to base 2358. Base 2358 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 2312, and base 2358 may be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a base fabric, a sheet or plate laminated between any of these sole layers that is bonded/embedded in a sole as provided above, or any combination thereof. Base 2358 may include, among other things, a rigid portion or section to which collar lifter 2350 is anchored.

Fig. 24 depicts another article of footwear 2410 having an upper 2414, a bifurcated collar lifter 2450, and a multi-part base 2458 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The multipart base 2458 includes a first anchor 2401 and a second anchor 2403.

Bifurcated collar lifter 2450 can be integral with base 2458, discrete, connected, joined, or otherwise connected to base 2458. Base 2458 is affixed to or near the foot-facing surface of sole 2412, and base 2458 can be a portion of an outsole, a portion of a midsole, a portion of an insole, a portion of a ground fabric, a sheet or plate of material incorporated/embedded in the sole laminated between any of these sole layers, or any combination thereof. Base 2458 can include, among other things, a rigid portion or section to which collar lifter 2450 is anchored.

Fig. 25A-26C depict various examples of adjustable orientation connections between a base and a collar lifter according to aspects herein. The adjustable orientation allows a common base, such as a sole and/or a common collar lifter, to be used in conjunction with various styles of footwear, various sizes of footwear, and various biasing characteristics between raised and lowered states of the footwear. Further, it is contemplated that the common base may accommodate different collar lifters with adjustable orientation connections. Similarly, it is contemplated that a common collar lifter may be connected with different bases with adjustable orientation connections.

Fig. 25A depicts an article of footwear 2510 having an upper 2514, a sole 2512, and a variable connection 2559. In this example, the sole 2512 serves as a base. Two different collar lifter configurations are depicted. First collar lifter 2550A is depicted as extending from faceted aperture 2503, as best seen in the exploded view of fig. 25B. Referring to fig. 25B, the faceted aperture 2503 comprises a plurality of discrete facets effective to engage with a corresponding facet structure 2501 at the proximal end 2502 of collar lifter 2550A. In this example, there is a structure (e.g., an inverse structural shape) associated with both the multi-faceted aperture 2503 and the facet structure 2501 that allows for variable orientation engagement between the two elements. For example, returning to fig. 25A, first collar lifter 2550A may be oriented at angle 2505 relative to horizontal reference 2517, and instead collar lifter 2550B may be oriented at angle 2507 relative to horizontal reference 2517. Since collar lifters 2550A and 2550B have different lengths, but are depicted in conjunction with common sole 2512 and common upper 2514, they are oriented at different angles in the multi-faceted apertures to provide a proper fit with upper 2514. Selecting one collar lifter instead of another may achieve the desired biasing force, angle, style, etc.

While fig. 25B depicts male and female configurations with the male portion extending from the collar lifter, it is contemplated in one example that the male and female configurations may be reversed such that the male element extends from the base and the collar lifter provides a female connection point. Further, it is contemplated that the connection between the facet structure 2501 and the facet hole 2503 can be permanently connected (e.g., adhesive, chemical bonding) or removably connected (e.g., compression fit). In one example, the orientation between the facet structures 2501 and the facet apertures 2503 can be adjusted by the wearer to achieve variable fit and collar lifting functions.

Fig. 25C depicts another article of footwear 2513 according to aspects herein having an upper 2515 that differs from the upper 2514 of fig. 25A, while maintaining a common sole 2512. Fig. 25C effectively demonstrates how a common base (e.g., sole 2512) can be mated with a different upper, and the variable orientation connection between the collar lifter and the base provides assembly freedom. In other words, by utilizing a variable orientation connection between the common base and the collar lifter, the common base may be used for different upper configurations. This may reduce the inventor and tool requirements of the footwear manufacturer while allowing the footwear to have a collar lifter.

Fig. 25C also effectively demonstrates the flexibility of different collar lifter configurations for a common base. First collar lifter 2550C forms an angle 2509 with horizontal reference 2517. Second collar lifter 2550D forms a second angle 2511 with horizontal reference 2517. In this way, variable configurations may be achieved by variable orientation connections.

Fig. 26A-26C provide alternative variable connection configurations. In particular, the variable connection configuration of fig. 26A-26C provides non-complementary shaped male and female structures rather than having corresponding male and female structures with associated shapes as shown in fig. 25B. Specifically, as best seen in fig. 26B, the convex structure 2601 has a straight cross-section and the faceted bore 2603 has a non-straight cross-section (e.g., star, inner sprocket). In one example, such non-complementary shaping allows the collar lifter to have an interaction surface of the male component (e.g., a major surface of a linear male projection) without enlarging the proximal end of the collar lifter to accommodate a symmetrical male projection having a sufficient interaction surface.

Fig. 26A and 26B provide another article of footwear 2610 having an upper 2614, a sole 2612, and a variable connector 2659. Article of footwear 2610 depicts alternative collar lifts, first collar lift 2650A and second collar lift 2650B to emphasize the flexibility in design, tooling, and inventory provided by the variable connectors. First collar lifter 2650A forms an angle 2605 with horizontal reference 2617 and second collar lifter 2650B forms a second angle 2607 with horizontal reference 2617.

Fig. 26B provides an exploded perspective view of article of footwear 2610. A male feature 2601 extends from a distal end 2602 of collar lifter 2650A. This is described as a structure having a rectilinear cross-section, but any cross-sectional shape is envisaged. The faceted aperture 2603 is also depicted as having a plurality of facets that are adapted to receive and secure the convex structure 2601 at various angles.

Fig. 26C depicts another article of footwear 2613 according to aspects herein having an upper 2615 that differs from upper 2614 of fig. 26A while maintaining a common sole 2612. Fig. 26C effectively demonstrates how a common base (e.g., sole 2612) can be mated with a different upper, and the variable orientation connection between the collar lifter and the base provides assembly freedom. In other words, by utilizing a variable orientation connection between the common base and the collar lifter, the common base may be used for different upper configurations. This may reduce the inventor and tool requirements of the footwear manufacturer while allowing the footwear to have a collar lifter.

Fig. 26C also effectively demonstrates the flexibility of different collar lifter configurations for a common base. First collar lifter 2650C forms an angle 2609 with horizontal reference 2617. Second collar lifter 2650D forms a second angle 2611 with horizontal reference 2617. In this way, variable configurations may be achieved by variable orientation connections.

Fig. 27A-28C depict variations of a sliding collar lifter according to aspects herein. Fig. 27-27C depict a first example of a sliding collar lifter 2750 with a protrusion 2705 at the proximal end 2702. The protrusion 2705 extends into the slot 2701 containing the biasing element/material. The slot 2701 is formed in a base, such as a sole 2712. The slot 2701 provides a channel in which the tab 2705 is slidably secured. The path of movement is limited based on the shape of the slot 2701. As shown, the path of movement is linear, but it is contemplated that other paths of movement may be utilized to achieve various collar lifter motions. The slot has a first end more toward the toes and a second end more toward the heel. Thus, in one example, the proximal end of the first lever arm is closer to the second end of the slot (e.g., the heel-ward end of the slot) when the ankle collar is in the raised condition, and the proximal end of the first lever arm is further from the second end of the slot (e.g., closer to the heel-ward end of the slot) when the ankle collar is in the lowered condition.

It is contemplated that collar lifter 2750 is secured with upper 2714 in any of the ways provided herein. As such, when a force is applied on the ankle collar 2736 to don the article of footwear, the force translates from the ankle collar 2736 to cause a lowering (e.g., squeezing) of the upper 2714 to open the footwear for foot insertion. This force is translated further through collar lifter 2750 and translated into motion indicated by slot 2701. When the collar lifter transmits a force load during a donning operation, the protrusion 2705 slides and pivots within the slot 2701. The slot 2701 includes a biasing mechanism, such as a spring 2703. Spring 2703 is depicted as a spring that resists the compressive force and thus urges collar lifter 2750 into the raised state; however, it is contemplated that a spring against tension may be used on the opposite side of the protrusion 2705 in the slot 2701 to achieve a similar response. The spring 2703 is adjusted to provide different levels of biasing force. The size of the slot 2701 can also be adjusted to change the path length and path of movement, thereby adjusting the response of the collar lifter.

Fig. 27B depicts an exploded perspective view of fig. 27A. Fig. 27C depicts the article of footwear of fig. 27A in a lowered state. Specifically, collar lifter 2750 pushes tab 2705 forward in slot 2701 to compress spring 2703. The compression of spring 2703 exerts a restoring force on tab 2705 to push collar lifter 2750 back to the raised state.

Fig. 28-28C depict a second example of a sliding collar lifter 2850 having a tab 2805 at a proximal end 2802. The tab 2805 extends into the slot 2801 containing the biasing element. Groove 2801 is formed in a base, such as sole 2812. The slot 2801 provides a channel in which the tab 2805 is slidably secured. The movement path is limited based on the shape of the slot 2801. As shown, the path of movement is linear, but it is contemplated that other paths of movement may be utilized to achieve various collar lifter motions.

It is contemplated that collar lifter 2850 is secured with upper 2814 in any manner provided herein. As such, when a force is applied on ankle collar 2836 to don the article of footwear, the force translates from ankle collar 2836 to cause a lowering (e.g., squeezing) of upper 2814 to open the footwear for foot insertion. The force translates further through collar lifter 2850 and translates into motion indicated by slot 2801. When the collar lifter transmits force load during donning operations, the tab 2805 slides and pivots within the slot 2801. The slot 2801 includes a biasing mechanism, such as an elastomeric material 2803. The resilient material is a compressible material that returns to a less compressed state. Examples of elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, polymeric compositions, such as foamed compositions. Examples also include materials associated with the sole material, such as EVA.

In a particular aspect, it is contemplated that slot 2801 is formed by a frame inserted into a mold of sole 2812. The frame allows for the inclusion of sole shaping material in the channels during a sole shaping operation. The frame then provides a barrier between the sole material and the resilient material within the channel so that the resilient material within the channel is independently movable relative to the material forming the sole. In other words, it is envisaged that the grooves may also be filled with the same resilient material as the sole forming material during the formation of the sole. The frame also provides a track for guiding the repetitive movement of the tab biased by the resilient material.

Fig. 28B depicts an exploded perspective view of fig. 28A. Fig. 28C depicts the article of footwear of fig. 28A in a lowered state. Specifically, collar lifter 2850 pushes tabs 2805 forward in slots 2801 to compress resilient material 2803. The compression of resilient material 2803 exerts a restoring force on tabs 2805 to push collar lifter 2850 back to the raised state.

The concepts of fig. 27A-28C and related disclosure are contemplated for use in connection with various aspects presented herein. For example, different collar lifters having various sizes and shapes may be used in conjunction with the sliding concept.

Fig. 29A-32C provide variations of lever arm configurations in accordance with aspects herein. In particular, it is contemplated that any lever arm variation may be used in conjunction with the various aspects contemplated in this disclosure.

Fig. 29A depicts another article of footwear 2910 having a variable cross-section collar lifter 2950 extending from a base 2958 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. As depicted in fig. 29B and 29C along the respective cut lines in fig. 29A, the collar lifter has a transition geometry that has a first orientation at a first location and then transitions to a second orientation at a second location. For example, the cross-section of fig. 29B is near the proximal end of collar lifter 2950, and collar lifter 2950 has an oval cross-section with the long axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of article of footwear 2910. When the collar lifter extends in an upward direction away from base 2958, the cross-section transitions to the cross-section depicted in fig. 29C, which is still a visual cross-section, but the long axis is not in the medial-to-lateral direction of article of footwear 2910.

Because some of the forces presented to the collar lifter are directional in nature, such as the wearer's foot pressing on an ankle collar to put on the footwear, the variable orientation of the cross-sectional shape may effectively design the location along the length of the collar lifter where and how deformation may occur. For example, collar lifter 2950 may be more prone to deformation in the short axis direction of the cross-section (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the long axis). In this example, when a force is applied to collar lifter 2950 during a donning operation, the collar lifter may bend outward (e.g., away from the interior of the footwear) at cross-section 29B, and the collar lifter may bend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the footwear at cross-section 29C. This varying direction of deformation may allow widening of the ankle collar in the medial to lateral direction based on deformation at cross-section 29B, and widening in the toe to heel direction based on deformation at cross-section 29C. Thus, in one example, the varying cross-section is effective for designing a variation that facilitates use of the collar lifter.

Fig. 30A depicts another article of footwear 3010 having another variable cross-section collar lifter 3050 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In this example, having a gradient cross section allows for variable deformation along the length of collar lifter 3050 as collar lifter 3050 extends away from base 3058. As shown in fig. 30B, a first cross-section is provided that has a greater surface area than the cross-section depicted in fig. 30C. Cross section 30B is closer to base 3058 than cross section 30C. Thus, the collar lifter 3050 tapers as it extends away from the base. In one example, the variable cross-section design deforms such that the initial deformation occurs at a higher location (e.g., closer to the distal end of the collar lifter) and deformation (e.g., bending) occurs at a portion closer to the base 3058 as deformation continues to occur due to the additional force applied (e.g., the foot entering the footwear). Although a straight line cross-section is depicted in fig. 30A-30C, it should be understood that the gradient cross-section may be formed of any cross-sectional shape.

Fig. 31A depicts another article of footwear 3110 having an upper 3114, a sole 31112, and a variable slit collar lift 3150 extending from a base 3158, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Depicted are a plurality of slits extending into collar lifter 3150. The slits provide design fatigue points that are more likely to deform. In this example, a slit is provided on the toe end-facing surface to promote deformation in the heel end direction to facilitate transition from the raised state to the lowered state. Also note in fig. 31B that the enlarged side perspective view of collar lifter 3150 of fig. 31A is a gradient of slits. A higher concentration of slits per length is found at the distal end relative to the proximal end. The gradient causes deformation to occur initially at the distal end, and when additional force is applied, the deformation moves proximally. The slits also promote a particular deformation direction. For example, to promote longitudinal deformation rather than medial to lateral deformation, slits extending in the direction promoted may be utilized.

Fig. 32A depicts another article of footwear 3210 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, having an upper 3214, a sole 3212, and another variable cross-section collar lifter 3250 extending from a base 3258. Collar lifter 3250 has a variable cross-sectional shape along its length. At cross-section 32B, the collar lifter has an oval cross-sectional shape with a major axis along the longitudinal direction of the footwear, as shown in fig. 32B. A cross-section 32C closer to the distal end of collar lifter 3250 has a different circular cross-section, as shown in fig. 32C.

Having a cross-section of variable shape allows for the design to be designed where initial deformation occurs. Further, in some examples, the variable cross-sectional shape allows for reduced material usage and potential wearer comfort. Although a transition from an elliptical to a circular cross-section is depicted, it should be understood that any combination of any order and any number of shapes may be utilized in accordance with aspects herein. In addition, a smooth transition between two or more cross-sectional shapes may not occur in all aspects. In contrast, when designing a collar lifter, an abrupt transition between the two cross-sectional shapes may occur.

The terms "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably to mean that there is at least one of the items. When such terms are used, there can be a plurality of such items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless expressly or otherwise indicated in the context (including the appended claims), all numbers expressing quantities or conditions of parameters used in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about", whether or not "about" actually appears before the value. By "about" it is meant that the value allows some slight imprecision (with respect to value near exactness; near or reasonably near the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then "about" as used herein at least denotes variations that may result from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Moreover, disclosure of ranges should be understood to specifically disclose all values within the range and further divided ranges. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The terms "comprises," "comprising," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of the steps, processes, and operations may be changed, when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term "any" should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including "any one of the referenced items". The term "any" should be understood to include any possible combination of the recited claims of the appended claims, including "any" of the recited claims.

Directional adjectives may be employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated examples for consistency and convenience. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," and the like may be used descriptively with respect to the figures, and do not represent limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims.

The term "longitudinal" as may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending the length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of the footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the footwear. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to the general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, while the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified as having a longitudinal axis and a front-to-back longitudinal direction along the axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as the anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term "transverse" as may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending the width of a component. For example, the lateral direction of the shoe extends between the lateral side and the medial side of the shoe. A lateral direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis, or a medial-lateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" as may be used throughout the detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the sole lies flat on the ground, the vertical direction may extend upward from the ground. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to various components of a sole. The terms "upward" or "upwardly" refer to a vertical direction that is toward the top of a component that may include the instep, fastening area, and/or throat of an upper. The terms "downward" or "downwardly" refer to a vertical direction that is directed toward the bottom of the component, opposite the upward direction, and may generally be directed toward the bottom of the sole structure of the article of footwear.

The "interior" of an article of footwear (e.g., a shoe) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The "medial side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that faces (or is to face) the component or the interior of the article of footwear in the assembled article of footwear. The "lateral side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away (or will be oriented away) from the interior of the shoe in the assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the medial and interior sides of the components in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between the lateral side of the component and the space outside the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms "inwardly" and "inwardly" shall refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or article of footwear (e.g., a shoe), and the terms "outwardly" and "outwardly" shall refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or article of footwear (e.g., a shoe). Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to a direction that is closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the article of footwear when worn by a user. Likewise, the term "distal" refers to a relative position that is farther from the center of the footwear component or farther from the foot when the foot is inserted into the article of footwear when worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposite terms describing relative spatial locations.

The following clauses are representative of the aspects contemplated herein. This list is merely a specific example and does not limit the scope of the present description. Rather, the following clauses are intended to provide guidance regarding some of the contemplated aspects herein. The phrase "article of footwear of clauses x-y" as used hereinafter should be construed as footwear of any one or combination of clauses x-y, where x and y are numerical clauses.

Clause 1. an article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter comprising: the lever assembly includes a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first lever arm and the distal end of the second lever arm are non-contiguous.

Clause 2. the article of footwear of clause 1, wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm is continuous with the base.

Clause 3. the article of footwear of clause 2, wherein the base is layered below the insole and above the midsole.

Clause 4. the article of footwear of clause 2, wherein the base extends to a proximal end of the second lever arm.

Clause 5. the article of footwear of clause 2, wherein the base is a U-shaped element extending around the heel end of the sole between a first lever proximal end and a second lever distal end.

Clause 6. the article of footwear of clauses 1-5, wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm is different from and connected to the base.

Clause 7. the article of footwear of clause 6, wherein the base is layered below the insole and above the midsole.

Clause 8. the article of footwear of clause 6, wherein the base extends to the proximal end of the second lever arm.

Clause 9. the article of footwear of clause 6, wherein the base is a U-shaped member extending around a heel end of the sole between the first lever proximal end and the second lever distal end.

Clause 10. the article of footwear of clause 6, wherein the first lever arm and the base are releasably connected or permanently connected.

Clause 11. the article of footwear of clauses 1-10, wherein the first lever arm extends in a heel-ward direction from the proximal end toward the distal end.

Clause 12. an article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first lever arm is independently movable relative to the sole; and a heel puller at a heel end of the upper.

Clause 13. the article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end are non-contiguous, and at least one of the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end overlaps a portion of the heel puller.

Clause 14. the article of footwear of clause 12, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end are not contiguous, and neither the first lever arm distal end nor the second lever arm distal end overlaps the heel puller such that a first distance between the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end is greater than a width of the heel puller in the first to second directions.

Clause 15. the article of footwear of clauses 12-14, wherein the heel puller is integral with the upper.

Clause 16. the article of footwear of clauses 12-14, wherein the heel puller is different from and connected to the upper.

Clause 17. the article of footwear of clauses 12-14, wherein the heel puller extends in a heel-ward direction more than the upper extends in the heel-ward direction.

Clause 18. the article of footwear of clauses 12-17, wherein at least one material is positioned between the heel collar and the first lever arm.

Clause 19. the article of footwear of clauses 12-18, wherein the first lever arm at the distal end is below an uppermost junction of the heel puller and the upper.

Clause 20. the article of footwear of clauses 12-19, wherein the heel puller is connected to the upper on an exterior surface of the upper.

Clause 21. the article of footwear of clauses 12-20, wherein the first lever arm extends from one of a medial side or a lateral side of the article of footwear to the other of the medial side or the lateral side of the article of footwear.

Clause 22. an article of footwear, comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; a collar runner having a proximal end and a distal end, the collar runner proximal end extending from the ankle collar at an uppermost heel end of the ankle collar; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered condition to the raised condition, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first lever arm distal end is independently movable relative to the sole and extends from the sole toward the ankle collar in a raised condition position at a first angle that is greater than a second angle defined by the collar slide relative to the sole also in the raised condition position.

Clause 23. the article of footwear of clause 22, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end being non-contiguous, and at least one of the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end overlapping at least a portion of a width comprising the collar slide.

Clause 24. the article of footwear of clause 22, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end being non-contiguous, and neither the first lever arm distal end nor the second lever arm distal end overlapping a width comprising the collar slide, such that a first distance between the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end is greater than the width of the collar slide.

Clause 25. the article of footwear of clauses 22-24, wherein the collar slider is integral with the upper.

Clause 26 the article of footwear of clauses 22-24, wherein the collar slider is different from and connected to the upper.

Clause 27. the article of footwear of clauses 22-24, wherein the collar slider extends in the heel-ward direction more than the upper extends in the heel-ward direction.

Clause 28. the article of footwear of clauses 22-27, wherein at least one material is positioned between the collar slide and the first lever arm.

Clause 29. the article of footwear of clauses 22-28, wherein the first lever arm at the distal end is below the proximal end of the collar slide.

Clause 30. the article of footwear of clauses 22-29, wherein the first lever arm extends from one of a medial side or a lateral side of the article of footwear to the other of the medial side or the lateral side of the article of footwear.

Clause 31. an article of footwear, comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole; a collar strut having a first end on a medial side of the upper and a second end on a lateral side of the upper, the collar strut extending around a heel end of the upper at the ankle collar; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter comprising: the lever assembly includes a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, and a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the first lever arm and the distal end of the second lever arm are non-contiguous.

Clause 32. the article of footwear of clause 31, wherein at least one of the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end overlaps at least a portion of the width comprising the collar post.

Clause 33. the article of footwear of clause 31, wherein neither the first lever arm distal end nor the second arm distal end overlaps a width comprising the collar post such that a first distance between the first lever arm distal end and the second arm distal end is greater than the width of the collar post.

Clause 34. the article of footwear of clauses 31-33, wherein the collar stay is a polymer composition having a stiffness greater than a stiffness of an adjacent material forming the upper.

Clause 35. the article of footwear of clauses 31-34, wherein the collar stay is different from and connected to the upper.

Clause 36. the article of footwear of clauses 31-34, wherein the collar stay is connected to an exterior layer of the upper or between the exterior layer of the upper and an inner lining of the article of footwear.

Clause 37. the article of footwear of clauses 31-36, wherein at least one material is positioned between the collar leg and the first lever arm.

Clause 38. the article of footwear of clauses 31-37, wherein the first lever arm at the distal end is below the collar strut in a raised state position.

Clause 39. an article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between an open state position and a closed state position; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from a lowered state to a raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the first lever arm undulates between the proximal end and the distal end.

Clause 40. the article of footwear of clause 39, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end and an undulation between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end are non-contiguous.

Clause 41. the article of footwear of clauses 39-40, wherein the first lever arm extends from the sole toward the ankle collar at a heel end of the sole.

Clause 42. the article of footwear of clauses 39-40, wherein the first lever arm extends in a heel-ward direction from the sole toward the ankle collar.

Clause 43. the article of footwear of clause 39, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end and an undulation between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the first lever arm distal end and the second lever arm distal end are contiguous.

Clause 44. an article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to the sole and including an ankle collar movable between an open state position and a closed state position; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from a lowered state to a raised state, the collar lifter comprising: a first lever arm having a proximal end at the sole and a distal end toward the ankle collar; a first resilient member extending from the first lever arm toward the sole on a medial side in a toe-to-toe direction; and a second resilient member extending on a lateral side in a toe-to-toe direction from the first lever arm toward the sole.

Clause 45. the article of footwear of clause 44, wherein in the closed state, the first resilient member has a first length between the first lever arm and the sole, and in the open state, the first resilient member has a second length between the first lever arm and the sole, the second length being greater than the first length.

Clause 46. the article of footwear of clause 45, wherein in the closed state, the second resilient member has a first length between the first lever arm and the sole, and in the open state, the second resilient member has a second length between the first lever arm and the sole, the second length being greater than the first length.

Clause 47. the article of footwear of clauses 44-46, wherein the first resilient member has a lower young's modulus than the first lever arm.

Clause 48. the article of footwear of clauses 44-47, wherein the first lever arm is hinged from a vertical direction to a rearward direction at the sole when transitioning from the closed-state position to the open-state position.

Clause 49. an article of footwear, comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned further from the sole, wherein the sole includes a plurality of facets; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first lever arm proximal end is positioned within the multi-faceted aperture in a first orientation providing a first angle between the first lever arm and the sole or a second orientation providing a second angle between the first lever arm and the sole.

Clause 50. the article of footwear of clause 49, wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm includes a convex shape having a shape complementary to the faceted aperture.

Clause 51. the article of footwear of clause 49, wherein the proximal end of the first lever arm includes a convex shape having a shape that is non-complementary to the multi-faceted aperture.

Clause 52 the article of footwear of clauses 49-51, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second lever arm proximal end positioned within the second multifaceted aperture of the sole in a first orientation that provides a first angle between the first lever arm and the sole or a second orientation that provides a second angle between the first lever arm and the sole.

Clause 53. the article of footwear of clause 52, wherein the first angle of the first lever arm and the first angle of the second lever arm are a common angle, and the second angle of the first lever arm and the second angle of the second lever arm are a common angle.

Clause 54. the article of footwear of clause 52, wherein the second lever arm proximal end includes a convex shape having a shape that is non-complementary to the multi-faceted aperture.

Clause 55. an article of footwear comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state positioned closer to the sole and a raised state positioned further from the sole, wherein the sole includes a slot on a first side; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm including a protrusion extending away from the first lever arm and toward the sole and engaged with the sole in the slot, wherein a resilient material is located in the slot on a first side of the protrusion.

Clause 56. the article of footwear of clause 55, wherein the resilient material is a spring.

Clause 57. the article of footwear of clause 56, wherein the spring is a compression spring.

Clause 58. the article of footwear of clause 55, wherein the elastic material is a polymer composition.

Clause 59. the article of footwear of clause 58, wherein the polymer composition is a foamed polymer composition.

Clause 60. the article of footwear of clause 59, wherein the foamed polymer composition is vinyl acetate.

Clause 61. the article of footwear of clause 55, wherein the resilient material is a polymeric material, and the sole further comprises the polymeric material.

Clause 62. the article of footwear of clause 55, wherein the sole includes a second groove on a second side, wherein the first side is a medial sidewall of the sole and the second side is a lateral sidewall of the sole.

Clause 63. the article of footwear of clause 62, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second lever arm comprising a protrusion extending toward the sole and engaging the sole in the second slot, wherein resilient material is located in the second slot on a first side of the protrusion.

Clause 64. the article of footwear of clause 63, wherein the first side of the projection in the second slot is a toe end side of the slot.

Clause 65. an article of footwear, comprising: an upper coupled to a sole and including an ankle collar movable between a lowered state located closer to the sole and a raised state located further from the sole, wherein the sole comprises: a channel having a first end and a second end, and a resilient material in the channel between the first end and the second end; and a collar lifter operable to return the ankle collar from the lowered state to the raised state, the collar lifter including a first lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the first lever arm proximal end being closer to the slot second end when the ankle collar is in the raised state and the first lever arm proximal end being further from the slot second end when the ankle collar is in the lowered state.

Clause 66. the article of footwear of clause 65, wherein the resilient material is a spring.

Item 67. the article of footwear of item 66, wherein the spring is a compression spring.

Clause 68. the article of footwear of clause 65, wherein the resilient material is a polymer composition.

Clause 69 the article of footwear of clause 68, wherein the polymer composition is a foamed polymer composition.

Clause 70. the article of footwear of clause 69, wherein the foamed polymer composition is vinyl acetate.

Clause 71. the article of footwear of clause 65, wherein the resilient material is a polymeric material, and the sole further comprises the polymeric material.

Clause 72 the article of footwear of clauses 65-71, wherein the sole comprises a second slot on a second side, wherein the slot is on a medial sidewall of the sole and the second slot is on a lateral sidewall of the sole.

Clause 73. the article of footwear of clause 72, wherein the collar lifter further comprises a second lever arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second lever arm proximal end being closer to the second end of the second slot when the ankle collar is in the raised condition, and the first lever arm proximal end being further from the second end of the second slot when the ankle collar is in the lowered condition.

Clause 74. the article of footwear of clauses 65-73, wherein the resilient material is disposed between the proximal end of the first lever and the first end of the slot.

Clause 75. the article of footwear of clause 74, wherein the resilient material is not present between the proximal end of the first lever and the second end of the slot.

Clause 76. the article of footwear of clause 74, wherein the resilient material is under a first compression when the ankle collar is in the raised condition and under a second compression greater than the first compression when the ankle collar is in the lowered condition.

Clause 77. the article of footwear of clauses 65-76, wherein the first lever arm includes a protrusion extending into the slot and engaging the resilient material in the slot.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible aspects of the invention may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.