Article of footwear

Details Article of footwear Article of footwear

1998-12-23

2000-02-29

Kavanaugh, Ted

Boots, shoes, and leggings

Uppers

Closure

36 51, 36 585, A43C 1100

Patent

active

060293764

ABSTRACT:
An article of footwear including a sole and an upper for enclosing and supporting the foot. The upper includes a tongueless outer sleeve of flexible woven elastic material, such as spandex, that allows the outer sleeve to expand and contract around a foot of a wearer. A flexible cage of support elements is permeation bonded to the inside or outside of the outer sleeve by welding to provide additional support. Tensioning elements are located at the upper ends of the support elements. A lace is routed through superimposed holes in the tensioning elements and the outer sleeve. Tightening of the lace causes the tightening of the flexible cage to further secure the article of footwear to the foot of the wearer. A breathable inner sleeve provides additional support for the foot of the wearer and protects the foot from pressure points due to the lacing under the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve protects portions of the lace that extend between the inner and outer sleeve. A counter can be used to stiffen the shoe in selected areas. A heel strap can be used with a heel counter to lock the heel of the wearer into the shoe.

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Footwear News, The Next Step "Mesh and welding give Vans' Articulate a futuristic feel," p. 14, Sep. 7, 1998.

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