CN102088879B - Article of footwear with integrated arch strap - Google Patents

Abstract

An article of footwear having an integrated arch strap and eyelets is disclosed. The integrated arch strap provides arch support that is adjustable by the wearer through tightening of the shoelaces. Furthermore, adjustment of the integrated arch strap allows for some customizability of the width of the article of footwear.

Description

Articles of footwear with integrated arch straps

technical field

The present invention relates to an article of footwear, and more particularly to an article of footwear configured with an arch strap.

Background technique

Articles having arch supports have been proposed previously. Bunch (US Patent No. 4,926,569) teaches a shoe that includes an arch support device that acts to support the foot and lift the arch under pressure. The arch support arrangement includes an elastic strap attached at one end to the lateral portion of the top surface of the shoe and at the other end to the upper by the shoe's lacing structure. Bunch teaches that the wearer can adjust the degree of arch support by adjusting the tightness of the shoelaces.

The Bunch design lacks measures to support the foot on the medial side and lateral side. Also, the placement of the arch strap at the end of the lace structure attachment can slide off the lace and cause difficulties during initial insertion of the foot. There is a need in the art to overcome these shortcomings.

Contents of the invention

The present invention discloses an article of footwear having an integrated arch strap and eyestay. In one aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an upper including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; a shoelace configured to fasten a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; and wherein the first end includes at least A channel for receiving a portion of the lace, and wherein the second end includes at least one channel for receiving a portion of the lace.

In another aspect, the first end includes at least one gap configured to receive a portion of the shoelace.

In another aspect, the second end includes at least one gap configured to receive a portion of the shoelace.

In another aspect, the first end includes a first eyelet.

In another aspect, the second end includes a second eyelet.

In another aspect, the upper is associated with an insole configured to be inserted over the arch band.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an upper including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; the medial lacing portion including a medial interior portion and a medial exterior portion disposed opposite the medial interior portion; the lateral lacing portion includes a lateral inner portion and a lateral outer portion disposed opposite the lateral inner portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end; and wherein the first end is configured to cover the outer inner portion and the outer outer portion, and wherein the second end is configured to cover the inner inner part and inner outer part.

In another aspect, the first end includes at least one channel for receiving a portion of the lace.

In another aspect, the second end includes at least one channel for receiving a portion of the lace.

In another aspect, the first end is fixedly attached to the outer inner portion and the outer outer portion.

In another aspect, the first end is fixedly attached to the outer outer portion and wherein the first end is configured to move relative to the outer inner portion.

In another aspect, the second end is fixedly attached to the inner inner portion and the inner outer portion.

In another aspect, the second end is fixedly attached to the medial exterior portion and wherein the second end is configured to move relative to the medial interior portion.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an article of footwear comprising: an upper including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end; a lace configured to fasten the inner lacing portion and the outer lacing portion together; the first end comprising at least one channel to receive a portion of the lace, the second end portion including at least one channel to receive a portion of the lace; and wherein the arch strap is configured to be fastened to the outside portion of the foot and the foot when the lace is fastened on the inner part of the .

In another aspect, the first end is associated with the outer strap portion.

In another aspect, the second end is associated with the medial lacing portion.

In another aspect, the upper is associated with the insole.

In another aspect, the insole is configured to contact the medial portion of the arch strap.

In another aspect, the insole is configured to partially wrap around the lateral portion of the foot and the medial portion of the foot when the lace is tightened.

In another aspect, an insole is disposed between the mid portion and the sole of the article of footwear.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are included within this description, are within the scope of the invention, and are protected by the following claims.

Description of drawings

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and descriptions. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Also, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear;

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the article of footwear;

3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear secured with laces;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear with an inserted foot; and

5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear with an integrated arch strap secured about a foot.

Detailed ways

1-2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear 100 . Specifically, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear 100 , and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view. For clarity, the following detailed description discusses a preferred embodiment in the form of an athletic shoe, but it should be noted that the invention may take the form of any article of footwear, including but not limited to soccer shoes, football shoes , football shoes, softball shoes and other types of shoes. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 , article of footwear 100 (also simply article 100 ) is intended for the right foot, however, it should be understood that the following discussion applies equally to the mirror image of article of footwear 100 (which is intended for the left foot).

Article of footwear 100 preferably includes upper 102 . In general, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. Preferably, upper 102 is configured to receive a wearer's foot.

Referring to FIG. 1 , upper 102 includes access aperture 103 configured to receive a wearer's foot. Typically, access aperture 103 allows a foot to be inserted into interior portion 104 of upper 102 . Upper 102 may also be associated with outer portion 105 that is disposed opposite inner portion 104 .

Generally, upper 102 may also include a medial portion 106 and a lateral portion 107 disposed opposite medial portion 106 . Medial portion 106 may be associated with the inner side of the foot. Similarly, lateral portion 107 may be associated with the outer side of the foot.

In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include a fastening system configured to fasten upper 102 . In general, article of footwear 100 may be associated with any type of fastening system including, but not limited to, laces, straps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, and other types of fastening systems. In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear 100 includes a fastening system with laces.

In this embodiment, article of footwear 100 includes lace 108 to secure the foot within upper 102 . In general, lace 108 may be configured to any length desired for securing upper 102 . Additionally, lace 108 may be configured in a particular shape as seen in the cross-section of lace 109 . In some embodiments, lace 108 may include a substantially flat cross-section. In other embodiments, lace 108 may be configured with a substantially circular cross-section.

In general, lace 108 may comprise any material including, but not limited to, leather, cotton, jute, hemp, or synthetic fibers. Also, the lace 108 may have a coated material to increase friction to keep the lace 108 tightened. In some cases, lace 108 may include elastic portions. Also, referring to FIG. 2 , in some cases, first end 301 and second end 302 of shoelace 108 may be configured with cord loops to make donning shoelace 108 easier.

To secure upper 102 , lace 108 may be configured to span lacing gap 109 . In general, lacing gaps 109 may be disposed at various locations on upper 102 . In some embodiments, lacing gap 109 may be disposed between medial portion 106 and lateral portion 107 of upper 102 . In other embodiments, the lacing gap 109 may be arranged asymmetrically such that a portion of the lacing gap 109 is disposed entirely in the medial portion 106 or the lateral portion 107 . In a preferred embodiment, lacing gap 109 may be disposed between medial lacing portion 110 associated with medial portion 106 and lateral lacing portion 111 associated with lateral portion 107 .

In this embodiment, medial lacing portion 110 includes a medial interior 132 , and similarly, lateral lacing portion 111 includes a lateral interior 133 . Medial interior 132 and lateral interior 133 are associated with interior 104 of upper 102 . Also, medial lacing portion 110 may include a medial exterior 131 disposed opposite a medial interior 132 . In a similar manner, outer strap portion 11 is configured with an outer outer portion disposed opposite outer inner portion 133 . Typically, medial exterior 131 and lateral exterior 134 may be associated with exterior 105 of upper 102 . With this preferred configuration, medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 11 can support the frame of lacing gap 109 .

In some embodiments, lacing gap 109 may also be associated with tongue 118 . Preferably, tongue 118 is also associated with toe portion 120 of upper 102 . Typically, tongue 119 may be fixedly attached to toe portion 120 and disposed within lacing gap 109 . In other cases, however, tongue 118 may be eliminated.

In general, tongue 118 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. In some cases, tongue 118 may provide article 100 with a particular aesthetic appearance. Additionally, tongue 118 may include padding or other measures to increase comfort for the foot as lace 108 secures upper 102 around the foot.

Preferably, medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 111 include provisions for lacing 108 . In some embodiments, medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 11 may include a plurality of eyelets to receive shoelace 108 . As used in this detailed description and in the claims, the term "eyelet" refers to a structure configured to receive a shoelace in an article of footwear. For example, in some embodiments, the eyelets may be pinholes or perforations. In some cases, the eyelets may be holes reinforced with materials including, but not limited to, metal, rope, fabric, or leather. In other embodiments, the eyelet may be an opening formed by a loop of material including, but not limited to, fabric, cord, leather, or metal.

In some embodiments, the eyelets may be arranged in pairs of eyelets. Typically, the pair of eyelets includes an eyelet on a medial lacing portion of the upper associated with a second eyelet disposed on a lateral lacing portion of the upper. In some cases, pairs of eyelets may be aligned in a lateral direction on the medial and lateral lacing portions of the upper. Also, multiple eyelet pairs may be organized into a set of eyelets.

Referring to FIG. 1 , medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 111 include first eyelet set 121 and second eyelet set 122 . In this embodiment, a first set of eyelets 121 is disposed adjacent to toe portion 120 . Similarly, a second set of eyelets 122 is arranged adjacent to the entry hole 103 . In general, first eyelet set 121 and second eyelet set 122 may include any number of eyelet pairs. In this embodiment, the first eyelet group 121 includes one eyelet pair. In addition, the second eyelet group 122 includes two eyelet pairs.

In some embodiments, portions other than medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 111 may include provisions for receiving shoelace 108 . In this embodiment, toe portion 120 includes a first eyelet 181 adjacent lacing gap 109 . With this configuration, first eyelet 181 may anchor lace 108 in toe portion 120 .

Additionally, tongue 118 may also include provisions for receiving lace 108 . In this embodiment, the tongue 118 includes a second eyelet 182 . In some cases, this configuration may provide a means of securing tongue 118 in place when a foot is placed in upper 102 .

For clarity, only portions of upper 102 are discussed in this embodiment. It should be understood that upper 102 may include other features known in the art to assist walking, running, or other athletic maneuvers. Additionally, upper 102 may preferably be associated with a sole system of article of footwear 100 .

Preferably, the article of footwear includes means for supporting the arch of the foot. Typically, the arch support can be constructed in such a way that it is flexible enough to provide comfort to the foot yet rigid enough to support the arch. In some embodiments, a sole system of an article of footwear may be configured to provide arch support to a foot. In other embodiments, a support member may be inserted into the article of footwear to provide arch support to the foot. In a preferred embodiment, the article of footwear may include an integrated arch strap to provide support for the arch of the foot.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 , article of footwear 100 includes arch strap 200 . In general, arch strap 200 may be configured with sufficient length to extend between medial portion 106 and lateral portion 107 of upper 102 . Additionally, arch strap 200 is preferably configured with sufficient width to support the arch of the wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the width of the arch strap 200 is substantially constant. With this configuration, the arch strap 200 may have a substantially rectangular shape. However, in other embodiments, arch strap 200 may be formed to create a different shape.

Preferably, the arch strap 200 may further include an upper surface 251 . In some cases, upper surface 251 may be associated with a wearer's foot. Arch strap 200 may also include a lower surface 252 disposed opposite upper surface 251 . In some embodiments, a lower surface may be associated with a sole system of article 100 and positioned opposite upper surface 251 .

Additionally, in this embodiment, arch strap 200 includes a first end 201 and a second end 202 . Preferably, arch strap 200 includes an intermediate portion 203 disposed between first end portion 201 and second end portion 202 . With this configuration, the middle portion 203 can provide support for the arch of the foot when the arch strap is tightened around the foot.

Preferably, the article of footwear includes means for adjusting the arch strap to a desired level of comfort and support. It is also possible that adjustment of the arch strap may provide some customizability in the width of the article of footwear. In general, tightening the arch strap around the foot can be accomplished by various means. In some embodiments, the arch strap may include an independent fastening system. In a preferred embodiment, the arch strap can be associated with the fastening system of the upper.

In this embodiment, arch strap 200 includes eyestays that may be associated with lacing gaps 109 . In general, the term "eyelet" as used in this detailed description and claims refers to a portion of the arch strap that includes means for receiving shoelaces, such as eyelets. In this embodiment, arch strap 200 includes a first eyelet 211 disposed on first end 201 . Preferably, first eyelet 211 may be associated with lateral lacing portion 111 . Additionally, arch strap 200 includes a second eyelet 212 disposed on second end 202 . Preferably, second eyelet 212 may be associated with medial lacing portion 110 .

In general, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 may be formed in various ways known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 are formed by folding first end portion 201 and second end portion 202 over the top of upper 102, respectively. Specifically, first eyelet 211 is formed by folding first end portion 210 over the top of lateral lacing portion 111 . In other words, first end 201 may be turned up and over lateral interior 133 and lateral exterior 134 to form first eyelet 211 . Similarly, second end 202 may be turned up and over medial interior 132 and medial exterior 131 to form second eyelet 212 . With this preferred configuration, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 may form a channel for sole 108 .

Referring to FIG. 1 , first eyelet 211 is configured with a passage for shoelace 108 and includes a first lower opening 271 adjacent first eyelet set 121 . Also, first eyelet 211 includes a first upper opening 273 disposed adjacent second eyelet set 122 . Similarly, the geothermal eyelet 212 is configured with a channel for the shoelace 108, which includes a second lower opening 272 where the first eyelet set 121 is arranged. Also, the second eyelet 212 forms a channel that includes a second upper opening 274 disposed adjacent to the second eyelet set 122 . Preferably, this configuration of first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 forms two channels for lace 108 .

In some cases, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 may include additional provisions for threading shoelace 108 . In some embodiments, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 include eyelets that receive lace 108 . In the preferred embodiment, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 include clearances to receive lace 108 .

In general, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 may include any number of gaps. Also, the gap can be formed in any shape. In this case, first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 each include two gaps. Referring to FIG. 2 , the gap of the first eyelet 211 and the second eyelet 212 is configured with a substantially square shape. In particular, first eyelet 211 includes a first gap 291 and a second gap 292 . Similarly, second eyelet 212 includes third gap 293 and fourth gap 294 . With this configuration, lace 108 may pass through first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 and through first gap 291 , second gap 292 , third gap 293 , and fourth gap 294 . Such lacing will be discussed in detail later in this detailed description.

In some embodiments, arch strap 200 may be secured to upper 102 to integrate arch strap 200 with article of footwear 100 . In this embodiment, first end portion 201 may be fixedly attached to outer strap portion 111 . Similarly, second end portion 202 may be fixedly attached to medial lacing portion 110 of upper 102 . With this preferred embodiment, arch strap 200 can be combined with article 100 .

In general, first end 201 and second end 202 may be fixedly attached to outer lacing portion 111 and inner lacing portion 110 , respectively, by any means known in the art. For example, first end 201 and second end 202 may be fixedly attached by stitching to outer lace portion 111 and inner lace portion 110 , respectively. In some embodiments, first end 201 may be stitched to outer outer portion 134 but configured to move relative to outer inner portion 133 . Likewise, the second end 202 may be stitched to the medial exterior portion 132 but configured to move relative to the medial interior portion 132 . In a preferred embodiment, first end portion 201 may be stitched with outer inner portion 133 and outer outer portion 134 . Similarly, second end 202 may be stitched to inner inner portion 132 and inner outer portion 131 . With this preferred configuration, arch strap 200 may be fixedly attached to upper 102 .

In some embodiments, intermediate portion 203 of arch strap 200 may also be secured to a portion of article of footwear 100 . In some cases, mid portion 203 may be secured to a portion of upper 102 . In other cases, intermediate portion 203 may be secured to a portion of sole 199 . In a preferred embodiment, intermediate portion 203 may be secured to a lasting board or strobel sole element of article of footwear 100 . In particular, the middle portion 203 may be stitched to a lasting board or a strobel sole element. However, in other embodiments, intermediate portion 203 may not be secured to any portion of article of footwear 100 .

In different embodiments, arch strap 200 may be made of different materials. Examples of different materials that may be used include, but are not limited to, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural fibers, rubber, spandex, and other types of materials. In a preferred embodiment, arch strap 200 may be manufactured from an elastic material. With this configuration, arch strap 200 can be configured to conform to the shape of the wearer's foot.

It is also possible that an article of footwear with an arch strap may include an insole. Typically, the insole provides comfort to the bottom surface of the foot. Also, the insole provides shock absorption for the foot. In some embodiments, the insole may be positioned against the lower surface of the arch strap. In a preferred embodiment, an insole may be disposed on the upper surface of the arch strap.

Referring to FIG. 2 , article of footwear 100 includes insole 280 . In general, insole 280 is shaped substantially similar to the sole of article 100 . In the preferred embodiment, insole 280 may be configured to contact mid portion 203 of arch strap 200 . With this configuration, insole 280 may assist arch strap 200 in providing arch support for the foot.

In general, article of footwear 100 may be assembled with arch strap 200 by inserting arch strap 200 into interior 104 of upper 102 through lacing gap 109 . Preferably, the arch strap 200 is inserted in such a way that the arch strap 200 is arranged adjacent to the arch portion of the sole. Also, arch strap 200 may be disposed with lower surface 252 adjacent to the sole. After arch strap 200 is inserted, arch strap 200 can be combined with article 100 by fixedly attaching first end 201 and second end 202 to lateral strap portion 111 and medial strap portion 110, respectively, as shown in FIG. As mentioned earlier.

In some embodiments, insole 280 may be inserted into interior 104 of article 100 after arch strap 200 is coupled to article 100 . With this configuration, the insole 280 may be disposed adjacent to the middle portion 203 on the upper surface 251 of the arch strap 200 . Finally, lateral lacing portion 111 and medial lacing portion 110 and arch strap 200 can be accessed by passing shoelace 108 through first eyelet 181 , first eyelet set 121 , first eyelet 211 , second eyelet 212 . , the second eyelet 182 and the second eyelet set 122 are fastened around the foot. It should be understood that the steps describing assembly of article 100 with arch strap 200 are exemplary. In other embodiments, article 100 may be assembled with arch strap 200 in other ways.

In general, lace 108 may be threaded through eyelets of upper 102 and first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 of arch strap 200 in any manner known in the art. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of shoelace 108 threaded through eyelets of upper 102 and first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 of arch strap 200 . However, in other embodiments, lace 108 may be threaded differently to secure upper 102 and arch strap 200 about the wearer's foot. For clarity, upper 102 is shown in dashed lines in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, shoelace 108 may be threaded through first eyelet 181 . Preferably, passing the shoelace 108 through the first eyelet 181 enables the middle portion of the shoelace 108 to be trapped in the first eyelet 181 . With this configuration, approximately two equal portions of lace 108 may be disposed adjacent medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 111 to secure upper 102 and arch strap 200 . Specifically, first portion 311 of lace 108 may be disposed adjacent medial lacing portion 110 and associated with first end 301 . Similarly, second portion 312 of lace 108 may be disposed adjacent lateral lacing portion 111 and associated with second end 302 .

After the shoelace 108 is passed through the first eyelets 181 , the shoelace 108 may be inserted through the first set of eyelets 121 . As previously mentioned, in this embodiment the first eyelet set 121 includes a pair of eyelets. Specifically, the first eyelet set 121 includes a third eyelet 183 disposed on the inner strap portion 110 and a fourth eyelet disposed on the outer strap portion 111 . Using this configuration, first portion 311 of shoelace 108 may be inserted through third eyelet 183 . In a similar manner, second portion 312 of shoelace 108 may be inserted through fourth eyelet 184 . With this configuration, fastening of the first eyelet group 121 can be accomplished.

In preparation for passage through first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 of arch strap 200 , first portion 311 and second portion 312 may be crossed as first portion 311 and second portion 312 span lacing gap 109 . First portion 311 may then be inserted into first lower opening 271 of first eyelet 211 and exit through first gap 291 . Similarly, second portion 312 may be passed through second lower opening 272 of second eyelet 212 and exit through third gap 293 . After passing through portions of first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 , first portion 311 and second portion 312 may be crossed as first portion 311 and second portion 312 span lacing gap 109 .

After the first portion 311 and the second portion 312 cross at the lacing gap 109 , the first portion 311 preferably enters the third gap 293 to emerge from the adjacent fourth gap 294 . Similarly, the second portion 312 enters the first gap 291 to emerge from the adjacent second gap 292 . Then, in some embodiments, first portion 311 and second portion 312 may be inserted through second eyelet 182 of tongue 118 . After passing through second eyelet 182 of tongue 118 , first portion 311 may be inserted into second gap 292 to re-emerge through first upper opening 273 of first eyelet 211 . In a similar manner, second portion 312 may be passed through fourth gap 294 and emerge from second upper opening 274 of second eyelet 212 . With this configuration, sole 108 may secure arch strap 200 .

In some embodiments, lace 108 may also be threaded through second eyelet set 122 to further secure medial lace portion 110 and lateral lace portion 111 around the foot. Typically, this is accomplished by intersecting the first portion 311 and the second portion 312 as they span the lacing gap 109 . The first portion 311 and the second portion 312 may then pass through the eyelets comprising the second set of eyelets 122 . With this configuration, medial lacing portion 110 and lateral lacing portion 111 can be fastened by shoelace 108 .

4-5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of foot 400 inserted and secured in article of footwear 100 . Specifically, FIG. 4 is a preferred embodiment of a foot inserted into an article of footwear 100 . FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of an article 100 secured around a foot 400 . In these embodiments, foot 400 includes a bottom surface 401 . Also, bottom surface 401 includes arch portion 402 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , foot 400 is inserted into entry aperture 103 of article of footwear 100 . This allows interior 104 of upper 102 to receive foot 400 . Once inserted, bottom surface 401 of foot 400 is disposed adjacent to insole 280 . Preferably, the arch portion 402 of the bottom surface 401 is disposed proximate to the middle portion 203 of the arch strap 200 . In this embodiment, arch portion 402 is separated from arch strap 200 by insole 280 . However, in other embodiments without an insole, arch portion 402 may be disposed directly adjacent to mid portion 203 . With this configuration, the first end 201 may be arranged on the outer side of the foot 400 , and the second end 202 may be arranged adjacent to the inner side of the foot 400 .

Preferably, lace 108 may be tightened to secure foot 400 within article 100 once foot 400 is inserted into article 100 . Referring to FIG. 5 , lace 108 secures article 100 in a manner substantially similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, lace 108 is otherwise fastened through eyelets of arch strap 200 and upper 102 . With this preferred construction, lace 108 secures first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 and eyelets of upper 102 to secure article 100 about foot 400 .

Due to the integrity of first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 with arch strap 200 , the fastening of shoelace 108 secures insole 280 and arch strap 200 around foot 400 . In particular, arch strap 200 may be pulled around arch portion 402 of foot 400 when lace 108 is tightened. In this manner, tightening of lace 108 causes arch strap 200 to contour to arch portion 402 . Specifically, arch strap 200 is tightened against the lateral and medial portions of foot 400 when lace 108 is tightened. In some cases, this fastening may also cause insole 280 to partially wrap around the lateral and medial portions of foot 400 .

Preferably, the wearer can adjust the amount by which arch strap 200 is tightened around arch portion 402 . In general, the tightening of arch strap 200 can be adjusted by varying the tightness of the tightening of shoelace 108 . With this preferred configuration, arch strap 200 can be adjusted to provide comfort and support to arch portion 402 of foot 400 .

In some cases, varying the fit of arch strap 200 about arch portion 402 allows for some customizability in the width of article of footwear 100 . In other words, the wearer may adjust the fastening of lace 108 to achieve different widths for arch portion 402 of foot 400 disposed in article 100 . Preferably, tightening shoelace 108 with partial tension allows the wearer to adjust the amount of arch portion 402 of arch strap available to foot 400 . In this manner, securing of arch strap 200 allows for some customizability of article of footwear 100 . Additionally, adjusting the tightness of the tightening of lace 108 may change the amount by which insole 280 flexes around the side of foot 400 .

It is also possible that the wearer can achieve a tighter fit of the insole 280 to the bottom surface 401 of the foot 400 when the arch strap 200 is fastened around the arch portion 402 of the foot 400 . This snug fit preferably creates less friction between foot 400 and insole 280 as the wearer moves. With this preferred configuration, the wearer can achieve a more comfortable fit with insole 280 when arch strap 200 is secured around foot 400 .

Preferably, arch strap 200 operates in a similar manner when insole 280 is not used in conjunction with arch strap 200 . Without the insole 280 , the arch strap 200 can wrap directly around the arch portion 402 of the foot 400 . In particular, the bottom surface 401 may be disposed adjacent to the middle portion 203 of the arch strap 200 . In this manner, arch strap 200 may support arch portion 402 as shoelace 108 secures first eyelet 211 and second eyelet 212 about foot 400 . In some cases, this fastening of arch strap 200 may cause mid portion 203 to raise arch portion 420 from the sole of article 100 . With this configuration, arch strap 200 may provide support for arch portion 402 of foot 400 .

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, this description is illustrative rather than restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and applications are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except by the appended claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper, including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end; laces configured to fasten the medial lacing portion and the lateral lacing portion together; and Wherein the first end includes at least one channel to receive a portion of the shoelace, and wherein the second end includes at least one channel to receive a portion of the shoelace. 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the first end includes at least one gap configured to receive a portion of a shoelace. 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the second end includes at least one gap configured to receive a portion of a shoelace. 4. The article of claim 1, wherein the first end portion includes a first eyelet. 5. The article of claim 4, wherein the second end portion includes a second eyelet. 6. The article of claim 1, wherein the upper is associated with an insole configured to be inserted over an arch strap. 7. An article of footwear comprising: an upper, including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; the medial lacing portion includes a medial inner portion and a medial outer portion disposed opposite the medial inner portion; the outer lacing portion includes an outer inner portion and an outer outer portion disposed opposite the outer inner portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end; and Wherein the first end is configured to cover the outer inner portion and the outer outer portion, and wherein the second end is configured to cover the inner inner portion and the inner outer portion. 8. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the first end includes at least one channel to receive a portion of the lace. 9. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the second end includes at least one channel to receive a portion of the lace. 10. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the first end is fixedly attached to the lateral interior portion and the lateral exterior portion. 11. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the first end is fixedly attached to the lateral exterior portion, and wherein the first end is configured to move relative to the lateral interior portion. 12. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the second end is fixedly attached to the medial interior portion and the medial exterior portion. 13. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the second end is fixedly attached to the medial exterior portion, and wherein the second end is configured to move relative to the medial interior portion. 14. An article of footwear comprising: an upper, including a medial lacing portion and a lateral lacing portion; an arch strap configured to provide support for the arch of the foot, the arch strap further comprising: a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end; Laces configured to fasten the medial lacing portion and the lateral lacing portion together; the first end includes at least one channel for receiving a portion of the lace and the second end includes at least one channel for receiving a portion of the lace; and Wherein the arch strap is configured such that the arch strap is fastened on the lateral portion of the foot and the medial portion of the foot when the shoelace is fastened. 15. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the first end is associated with the lateral lacing portion. 16. The article of footwear according to claim 15, wherein the second end portion is associated with the medial lacing portion. 17. The article of footwear according to claim 14, wherein the upper is associated with the insole. 18. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the insole is configured to contact a medial portion of the arch band. 19. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the insole is configured to partially wrap around a lateral portion of the foot and a medial portion of the foot when the lace is fastened. 20. The article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the insole is disposed between the mid portion and a sole of the article of footwear.

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