(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2012/0079742 A1
`Ferreira et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`US 20120079742A1
`
`(54) EASY SLIP SHOE
`(75) Inventors:
`Chris Ferreira, Hampton, NH
`(US); Kenji Nakayama, Boston,
`MA (US); Pamela Bogert Stauffer,
`Andover, MA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee:
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`CONVERSE INC., North Andover,
`MA (US)
`12/896,598
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 1, 2010
`O
`O
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`A43B 23/26
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................................ 36/54
`
`57
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Embodiments of the present invention relate to a construction
`of a shoe that includes a tongue that has a first fastener
`attached alongaportion of eithera medial side or a lateral side
`of the tongue. Additionally, a stretchable member is attached
`near a portion of the medial side or the lateral side of the
`tongue that is opposite of the first fastener. The first fastener is
`attachable to the upper near the location of the first fastener on
`the tongue. Similarly, the stretchable member is attached to
`the upper near the location of the stretchable member on the
`tongue.
`
`
`
`104
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 5, 2012 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2012/0079742 A1
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`104
`
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`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Apr. 5, 2012 Sheet 2 of 2
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`US 2012/0079742 A1
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`
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`

`US 2012/0079742 A1
`
`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`EASY SLIP SHOE
`
`BACKGROUND
`0001. An athletic style shoe typically relies on a lacing
`structure to securely maintain the shoe to a wearer's foot.
`However, lacing materials may not be suitable or preferred by
`Some wearers of the shoe. Consequently, a shoe may be
`designed to allow a wearer to slip into the shoe without
`adjusting laces. Unfortunately, traditional shoes may not
`securely fit to a wearer's foot if a forefoot opening and/or an
`ankle opening are maintained, in an as-worn position, large
`enough for a foot to be received. As a result, hook and loop
`materials may be utilized, in place of traditional lacing, to
`tighten a shoe to a wearer's foot. However, the hook and loop
`material may unintentionally detach from one another when a
`force is exerted by the foot within the shoe that exceeds the
`bonding force of the hook and loop material. This may also
`cause the shoe to not securely fit to the wearer's foot.
`
`SUMMARY
`0002 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a
`construction of a shoe that is includes a tongue that has a first
`fastener attached along a portion of either a medial side or a
`lateral side. The shoe also includes a stretchable member that
`is attached near a portion of the medial side or the lateral side
`of the tongue. The stretchable member is attached to the side
`of the tongue that is opposite of the first fastener. The first
`fastener is attachable to the upper near the location of the first
`fastener on the tongue. Similarly, the stretchable member is
`attachable to the upper near the location of the stretchable
`member on the tongue.
`0003. This Summary is provided to introduce a selection
`of concepts in a simplified form that are further described
`below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
`intended to identify key features or essential features of the
`claimed Subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid
`in determining the scope of the claimed Subject matter.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
`0004 Illustrative embodiments of the present invention
`are described in detail below with reference to the attached
`drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein
`and wherein:
`0005 FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary shoe, in accordance
`with embodiments of the present invention;
`0006 FIG. 2 depicts a medial view of an exemplary shoe
`with a stretchable member attached to a tongue and a upper, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
`0007 FIG. 3 depicts a lateral view of an exemplary shoe
`with a first fastener affixed to a tongue and a second fastener
`affixed to an upper, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention;
`0008 FIG. 4 depicts a stretchable member affixed to both
`a tongue and an upper, in accordance with an embodiment of
`the present invention; and
`0009 FIG. 5 depicts a top view of an exemplary shoe, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`0010. The subject matter of embodiments of the present
`invention is described with specificity herein to meet statu
`tory requirements. However, the description itself is not
`
`intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors
`have contemplated that the claimed Subject matter might also
`be embodied in other ways, to include different elements or
`combinations of elements similar to the ones described in this
`document, in conjunction with other present or future tech
`nologies.
`0011 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a
`construction of a shoe that includes a tongue that has a first
`fastener attached along a portion of either a medial side or a
`lateral side. The tongue also has a stretchable member that is
`attached near a portion of the medial side or the lateral side
`opposite of the first fastener. The first fastener is attachable to
`the upper proximate the location of the first fastener on the
`tongue. Similarly, the stretchable member is attachable to the
`upper proximate the location of the stretchable member on
`the tongue.
`0012. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention
`provides a shoe construction. The shoe construction has a sole
`with a toe end and an opposite heel end. The sole also has
`opposite medial and lateral sides extending between the toe
`end and the heel end. The shoe construction also includes an
`upper of flexible material that is attached to the sole. The
`upper extends upwardly from the sole to an upper top edge.
`The upper top edge defines a forefoot opening and an ankle
`opening into an interior of the shoe. Additionally, the shoe
`construction includes a tongue of flexible material. The
`tongue has opposite medial and lateral sides along a length
`that extends upwardly from the sole to a distal end of the
`tongue positioned at the ankle opening. Further, the tongue
`has a first fastener attached along a portion of either the
`medial side or the lateral side. The tongue also has a stretch
`able member attached proximate a portion of the other of the
`medial side or the lateral side. The first fastener and the
`stretchable member are attachable to the upper near their
`respective locations on the tongue.
`0013. In another aspect, the present invention provides
`another shoe construction. The shoe construction includes a
`sole having a toe end and an opposite heel end. The sole also
`has opposite medial and lateral sides that extend between the
`toe end and the heel end. Further, the shoe construction
`includes an upper of flexible material attached to the sole. The
`upper extends upwardly from the sole to an upper top edge.
`The upper top edge defines a forefoot opening and an ankle
`opening into an interior of the shoe. The shoe construction
`also includes apertures arranged in a line along a medial side
`of the forefoot opening as well as apertures arranged in a line
`along a lateral side of the forefoot opening. The shoe con
`struction also includes a tongue of flexible material having
`opposite medial and lateral sides along a length that extends
`from the sole to a distal end of the tongue positioned at the
`ankle opening. The tongue has a hook or a loop material
`attached along a portion of either the medial side or the lateral
`side. The upper has the other of the hook or the loop material
`attached along a portion of the forefoot opening. The tongue
`and the upper are temporarily affixable together by the hook
`and the loop materials. The tongue also has a stretchable
`member attached near a portion of the medial side or the
`lateral side opposite to that which the hook or loop material is
`attached. The stretchable member is also attached to the
`upper.
`0014. A third aspect of the present invention provides an
`additional embodiment of a shoe construction. The shoe con
`struction includes a sole. The sole has a toe end and an
`opposite heel end. Further, the sole has opposite medial and
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`

`

`US 2012/0079742 A1
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`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`lateral sides extending between the toe end and the heel end.
`The shoe construction also includes an upper offlexible mate
`rial attached to the sole. The upper extends upwardly from the
`sole to an upper top edge. The upper top edge defines a
`forefoot opening and an ankle opening into an interior of the
`shoe. The upper also has an inner Surface and an opposite
`outer Surface. The shoe construction also includes a tongue of
`flexible material. The tongue has opposite medial and lateral
`sides along a length that extends from the Sole to a distal end
`of the tongue positioned at the ankle opening. The tongue has
`an inner Surface and an opposite outer Surface. The tongue has
`a hook or a loop material attached along a portion of the outer
`surface near the lateral side. The upper includes the other of
`the hook or the loop material attached along the inner Surface
`near a portion of the forefoot opening. The tongue and the
`upper are temporarily affixable together by the hook and the
`loop materials. The shoe construction also has a stretchable
`member with an end affixed to the inner surface of the tongue.
`The stretchable member extends through an opening of the
`tongue near the medial side of the tongue. The end of the
`stretchable member is attached closer to the distal end of the
`tongue than a location where the upper is affixed to the tongue
`along the medial side near the forefoot opening. Additionally,
`a second end of the stretchable member is affixed to the inner
`Surface of the upper.
`0015. Having briefly described an overview of embodi
`ments of the present invention, a more detailed description
`follows.
`0016. The construction of a slip athleisure shoe 10 of the
`present invention has the basic construction of a traditional
`basketball-type shoe. However, the slip athleisure shoe 10 is
`comprised of a first fastener 312 attached to the tongue and a
`second fastener 302 attached to the upper 202, as best seen in
`FIG. 3. The first fastener 312 and the Second fastener 302 are
`capable of coupling together, which allows the tongue 224 to
`affix to the upper 202 along at least one side of the tongue 224.
`Additionally, the slip athleisure shoe 10 is comprised of a
`stretchable member 402, as best seen in FIG. 2. The stretch
`able member is attached to the tongue 224 and the upper 202.
`When used in combination, the first fastener 312/second fas
`tener 302 and the stretchable member 402 provide an effec
`tive and convenient closure mechanism for securing the ath
`leisure shoe 10 to a wearer, as will be discussed in more detail
`hereinafter.
`0017. In embodiments, the shoe 10 is a low-top basketball
`style shoe. However, it should be understood that the novel
`concept of the invention could be employed on other types of
`shoes (e.g., high-top, infant, toddler, children, adult, cross
`training, running, lifting, and the like). Because much of the
`construction of the shoe 10 is the same as that of a conven
`tional shoe, the conventional features of the constructions will
`be described only generally herein.
`0.018. The shoe 10 has a shoe sole 102 that is constructed
`of resilient materials that are typically employed in the con
`struction of soles of athletic shoes. The sole 102 can be
`constructed with an outsole, a midsole, and an insert, as is
`conventional. The shoe sole 102 has a bottom surface that
`functions as the traction Surface of the shoe, and an opposite
`top surface in the interior 12 of the shoe 10. The size of the
`shoe 10 has a length that extends from a rear sole heel end 106
`to a front toe end 104 of the sole 102. As best seen in FIG. 5,
`the sole 102 has a width that extends between a medial side
`108 and a lateral side 110 of the Sole 102.
`
`(0019. The shoe 10 also is constructed with the upper 202.
`The upper 202 is secured to the sole 102 and extends
`upwardly from the shoe sole, such as the sole top surface. The
`upper 202 is constructed of a flexible material, for example
`leather, polymer, or a fabric Such as canvas. The upper 202 is
`constructed with a heel portion 230 that extends around the
`sole 102 at the sole heel end 106. The upper heel portion 230
`extends upwardly from the shoe sole 102 to an ankle opening
`232. The ankle opening 232 provides access to the shoe
`interior. The upper has an interior surface 212 and an exterior
`surface 214. The interior surface 212 is traditionally exposed
`to the wearer's foot or other garments (e.g., Socks). The exte
`rior surface 214 is traditionally exposed to the outside envi
`ronment and may define a portion of the exterior of the shoe
`10.
`(0020. From the heel portion 230, the upper 202 has a
`medial side portion 216 and a lateral side portion 218 that
`extend along the respective sole medial side 108 and the sole
`lateral side 110. The upper medial side portion 216 extends
`upwardly from the sole medial side 108 to an upper medial
`side edge 206. The upper lateral side portion 218 extends
`upwardly from the sole lateral side 110 to an upper lateral side
`edge 208. As illustrated in the figures, the upper medial side
`edge 206 and the upper lateral side edge 208 extend rear
`wardly from opposite sides of the front toe end 104 of the sole
`102. As best seen in FIG. 1, the length of the upper medial side
`edge 206 and the upper lateral side edge 208 define aforefoot
`opening 220 in the upper 202 that opens to the shoe interior
`12.
`0021. The upper 202 is also constructed with a toe box 204
`that extends around and across the sole top surface at the sole
`toe end 104. The toe box 204 is connected between the upper
`medial side portion 216 and the upper lateral side portion 218
`and encloses a portion of the shoe interior 12 adjacent the sole
`toe end 104. The upper medial side edge 206 and the upper
`lateral side edge 208 extend rearwardly from the toe box 204.
`0022. A first plurality of apertures 240 are provided on the
`upper medial side portion 216 and a second plurality of aper
`tures 242 are provided on the upper lateral side portion 218.
`The apertures 240 and 242 are lacing openings in an exem
`plary embodiment. A lacing opening is an opening that is
`typically occupied by a portion of a fastener, Such as lacing
`that close the shoe upper over the forefoot opening of the
`shoe. The apertures 240 and 242 may provide any type of
`lacing openings on the shoe, for example, D-rings or speed
`lacing hooks. However, in an exemplary embodiment, the
`apertures 240 and 242 are an eyelet or grommet style aperture.
`The apertures 240 and 242 are arranged in lines along the
`upper medial side portion 216 and the upper lateral side
`portion 218, as is conventional. As illustrated in the figures,
`the apertures 240 and 242, in an exemplary embodiment,
`extend substantially the entire length of the upper medial side
`edge 206 and the upper lateral side edge 208. It is contem
`plated that a lacing material is not utilized with embodiments
`of the shoe; instead, the various other closure mechanism
`discussed herein may provide a desired method of securing
`the shoe to a wearer's foot.
`0023 The shoe upper 202 includes a vamp 222 or a throat
`positioned rearwardly of the toe box 204, and a tongue 224
`that extends rearwardly from the vamp 222 through the fore
`foot opening 210. The tongue 224 extends along the lengths
`of the upper medial side portion 216 and the upper lateral side
`portion 218 to a distal end of the tongue, a tongue upper edge
`229, near an ankle opening 232. As best seen in FIG. 5, the
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`

`US 2012/0079742 A1
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`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`tongue 224 has a width between a medial side edge 226 and a
`lateral side edge 228 of the tongue. The length and width of
`the tongue position the tongue side edges beneath the upper
`medial side portion 216 and the upper lateral side portion 218,
`respectively, and extend the tongue over the forefoot opening
`210 of the shoe.
`0024. The construction of the shoe 10, as previously dis
`cussed, includes a fastening combination along a first side of
`the tongue 224. For example, the fastening combination may
`be a hook material and a loop material used in combination to
`affix the tongue 224 and the upper 202. However, while hook
`and loop is discussed herein, it is understood that any com
`bination of fastening materials may be utilized. For example,
`Snaps, buttons, Zippers, adhesive, Stitching, lacing, tensioning
`mechanisms, or the like may be utilized as the first fastener
`312 and/or the second fastener 302.
`0025. The first fastener 312, as best seen in FIG. 3, is
`affixed to an outer surface 236 of the tongue 224 proximate
`the lateral side edge 228. However, it is contemplated that the
`first fastener 312 may be affixed proximate the medial side
`edge 226 of the tongue 224 in embodiments of the present
`invention. The first fastener has a perimeter defined by a
`medial edge 314, an opposite lateral edge 316, a heal end 318,
`and an opposite toe end 320. The length of the first fastener
`312 is defined as extending from the toe end 320 to the heal
`end 318 of the first fastener 312. Similarly, the width of the
`first fastener 312 is defined as having a width extending from
`the lateral edge 316 to the medial edge 314.
`0026. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fastener 312
`has a length that extends a length of the forefoot opening 210
`that is occupied by a plurality of apertures, such as the plu
`rality of apertures 242. For example, while a traditional shoe
`may rely on laces extending through apertures to secure a
`shoe to a wearer, the first fastener 312 may perform a similar
`function along the same portion of the upper 202 as would be
`served by the apertures. However, it is understood that the first
`fastener 312 may extend for only a portion of the tongue 224
`or the whole length of the tongue 224 as covered by the upper
`202 along the forefoot opening 210. Additionally, it is con
`templated that the first fastener 312 is a plurality of fasteners
`working in combination to achieve a similar result. For
`example, discrete portions of a hook or loop material may be
`affixed to the tongue 224 to serve as the first fastener 312.
`Further examples may include individual Snaps, buttons, or
`other fasteners may achieve a similar result.
`0027. The second fastener 302 is affixed to an interior
`surface 212 of the upper 202 proximate the forefoot opening
`210 opposite the first fastener 312. Consequently, the second
`fastener 302 may work in combination with the first fastener
`312 to removeably affix the tongue 224 with the upper 202.
`The second fastener has a perimeter defined by a medial edge
`304, an opposite lateral edge 306, a toe end 310, and an
`opposite heal end 308. The first fastener 312 and the second
`fastener 302 may have perimeters with similar dimensions to
`effectively couple with one another. Similar to the first fas
`tener, the second fastener has a length defined as extending
`from the toe end 310 to the heel end 308. Further the second
`fastener 302 has a width extending from the lateral edge 306
`to the medial edge 304. However, as also previously discussed
`with respect to the first fastener 312, it is contemplated that
`the second fastener 302 may be comprised of a plurality of
`discrete fasteners that accomplish a similar result. For
`example, it is contemplated that a plurality of Snaps, buttons,
`
`or the like that extend along a length that is different or similar
`to the illustrated length of the second fastener 302.
`0028. In an exemplary embodiment, the second fastener
`302 extends along the upper edge (e.g., the upper medial side
`edge 208) of the upper 202 where the upper edge defines the
`forefoot opening 210. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
`the heel end 308 of the second fastener 302 generally coin
`cides with the transition from the forefoot opening 210 to the
`ankle opening 232. The length of the second fastener 302
`continues to extend along the forefoot opening 210 towards
`the toe end of the shoe. For example, it is contemplated that
`the second fastener 302 may extend along the forefoot open
`ing 210 such that the toe end 310 generally coincides with a
`toe-end portion of the upper 202 as it extends upward from the
`sole 102. However, in additional embodiments of the present
`invention, it is contemplated that the length of the second
`fastener 302 may coincide with a length along the forefoot
`opening 210 occupied by one or more apertures. Such as the
`second plurality of apertures 242. Further, it is contemplated
`that the second fastener 302 obscures the second plurality of
`apertures 242, which prevents a lacing structure from passing
`through one or more of the apertures. Consequently, in this
`example, the second plurality of apertures may merely serve
`an aesthetic purpose as they may no longer receive a lacing
`material.
`0029. In an exemplary amendment, the second fastener
`302 is a loop material and the first fastener 312 is a hook
`material. However, it is contemplated that the second fastener
`302 is a hook material and the first fastener 312 is a loop
`material.
`0030 Turning to the other side of the shoe 10, the stretch
`able member 402 is affixed, either permanently or tempo
`rarily, to both the tongue 224 and the upper 202. The stretch
`able member is a flexible material having elastic
`characteristics. For example, the stretchable member 402
`may be an elastic banding material having a measured resis
`tance to elongation. Therefore, depending on a desired
`amount of resistance, the material stretchable member 402
`may be adjusted to achieve the desired resistance. The resis
`tance, as will be discussed hereinafter, is utilized to maintain
`the shoe 10 on a wearer's foot instead of, or in addition to,
`traditional lacing.
`0031. The stretchable member 402 provides an amount of
`“give' or “play' to the shoe 10 when secured to a wearer's
`foot. Therefore, when a wearer exerts a force that is trans
`ferred through the shoe 10, traditional shoes that rely solely
`on hook and loop fasteners that have minimal "give' may
`disengage causing the shoe to change positions on the wear
`er's foot. For example, a child may wear a pair of shoes that
`rely on hook and loop fasteners to allow the shoe to expand, in
`an un-attached position, to receive the child's foot. The hook
`and loop material may then be attached to secure the child's
`foot. When the child begins to run, the hook and loop fastener
`(s) may fail (e.g., become un-attached in whole or in part)
`because the force exerted on the hook and loop fastener
`exceeds the force for which the fastener can resist.
`0032 Consequently, it may be desirable to utilize, in com
`bination, a hook and loop fastener along with a stretchable
`member. For example, when the same child above begins to
`run in an embodiment of the present invention, the stretchable
`member may stretch to absorb some of the force exerted by
`the child. The absorption of the force by the stretchable mem
`ber reduces the force experienced by the hook and loop fas
`tener. As a result, a shoe utilizing the first fastener 312 with
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`

`US 2012/0079742 A1
`
`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`the second fastener 302 and the stretchable member 402 may
`provide a shoe securing mechanism that is able to absorb
`force while maintaining the shoe in a desired as-worn posi
`tion.
`0033. As illustrated in FIG.4, the stretchable member 402
`has a bottom edge 406 and an opposite edge extending
`through an opening 404 of the tongue 224 to an inner Surface
`238 of the tongue 224. However, it is contemplated that the
`opposite edge is secured to the outer Surface 236 of the tongue
`224, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The
`stretchable member 402 also has a width extending between
`a heel-end edge 408 and a toe-end edge 410, as best seen in
`FIG. 4. Further, the stretchable member 402 has an outer
`Surface 412 and an inner Surface 414.
`0034. The stretchable member 402 may be secured or
`otherwise affixed to the upper 202 and the tongue 224. For
`example, an aspect illustrated in FIG. 4 has the outer surface
`412 of the stretchable member 402 facing the interior surface
`212 of the upper 202 proximate the bottom edge 406. The
`stretchable member 402 is affixed to the upper 202 by a first
`Stitching 420 and a second Stitching 422. However, it is con
`templated that other methods of affixing the stretchable mem
`ber 402 may be implemented. For example, adhesives, weld
`ing, mechanical fasteners, and removable fasteners. The
`stretchable member 402 may be affixed to the upper 202 at a
`location below (toward the sole 102) a fastener 506 as repre
`sented by the distance 502. Affixing the stretchable member
`402 below the fastener 506 may allow the stretchable fastener
`402 to remain obscured from view when in an as-worn posi
`tion.
`0035. The stretchable member 402, as illustrated in FIG.4,
`extends from the upper 202 to the tongue 224. In this embodi
`ment of the present invention, the stretchable member extends
`through the opening 404 of the tongue 224 allowing the
`stretchable member 402 to pass from the outer surface 236 of
`the tongue 224 to an inner surface 234 of the tongue 224.
`Consequently, the outer surface 412 of the stretchable mem
`ber 402 may face the inner surface 234 of the tongue 224. A
`first tongue Stitching 416 and a second tongue Stitching 418
`may be used to affix the stretchable member 402 to the tongue
`224. The opening 404 may be orientated and located on the
`tongue 224 So that in an as-worn position the stretchable
`member 402 is obscured by the upper 202. Stated differently,
`it is contemplated that the opening 404 is located below, in an
`as-worn position, the medial edge 206 of the upper 202.
`0036. As best seen in FIG. 2, the tongue 224 may be
`affixed to the upper 202 along a portion of the upper edge. For
`example, a medial Stitching 424 may extend along the medial
`edge 206 from a toe end to a tongue sewn point 504. In this
`example, the upper 202 is affixed to the tongue 224 by stitch
`ing effectively limiting access to the forefoot opening 210 on
`the medial side 216 along that portion of the medial stitching
`424. Consequently, the medial stitching 424 limits the “give'
`provided by the stretchable member 402 by limiting a length
`oftongue unattached from the upperas measured from the toe
`end of the shoe 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the medial
`stitching 424 works in combination with the first fastener
`312/second fastener 302 and the stretchable member 402 to
`provide a securing mechanism to maintain the shoe 10 in an
`as-worn position. The medial Stitching 424, which terminates
`at the tongue sewn point 504, may extend from the toe end
`toward the heal end along the medial edge 206 to any point
`along the length of the medial edge 206. However, in an
`exemplary embodiment, the tongue connection point 504 is
`
`located at a position between the toe box 204 and a location
`where the upper 202 overlaps a portion of the stretchable
`member 402. In an additional exemplary embodiment, it is
`contemplated, similar to that which is illustrated in FIG.1, the
`medial Stitching 424 extends approximately the length of half
`of the forefoot opening 210. Further, it is contemplated that
`the medial stitching 424 deviates from the medial edge 206
`and, instead, is located at any location on the medial side 216
`of the upper 202 in which the tongue 224 may be secured to
`the upper 202.
`0037. It is contemplated that the shoe 10 may be used in
`the following exemplary manner, in accordance with embodi
`ments of the present invention. A wearer of the shoe 10 may
`disengage the first fastener 312 from the second fastener 302
`to un-affix the lateral side of the tongue 224 from the upper
`202. This separation of the tongue 224 from the upper 202
`proximate the lateral side provides easy access to the shoe
`interior 12 through both the forefoot opening 210 and the
`ankle opening 232. The wearer may then slip his or her foot
`into the shoe 10 utilizing the forefoot opening 210 and the
`ankle opening 232. The tongue 224 may be displaced even
`farther from the upper 202 by allowing the stretchable mem
`ber 402 to extend in length, which may facilitate easier entry
`into the interior 12.
`0038. Once the shoe 10 is positioned to the wearer's foot,
`the wearer may align the first fastener 312 with the second
`fastener 302 to maximize contact area between the two fas
`teners, which may maximize a bonding strength between the
`two fasteners. However, it is also contemplated that the
`wearer may adjust the location of the tongue 224 and/or the
`alignment of the first fastener 312 relative to the second
`fastener 302 to achieve a desired tension across the shoe 10
`for securing to the wearer. Once secured, the shoe 10 is in an
`as-worn position on the wearer. Consequently, as the wearer
`exerts a force that is intended to be translated from the wear
`er's foot through the shoe 10 to the contacting surface, the
`stretchable member 402 may stretch to reduce the force expe
`rienced by the first fastener 312 and the second fastener 302.
`This reduction inforce may prevent the first fastener 312 and
`the second fastener 302 from unintentionally disengaging
`from one another. As a result, a wearer of the shoe 10 may
`access the interior 12 utilizing the convenience of a hook and
`a loop fastener while minimizing the possibility of an unin
`tentional disengagement of the hook and loop fastener when
`worn by relying on the stretchable member 402 to absorb
`energy that could otherwise cause the unintentional disen
`gagement.
`0039. The terms medial and lateral have been used herein
`to describe a relative location of features, portions, and/or
`elements of the shoe 10. However, it is contemplated that
`aspects of the invention may substitute one relative term for
`the other. For example, it is within the scope of the present
`invention for the features identified on the medial side of the
`shoe 10 to also, or in the alternative, be located on the lateral
`side and vice versa. Therefore, while the description herein is
`focused, for ease of understanding, on the stretchable mem
`ber 402 being located on the medial side and the combination
`of the first fastener 312/second fastener 302 being located on
`the lateral side, it is contemplated that the opposite (i.e., the
`stretchable member 402 located on the lateral side and the
`combination of the first fastener 312/second fastener 302
`located on the medial side) may also be implemented within
`the scope of the present invention.
`
`Skechers EX1030-p.7
`Skechers v Nike
`
`

`

`US 2012/0079742 A1
`
`Apr. 5, 2012
`
`0040 Although the shoe construction is described above
`by referring to particular embodiments, it should be under
`stood that the modifications and variations could be made to
`the shoe construction described without departing from the
`intended scope of protection provided by the following
`claims.
`
`The invention claimed is:
`1. A shoe construction comprising:
`a sole having a toe end and an opposite heel end and having
`opposite medial and lateral sides extending between the
`toe end and the heel end;
`an upper of flexible material attached to the sole, the upper
`extending upwardly from the Sole to an upper top edge,
`the upper top edge defining a forefoot opening and an
`ankle opening into an interior of the shoe;
`a tongue of flexible material having opposite medial and
`lateral sides along a length that extends upwardly from
`the sole to a distal end of the tongue positionable at the
`ankle opening:
`the tongue having a first fastener attached along a portion
`of either the medial side or the lateral side; and
`a stretchable member attached proximate to a portion of the
`medial side or the lateral side that is opposite the first
`fastener, wherein the first fastener and the stretchable
`member are attachable to the upper proximate their
`respective locations on the tongue.
`2. The shoe construction of claim 1, wherein the first fas
`tener is a hook or a loop material.
`3. The shoe construction of claim 2, wherein the upper has
`the other of t