JP2016221232A - Wound wire support for shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe for use during sports activities is provided.
An upper 102 for receiving a foot of a wearer of a shoe 100, the upper comprising a closure 110 and a tongue 112 covering an upper portion of the foot; and at least coupled to opposing edges of the closure A single wire string 118, wherein the at least one wire string is configured to tighten the closure around the foot by pulling closer edges of the closure closer together. At least one support wire coupled to the at least one wire string, wherein the at least one support wire is at least one when the at least one wire string tightens the closure around the foot; The outer surface of the upper, so that the support wires of the upper side are tightened around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper, Winds around the surface and inner surface, and at least one support wire, shoes.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

(Related patent application)
This application is filed under United States Patent Act §119 (e) of provisional application 62 / 170,353 entitled “SHOES HAVING WRAP—AROUND WIRE SUPPORT AND TORSIONAL CONTROL” filed on June 3, 2015. This application, which claims priority, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates generally to shoes used during sports activities, and more specifically, increased support and optimization of shoe performance and other characteristics during a particular sport activity (eg, golf) and Related to a pair of shoes with the characteristics and characteristics of twist control.

(Background of the Invention)
Today, many sports activities require shoes that provide improved stability, traction and performance to the athlete wearing the shoes. For example, in golf, a golfer's footwork during a swing is complex and produces many different forces on the golfer's foot that need to be absorbed, tolerated and / or compensated by the golfer's shoes. In general, for most golf shots, the golfer's weight is initially 50/50 on each foot, and the golfer's weight is typically uniformly distributed across the bottom area of each foot. During the backswing, the majority of the golfer's weight typically shifts to the outside (outer surface) of the golfer's hind legs, while the front legs maintain some weight for balance. The backswing provides a force that tends to spin or pivot the front hind leg outward and the back heel inward, and this force is used to maintain the stability of the hind leg of the golfer. Must be resisted by contact with.

  During the club downswing, the golfer's weight begins to shift, and by the time the golf ball is hit, the golfer's weight is evenly distributed again between the hind legs and front legs, or further transferred to the front legs I started. At the final position of the swing, most of the weight of the golfer is on the forefoot, more weight is on the outside of the forefoot (outside), and the heel of the golfer's hind leg is on the ground Raised up and facing backwards. In a proper swing, only the toes of the golfer's hind legs maintain contact with the ground at the end. Thus, in the final position, the golfer's back shoe heel and most of the outsole are off the ground and only the toes are in contact with the ground for balance.

  As described above, the golfer's feet generate torque and club head speed to strike the golf ball while complicating movement during the golf swing to keep the golfer balanced. Significant forces in various directions act on the left and right shoes during various stages of the golf swing. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved stability, traction and torsional control in order for the shoe to withstand these forces and react appropriately and maximize the performance of the golfer's footwork during the golf swing. Similar situations exist during other sports such as baseball (eg, during batter swings) and athletics (eg, starting and running on a track).

  To address the above exemplary needs, various characteristics of the shoe (eg, arch support, twist, flexibility, hardness, weight, etc.) are optimized, thereby generally providing the best comfort, fit It is desirable to provide stability and performance to shoe wearers, and more specifically to athletes wearing sports activities.

The present invention provides, for example:
(Item 1)
An upper configured to receive a foot of a shoe wearer, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot;
At least one wire lace coupled to opposite edges of the closure, the at least one wire lace being placed around the foot by pulling the opposite edges of the closure closer together At least one wire cord configured to tighten the closure at
At least one support wire coupled to the at least one wire string, wherein the at least one support wire is at least when the at least one wire string tightens the closure around the foot. A shoe comprising: at least one support wire wound around the outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper so that one support wire is tightened around the outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper.
(Item 2)
The shoe of any preceding item, further comprising a reel assembly coupled to the tongue, wherein the at least one wire cord is further coupled to the reel assembly so that the reel assembly is in a first direction. The at least one wire string pulls the opposing edges of the closure closer together when being turned, thereby the at least one wire around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper Shoes that tighten support wires.
(Item 3)
When the reel assembly is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one wire string is gradually loosened, thereby causing the upper and lower sides of the upper, The shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one support wire is gradually loosened.
(Item 4)
The reel assembly includes a spool member and a knob that is axially coupled to the spool member, the knob being axially spaced from the spool member to release the at least one wire string. A shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the shoe is configured to be released to thereby release the at least one support wire around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper.
(Item 5)
The shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a saddle that wraps around the outer surface, bottom surface, and inner surface of the upper, wherein the saddle has the at least one support wire on the outer side of the upper. At least one channel for receiving the at least one support wire therein so that the saddle also tightens around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when tightening about the side, bottom and inner surfaces. Prepare shoes.
(Item 6)
A first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
A shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising: a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, wherein the first and second sets of coupling mechanisms A shoe for coupling the at least one wire string to the at least one support wire.
(Item 7)
The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one support wire includes first, second, and third support wires, the first support wire including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first support wire; The second support wire is coupled to the second coupling mechanism, and the second support wire is coupled to the second coupling mechanism and to the fifth coupling mechanism. A second end coupled to the first coupling end coupled to the third coupling mechanism and a second coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. The shoe according to any one of the above items, comprising:
(Item 8)
The shoe according to any one of the above items, further comprising a sole, wherein the sole is
A front sole portion attached to a front portion of the bottom surface of the upper;
A heel sole portion attached to a heel portion of the bottom surface of the upper, and
The shoe, wherein the at least one support wire is wrapped around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper, the intermediate portion being located between the front portion and the heel portion.
(Item 9)
The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole The shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the shoe is at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcing structure and the heel outsole.
(Item 10)
The shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein the second and third materials have different components.
(Item 11)
The shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).
(Item 12)
An arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion, further comprising the arch outsole portion and between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion. The shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein a window part is formed between the upper part and a part of the bottom surface.
(Item 13)
A shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a plurality of traction elements located on the bottom surface of the front, middle and heel outsole portions.
(Item 14)
An arch midsole comprising the first material and disposed between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
An arch midsole reinforcement structure comprising the third material and disposed between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole The shoe according to any one of the above items, further comprising: an arch reinforced midsole structure that reinforces a part.
(Item 15)
The shoe according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one support wire runs from the inner side of the upper to the arch midsole and the arch midsole reinforcement structure and to the outer side of the upper.
(Item 16)
A shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one support wire comprises at least one wire loop.
(Item 17)
An upper configured to receive a golf shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot;
A reel assembly and at least one wire string coupled to the reel assembly;
A wound saddle assembly comprising a saddle and at least one saddle wire coupled to the saddle, the saddle being wound around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper, A saddle wire is coupled to the at least one wire cord so that the saddle is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when the reel assembly is rotated in a first direction. A wound saddle assembly;
A sole comprising a front sole portion and a heel sole portion, wherein the saddle wraps around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion;
And a plurality of traction elements disposed on the bottom surface of the front sole portion and the heel sole portion.
(Item 18)
When the reel assembly is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one wire string gradually loosens, thereby around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper The golf shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein the at least one saddle wire is gradually loosened.
(Item 19)
The reel assembly includes a spool member and a knob that is axially coupled to the spool member, the knob being axially spaced from the spool member to release the at least one wire string. A golf shoe according to any of the preceding items, configured to release the at least one saddle wire around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper.
(Item 20)
The saddle includes at least one channel for receiving the at least one saddle wire therein so that the at least one saddle wire wraps around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper. The saddle also travels around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper when the at least one saddle wire is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper. The golf shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein
(Item 21)
A first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
A golf shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, wherein the first and second sets of coupling A mechanism is a golf shoe, wherein the mechanism couples the at least one wire string to the at least one saddle wire.
(Item 22)
The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one saddle wire includes first, second, and third wire loops, the first wire loop including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first wire loop. A second end coupled to the four coupling mechanisms, the second wire loop coupled to the second coupling mechanism and the fifth coupling mechanism. A third end coupled to the third coupling mechanism; a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism; and a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. The golf shoe according to any one of the above items, comprising:
(Item 23)
The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole Is a golf shoe according to any of the preceding items, at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcing structure and the heel outsole.
(Item 24)
The golf shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein the second and third materials have mutually different components.
(Item 25)
The golf shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).
(Item 26)
The golf shoe of any of the preceding items, further comprising an arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion, the arch outsole portion comprising: A golf shoe, wherein a window is formed between the arch outsole portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion.
(Item 27)
The golf shoe according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising a second plurality of traction elements disposed on a bottom surface of the arch arch outsole portion.
(Item 28)
An arch midsole comprising the first material and disposed between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
An arch midsole reinforcement structure comprising the third material and disposed between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole The golf shoe according to any one of the above items, further comprising: an arch reinforced midsole reinforcing structure that reinforces a part.
(Item 29)
Providing an upper configured to receive a shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot; ,
Coupling a reel assembly to the tongue;
Coupling at least one wire string to the reel assembly;
Wrapping a saddle around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper, the saddle comprising at least one saddle wire coupled to the saddle;
The at least one saddle wire to the at least one wire cord so that the saddle is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when the reel assembly is rotated in the first direction. Combining,
Coupling a front sole portion to a front portion of the bottom surface of the upper;
Coupling a heel sole portion to a heel portion of the bottom surface of the upper, wherein the saddle wraps around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front portion and the heel portion; A method of manufacturing a shoe, comprising:
(Item 30)
At least one for receiving the at least one saddle wire therein such that the at least one saddle wire wraps around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper by traveling the entire length of the saddle. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising providing a channel in the saddle, wherein the at least one saddle wire is the outer surface, the bottom surface and the inner surface of the upper. A method of manufacturing a shoe, wherein the saddle also tightens around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when tightened around.
(Item 31)
Providing a first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
Providing a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, the first and second sets of coupling mechanisms comprising the at least one wire string The method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising: bonding to the at least one saddle wire.
(Item 32)
The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one saddle wire includes first, second, and third wire loops, the first wire loop including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first wire loop. A second end coupled to the four coupling mechanisms, the second wire loop coupled to the second coupling mechanism and the fifth coupling mechanism. A third end coupled to the third coupling mechanism; a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism; and a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. A method for manufacturing a shoe according to any of the above items, comprising:
(Item 33)
The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole A method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the shoe is at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcement structure and the heel outsole.
(Item 34)
The method for manufacturing a shoe according to any one of the above items, wherein the second and third materials have mutually different components.
(Item 35)
The method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).
(Item 36)
A method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising providing an arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion, The arch outsole portion forms a window between the arch outsole portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion.
(Item 37)
Providing an arch midsole comprising the first material between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
Providing an arch midsole reinforcement structure including the third material between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole; The method for manufacturing a shoe according to any one of the above items, further comprising: reinforcing a part.
(Item 38)
A method of manufacturing a shoe according to any of the preceding items, further comprising providing a plurality of traction elements on the bottom surface of the front, middle and heel outsole portions.

(Summary)
An upper configured to receive a wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot; and opposing edges of the closure At least one wire string coupled to the at least one wire string, wherein the at least one wire string is configured to pull the opposing edges of the closure closer together to tighten the closure around the foot; At least one wire lace configured to release the opposing edges and allow the opposing edges to move away from each other to loosen the closure around the foot; At least one support wire coupled to a single wire string, wherein the at least one support wire is at least one wire string At least one support wire that wraps around the outer, bottom, and inner sides of the upper so that the at least one support wire is tightened around the outer, bottom, and inner sides of the upper when the closure is tightened around the foot And a shoe is provided.

(Summary of the present invention)
The present invention addresses these and other needs by providing shoes wearers with improved comfort, fit, stability and performance.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an upper configured to receive a shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot. An upper comprising: at least one wire lace coupled to opposing edges of the closure, wherein the at least one wire lace is disposed around the foot by pulling the opposing edges of the closure closer together Is configured to tighten the closure with the release of the opposing edges and allow the opposing edges to move away from each other to loosen the closure around the foot At least one wire string; and at least one support wire coupled to the at least one wire string, the at least one support wire being The wire is around the outer outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper such that when at least one wire string tightens the closure around the foot, the at least one support wire is tightened around the outer outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper. A shoe is provided that includes at least one support wire that wraps around.

  In another embodiment, the present invention comprises: an upper configured to receive a golf shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper configured to cover an upper portion of the foot; and A wound assembly comprising: an upper; a reel assembly; at least one wire string coupled to the reel assembly; and at least one saddle wire coupled to the saddle and the saddle, wherein the saddle is Wound around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper and at least one saddle wire tightens around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper when the reel assembly is turned in the first direction A wound saddle assembly coupled to at least one wire string; and a front sole portion and a heel sole A sole, wherein the saddle wraps around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion; and on the bottom surface of the front sole portion and the heel sole portion. And a plurality of traction elements disposed on the golf shoe.

In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a shoe, the method comprising:
Providing an upper configured to receive a golf shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot; Coupling the reel assembly to the tongue; coupling at least one wire string to the reel assembly; winding the saddle around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper, the saddle being attached to the saddle At least one saddle wire coupled; and at least one saddle so that the saddle is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when the reel assembly is rotated in the first direction. Coupling the wire to at least one wire string; coupling the front sole portion to the front portion of the bottom surface of the upper; The method comprising coupling the Le moiety heel of the upper of the bottom saddle is positioned between the front portion and heel portion, attached around the intermediate portion of the upper of the bottom surface, and a that.

In the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference will be made to the following figures, which form a part of this application, in which, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be produced and practiced are shown. Yes. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and design and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only and are merely illustrative of exemplary embodiments of the present invention to facilitate the understanding of the reader of the present invention and the breadth, scope or applicability of the present invention. Should not be considered as limiting gender. Note that these drawings are not necessarily to scale for the sake of clarity and simplicity of illustration.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a left shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a right shoe corresponding to the left shoe of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of the shoe of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a bottom view of the shoe of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a wound wire saddle according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a coupling member according to one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling member having two wire loops contained therein. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a plurality of coupling members that couple a BOA reel-based string system with the wound wire saddle of FIG. 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of a golf shoe according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the golf shoe of FIG. 8 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention
In the following description of exemplary embodiments, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although various embodiments and features of the present invention are described below in the context of a golf shoe, various features and advantages of the present invention can be applied to shoes used during other types of sports activities. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a left shoe 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shoe 100 includes an upper 102 for covering the upper surface of the wearer's foot, a front sole portion 104, and a heel sole portion 106, wherein the front sole portion 104 and the heel sole portion 106 are each of the upper 102. Attached to each bottom. As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the front sole portion 104 and the heel sole portion 106 are two separate sole portions, whereby the middle portion of the upper 102 is Will remain exposed. In an alternative embodiment, an arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 (FIG. 8) is attached to the arch portion of the bottom surface of the upper 102, as shown in FIG. Support and stability are provided in this area of the shoe.

  Upper 102 has an opening 108 through which the wearer's foot (not shown) can be inserted, and the upper portion of upper 102 is subsequently expanded or enlarged for easier insertion of the wearer's foot and then the wearer And a closure 110 that allows it to be closed or tightened around its legs. The flexible tongue 112 forms part of the closure 110 and is secured to the underside of the upper 102 near the bottom of the closure 110 and covers the upper surface of the wearer's foot that may otherwise be exposed. Extends upward past the upper portion of 110. As is known to those skilled in the art, the tongue 112 provides a cushioning cover on the upper surface of the wearer's foot, and the closure 110 is placed on the wearer's foot after the wearer's foot is inserted through the opening 108. It can be tightened through a lace system around the wearer's foot to comfortably secure the shoe 100 around.

  As shown in FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shoe 100 includes a reel-based lace system 114 that tightens and secures the closure 110 and tongue 112 around the wearer's foot. The reel-based string system 114 includes a reel assembly 116, a wire string 118, and string guides 120 and 122. The reel assembly 116 is attached to the upper portion of the tongue 112 and includes a spool member (not shown) for holding the wire string 118. As will be described in more detail below, the wire string 118 is threaded through a plurality of string guides 120, which further serve as a coupling mechanism 120 to couple the reel-based string system to the wound saddle assembly 122. . When the reel assembly is rotated in a predetermined direction (eg, clockwise), the wire string 118 is wound around the spool member to become shorter, thereby tightening the closure 110 around the wearer's foot. The string guides 120 and 121 are pulled toward the opposite side portions of the 110 to bring them closer together. Reel-based string systems are known to those skilled in the art and are described, for example, in US Patent Publication Nos. 2014/0123449 and 2013/0092780, and US Patent Nos. 8,516,662 and 8,468,657. Explained. These are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. As disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0123449, for example, in some embodiments, reel assembly 116 includes a knob (eg, knob 218 in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0123449) Axially to move the knob away from the spool member (e.g., spool member 216 in US Patent Publication No. 2014/0123449) to allow the spool member to run in a loosening direction to release the string. Can be raised. In other embodiments, the knob may be gradually turned manually in the direction of loosening to gradually loosen the string system.

  As will be described in more detail below, the shoe 100 further includes a wound saddle assembly 122 that forms part of the closure 110, and the wound saddle assembly 122 includes each of the saddles 126 that wrap around the underside of the upper 102. It includes one or more wire loops 124 that are inserted through channels (not shown). Each wire loop 124 is received within each lace guide / coupling mechanism 120 at the opposite side edge of the saddle assembly 122 or closure 110. 1-4, in one embodiment, three wire loops 124 extend from each coupling mechanism 120 attached to one side edge of the saddle 126 and are opposed to the saddle 126. Wrap around the outer and bottom surfaces of the upper 102 to be coupled to corresponding coupling mechanisms 120 attached to the side edges. The wire string 118 is further inserted through a string guide 121 attached to the opposite side edge of the closure near the upper portion of the closure 110, thereby further tightening and fixing the closure 110 around the wearer's foot. When the reel assembly 116 is turned to tighten the wire string 118 and the saddle 126 and the coupling mechanism 120 and the string guide 121 on the opposite side of the closure 110 are brought closer together, the wire loop 124 will move the foot arch. It is pulled taut to tighten around the corresponding middle part of the wearer's foot. Thus, the wound saddle assembly 122, in addition to forming part of the closure 110, provides increased arch support, lateral stability, and a more snug fit around the middle portion of the wearer's foot. Provides, which reduces foot fatigue and thereby increases wearer foot comfort and performance during sports activities.

  FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a right foot 100 'corresponding to the left foot 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The right foot 100 'has the same features as described above for the left foot 100 of FIG. These common features are indicated using the same reference numerals as in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the wire string 118 is tied on the top surface of the tongue 112 in a conventional cross-cross pattern. However, it should be understood that any desired string pattern may be implemented in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The wire string 118 is secured to each side edge of the saddle 126 by a plurality (eg, three) of coupling mechanisms 120 that are fastened to each side edge of the saddle 126 of the wound saddle assembly 122. The wire string 118 is further fixed to a string guide 121 attached to each side edge of the closure 110 near the upper part of the closure 110. When the reel assembly 116 is turned to tighten the wire string 118, the opposite edge of the saddle 126 and the upper portion of the closure 110 are brought closer together to tighten the upper 102 around the wearer's foot. In addition, the wire loop 124 that wraps around the bottom of the middle portion of the upper 102 provides increased support and a more comfortable custom fit around the wearer's foot by tightening around the middle portion of the foot and the bottom arch. To do.

  3 shows a side view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the shoe 100 of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wire loop 124 and saddle 126 of the saddle assembly 122 wrap around the bottom portion of the upper 102 located between the front sole portion 104 and the heel sole portion 106, There is no sole. Thus, when the wire loop 124 is tightened around the middle portion of the shoe, it provides increased arch support and a more snug custom fit of the shoe, as described above. Increased arch support and custom fit increase the comfort and responsiveness of the shoe and reduce the foot fatigue that a wearer may experience during sports activities.

  As further shown in FIG. 4, the front sole 104 and the heel sole 106 include various grooves or recesses 140 in various patterns to provide improved flexibility, grip or traction at the bottom of the shoe 100. Can be provided to. It should be understood that any desired sole pattern may be implemented on the front sole portion 104 and the heel sole portion 106, respectively, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In addition, cleats (not shown) are fastened to the sole portions 104 and 106 in any desired configuration, number and size, thereby increasing gripping action on various surfaces such as natural grass or artificial grass. Can provide.

  FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the wound saddle assembly 122 when separated from the shoe 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The saddle assembly 122 includes a saddle 126 and a plurality (eg, three) of wire loops 124 that are threaded through each channel 128 (shown by dashed lines) in the saddle 126 so that each wire loop. 124 extend outwardly from the respective corresponding ends of the saddle 126 by traversing the entire length of the saddle 126, where the wire loops 124 correspond to the corresponding opposing coupling members 120, as described above. Can be combined. In alternative embodiments, each wire loop 124 need not extend across the entire underside of the shoe, but can instead be fastened to each edge portion of the saddle 126 (eg, stitched, glued, etc.). As a result, when the wire loop 124 is pulled taut, the saddle 126 is also tautly pulled around the wearer's foot, as described above. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom portion 150 of the saddle 126 is located on the bottom surface of the upper 102 (FIG. 3) so as to prevent undesired sliding or movement of the saddle 126 relative to the upper 102 or arch midsole reinforcement structure 221. Fastened to the corresponding arch area or to the arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 (FIG. 8) (eg, stitched, glued, joined, etc.).

  The saddle 126 can be made from a variety of known materials or combinations of materials and can be implemented in a variety of configurations (eg, size, shape, thickness, etc.). The saddle 126 reinforces the middle portion of the upper 102 and provides improved support and stability for this area of the shoe 100. In various embodiments, the saddle 126 can be made of a variety of materials known in the art (eg, thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea (TPU), rubber, etc.) to achieve the desired strength, reinforcement and / or flexibility attributes. , Leather, synthetic leather, fiber, and polyurethane or polyurea (PU), or, for example, carbon fiber, or any combination of these materials).

  FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of coupling member 120 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling member 120 includes a first channel 160 through which the wire string 118 of the reel-based string system 114 (FIG. 1) can be inserted according to known reel-based string technology. The coupling member 120 further includes a second channel 162 through which the wire loop 124 can be inserted through the slot 164. The slot 164 has a height that is less than the diameter of the second channel 162 so that once the wire loop 124 is inserted into the second channel 162, the smaller height of the slot 164 is the second Prevents or resists movement of the wire loop 124 out of the channel 162.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a reel-based string system 114 that is coupled to a wound saddle assembly 122 via a coupling member 120 as described above. As shown in FIG. 7, the reel-based string system 114 includes a reel assembly 116 for winding or unwinding the wire string 118, and the wire string 118 is connected to each first of the plurality of coupling members 120. Are received in the channel 160. Each wire loop 124 of the saddle assembly 122 is also received within each second channel 162 of the coupling member 120. Accordingly, the coupling member 120 couples the reel-based string system 114 to the wound saddle assembly. In FIG. 7, each coupling member 120 is shown as being partially transparent to visualize the wires contained within each coupling member 120.

  In one embodiment, the saddle 126 is affixed on the upper 102 by stitching the saddle 126 on the upper 102 as indicated by stitching 170. However, it should be understood that the saddle 126 may be fastened or loosely coupled to one or more portions of the upper 102 in any desired manner (eg, stitching, bonding, joining, etc.). Further, as shown in FIG. 7, longitudinal grooves formed in the saddle 126 form each channel 172 between the saddle 126 and the underlying upper 102, and a portion of the wire loop 124 is respectively , Through the channel 172 and can be wound around the side portion and bottom portion of the upper 102. In one embodiment, the suture 170 forms an outer boundary for enclosing each wire loop 124 within their respective channel 172. As described above, when the reel assembly 116 is turned to wind the wire string 118, the wire loop 124 is tightened around the side and bottom portions of the upper 102 via the coupling member 120, thereby Provides a snug fit around the wearer's arch and midfoot area.

  FIG. 8 shows a side view of a golf shoe 200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Golf shoe 200 has many features similar to shoe 100 described above (eg, upper 102, reel assembly 116, wire strap 118, slightly modified coupling member 120 ′ and strap guide 121 ′, and a plurality of wire loops 124. And a wound saddle assembly 122) having a wound saddle 126. For the sake of brevity, these common elements and features are not described again in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the golf shoe 200 includes a front sole portion 204, a heel sole portion 206, and an arch that interconnects the front sole portion 204 and the heel sole portion 206 as described in more detail below. Further included is a sole 202 having a sole portion 208. The front sole portion 204 includes a front midsole 210, and the front midsole 210 is sandwiched between a bottom surface of a front portion of the upper 102 and a front outsole 212 attached to the bottom surface of the front midsole 210. A front midsole reinforcement structure 214 is attached to the upper portion of the front midsole 210, and the front midsole reinforcement structure 214 surrounds the upper portion of the front midsole 210, where the front midsole 210 contacts the bottom surface of the upper 102. To do. A portion of the front midsole reinforcement structure 214 is fastened to a portion of the front outsole 212, thereby providing a reinforcement frame that surrounds the front midsole 210. The front midsole reinforcement structure 214 can be fastened to the front outsole 212 using any known technique (eg, joining, gluing, screwing, etc.), or alternatively, known injection They can be integrally formed together using molding techniques. In one embodiment, the front midsole reinforcement structure 214 and the front outsole are collapsed or substantially outward in a respective direction of the front midsole 210 covered by the front midsole reinforcement structure 214 and the front outsole 212. Can be made from a relatively dense ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material that substantially prevents it from being stretched, thereby increasing the strength and stability of the front mid Provided to the sole 210.

  Similarly, the heel sole portion 206 includes a heel midsole 216 that is sandwiched between a bottom surface of the heel portion of the upper 102 and a heel outsole 218 attached to the bottom surface of the heel midsole 216. . A heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 is attached to the upper portion of the heel midsole 216, and the heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 surrounds the upper portion of the heel midsole 216, where the heel midsole 216 is the heel portion of the upper 102. Touch the bottom. A portion of the heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 is fastened to a portion of the heel outsole 218, thereby providing a reinforcement frame that surrounds the heel midsole 216. The heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 can be secured to the heel outsole 218 using any known technique (eg, bonding, gluing, screwed fastening, etc.), or alternatively, known injection They can be integrally formed together using molding techniques. In one embodiment, the heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 and the heel outsole 218 are configured such that the respective portions of the heel midsole 216 covered by the heel midsole reinforcement structure 220 and the heel outsole 218 collapse or outward. It can be made from a relatively dense ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material that substantially prevents it from being stretched, thereby heeling increased strength and stability Provided to the midsole 216.

  As further shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the golf shoe 200 includes an arch outsole 219 that straddles across and connects the front outsole portion 212 to the heel outsole portion 218. The arch includes a sole portion 208. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the arch sole portion 208 further includes an arch midsole, the arch midsole between the arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 and between the arch midsole reinforcement structure and the arch outsole portion 219. Surrounded by the window 222. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the saddle 126 has a window 222 (ie, an air space) formed between the bottom surface of the saddle 126 and the arch outsole portion 219. The arch is wrapped around the midsole and the reinforcing structure 221. The window 222 allows the saddle 126 to wrap completely around the sides and bottom of the upper 102 and, as described above, the saddle 126 of the saddle 126 as the wire string 118 and wire loop 124 are loosened or tightened. Allows further expansion and contraction. The window 222 allows increased curvature with respect to the arch area of the shoe 200 and twisting between the front and heel portions of the shoe 200. In other words, the front portion and the heel portion can be twisted together more easily. As described in more detail below, an arch outsole 219 (also known as a twist control bridge) is provided to offset and / or control the amount of twist between the front and heel portions of the shoe 200.

  The arch outsole portion 219 resists twisting of the front and heel portions of the upper 102 relative to each other, thus providing additional stability and twist control to the middle section of the shoe 200. By adjusting the thickness, stiffness and / or physical material properties of the arch outsole portion 219, a desired amount of torsion control can be achieved. In addition, the arch outsole portion 219 allows the entire length of the outsole to touch the ground, thus providing traction along the entire length of the shoe 200. The arch outsole portion 219 further provides increased outsole surface area in contact with the ground, thereby providing increased traction while still allowing the desired level of shoe twist / twist. Thus, the arch outsole portion 219 provides a torsion control bridge between the front outsole portion 212 and the heel outsole portion 218, which provides the desired degree of the front and heel portions of the shoe 200 ( However, it is possible to move independently of each other to the extent that the desired amount is not substantially exceeded. The arch outsole portion 219 further increases the length and surface area of the outsole in contact with the ground, thereby providing increased traction during sports activities.

  In FIG. 8, since the arch midsole is included in or around the arch midsole reinforcement structure, both the arch midsole and the surrounding arch midsole reinforcement structure are collectively shown as a structure 221. In one embodiment, the arch midsole and the surrounding arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 extend across the middle portion of the bottom surface of the upper 102, so that in the arch region of the shoe 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Provides additional support and stability. The arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 provides a relatively rigid frame or housing that surrounds and encloses an arch midsole made from a relatively non-rigid material (eg, eTPU) located below the arch region of the upper 102. To do. The wound saddle 126 is wrapped around the arch midsole and the arch midsole reinforcement structure 221 and, in one embodiment, secured or attached thereto. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the front midsole reinforcing structure 214, the heel midsole reinforcing structure 220, and the arch midsole reinforcing structure 221 are integrally formed with each other, and the bottom surface of the upper 102 is formed. Extending substantially throughout.

In one embodiment, the front midsole 210 and heel midsole 216 and arch midsole described above can be made from expanded TPU (eTPU) material (also known as Boost ^™ foam). Such eTPU or other foams based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) suitable for use in forming midsole and / or outsole layers according to various embodiments are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 02222442A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, an exemplary method for the production of eTPU using water as a blowing agent or propellant is described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0065285A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. The entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the midsole layer comprises a hybrid material comprising a matrix of PU and foamed particles of TPU or other thermoplastic elastomer as described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0047550A1. This application publication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Some exemplary advantages of using Boost ^™ foam as a midsole material are that it is lightweight and has excellent energy return or rebound characteristics that promote smooth energy transfer during swing . Boost ^™ foam also provides a lighter shoe, which further reduces fatigue on the wearer, especially when the wearer is walking on a golf course. Boost ^™ foam also provides a consistent and responsive cushioning over a dynamic temperature range from sub-zero cold to harsh heat, thereby maintaining its advantageous attributes in any weather.

  In alternative embodiments, the wound saddle assembly 122 may be omitted and the shoe may utilize a conventional lace system or a reel-based lace system. In this embodiment, as described above, the arch outsole portion 219 can still function to provide the shoe with improved traction, stability and twist control.

  In one embodiment, the arch outsole portion 219 is integrally formed with the front outsole portion 212 and the heel outsole portion 218 and is made from the same outsole material described above. In an alternative embodiment, the arch outsole portion 219 is separated and replaced with a variety of different arch outsole portions (not shown) having different physical characteristics to achieve different desired performance characteristics of the shoe 200. As obtained, the arch outsole portion 219 can be made of the same or different materials and can be mechanically attached to the front outsole portion 212 and the heel outsole portion 216.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the bottom surface of an outsole 250 that can be utilized in connection with the golf shoe 200 of FIG. 8, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the outsole 250 has a peripheral region 252 (shown as a darker region) that surrounds an interior region 254 (shown as a brighter region). In one embodiment, the dimensions (eg, thickness) and / or material (s) used to form the peripheral region 252 provide greater stiffness and durability when compared to the interior region 254. To do. The greater stiffness and durability of the peripheral region 252 provides increased support and strength to the peripheral frame of the shoe 200, and relatively larger traction elements 256 and 258 are formed on the peripheral region 252 of the outsole 250. Or can be attached thereto, thereby providing increased traction.

A plurality of relatively smaller traction elements 260 extend outwardly from the bottom surface of the interior region 254, thereby providing additional traction force that supplements the traction force provided by the larger traction elements 256 and 258 on the peripheral region 252. provide. The inner region 254 further includes a plurality of holes 262 that allow a midsole material (eg, Boost ^™ ) to expand through the holes 262, which is a greater deformation of the midsole material, Thus, the improved “buffer” nature of the midsole 210 and 216 is possible. The holes 262 further significantly reduce the weight of the inner region 254 of the outsole 250, which reduces fatigue on the wearer, especially when the wearer walks long distances.

  As also shown in FIG. 9, the wound saddle assembly 122 with the saddle 126 and wire loop 124 is located directly above the arch outsole portion 219, with no midsole material sandwiched therebetween. As described above, the open space window 222 (FIG. 8) between the arch outsole portion 219 and the wound saddle assembly 122 is such that the saddle 126 and wire loop 124 are upper 102 as described above. Allows for perfect wrapping around the sides and bottom of the tape and can be tightened or loosened using the reel-based string system 114 (FIG. 1).

In various embodiments, the traction elements 256, 258, and 260 can be formed in a variety of ways, or can be made from a variety of materials known in the art. In one embodiment, for example, traction elements 256, 258, and 260 can be formed using GripMore ^™ technology, where a plurality of cleats and / or traction elements are provided on outsole (s) 208, 212 and / or 218 may be attached to the bottom surface of a flexible fabric cloth or mesh fabric backing that is cut and shaped to fit the size and shape of the respective corresponding traction area on the bottom surface. The GripMore ^™ technology is described in more detail in Taiwanese Publication No. TW M4163636U1, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  In one embodiment, the fiber cloth or mesh backing is firmly adhered to the correspondingly sized uneven surface of the outsole corresponding to each traction area. A plurality of durometer plastic cleats are then injected into the fabric so that they are permanently held in place by known techniques. For example, cleats, which can be made of high durability TPR (thermoplastic rubber), are injected onto a lightweight but durable mesh fabric backing and applied with a commercial adhesive for fixed bonds. The mesh backing with the injected cleat is then installed into a predefined area in the outsole (typically made from TPU) to form the necessary traction elements as per sports activity requirements To be glued in place.

  In various embodiments, the flexible fiber cloth or mesh backing can be made from a known plastic, rubber or other flexible durable material, or any combination of such materials. In various embodiments, the cleat or traction element can be made from a suitable polyurethane (PU) material. The flexible fabric can be cut and shaped to attach to pre-made irregularities in the bottom surface of the outsole. The flexible fabric can be permanently attached to the bottom surface of the outsole by any suitable means such as gluing, bonding, and the like.

The GripMore ^™ cleat technology offers many advantages for shoes that require cleats. The fiber fabric can be ideally shaped, preformed and installed as desired to provide any cleat or traction element configuration without limitation. In addition, the manufacturing cost and weight of a golf shoe are significantly reduced because conventional cleat receptacle structures for receiving and securing cleats are no longer required. Furthermore, since the cleat receptacle structure is no longer required, the cleat size and placement on the bottom surface of the outsole is no longer limited by the available space of the receptacle structure in the midsole layer.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the various elements of the shoe described herein can be made from known suitable materials that achieve the desired performance, durability and comfort characteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the upper 102 can be made from breathable microfiber leather or similar material, varying thickness in various parts of the upper to achieve the desired properties and characteristics. As another example, the outsole described above can be made from EVA or TPU materials and can be injection molded in conjunction with one or more types of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The midsole described above can be formed by pouring PU or Boost ^™ foam material into each TPU mold of the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion. Accordingly, the sole described herein comprising a midsole layer and an outsole layer is compared to a conventional golf shoe sole having a single rigid platform that spans the sole and supports the traction element in a hanging manner. It is possible to provide increased comfort and performance.

  The poured midsole can provide a durable but soft and comfortable area under the golfer's feet and can be joined directly to an injection molded outsole without cement or other rigid adhesive material Is possible. The lower outsole can comprise a durable but flexible material and can include a variety of traction elements that are supported independently of each other, whereby the traction elements Can be curved and moved individually throughout the golf swing, so that more traction elements are always in contact with the ground and the golfer's feet have more freedom of movement and more comfort. to enable. In addition, the soles described herein are lighter than conventional soles due to the use of light weight polymeric materials, direct bonding of cementless components, the lack of other conventional platform components, and other attributes. there is a possibility.

  In one embodiment, the midsole can be joined directly to the outsole without an intermediate adhesive material. The midsole can comprise a variety of foam and hybrid materials, such as a PU matrix and TPU or eTPU expanded particles. In accordance with the present invention, various soles and methods for making soles may be utilized, such as claiming priority to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 896,442, filed Oct. 28, 2013. No. 14 / 513,582, filed Oct. 14, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. It should be noted that in these aforementioned applications, what is referred to herein as “midsole” is referred to as “upper outsole”. In further embodiments, the sole of a golf shoe can be made from various material layers as described in US Publication No. 2013 / 0291409A1, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

While the various embodiments described above focus on the use of Boost ^™ foam material for the midsole, other embodiments of the present invention use a specific type of material for the midsole. Without limitation, the midsole can be made from other suitable materials such as TPU, rubber, EVA, etc. or a combination of such materials.

  In addition, other components or elements of the shoes described herein can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials using any technique known to those skilled in the art. . For example, the wire tie 118 and the wire loop 124 can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials (eg, steel, plastic, etc.) having the desired strength and durability characteristics for a given activity. . In one embodiment, the wire ties 118 and 124 are made from nylon-coated stainless steel.

  Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above that provide a shoe with improved midfoot and arch support and customizable fit and / or increased torsion control and traction under the midfoot area of the shoe. It was. It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Similarly, the various drawings or diagrams presented illustrate an example design, structure or configuration, which may be included in various shoes according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Made to help you understand concepts, features and functionality. The present invention is not limited to the exemplary designs, structures or configurations shown, but may vary depending on the performance characteristics desired for a particular sport activity (eg, golf, baseball, athletics, etc.) or a particular application. It can be implemented using various alternative designs, structures or configurations.

  In addition, the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited to their applicability to the particular embodiments in which they are described, but instead Whether such embodiments are explicitly described or whether such features are presented as part of a particular described embodiment, alone or in combination It should be understood that it can be applied to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be accorded the scope consistent with the claims.

Claims (38)

An upper configured to receive a foot of a shoe wearer, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot;
At least one wire lace coupled to opposite edges of the closure, the at least one wire lace being placed around the foot by pulling the opposite edges of the closure closer together At least one wire cord configured to tighten the closure at
At least one support wire coupled to the at least one wire string, wherein the at least one support wire is at least when the at least one wire string tightens the closure around the foot. A shoe comprising: at least one support wire wound around the outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper so that one support wire is tightened around the outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper.   The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a reel assembly coupled to the tongue, wherein the at least one wire string is further coupled to the reel assembly so that the reel assembly is a first assembly. The at least one wire string pulls the opposing edges of the closure closer together when rotated in the direction, thereby the at least one around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper Tighten the support wire of the shoe.   When the reel assembly is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one wire string is gradually loosened, thereby causing the upper and lower sides of the upper, The shoe of claim 2, wherein the at least one support wire is gradually loosened.   The reel assembly includes a spool member and a knob that is axially coupled to the spool member, the knob being axially spaced from the spool member to release the at least one wire string. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the shoe is configured to release the at least one support wire about the outer, bottom, and inner surfaces of the upper.   The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a saddle that wraps around the outer surface, bottom surface, and inner surface of the upper, wherein the saddle includes the at least one support wire on the outer surface of the upper. Comprising at least one channel for receiving the at least one support wire therein so that the saddle also tightens about the outer surface, bottom surface and inner surface of the upper when tightening about the bottom surface and inner surface; shoes. A first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
The shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, wherein the first and second sets of coupling mechanisms include: A shoe for coupling the at least one wire string to the at least one support wire. The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one support wire includes first, second, and third support wires, the first support wire including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first support wire; The second support wire is coupled to the second coupling mechanism, and the second support wire is coupled to the second coupling mechanism and to the fifth coupling mechanism. A second end coupled to the first coupling end coupled to the third coupling mechanism and a second coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. The shoe according to claim 6, further comprising: The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a sole, the sole comprising:
A front sole portion attached to a front portion of the bottom surface of the upper;
A heel sole portion attached to a heel portion of the bottom surface of the upper, and
The shoe, wherein the at least one support wire is wrapped around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper, the intermediate portion being located between the front portion and the heel portion. The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole The shoe of claim 8, wherein the shoe is at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcement structure and the heel outsole.   The shoe according to claim 9, wherein the second and third materials have different components from each other.   The shoe of claim 9, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).   An arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion, further comprising the arch outsole portion and between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein a window portion is formed between the upper portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper portion.   The shoe of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of traction elements located on the bottom surface of the front, middle and heel outsole portions. An arch midsole comprising the first material and disposed between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
An arch midsole reinforcement structure comprising the third material and disposed between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole The shoe according to claim 9, further comprising an arch midmidsole reinforcing structure that reinforces a part.   15. A shoe according to claim 14, wherein the at least one support wire extends from the inner surface of the upper, below the arch midsole and arch midsole reinforcement structure, and to the outer surface of the upper.   The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one support wire includes at least one wire loop. An upper configured to receive a golf shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot;
A reel assembly and at least one wire string coupled to the reel assembly;
A wound saddle assembly comprising a saddle and at least one saddle wire coupled to the saddle, the saddle being wound around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper, A saddle wire is coupled to the at least one wire cord so that the saddle is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when the reel assembly is rotated in a first direction. A wound saddle assembly;
A sole comprising a front sole portion and a heel sole portion, wherein the saddle wraps around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion;
And a plurality of traction elements disposed on the bottom surface of the front sole portion and the heel sole portion.   When the reel assembly is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the at least one wire string gradually loosens, thereby around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the at least one saddle wire is gradually loosened.   The reel assembly includes a spool member and a knob that is axially coupled to the spool member, the knob being axially spaced from the spool member to release the at least one wire string. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the golf shoe is configured to release the at least one saddle wire about the outer, bottom, and inner surfaces of the upper.   The saddle includes at least one channel for receiving the at least one saddle wire therein so that the at least one saddle wire wraps around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper. The saddle also travels around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper when the at least one saddle wire is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the golf shoe is tightened. A first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
The golf shoe of claim 17, further comprising: a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, wherein the first and second sets of coupling mechanisms are A golf shoe, wherein the at least one wire string is coupled to the at least one saddle wire. The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one saddle wire includes first, second, and third wire loops, the first wire loop including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first wire loop. A second end coupled to the four coupling mechanisms, the second wire loop coupled to the second coupling mechanism and the fifth coupling mechanism. A third end coupled to the third coupling mechanism; a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism; and a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. The golf shoe according to claim 21, further comprising: The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the golf shoe is at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcement structure and the heel outsole.   24. A golf shoe according to claim 23, wherein the second and third materials have different components from each other.   24. A golf shoe according to claim 23, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).   24. The golf shoe of claim 23, further comprising an arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion, wherein the arch outsole portion is the arch outsole. A golf shoe, wherein a window is formed between an outsole portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion.   27. A golf shoe according to claim 26, further comprising a second plurality of traction elements disposed on a bottom surface of the arch outsole portion. An arch midsole comprising the first material and disposed between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
An arch midsole reinforcement structure comprising the third material and disposed between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole The golf shoe according to claim 23, further comprising: an arch midmidsole reinforcing structure that reinforces a part. Providing an upper configured to receive a shoe wearer's foot therein, the upper comprising a closure and a tongue configured to cover an upper portion of the foot; ,
Coupling a reel assembly to the tongue;
Coupling at least one wire string to the reel assembly;
Wrapping a saddle around the outer, bottom and inner sides of the upper, the saddle comprising at least one saddle wire coupled to the saddle;
The at least one saddle wire to the at least one wire cord so that the saddle is tightened around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when the reel assembly is rotated in the first direction. Combining,
Coupling a front sole portion to a front portion of the bottom surface of the upper;
Coupling a heel sole portion to a heel portion of the bottom surface of the upper, wherein the saddle wraps around an intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front portion and the heel portion; A method of manufacturing a shoe, comprising:   At least one for receiving the at least one saddle wire therein such that the at least one saddle wire wraps around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper by traveling the entire length of the saddle. 30. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 29, further comprising providing a channel in the saddle, wherein the at least one saddle wire is around the outer side, bottom and inner sides of the upper. A method of manufacturing a shoe, wherein the saddle also tightens around the outer, bottom and inner surfaces of the upper when tightened. Providing a first set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing first edges of the closure;
Providing a second set of coupling mechanisms coupled to opposing second edges of the closure, the first and second sets of coupling mechanisms comprising the at least one wire string 30. The method of manufacturing a shoe of claim 29, further comprising: bonding to the at least one saddle wire. The first set of coupling mechanisms comprises first, second, and third coupling mechanisms that are coupled to the at least one wire cord and that are opposed to the first first edge of the closure. Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The second set of coupling mechanisms comprises fourth, fifth and sixth coupling mechanisms, which are coupled to the at least one wire string and the opposing second edges of the closure Placed adjacent to each other on the part,
The at least one saddle wire includes first, second, and third wire loops, the first wire loop including a first end coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and the first wire loop. A second end coupled to the four coupling mechanisms, the second wire loop coupled to the second coupling mechanism and the fifth coupling mechanism. A third end coupled to the third coupling mechanism; a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism; and a second end coupled to the sixth coupling mechanism. 32. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 31 having The front sole portion includes a front midsole that includes a first material, a front outsole that includes a second material that is harder than the first material, and a front mid that includes a third material that is harder than the first material. And a front midsole is at least partially encompassed by the front midsole reinforcing structure and the front outsole;
The heel sole portion includes a heel midsole including the first material, a heel outsole including the second material, and a heel midsole reinforcing structure including the third material, the heel midsole 30. The method of manufacturing a shoe of claim 29, wherein the shoe is at least partially encompassed by the heel midsole reinforcement structure and the heel outsole.   34. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 33, wherein the second and third materials have different components from each other.   34. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 33, wherein the first material comprises foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU).   34. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 33, further comprising providing an arch outsole portion disposed between and coupled to the front outsole portion and the heel outsole portion. A method wherein the outsole portion forms a window between the arch outsole portion and a portion of the bottom surface of the upper located between the front sole portion and the heel sole portion. Providing an arch midsole comprising the first material between the front midsole and the heel midsole;
Providing an arch midsole reinforcement structure including the third material between the front midsole reinforcement structure and the heel midsole reinforcement structure, wherein the arch midsole reinforcement structure includes at least the arch midsole; 34. A method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 33, further comprising reinforcing a portion.   30. The method of manufacturing a shoe according to claim 29, further comprising providing a plurality of traction elements on a bottom surface of the front, middle and heel outsole portions.

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