U.S. patent application number 10/713997 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for footwear closure system with zonal locking.
Invention is credited to Martin, John Dietrich.
Application Number | 20050102861 10/713997 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34573861 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050102861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin, John Dietrich |
May 19, 2005 |
Footwear closure system with zonal locking
Abstract
Systems and methods for zonal tightening of footwear are
disclosed. A zonal locking system for an article of footwear having
a first zone and a second zone is provided. At least one curving
point is disposed between the first zone and the second zone, the
curving point being configured so that a closure line winds around
the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure line
without bending any single point of the closure line at an acute
angle. At least one rotatable closure line lock is configured to
move into a locking position wherein the closure line lock
frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first
tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different
than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.
Inventors: |
Martin, John Dietrich;
(Vashon, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Family ID: |
34573861 |
Appl. No.: |
10/713997 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 1/003 20130101;
A43C 11/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/050.5 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A zonal locking system for an article of footwear having a first
zone and a second zone, the system comprising: at least one curving
point disposed between a first zone and a second zone of the
article of footwear, the curving point being configured so-that a
closure line winds around the curving point to turn a line of
travel of the closure line without bending any single point of the
closure line at an acute angle; and at least one rotatable closure
line lock configured to move into a locking position wherein the
closure line lock frictionably engages the closure line to
generally prevent the closure line from moving through the curving
point to allow a first tension in the closure line in the first
zone to remain different than a second tension in the closure line
in the second zone.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the system includes at least two
curving points disposed on opposing sides of a body-receiving
opening in the article of footwear, each of the curving points
including: a closure line guide opening configured to receive at
least one closure line lock; and a locking base configured to
frictionably engage the closure line when the closure line lock is
rotated into the locking position.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes: a hinge fixably mounted adjacent the closure line opening
and having an axis generally parallel with the closure line as the
closure line passes through the closure line guide opening; and a
cam lever rotatably mounted on the hinge and having a radially
expanding lobe configured so that when the cam lever is rotated
into a locked position, a surface of the radially expanding lobe
frictionably secures the closure line against the locking base.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the curving point includes a
rotatable cylinder mounted between the first zone and the second
zone, the rotatable cylinder having an outer surface configured to
windably receive the closure line and frictionably engage the
closure line so that the closure line generally cannot be moved
without rotatable the rotatable cylinder.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable cylinder includes a
control grip allowing the wearer to adjust at least one of the
first tension in the closure line and the second tension in the
closure line.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes a cylinder lock configured to selectively prevent the
rotatable cylinder from rotating.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes a slidable cylinder mount allowing the rotatable cylinder
to move along an axis of rotation having a first position wherein
the rotatable cylinder can be rotated and a second position wherein
the rotatable cylinder cannot be rotated.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the closure line includes a
cable.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is disposed on a boot
shell.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is disposed on a boot
liner.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises at
least one additional zone, the system comprising: at least one
additional curving point disposed between the at least one
additional zone and an adjacent zone including one of the first
zone and the second zone of the article of footwear; and at least
one additional rotatable closure line lock configured to rotate
into an additional locking position wherein the additional
rotatable closure line lock frictionably engages the closure line
to generally prevent the closure line from moving through the
additional curving point to allow an additional tension in the
closure line in the additional zone to remain different from an
adjacent tension in the adjacent zone.
12. A closure system for an article of footwear having a first zone
corresponding with a first part of the wearer's lower extremity and
a second zone corresponding with a second part of the wearer's
lower extremity, the system comprising: a closure line; a plurality
of securing points to receive the closure line throughout a first
zone and a second zone of an article of footwear, the securing
points being configured to tighten the article of footwear when
tension is applied to the closure line; and a locking device
disposed at a junction between the first zone and the second zone,
the locking device including: at least one curving point disposed
between a first zone and a second zone of the article of footwear,
the curving point being configured so that a closure line winds
around the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure
line without bending any single point of the closure line at an
acute angle; and at least one rotatable closure line lock
configured to move into a locking position wherein the closure line
lock frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first
tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different
than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein system includes at least two
curving points disposed on opposing sides of a body-receiving
opening in the article of footwear, each of the curving points
including: a closure line guide opening configured to receive at
least one closure line lock; and a locking base configured to
frictionably engage the closure line when the closure line lock is
rotated into the locking position.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes: a hinge fixably mounted adjacent the closure line opening
and having an axis generally parallel with the closure line as the
closure line passes through the closure line guide opening; and a
cam lever rotatably mounted on the hinge and having a radially
expanding lobe configured so that when the cam lever is rotated
into a locked position, a surface of the radially expanding lobe
frictionably secures the closure line against the locking base.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the curving point includes a
rotatable cylinder mounted between the first zone and the second
zone, the rotatable cylinder having an outer surface configured to
windably receive the closure line and frictionably engage the
closure line so that the closure line generally cannot be moved
without rotating the rotatable cylinder.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the rotatable cylinder includes
a control grip allowing the wearer to adjust at least one of the
first tension in the closure line and the second tension in the
closure line.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes a cylinder lock configured to selectively prevent the
rotatable cylinder from rotating.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the rotatable closure line lock
includes a slidable cylinder mount allowing the rotatable cylinder
to move along an axis of rotation having a first position wherein
the rotatable cylinder can be rotated and a second position wherein
the rotatable cylinder cannot be rotated.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the closure line includes a
cable.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is disposed on a
boot shell.
21. The system of claim 12, wherein the system is disposed on a
boot liner.
22. The system of claim 12, wherein the system further comprises at
least one additional zone, the system comprising: at least one
additional curving point disposed between an additional zone and an
adjacent zone including one of the first zone and the second zone
of the article of footwear; and at least one additional rotatable
closure line lock configured to move into an additional locking
position wherein the additional rotatable closure line lock
frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the additional curving point to
allow an additional tension in the closure line in the additional
zone to remain different from an adjacent tension in the adjacent
zone.
23. A footwear system having a zonal locking system having a first
zone corresponding with a first part of the wearer's lower
extremity and a second zone corresponding with a second part of the
wearer's lower extremity, the system comprising: a sole; an upper
mounted on the sole and configured to receiver a lower extremity of
the wearer, the upper including: a closure line; a plurality of
securing points to receive the closure line throughout a first zone
and a second zone of the system, the securing points being
configured to close the system when tension is applied to the
closure line; and a locking device disposed at a junction between
the first zone and the second zone, the locking device including: a
curving point disposed between the first zone and the second zone,
the curving point being configured so that the closure line winds
around the curving point to turn a direction of travel of the
closure line without bending the closure line at an acute angle;
and a rotatable lock configured to frictionably engage the closure
line to prevent the closure line from moving through the curving
point to allow a first tension in the closure line in the first
zone to remain different than a second tension in the closure line
in the second zone.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein system includes at least two
curving points disposed on opposing sides of a body-receiving
opening in the article of footwear, each of the curving points
including: a closure line guide opening configured to receive at
least one closure line lock; and a locking base configured to
frictionably engage the closure line when the closure line lock is
rotated into the locking position.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the closure line lock includes:
a hinge fixably mounted adjacent the closure line opening and
having an axis generally parallel with the closure line as the
closure line passes through the closure line guide opening; and a
cam lever rotatably mounted on the hinge and having a radially
expanding lobe configured so that when the cam lever is rotated
into a locked position, a surface of the radially expanding lobe
frictionably secures the closure line against the locking base.
26. The system of claim 23, wherein the curving point includes a
rotatable cylinder mounted between the first zone and the second
zone, the rotatable cylinder having an outer surface configured to
windably receive the closure line and frictionably engage the
closure line so that the closure line generally cannot be moved
without rotating the rotatable cylinder.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the rotatable cylinder includes
a control grip allowing the wearer to adjust at least one of the
first tension in the closure line and the second tension in the
closure line.
28. The system of claim 26, wherein the closure line lock includes
a cylinder lock configured to selectively prevent the rotatable
cylinder from rotating.
29. The system of claim 26, wherein the closure line lock includes
a slidable cylinder mount allowing the rotatable cylinder to move
along an axis of rotation having a first position wherein the
rotatable cylinder can be rotated and a second position wherein the
rotatable cylinder cannot be rotated.
30. The system of claim 23, wherein the closure line includes a
cable.
31. The system of claim 23, wherein the upper includes a boot
shell.
32. The system of claim 23, wherein the upper includes a boot
liner.
33. The system of claim 23, wherein the system further comprises at
least one additional zone, the system comprising: at least one
additional curving point disposed between an additional zone and an
adjacent zone including one of the first zone and the second zone
of the article of footwear; and at least one additional closure
line lock configured to rotate into an additional locking position
wherein the additional closure line lock frictionably engages the
closure line to generally prevent the closure line from moving
through the additional curving point to allow an additional tension
in the closure line in the additional zone to remain different from
an adjacent tension in the adjacent zone.
34. A zonal locking system for an article of footwear having a
first zone and a second zone, the system comprising: a locking base
disposed between a first zone and a second zone of the article of
footwear, the locking base being configured to receive a closure
line passing between the first zone and the second zone; and a cam
lock including: a hinge having an axis generally parallel with the
closure line; a cam lever rotatably mounted on the hinge having a
radially expanding lobe configured so that when the cam lever is
rotated into a locked position, a surface of the radially expanding
lobe frictionably secures the closure line against the locking base
to allow a first tension in the closure line in the first zone to
remain different than a second tension in the closure line in the
second zone.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the closure line includes a
cable.
36. The system of claim 34, wherein the system is disposed on a
boot shell.
37. The system of claim 34, wherein the system is disposed on a
boot liner.
38. A zonal locking system for an article of footwear having a
first zone and a second zone, the system comprising: a cylinder
mount disposed between a first zone and a second zone of the
article of footwear; and a rotatable cylinder configured to
rotatably engage the cylinder mount and rotating about an axis
generally perpendicular to a surface of the cylinder mount, the
rotatable cylinder including: an outer surface configured to
receive a closure line wrapped around the outer surface and
frictionably engage the closure line so that the closure line
generally cannot be moved without rotating the rotatable cylinder
about the axis; and a cylinder lock configured to selectively
prevent the rotatable cylinder from rotating to allow a first
tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different
than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein the curving point includes a
rotatable cylinder mounted between the first zone and the second
zone, the rotatable cylinder having an outer surface configured to
windably receive the closure line and frictionably engage the
closure line so that the closure line generally cannot be moved
without rotating the rotatable cylinder.
40. The system of claim 39, wherein the rotatable cylinder includes
a control grip allowing the wearer to adjust at least one of the
first tension in the closure line and the second tension in the
closure line.
41. The system of claim 39, wherein the closure line lock includes
a cylinder lock configured to selectively prevent the rotatable
cylinder from rotating.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the closure line lock includes
a slidable cylinder mount allowing the rotatable cylinder to move
along an axis of rotation having a first position wherein the
rotatable cylinder can be rotated and a second position wherein the
rotatable cylinder cannot be rotated.
43. The system of claim 38, wherein the closure line includes a
cable.
44. The system of claim 38, wherein the system is disposed on-a
boot shell.
45. The system of claim 38, wherein the system is disposed on a
boot liner
46. A method for providing zonal locking of a closure line used to
close an article of footwear, the method comprising: looping a
closure line around a curving point between a first zone and a
second zone so that the closure line winds around the curving point
to turn a direction of travel of the closure line without bending
the closure line at an acute angle; and moving a rotating locking
member into a locked position so that the rotating locking member
frictionably engages the closure line at the curving point
preventing the closure line from moving through the curving point
to allow the first tension in the closure line to remain different
than the second tension in the closure line.
47. The method of claim 46, further comprising providing at least
one additional zone, the method comprising: looping a closure line
around at least one additional curving point disposed between an
additional zone and an adjacent zone including one of the first
zone and the second zone of the article of footwear; and moving at
least one additional rotating locking member into a locked position
so that the additional rotating locking member frictionably engages
the closure line to generally prevent the closure line from moving
through the additional curving point to allow an additional tension
in the closure line in the additional zone to remain different from
an adjacent tension in the adjacent zone.
48. A method for providing zonal locking of a closure line used to
close an article of footwear, the method comprising: passing a
closure line through a pair of locking guides mounted between a
first zone and a second zone so that the closure line winds around
the curving point to turn a direction of travel of the closure line
without bending the closure line at an acute angle; and rotating a
locking member into a locked position so that the rotating locking
member frictionably engages the closure line at the curving point
preventing the closure line from moving through the curving point
to allow the first tension in the closure line to remain different
than the second tension in the closure line.
49. The method of claim 48, further comprising providing at least
one additional zone, the method comprising: looping a closure line
around at least one additional curving point disposed between an
additional zone and an adjacent zone including one of the first
zone and the second zone of the article of footwear; and rotating
at least one additional rotating locking member into a locked
position so that the additional rotating locking member
frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the additional curving point to
allow an additional tension in the closure line in the additional
zone to remain different from an adjacent tension in the adjacent
zone.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to footwear and, more
specifically, to a system and method for adjustably securing the
footwear to a wearer's foot.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the last few decades, different ways of closing and
securing footwear have been developed. Historically, footwear was
designed to slip onto the foot or would be closed with one of laces
or a buckling strap. However, with increased popularity of sports,
consumers' investment in athletic shoes has resulted in additional
techniques for footwear closure and securing systems. For example,
athletic shoes were introduced with multiple Velcro.RTM. straps for
closing the shoes. Also, shoes were introduced with
inwardly-directed air bladders which the wearer could adjustably
size with a built-in pumping device to custom-fit the shoe.
Footwear manufacturers introduced variations on these closure
systems and other devices to provide advantages to those selecting
their footwear.
[0003] Another closure advancement introduced more recently to
athletic shoes is a zonal-adjustable closure system. It was
recognized that the wearer of an athletic shoe may, for example,
desire a tight fit in the ankle to provide additional support while
leaving the mid-foot area more loosely secured for comfort.
Conversely, the wearer may want the shoe tightly secured to his or
her foot while leaving his or her ankle loosely bound for freedom
of movement. Unfortunately, with a conventional lacing system, even
if the wearer tightly laces one section of the shoe's upper while
leaving another section of the upper less tightly secured, that
desired fitting is not likely to last. Tension in the laces in the
more tightly secured part of the shoe will pull the looser sections
of the lacing until the tension throughout the entire lace is
approximately equal. As a result, the tightness of the shoe will be
approximately equal across all the zones of the shoe.
[0004] Various mechanisms have been devised to prevent laces from
slipping between parts of a shoe to facilitate zonal tightening of
the laces. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,367 to Adams provides
double-loop eyelets disposed between lower and upper vamp sections
of a shoe. The double-loop lace eyelets operate in the nature of a
traditional camp belt, wherein the lace is threaded through both
loops then wrapped tightly back over a first loop and under a
second loop. Once the lace is drawn tight, the lace is pinched
between the first and second loops so it cannot slide through the
eyelet. As a result, the double-loop eyelets prevent the lace from
slipping and thereby prevent loosened lacing on one side of the
double-loop lace eyelet from being tightened by more tightly drawn
lacing on the other side of the double-loop lace eyelet. Similarly,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,863 to Skaja employs locking eyelets having
eyelet openings and narrowing, elongate locking slots to facilitate
zonal tightening. The shoe is laced to a desired tension below the
locking eyelets and the laces are pulled into the narrowing,
elongate locking slots of the locking eyelets. The locking eyelets
pinch the laces to prevent the laces from moving through the
eyelets. As a result, the locking eyelets prevent tightened lacing
on one side of the locking eyelets from being loosened by drawing
slack from the less tightly drawn lacing on the other side of the
locking eyelets and vice versa.
[0005] Currently used zonal tightening systems, however, are not
optimal or suitable for all applications. To name one example,
snowboard boots suitably are secured using a cable instead of a
lace because the less stretchable cable is desirable to ensure
rigid support of the boot to allow the wearer to control the
attached snowboard. Known locking systems, such as Adams's
double-loop eyelets are not suitable because it is neither
practical nor desirable to bend the cable closure of the boot
through the two eyelets to facilitate zonal tightening of the
cable. Similarly, it is neither practical nor desirable to pull
and/or bend the cable through a system such as Skaja's elongate
locking eyelets which can kink or damage the cable closure.
[0006] Thus, there is an unmet need in the art for a zonal
tightening system which can rigidly lock a cable closure or other
lace closure without having to excessively bend or kink the
closure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and
methods for zonal locking of an article of footwear. Embodiments of
the present invention use at least one rotatable locking member to
frictionably secure a closure line used to secure the tightness of
the closure line between zones of the article of footwear. The
rotatable locking member allows tension in the closure line to
remain different on opposing sides of the locking member. Also, the
rotatable locking member allows the closure line to be locked
without kinking or bending the closure line at an acute angle at
any point along the line. As a result, the rotatable locking member
is particularly advantageous for cable closure lines which
practically cannot or should not be bent at acute angles.
[0008] More specifically, embodiments of the present invention
provide zonal locking for an article of footwear having a first
zone and a second zone. At least one curving point is disposed
between a first zone and a second zone of the article of footwear,
the curving point being configured so that a closure line curves
around the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure
line without bending any single point of the closure line at an
acute angle. At least one rotatable closure line lock is configured
to move into a locking position wherein the closure line lock
frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first
tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different
than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.
[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the curving point includes a rotatable cylinder mounted between the
first zone and the second zone. The rotatable cylinder has an outer
surface configured to windably receive the closure line and
frictionably engage the closure line so that the closure line
generally cannot be moved without rotating the rotatable cylinder.
The rotatable cylinder includes a control grip allowing the wearer
to adjust at least one of the first tension in the closure line and
the second tension in the closure line. The closure line lock
includes a cylinder lock configured to selectively prevent the
rotatable cylinder from rotating. The closure line lock, for one
example, includes a slidable cylinder mount allowing the rotatable
cylinder to move along an axis of rotation having a first position
wherein the rotatable cylinder can be rotated and a second position
wherein the rotatable cylinder cannot be rotated.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the system includes at least two curving points disposed
on opposing sides of a body-receiving opening in the article of
footwear. Each of the curving points includes a closure line guide
opening configured to receive at least one closure line lock and a
locking base configured to frictionably engage the closure line
when the closure line lock is rotated into the locking position.
The closure line lock includes a hinge fixably mounted adjacent the
closure line opening and having an axis generally parallel with the
closure line as the closure line passes through the closure line
guide opening. A cam lever rotatably mounted on the hinge and
having a radially expanding lobe is configured so that when the cam
lever is rotated into a locked position, a surface of the
radially-expanding lobe frictionably secures the closure line
against the locking base.
[0011] In accordance with other aspects of the present invention,
the closure line suitably includes a cable. Furthermore, the system
can be disposed either on a boot shell or on a boot liner. In
addition, the system can include at least one additional zone
adjacent either the first zone or the second zone. An additional
curving point and closure lock are used to allow for a closure line
tension in an additional zone to remain different from the closure
line tension in an adjacent zone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1A is side view of a snowboard boot using a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 1B is a partial top view of a closure of the snowboard
boot of FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a top cutaway view of a curving point and cam lock
configured to secure a closure line;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the curving point
and cam lock of FIG. 2 in an unlocked position;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the curving point
and cam lock of FIG. 2 in a locked position;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of a closure of a snowboard boot using
a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a rotatable
cylinder zonal lock configured to secure a closure line in an
unlocked position; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] By way of overview, embodiments of the present invention
provide zonal locking for an article of footwear having a first
zone and a second zone. At least one curving point is disposed
between a first zone and a second zone of the article of footwear,
the curving point being configured so that a closure line winds
around the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure
line without bending any single point of the closure line at an
acute angle. At least one rotatable closure line lock is configured
to move into a locking position wherein the closure line lock
frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the
closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first
tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different
than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.
[0022] FIG. 1A is a side view of a snowboard boot 100 using a first
embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present
invention are well-suited for a snowboard boot 100 because the
wearer may desire a different tightness of the boot 100 in a first
section 110 of the boot 100, such as a section over the foot of the
wearer, than in a second section 120 of the boot, such as a section
over the ankle or lower leg of the wearer. For example, the wearer
may desire a lesser degree of tightness of the boot 100 in the
first section 110 for comfort while the wearer desires a higher
degree of tightness in the second section 120 to provide greater
support and increased control of the snowboard, or vice versa. To
provide for different degrees of tightness between the first
section 110 and the second section 120 of the snowboard boot 100,
the snowboard boot 100 is equipped with a zonal lock 130 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Although a snowboard boot 100 is shown in FIG. 1, it will be
appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be
adapted for use with any other type of footwear. For example, a
high-topped basketball shoe can incorporate an embodiment of the
present invention to allow a player to lace his or her shoe more
loosely in the foot section for comfort and more tightly in the
ankle section for greater support, or vice versa. Embodiments of
the present invention are not limited to snowboard boots, ski
boots, boots, or athletic shoes, as any type of footwear can
benefit from an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] In addition, FIG. 1 depicts footwear having two zones, a
first zone 110 and a second zone 120, separated by a single zonal
lock 130. However, it will be appreciated that one or more
additional zones could be added to provide for more than two zones
having different degrees of tension in the closure line. An
additional zone could be added adjacent to either the first zone
110 or the second zone 120 and separated from the adjacent zone by
an additional zonal lock 130. Thus, for example, the boot 100 could
include a first zone at the wearer's mid-foot, a second zone at the
wearer's heel, and an additional zone at the wearer's ankle. Any
number of additional zones can be added by including an additional
zonal lock to set off each additional zone.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a top view of a closure 140 of the snowboard boot
100 of FIG. 1A. The closure 140 is a closable opening in an upper
of a boot shell, boot liner, or other footwear, such as an opening
that is secured over a tongue across a top of the wearer's foot or
lower leg. The closure 140 includes a closure line 150 allowing the
closure 140 to be closed to secure the boot 100 on the wearer's
foot and ankle. The closure line 150 suitably is a cable, a lace,
or another suitable form of cord. The closure line 150 engages
securing points 160 on opposing sides of the closure 140 so that,
when tension is applied to the closure line 150, the closure is
secured to the user's foot.
[0026] The closure 140 (FIG. 1B) includes the zonal lock 130 to
enable a closure line 150 to maintain a first degree of tension in
the first zone 110 different from a second degree of tension in the
second zone 120. More specifically, the zonal lock 130 frictionably
secures the closure line 150 in place to allow a different degree
of tension to be maintained in the closure line 150 on opposing
sides of the zonal lock 130. The zonal lock 130 includes a curving
point 180 engaging the closure line 150 similarly to how the
securing points 160 engage the closure line. However, the zonal
lock also includes a rotatable lock 190 configured to enable the
zonal lock to frictionably engage the closure line 150 to permit
different degrees of tension on opposing sides of the zonal lock
130.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1B, the zonal lock 130 is shaped with a
curving point 180 channeling the closure line 150 without bending a
single point on the closure line 150 without kinking or bending the
closure line 150 at an acute angle. Not sharply bending the closure
line 150 is desirable when the closure line is a cable or any other
type of lace that could be damaged by sharp bending of the cable.
In addition, even using a flexible closure line 150 such as a woven
lace, avoiding sharp bending of the closure line allows the closure
line 150 to be drawn more readily through the zonal lock 130 until
it is desired that the closure line 150 be locked in place.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a top cutaway view of the zonal lock 130 showing
the curving point 180 and the rotatable lock 190 for securing the
closure line 150. A base 200 of the curving point 180 is secured to
the shoe upper on opposing sides of the closure 140. The curving
point 180 channels the closure line 150 around curved corners 210
so that the travel of the closure line 150 can be turned without
sharply bending the closure line 150 as previously described. As
the closure line 150 passes through the curving point 180, the
rotatable lock 190 secures the closure line 150. The rotatable lock
190 is a cam lock that rotates about a hinge which, for example,
may be integrated into the base 200 of the curving point 180.
Moving the rotatable cam lock 190 into place frictionably engages
the closure line 150 between the cam lock 190 and the curving point
180.
[0029] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of the closure line
150, the curving point 180, and the cam lock 190 of FIG. 2 in an
unlocked position. The closure line 150 passes against a locking
base 250 presented by the curving point 180. The locking point 150
laterally engages the closure line 150 from an inward side of the
closure 140 (FIG. 1B) so that the closure 140 is drawn closed when
tension is applied to the closure line 150.
[0030] The cam lock 190 includes a lever arm 300 for rotating a
radially-expanding lobe 310 about a hinge 320. An axis of the hinge
320 is generally parallel to the closure line 150 as it passes the
cam lock 190. The cam lock 190 is rotated about the hinge 320 into
a locked position by turning the lever arm 300, as shown in FIG.
3A, in a counterclockwise direction. As the cam lock 190 is rotated
into the locked position, a surface 330 of the radially-expanding
lobe 310 presses the closure line 150 against the locking base 250,
locking the closure line 150 in place as is shown in FIG. 3B.
[0031] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the closure line
150, the curving point 180, and the cam lock 190 of FIG. 2 in a
locked position. In the locked position, the surface 330 of the
radially-expanding lobe 310 of the cam lock 190 presses the closure
line 150 against the locking base 250. The combined lateral force
of the cam lock 190 and the locking base 250 against the closure
line 150 frictionably locks the closure line 150 in place. To
adjust or readjust the tension in the closure line 150, the lever
arm 300, as shown in FIG. 3B, is turned in a clockwise direction.
Rotating the cam lock 190 in a clockwise direction retracts the
surface 330 of the radially-expanding lobe 310 of the cam lock 190,
thereby allowing the closure line to move freely.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a top view of a closure 400 of a snowboard boot
using a second embodiment of the present invention. Once again, the
closure 400 is a closable opening in an upper of a boot shell, boot
liner, or other footwear, such as an opening that secured over a
tongue across a top of the wearer's foot or lower extremity. The
closure 400 includes a closure line 410 allowing the closure 400 to
be closed to secure a boot or other article of footwear (not shown)
on the wearer's foot and ankle. The closure line 410 suitably is a
lace or a cable. The closure line 410 engages securing points 420
on opposing sides of the closure 400 so that, when tension is
applied to the closure line 410, the closure is secured to the
user's foot.
[0033] As in the case of the first embodiment of the present
invention, a second embodiment of a zonal lock 430 enables the
closure line 410 to maintain a first degree of tension in the first
zone 440 different from a second degree of tension in the second
zone 450. More specifically, the zonal lock 430 frictionably
secures the closure line 410 in place to allow a different degree
of tension to be maintained in the closure line 410 in the first
zone 440 and the second zone 450 on opposing sides of the zonal
lock 430.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of the zonal lock
430. The zonal lock 430 includes a curving point 500 in the nature
of a rotatable cylinder; The closure line 410 wraps around an outer
surface of the rotatable cylinder 500. As tension is applied to the
closure line 410, the outer surface of the rotatable cylinder 500
frictionably engages the closure line 410. When the rotatable
cylinder 500 frictionably engages the closure line 410, the closure
line 410 cannot be moved without moving the rotatable cylinder 500.
Thus, securing the rotatable cylinder 500 allows different degrees
of tension to be controllably maintained in the closure line 410 on
opposing sides of the zonal lock 430, thereby allowing for
different degrees of tension in the closure line 410 in zones 440
and 450 on opposing sides of the zonal lock 430.
[0035] The rotatable cylinder 500 is rotatably mounted on a
mounting base 510. An axle 520 provides rotatable engagement
between the mounting base 510 and the rotatable cylinder 500. The
axle 520 suitably is fixably mounted to the mounting base 510 and
rotatably mounted to the rotatable cylinder 500, rotatably mounted
to the mounting base 510 and fixably mounted to the rotatable
cylinder 500, or rotatably mounted to both the mounting base 510
and the rotatable cylinder.
[0036] A locking mechanism 530 is operable to prevent the rotatable
cylinder 500 from rotating relative to the mounting base 510. The
locking mechanism 530 can include a number of locking techniques.
For example, the locking mechanism 530 suitably is a cam lock for
frictionably engaging an end of the rotatable cylinder 500.
Alternatively, the rotatable cylinder 500 can be movable
transversely along the axis 520 and the rotatable cylinder 500 and
the mounting base can be fitted with fixed interlocking gears or
teeth. In such an embodiment, pushing the rotatable cylinder 500
against the mounting base 510 engages the interlocking gears or
teeth, thereby preventing the rotatable cylinder from rotating
relative to the base in a down and locked position. Similarly, a
base of the axle 520 can be fitted with radially-extending teeth to
engage inward-facing teeth inside an annular surface of the
rotatable cylinder to lock the rotatable cylinder in a down and
locked or up and locked position. Any suitably rotation locking
technology can be used to prevent the rotatable cylinder from
rotating when it is desired to lock the zonal lock 430.
[0037] Also, the rotatable cylinder 500 of the zonal lock 430 is
desirably equipped with a gripping ring 540 at a distal end of the
rotatable cylinder 500. The gripping ring 540 facilitates a wearer
being able to turn the rotatable cylinder 500 when it is in an
unlocked position to be able to adjust tension in the closure line
410 in a zone 440 and 450 on either side of the zonal lock 430. As
in the case of the first embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 1A-3B),
one or more additional zones could be added to provide for more
than two zones having different degrees of tension in the closure
line. An additional zone can be added adjacent to either the first
zone 440 (FIG. 4) or the second zone 450 and separated from the
adjacent zone by an additional zonal lock 430.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a routine 600 for using a single
zonal lock 130 (FIGS. 1B-3B) and 430 (FIGS. 4 and 5) to maintain
zonal tightening and locking of two zones of an article of
footwear. It will be appreciated that the routine 600 suitably is
extended to allow for use of additional zonal locks facilitating
creational of additional, separately controllable tightening zones
as desired.
[0039] The routine begins at a block 610 with a wearer beginning to
fit the footwear by placing his or her foot into the footwear. At a
block 620, tension of a closure line is adjusted in a first zone of
the article of footwear. In accordance with previously described
embodiments of the present invention, the tension suitably is
adjusted according to the first embodiment by pulling the closure
line to a desired tightness. In accordance with a second embodiment
of the invention, the tension suitably is adjusted by pulling a
closure line until it frictionably engages the zonal lock and
further adjusted by rotating the rotatable cylinder 500.
[0040] At a decision block 630, it is determined if the tension in
the first zone has reached a desired level. If not, the routine 600
reverts to the block 620 for further adjustment of the tension. On
the other hand, if it is determined at the decision block 630 that
a desirable level of tension has been reached, at a block 640 a
rotatable lock such as the cam lock or lockable rotatable cylinder
is moved into a locked position to maintain the desired tension in
the first zone.
[0041] At a block 650, tension in the closure line can be adjusted
to a desired level in a second zone and the closure line can be
secured. At a decision block 660, it is determined if changes in
fit or tension of the article of footwear are desired. If so, at a
block 670, the rotatable lock is moved into an unlocked position to
release the closure line. The routine 600 then reverts to the block
620 where the wearer can further adjust the degree of tension in
the closure line. However, if it is determined at the decision
block 660 that a desired degree of tension has been reached, the
routine ends at a block 680 with the ending of the fitting of the
article of footwear. It will be appreciated that a wearer can
repeat the routine as often as desired to adjust or change the
zonal fitting of the article of footwear.
[0042] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *