U.S. patent application number 11/214592 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for footwear variable tension lacing systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to VANS, INC.. Invention is credited to Bevens, Jared, Bjornson, Andrew, Burke, Steven Richard, Dalgaard, Martin, Grella, Jeffrey, Hall, Jacob.
Application Number | 20050284003 11/214592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34795255 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050284003 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dalgaard, Martin ; et
al. |
December 29, 2005 |
Footwear variable tension lacing systems
Abstract
Variable tension footwear lacing systems and methods permit and
facilitate adjustment of selected zones by a user. In an
embodiment, stop devices are used with a footwear lacing system to
prevent opposing closure edges of a footwear article from advancing
towards each other. The stop device includes a stop guide
configured for fastening to a portion of the footwear article, and
a stop element. In an implementation, the stop element includes a
stop head and a releasable affixing member. The stop head is
configured to be manipulated by a user to releasably secure the
affixing member to a selected position across the length of the
stop guide. The stop head is operable to contact a first closure
edge of the footwear article. In an embodiment, during use first
and second stop devices contact first and second opposing closure
edges of the footwear article and prevent them from advancing
towards each other.
Inventors: |
Dalgaard, Martin; (Topanga,
CA) ; Bjornson, Andrew; (Bedford, MA) ; Burke,
Steven Richard; (Huntington Beach, CA) ; Hall,
Jacob; (Midway, UT) ; Bevens, Jared; (Hermosa
Beach, CA) ; Grella, Jeffrey; (Vista Hogar,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WINSTON & STRAWN LLP
1700 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
VANS, INC.
|
Family ID: |
34795255 |
Appl. No.: |
11/214592 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11214592 |
Aug 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
10764297 |
Jan 23, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/50.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/0401 20130101;
A43B 5/045 20130101; A43C 11/16 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101;
A43C 11/20 20130101; A43C 1/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/050.5 |
International
Class: |
A43B 005/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A footwear article that includes a footwear lacing system, a
lace and at least one stop device for preventing opposing closure
edges of a footwear article from advancing towards each other, the
stop device comprising a stop guide operatively associated with a
first closure edge of the footwear article; and a releasable
affixing member operatively associated with stop guide and
affixable in at least two different selected positions with respect
to the stop guide to selectively vary the advancement of the
closure edges toward each other.
2. The footwear article of claim 1 wherein the stop guide is
fastened to a portion of the footwear article and further comprises
a stop element having a stop head and the affixing member, wherein
the stop head is configured to be manipulated by a user to
releasably secure the affixing member to a selected position on the
stop guide and wherein the stop head is operable to contact the
first closure edge of the footwear article.
3. The footwear article of claim 2 wherein the stop guide has a
first distal end that is configured for attachment to a tongue of
the footwear article and a second distal end that is
free-floating.
4. The footwear article of claim 3 further comprising a cross guide
member configured for attachment to the tongue, the cross guide
member comprising a base section with a sleeve to accommodate the
second distal end of the stop guide, and a guide portion including
at least one channel for guiding the lace.
5. The footwear article of claim 2 wherein the stop guide includes
a plurality of openings, and the affixing member includes at least
one stop pin for releaseably mating with a selected opening.
6. The footwear article of claim 5 wherein the affixing member
includes at least two stop pins.
7. The footwear article of claim 2 wherein the stop element further
comprises a stop tab.
8. The footwear article of claim 2 further comprising a second stop
device comprising a second stop guide and a second stop element
having a second stop head and a second releasable affixing member,
wherein the second stop device is fastened to a portion of the
footwear article that is adjacent to and opposite a first stop
device such that the second stop head is operable to contact a
second closure edge of the footwear article.
9. The footwear article of claim 2 wherein the stop head has a
front surface that is shaped to complement the shape of a lace
guide member, wherein the lace guide member is associated with the
closure edge of the footwear article.
10. The footwear article of claim 2 wherein the stop guide includes
a plurality of teeth, and the affixing member includes at least one
tooth.
11. The footwear article of claim 10 which further comprises a
second stop element having a second affixing member that includes
at least one tooth for releasably meshing with the teeth of the
stop guide, and wherein a first and the second stop elements
include first and second stop heads configured to contact the first
closure edge and an opposing second closure edge of the footwear
article.
12. The footwear article of claim 1 1 wherein the first and second
stop heads are stop hooks that are shaped to securely contact the
first and second closure edges of the footwear article.
13. The footwear article of claim 1 further comprising a stop head
having a first surface operable to contact the first closure edge
of the footwear article, and the affixing member comprises a tab
connected to the stop head, wherein the tab includes at least one
adjustment hole for attachment to a tongue area of the footwear
article and a fastener for releasably securing the tab in a
selected position on the tongue area.
14. The footwear article of claim 13 further comprising a second
stop device comprising a second stop head having a surface operable
to contact a second closure edge of the footwear article, a second
tab connected to the second stop head, wherein the second tab
includes at least one adjustment hole for attachment to a tongue
area of the footwear article, and a second fastener for releasably
securing the second tab in a selected position that is adjacent to
and opposite a first stop device such that the second stop head is
operable to contact the second closure edge of the footwear
article
15. The footwear article of claim 13 wherein the front surface of
the stop head is shaped to complement the shape of a cable guide
member that is associated with the first closure edge of the
footwear article.
16. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a stop head
having first and second opposing surfaces; and the affixing member
comprises a fastener assembly for releasably securing the stop head
in a selected location on a tongue area of the footwear article,
wherein the stop head includes an offset attachment point for the
fastener assembly and is rotatable about the attachment point such
that either the first surface or the second surface may be chosen
to contact a first closure edge of the footwear article.
17. The footwear article of claim 16 further comprising a second
stop device comprising a second stop head having first and second
opposing surfaces, and a second fastener for releasably securing
the stop head in a selected location that is adjacent to and
opposite a first stop device, wherein the second stop head includes
an offset attachment point for the fastener assembly and is
rotatable about the attachment point such that either the first
surface or the second surface of the second stop head may be chosen
to contact a second closure edge of the footwear article.
18. The footwear article of claim 16 further comprising a lace
guide member that is associated with the first closure edge of the
footwear article and wherein the first and second opposing surfaces
of the stop head are shaped to complement the shape of the lace
guide member.
19. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a housing
that includes at least one lace channel for permitting a lace to
freely pass therethrough; at least one adjustable stop bumper
located on at least a first distal end of the housing, the stop
bumper including a lace channel therethrough and a contact edge for
contacting a closure edge of the footwear article; and at least one
tightening mechanism connected to the housing and associated with
the stop bumper, for adjusting the length between an edge of the
distal end of the housing and the contact edge.
20. The footwear article of claim 19 wherein the tightening
mechanism comprises a twist tightening mechanism and a threaded
tube.
21. The footwear article of claim 19 wherein the housing is
cross-shaped and further comprises two crossing lace channels and
at least two adjustable stop bumpers, the stop bumpers configured
to contact first and a second opposing closure edges of the
footwear article.
22. The footwear article of claim 21 further comprising four
adjustable stop bumpers, with the stop bumpers being configured to
contact first and a second opposing closure edges of the footwear
article, and further comprising a tightening mechanism associated
with each of the stop bumpers.
23. The footwear article of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of lace guide members affixed to the first and second side edges
and positioned in opposing relationship to each other for guiding
the lace to traverse the tongue area; at least one lace guided by
the guide members to traverse the tongue area; and at least one
adjustable device configured to contact a lace guide when the lace
is tensioned for preventing the first side edge from approaching
the second side edge when the lace is tensioned.
24. The footwear article of claim 23 further comprising a
tightening mechanism connected to the footwear article, wherein the
lace is rotationally connected to the tightening mechanism.
25. The footwear article of claim 23 further comprising a cross
guide member configured for attachment to the tongue, the cross
guide member comprising a base section with a sleeve to accommodate
a free-floating, second distal end of the stop guide, and a guide
portion including at least one channel for guiding the lace.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of application Ser. No.
10/764,297 filed Jan. 23, 2004, the entire content of which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The invention generally pertains to variable tension lacing
systems for footwear. More particularly, the tension systems permit
adjustment of selected zones of the footwear lacing system, to
provide an improved fit and to prevent discomfort during use.
[0003] There are numerous systems that currently exist for
tightening footwear about the foot of a wearer. The most common
includes threading a lace in a zig-zag pattern through two parallel
rows of eyelets that are placed on opposite sides of a tongue area
of a shoe or boot. The shoe is tightened by pulling on opposite
ends of the threaded lace to pull the two rows of eyelets together
so that the closure edges of the cuffs are urged toward the middle
of the foot, and then tying the lace ends in a knot to maintain the
desired tension. There are a number of known problems with such
traditional systems, including that the tightening force is not
adequately distributed along the length of the threaded zone due to
friction between the laces and eyelets. Thus, some portions of the
lace may be slack while other portions are taut which results in
certain portions of the shoe being tighter around certain sections
of the foot, particularly the ankle portions which are closer to
the lace ends. This can cause discomfort and may adversely affect
performance when the wearer is involved in a sports activity.
[0004] Conventional lacing systems are also typically difficult to
untighten and/or difficult to readjust in order to redistribute
tension because the wearer must loosen and adjust the lace from
each of many eyelets. Simply untying the knot does not release the
lace because friction between the lace and eyelets and between
overlapping laces often maintains the toe portion and sometimes
even much of the other areas above the foot in tension even after
the knot is released. Consequently, a wearer often must loosen the
lace from each individual eyelet, which can be tedious if the
number of eyelets is high, for example, such as in an ice skate
boot, a snowboard boot, or other high-performance sports
footwear.
[0005] Certain sports footwear, such as ski boots, use tightening
mechanisms that include buckles that clamp together to tighten the
boot about the foot. Such systems typically use three or four
buckles positioned about the tongue area of the boot, and can be
quickly clamped to tighten and unclamped to loosen the boot about
the foot. However, such systems isolate the closure forces about
the immediate area of the buckle which can be undesirable in many
circumstances, such as when the wearer is engaged in a sport that
requires an evenly distributed force line along the length of the
foot. In addition, buckles tend to be uncomfortable if used on some
types of footwear, such as soft boots, and thus are primarily used
only on hard-shell type footwear such as ski boots.
[0006] Other footwear lacing systems have been developed that
include a lace or cable attached to a tightening mechanism. In one
such system, the lace is threaded through a series of opposing
guide members positioned along the top of the foot and ankle
portions of the footwear. The tightening mechanism operates to wind
up the lace to tighten the shoe about the foot, and to wind out the
lace to release tension. The lace and guide members have low
friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace through the
guide members to promote the even distribution of tension across
the footwear. However, such systems cannot be used to isolate any
specific region where a user may wish to increase or decrease
tension. Further, as a wearer performs certain maneuvers, some
sections of the system become constricted due to stress forces
which causes discomfort. For example, snowboard riders wearing
boots that include such a system have complained that the lace,
which is typically a cable, tightens and causes discomfort across a
lower portion of the tongue during flexion. A need thus exists for
a tension lacing system that can be adjusted by a user to avoid
discomfort that may occur when a shift in tension forces occurs
during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention relates to a footwear article that includes a
footwear lacing system, a lace or cable and at least one stop
device for preventing opposing closure edges of a footwear article
from advancing towards each other. Advantageously, the stop device
comprises a stop guide operatively associated with a first closure
edge of the footwear article; and a releasable affixing member
operatively associated with stop guide and affixable in at least
two different selected positions with respect to the stop guide to
selectively vary the advancement of the closure edges toward each
other.
[0008] In a first embodiment, the stop guide is fastened to a
portion of the footwear article, and the releasable affixing member
comprises a stop element having a stop head that is configured to
be manipulated by a user to releasably secure the affixing member
to a selected position across the length of the stop guide, and the
stop head is operable to contact the first closure edge of the
footwear article.
[0009] In an advantageous implementation, a first distal end of the
stop guide is configured for attachment to a tongue of the footwear
article. The second distal end of the stop guide may be
free-floating. In addition, a cross guide member may be included
that is configured for attachment to the tongue. The cross guide
member may include a base section with a sleeve to accommodate the
second distal end of the stop guide, and a guide portion including
at least one channel for guiding the lace or cable.
[0010] In a beneficial variation, the stop device may include a
stop guide with a plurality of openings, and the affixing member
may include at least one stop pin for releaseably mating with a
selected opening. The affixing member could include at least two
stop pins, and the stop element may include a stop tab.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the stop system includes a second
stop device that includes a second stop guide and a second stop
element having a second stop head, and a second releasable affixing
member, wherein the second stop device is fastened to a portion of
the footwear article that is adjacent to and opposite a first stop
device such that the second stop head is operable to contact a
second closure edge of the footwear article. In addition, the stop
head may have a front surface that is shaped to complement the
shape of a lace or cable guide member, wherein the guide member is
associated with the closure edge of the footwear article and guides
the lace or cable.
[0012] In a variation, the stop guide includes a plurality of
teeth, and the affixing member includes at least one tooth. In
addition, the implementation may include a second stop element
having a second affixing member that includes at least one tooth
for releasably meshing with the teeth of the stop guide. In this
case, first and the second stop elements include first and second
stop heads configured to contact the first closure edge and an
opposing second closure edge of the footwear article. The stop
heads may be stop hooks that are shaped to securely contact the
closure edges of the footwear article.
[0013] Another implementation of the footwear article further
comprises a stop device that includes a stop head having a first
surface operable to contact the first closure edge of the footwear
article, a tab connected to the stop head, and a fastener for
releasably securing the tab in a selected position on the tongue
area. The tab includes at least one adjustment hole for attachment
to a tongue area of the footwear article.
[0014] In an advantageous implementation, included is a second stop
device comprising a second stop head having a surface operable to
contact a second closure edge of the footwear article, a second tab
connected to the second stop head and a second fastener for
releasably securing the second tab in a selected position that is
adjacent to and opposite a first stop device such that the second
stop head is operable to contact the second closure edge of the
footwear article. The second tab includes at least one adjustment
hole for attachment to a tongue area of the footwear article. The
front surface of the stop head may be shaped to complement the
shape of a cable guide member that is associated with the closure
edge of the footwear article.
[0015] Another embodiment of the footwear article further comprises
a stop device that includes a stop head having first and second
opposing surfaces and the affixing member comprises a fastener
assembly for releasably securing the stop head in a selected
location on a tongue area of the footwear article. In this
implementation, the stop head includes an offset attachment point
for the fastener assembly and is rotatable about the attachment
point such that either the first surface or the second surface may
be chosen to contact a first closure edge of the footwear
article.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, a second stop device is
provided that includes a second stop head having first and second
opposing surfaces, and a second fastener for releasably securing
the stop head in a selected location that is adjacent to and
opposite a first stop device. The second stop head includes an
offset attachment point for the fastener assembly and is rotatable
about the attachment point such that either the first surface or
the second surface of the second stop head may be chosen to contact
a second closure edge of the footwear article. The first and second
opposing surfaces of the stop head may be shaped to complement the
shape of a cable guide member that is associated with the closure
edge of the footwear article.
[0017] Another aspect according to the invention concerns a stop
device for use with a footwear lacing system that includes a
housing having at least one lace channel for permitting a lace to
freely pass therethrough, at least one adjustable stop bumper, and
at least one tightening mechanism. The stop bumper is located on at
least a first distal end of the housing, and includes a lace
channel therethrough and a contact edge for contacting a closure
edge of the footwear article. The tightening mechanism is connected
to the housing and is associated with the stop bumper, and used to
adjust the length between an edge of the distal end of the housing
and the contact edge.
[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the tightening mechanism
includes a twist tightening mechanism and a threaded tube. In
addition, the housing may be cross-shaped and include two crossing
lace channels and at least two adjustable stop bumpers, the stop
bumpers configured to contact first and a second opposing closure
edges of the footwear article. In a variation, four adjustable stop
bumpers are provided, the stop bumpers configured to contact first
and a second opposing closure edges of the footwear article. In
addition, a tightening mechanism may be associated with each of the
stop bumpers.
[0019] Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a footwear
lacing system for an article of footwear that includes a tongue
area having first and second opposing side edges. The system
includes a plurality of lace guide members affixed to the first and
second side edges and positioned in opposing relationship to each
other for guiding the lace to traverse the tongue area. Also
included is at least one lace guided by the guide members to
traverse the tongue area, and at least one adjustable stop device
configured to contact a lace guide when the lace is tensioned. The
stop device prevents the first side edge from approaching the
second side edge when the lace is tensioned.
[0020] In an advantageous implementation, the footwear lacing
system includes a tightening mechanism connected to the footwear
article, wherein the lace is rotationally connected to the
tightening mechanism. In addition, each stop device may include a
stop guide and at least one adjustable stop element, the at least
one stop element having a stop head and a releasable affixing
member. The stop head may be beneficially configured to be
manipulated by a user to releasably secure the affixing member to a
selected position across the length of the stop guide, and the stop
head is operable to contact a lace guide member. In addition, the
stop head may have a front surface that is shaped to complement the
shape of a cable guide member. A preferred embodiment includes a
second stop device that includes a second stop guide and a second
stop element having a second stop head and a second releasable
affixing member. This second stop device could be fastened to a
portion of the footwear article that is adjacent to the original
stop device such that the second stop head is operable to contact
an opposing lace guide member. In a variation, a second stop
element has an affixing member that includes at least one tooth for
releasably meshing with the teeth of the stop guide. In this case,
a first stop element and the second stop element include first and
second stop heads configured to contact first and second opposing
lace guides.
[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the stop device includes a
stop head having a contact surface for contacting a lace guide
member, a tab connected to the stop head, and a fastener for
releasably securing the tab in a selected position on the tongue
area. The tab includes a plurality of adjustment holes for
attachment to the tongue area. In a variation, the stop device
includes a stop head having first and second opposing surfaces, and
a fastener assembly for releasably securing the stop head in a
selected location on the tongue area, wherein the stop head
includes an offset attachment point for the fastener assembly and
is rotatable about the attachment point such that either the first
surface or the second surface may be chosen to contact a lace guide
member.
[0022] Yet another aspect of the invention concerns a footwear
lacing system for an article of footwear that includes a tongue
area and first and second opposing closure edges. The system also
includes at least one lace, a lace guiding system having a
plurality of lace guides affixed to the first and second closure
edges for guiding the lace to traverse the tongue area in a
plurality of locations to enable tightening of the footwear on the
foot of a wearer, and at least one lace end tightening device
affixed to the footwear for accommodating an end portion of the
lace to provide for adjustments to the tension of the lace.
[0023] In a desirable implementation, the system includes a
tightening mechanism affixed to the footwear and connected to the
lace, the tightening mechanism is operable by a user to tension the
lace. In addition, the lace end tightening device may be a
cable-end tightener that comprises an end section affixed to the
footwear, and a twist tightening mechanism associated with the end
section. In a variation, the lace end tightening device may be a
cable length adjustment device affixed to the footwear, wherein the
adjustment device includes a plurality of end stations each capable
of releasable connection to the lace. The cable length adjustment
device may also include a serpentine path for accommodating the
lace.
[0024] Another aspect of the invention concerns a method for
stabilizing at least one zone of a lace tensioning system of a
footwear article. The technique includes adjusting a stop system
affixed to a tongue area, wherein the stop system includes
components capable of contacting first and second closure edges in
at least a first zone of the footwear article, and tensioning the
lace in the at least first zone such that the components of the
stop system prevent the first and second closure edges from
advancing towards each other.
[0025] In an advantageous implementation, the stop system is
adjusted by manipulating at least one stop head that is releasably
affixed to a stop guide. In a variation, the method further
includes adjusting the stop system by manipulating at least one
stop hook that is releasably affixed to a toothed track. Yet
another variation includes adjusting the stop system by
manipulating at least one twist tightening mechanism of a cable
lock-out device. In a preferred embodiment, the method further
includes adjusting a second stop system affixed to a tongue area,
wherein the second stop system includes components capable of
contacting first and second closure edges in at least a second zone
of the footwear article.
[0026] Yet another technique according to the invention concerns a
method for stabilizing at least one zone of a lace tensioning
system of a footwear article. The method includes adjusting a first
adjustable stop device affixed to a tongue in a first zone. The
first stop device includes at least one stop element having a stop
head and a releasable affixing member, wherein the stop head is
configured to be manipulated by a user to be positioned at a
selected location on the tongue, and wherein the stop head is
operable to contact a first closure edge of the footwear article.
The method also includes adjusting a second adjustable stop device
affixed to the tongue in the first zone. The second stop device
includes at least one second stop element having a second stop head
and a second releasable affixing member, wherein the second stop
head is configured to be manipulated by a user to be positioned at
a selected location on the tongue, and wherein the second stop head
is operable to contact a second closure edge of the footwear
article. Lastly, the method includes tensioning the lace in the
first zone such that the first and second stop devices contact the
first and second closure edges and prevent them from approaching
each other in the first zone.
[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, the method also includes
adjusting third and fourth adjustable stop devices in a second
zone, and tensioning the lace in the second zone such that the
third and fourth stop devices contact the first and second closure
edges and prevent them from approaching each other in the second
zone.
[0028] A variable tensioning system according to the invention can
thus advantageously be utilized by a wearer of the footwear to
obtain a comfortable and secure fit. Moreover, the variable
tensioning components according to the various embodiments of the
invention are easy to adjust to obtain a comfortable fit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Other aspects, purposes and advantages of the invention will
become clear after reading the following detailed description with
reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports boot illustrating a
first lacing system according to the invention that includes a
first implementation of a stop device;
[0031] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, perspective view of a stop device
according to the invention, for use with a footwear lacing system
such as that shown in FIG. 1;
[0032] FIGS. 2B and 2C are perspective and side views,
respectively, of the stop device of FIG. 2A;
[0033] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict another embodiment of a stop device
according to the invention;
[0034] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sports boot illustrating
a lacing system according to the invention that includes two other
implementations of a stop device;
[0035] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate an implementation of a stop
device according to the invention for use in an upper zone of the
boot shown in FIG. 4A;
[0036] FIGS. 4D to 4F illustrate another implementation of stop
device according to the invention for use in a lower zone of the
boot shown in FIG. 4A;
[0037] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a lace
tension system using a cable lock-out device according to the
invention for a sports boot;
[0038] FIG. 5B is an enlarged front view of the cable lock-out
device shown in FIG. 5A;
[0039] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the cable lock-out
device of FIG. 5B;
[0040] FIG. 5D illustrates an alternate implementation of a cable
lock-out device according to the invention;
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of a
lace tension system using cable-end tightening devices according to
the invention for a sports boot;
[0042] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a cable-end tightening
device according to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of a cable-end tightening device
of FIG. 7A according to the invention;
[0044] FIG. 7C is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the
cable-tightening device of FIGS. 7A and 7B;
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another variation of a lace tension
system using fit adjustment elements according to the invention for
a sports boot;
[0046] FIG. 9A is an enlarged front view of the fit adjustment
element of FIG. 8;
[0047] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional top view of the fit adjustment
element of FIG. 9A attached to the tongue of the sports shoe by a
rivet;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a front view of another embodiment of a lace
tension system using cable length adjustment devices according to
the invention for a sports boot;
[0049] FIG. 10A is an enlarged side view of a cable and end cap for
use with the cable length adjustment devices of FIG. 10; and
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a cable length
adjustment device that may be used in the lace tension system of
FIG. 10.
[0051] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale, and that like reference numbers in the
various drawings indicate the same or similar components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports boot 10
illustrating a lacing system 20 that includes a first
implementation of a stop device according to the invention. The
sport boot 10 generally is a snowboard boot or other sport boot
that is tightened about a wearer's foot using the lacing system.
Although the present invention will be described herein with
reference to a snowboard boot, it should be understood that the
invention can be used with a wide variety of footwear.
[0053] The boot 10 includes an upper 2 that includes a toe section
4, a heel portion 6, and an ankle portion 8 that surrounds the
wearer's ankle. An instep portion 12 of the upper is located in
between the toe and ankle areas. The boot upper includes two
opposed closure edges 14 and 16 that partially cover a tongue 18.
The upper may be manufactured from any of a wide variety of
materials known to those skilled in the art. For example, some
snowboard boots are typically made of soft leather that conforms to
the shape of the foot of a wearer. For other types of shoes or
boots, the upper may be manufactured of hard or soft plastic,
rubber or of a composite material. Many other types of materials
could also be used.
[0054] In the implementation of FIG. 1, a lacing system 20 includes
a lace or cable 22, a tightening mechanism 24, cable guide members
26, stop devices 40 and lace cross guides 30. It should be
understood that, as used herein, the terms lace and cable have the
same meaning unless specified otherwise. The cable 22 may be
tensioned to draw the closure edges 14 and 16 toward each other, to
tighten the boot around the foot.
[0055] The tongue 18 extends rearward from the toe section 4, and
is preferably made of a soft material such as leather. The tongue
may be provided with a low friction top surface to facilitate
sliding of the closure edges and laces over the top of the tongue
when the lace is tightened or loosened. Such a low friction surface
may be applied to the tongue, or may be integral with the
tongue.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, the cable 22 can be threaded in a
crossing pattern along the midline of the foot between the two
generally parallel closure edges 14 and 16. In this implementation,
the cable guide members 26 and the lace cross guides 30 are made of
a rigid and durable plastic material. The cable guide members are
affixed to the closure edges of the upper in a known manner, such
as by stitching, rivets, or adhesive. The lace cross guides 30 may
also be affixed to the tongue 18 of the shoe. Each of the cable
guide members 26 and the lace cross members 30 advantageously
include smooth, low-friction channels that guide the cable
therethrough. The cable guide members and cross members may be made
of materials other than plastic or rubber, such as metal or a
polymer or a composite material, and may include a lubricating
coating on at least the inner channel surfaces to reduce friction
and/or enhance the slideability of the laces passing therethrough.
FIG. 1 shows two pairs of opposing cable guide members 26, and two
cross members 30 being used. However, other configurations are
contemplated that include more or less such members, depending on
factors such as the length of the footwear closure edges and the
amount of tensioning control desired.
[0057] The cable 22 may be one continuous loop that begins and
terminates at the tightening mechanism 24, and is threaded through
the cable guide members 26 and the cross guide members 30 as
discussed above. In addition, the cable 22 may be a low-friction
cable that slides easily through the channels in the cable guide
members and the cross guides. The cable may be formed of any
polymeric or metal materials or a composite material, so long as
such material exhibits sufficient axial strength and flexibility.
For example, solid core wires, solid core polymers, or
multi-filament wires or polymers, which could be woven, braided,
twisted or otherwise fabricated could be used. The outer surface of
the cable could also be coated with a lubricous material such as
Teflon.RTM. or nylon. In use on snowboard boots, the cable should
be capable of withstanding break loads of at least 60 pounds, and
preferably up to 150 pounds or more. The cable varies in length,
wherein shorter or longer lengths are used depending on footwear
size particular to the lacing system design.
[0058] FIG. 2A is an enlarged, perspective view of a stop device 40
for use with a footwear lacing system such as that shown in FIG. 1.
The stop device 40 includes a stop head 42 that includes a stop
front edge 44, a stop rear edge 45, and a stop base 46. The stop
base 46 has at least one associated stop tab 48 and includes ledges
or finger surfaces 47A and 47B that allow a user to manipulate the
stop tab as explained below. The stop device 40 also includes a
stop guide 50 that includes a plurality of openings 52.
[0059] FIGS. 2B and 2C are perspective and side views,
respectively, of the stop device 40 of FIG. 2A. The stop guide 50
includes at least one means 54 at a first distal end 53 for
fastening the guide to the tongue 18 of an article of footwear. In
this implementation, the means for fastening 54 is a rivet, but
other fastening devices or fastening methods could be used to
secure the first distal end portion 53 of the stop guide to the
tongue.
[0060] FIGS. 2B and 2C illustrate how the stop head 42 initially
pivots in the direction of arrow A when a user disengages the stop
tab 48 from an opening 52 of the stop guide 50. The user pushes
down on the finger surfaces 47A and 47B with his thumb and
forefinger, for example, on either side of the stop guide 50 to
pivot the stop head 42 and to urge the stop tab 48 away from the
opening 52. Once the stop tab 48 is disengaged from the opening 52,
the stop head 42 and stop base 46 can be moved or adjusted by a
wearer along the length of the stop guide 50. The stop tab 48 can
then be inserted into another of the openings 52 as desired to
re-engage and immobilize the stop head 42. It should be understood
that more than one stop tab 48 could be associated with the base
46, and that more than one fastening means 54 could be associated
with the stop guide 50.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 1, the stop devices are shown in
their fitted or stop positions. In the stop position, the front
edge 44 of the stop head 42 of each stop device abuts an outside
wall of the cable guide members 26 and functions to resist movement
of the closure edges 14 and 16 toward each other. FIG. 1 shows two
pairs of opposing stop devices 40 (four in all), one pair located
in a first zone 13 in the upper cuff portion of the boot, and the
other pair located in a second zone or in the instep area 12 in the
lower cuff of the boot. The first distal end portions 53 of the
various stop guides 50 are affixed to the tongue in locations
beneath the eyestay, which in FIG. 1 are beneath the cable guide
members 26, and thus are not visible. If the system shown in FIG. 1
is tightened further, the tabs 5 and 7 in a third zone 15 will be
urged toward each other. But the eyestay edges of the first zone 13
and second zone 12 will not move due to the stop devices 40.
[0062] The cross guides 30 include a base section 32 with a sleeve
or underlying open area that covers and accommodates a second
distal end portion 51 of the stop guides 50 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C)
of two opposing stop devices 40. In this implementation, the base
sections 32 cover the second distal ends 51 and form a barrier that
limits movement of each stop head 42 in a direction towards the
center line of the tongue 18. The base sections 32 thus perform
several functions including covering the second distal ends of
opposing stop guides and restricting the movement of the stop heads
42. It should be understood that, in this implementation, the
second distal ends 51 of the stop guides are free floating under
the base section 32, which permits the stop guides and stop heads
to articulate to a slight degree when the boot flexes during use.
The stop devices 40 are thus able to articulate somewhat about the
cable guides members 26 during activity as the boot flexes. This
flexibility allows for automatic adjustment as the wearer's foot
moves about to change the angle between the upper and lower
cuff.
[0063] When first putting the boot on the foot, a user may adjust
either the first zone 13 about the upper cuff of the lacing system
20, or the second zone 12 about the lower cuff of the lacing
system. Users that have a skinny or thin foot adjust the first zone
before making other adjustments to ensure that the upper cuff is
not too tight. Alternately, wearers that have relatively wide feet
and skinny calves initially adjust the second zone to secure the
stop devices 40 so that the lower cuff is not too tight. When the
entire boot feels comfortable, the user pulls on the finger tabs
47A and 47B (shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C) to engage one or more stop
tabs 48 in one or more openings 52 of the stop guide 50 for each
stop device 40. The tightening mechanism 24 then can be further
manipulated to tighten the third zone 15 adjacent to the instep
portion of the boot.
[0064] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict another embodiment of a stop device
60. In particular, FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective top view of
the stop device 60 and FIG. 3B is a bottom view of FIG. 3A. The
stop device 60 includes a stop head 62 having a stop front edge 63,
a stop rear edge 64, and a stop base 65. The stop base 65 has two
stop tabs 66 and 67. The second stop tab 67 is located beneath the
stop head 62. The stop device 60 also includes a stop guide 70 that
includes a plurality of stop tab openings 72 and an aperture 74 for
accommodating a fastening means, such as a rivet, nut and bolt
arrangement, or screw. In use, the stop guide 70 is affixed at the
aperture 74 to the tongue of an article of footwear so that it is
stationary. The two stop tabs 66 and 67 are configured such that
each can mate with a stop guide opening 72 during use to spread the
load forces.
[0065] Also shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C is a cable guide member 26a
that has a semi-circular shape. The front edge 63 of the stop head
62 is generally oval shaped to complement the shape of the inner
wall 27, and will loosely fit into the inner wall of the cable
guide member 26a during use. Thus, when the stop device 60 is in
its stopped position as shown in FIG. 3C, the stop front edge 63
abuts the inner wall 27, but also includes open areas 68 and 69
that allow for some movement as the boot flexes during use. The
length L (or diameter) of the inner wall 27 (see FIG. 3B) may be in
the range of 0.25 inch to 3 inches. In a snowboard boot
application, the length used is about 2 inches, and the length of
the front wall of a stop head may be fabricated to be slightly less
or to match. Different specific length combinations could be used
to optimize the cable system, and one skilled in the art could
easily choose a suitable size or length depending upon the type of
footwear being used and/or depending on other considerations.
[0066] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a sports boot 10
illustrating a lacing system 20a that includes two other
implementations of a stop device. The sport boot 10 may be a
snowboard boot or other sport boot that is tightened about a
wearer's foot by using the lacing system, and elements that are the
same or similar to those shown in FIG. 1 are numbered the same in
FIG. 4A. Thus, the boot 10 includes an upper 2 that includes a toe
section 4, a heel portion 6, and an ankle portion 8 that surrounds
the wearer's ankle. An instep portion 12 of the upper is located in
between the toe and ankle areas. The boot upper includes two
opposed closure edges 14 and 16 that partially cover a tongue 18.
The upper may be manufactured from any of a wide variety of
materials known to those skilled in the art. For example, as
described above, the boot upper material may be of soft leather
that conforms to the shape of the foot of a wearer, or may be
manufactured of hard or soft plastic, rubber or of a composite
material.
[0067] In the implementation of FIG. 4A, the lacing system 20a
includes a lace or cable 22, a tightening mechanism 24, cable guide
members 26a that are generally are "C"-shaped, stop devices 80 and
90 and lace cross guides 31. The lace cross guides 31 may be
affixed to the tongue 18 of the boot, and the cable 22 may be
tensioned to draw the closure edges 14 and 16 toward each other, to
tighten the boot around the foot. The tongue 18 extends rearward
from the toe section 4, and preferably includes a low friction top
surface to facilitate sliding of the closure edges and laces over
the top of the tongue when the lace is tightened or loosened.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4A, the cable 22 can be threaded in a
crossing or zig-zag pattern along the midline of the foot between
the two generally parallel closure edges 14 and 16. The cable guide
members 26a and the lace cross guides 31 may be made of a rigid and
durable plastic material. The cable guide members are affixed to
the closure edges of the upper in a known manner, such as by
stitching, rivets, or adhesive. Each of the cable guide members 26a
and the lace cross members 31 advantageously include smooth,
low-friction channels that guide the cable therethrough. The cable
guide members and cross members may be made of materials other than
plastic or rubber, such as metal or a polymer or a composite
material, and may include a lubricating coating on at least the
inner channel surfaces to reduce friction and/or enhance the
slideability of the laces passing therethrough.
[0069] Although FIG. 4A shows two pairs of opposing cable guide
members 26a, and two cross members 31 being used, other
configurations are contemplated that include more or less such
members, depending on factors such as the length of the footwear
closure edges and the amount of tensioning control desired.
[0070] The cable 22 may be one continuous piece of material that
forms a loop that begins and terminates at the tightening mechanism
24, and is threaded through the cable guide members 26a and the
cross guide members 31 as discussed above. In addition, the cable
22 may be a low-friction cable that slides easily through the
channels in the cable guide members and the cross guides, as
described above.
[0071] FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrate the relationship of a stop device
80 to a cable guide 26a associated with the boot edge 16 in the
upper zone 13 shown in FIG. 4A. The stop device 80 includes a stop
head 82, a tab 84 and a T-nut 86 which is used to fasten the stop
device to the tongue 18. One of skill in the art would recognize
that other fastening devices could also be used. In this
implementation, the stop device surface 87 is shaped to complement
the shape of the inner wall 27a of the cable guide member 26a. In
particular, the stop device surface 87 is curved to match the
curvature of the inner wall 27a of the generally "C"-shaped cable
guide element 26a. In addition, the stop head 82 includes generally
flat or straight top and bottom edges 88 and 89, which fit securely
during use into the inner walls 28a and 29a of the cable guide
element 26a. Thus, during use the stop head 82 mates with the cable
guide 26a. The tab 84 includes two adjustment holes 85a and 85b,
but more or less holes could be used. In this implementation, a
user adjusts the placement of the stop device 80 by using a T-nut
in either hole 85a or 85b. In the implementation shown in FIG. 4A,
a pair of stop devices 80 are shown positioned to contact the
closure edges on opposite sides of the tongue area of the footwear.
If the user wishes a larger distance between the side edges in the
upper zone, then she would place the T-nut through openings 85a as
shown in FIG. 4C for each of the stop devices 80. Alternately, if
she would rather have the side edges closer together then she would
use holes 85b as shown in FIG. 4B for each of the stop devices 80.
Any combination of adjustment holes could be used.
[0072] FIGS. 4D to 4F illustrate another implementation of a stop
device 90, which is shown in FIG. 4A releaseably attached in the
lower zone 12. The stop device 90 includes a stop head 92 having a
front surface 93, a rear surface 94, a top surface 98 and a bottom
surface 99. In FIG. 4D the front surface 93 is contacting the inner
wall 27a (shown in FIG. 4B) of the cable guide member 26a, and the
top 98 and bottom 99 surfaces are contacting the inner walls 28a
and 29a of the cable guide element 26a. In FIG. 4E, the closure
edge 16 is pulled away from the stop device 90, and the stop head
92 has been rotated about a pivot point 96. The pivot point is
offset from the center axis of the stop head, and may include a
T-nut fastener that affixes the stop element 90 to the tongue 18.
When the stop device 90 is disengaged from the cable guide element
26a as shown in FIG. 4E, it can be rotated about the pivot point 96
as shown by the circular arrow 91 into another position so that the
rear surface 94 is now facing the closure element 26a and the
bottom surface 99 has switched positions with the top surface 98.
The rear surface 94 of the stop head 92 then may contact the cable
guide element 26a as shown in FIG. 4F. Since the pivot point 96 is
offset from the central axis of the stop head, the user can adjust
the relative distance between the stop head and the closure edge
16. In the implementation shown in FIG. 4A, a pair of stop devices
90 are shown positioned to contact the closure edges in a lower
zone 12 on opposite sides of the tongue area of the footwear. A
user can adjust the distance between the side portions 14 and 16 of
the boot by rotating one or both of the stop devices 90.
[0073] Referring again to FIG. 4A, the stop devices 80 and 90 are
shown in the relaxed position, wherein a user may insert her foot
into the boot 10. In the stop position, the front edge 87 of the
upper zone stop heads 82 abut an outside wall of the cable guide
members 26a, and one of the front edges 93 or the rear edge 94 of
the stop devices 90 abut an outside wall of the cable guide members
26a in the lower zone 12. The stop devices 80 and 90 thus function
to resist movement of the closure edges 14 and 16 toward each
other. It should also be noted that FIG. 4A shows one pair of upper
zone and one pair of lower zone stop devices (four in all), but
additional pairs could be used, and the stop devices could be used
in different combinations.
[0074] When first putting the boot on the foot, a user may adjust
either the first zone 13 about the upper cuff of the lacing system
20a, or the second zone 12 about the lower cuff of the lacing
system. Users that have a skinny or thin foot would adjust the
first zone before making other adjustments to ensure that the upper
cuff is not too tight. Alternately, wearers that have relatively
wide feet and skinny calves initially adjust the second zone to
secure the stop devices 90 so that the lower cuff is not too tight.
When the entire boot feels comfortable, the user tightens the
T-nuts on the stop devices 80 in the upper zone (see FIGS. 4B and
4C), and no longer rotates the stop devices 90 in the lower zone 12
(shown in FIGS. 4D to 4F). The tightening mechanism 24 then can be
further manipulated to tighten the third zone 15 adjacent to the
instep portion of the boot.
[0075] The stop guide devices shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, 3A to 3C and
4B to 4F may advantageously be made of a light and durable rigid or
semi-rigid material. For example, the stop guide and stop head may
be made of plastic, rubber, metal or a composite material that is
able to withstand tension forces associated with tensioning the
laces to secure the footwear to the foot, and forces that may occur
when a wearer uses the footwear to maneuver down a slope. In
addition, the stop head may be shaped to complement the shape of a
cable guide member that is affixed to a closure edge, or may be of
some other shape.
[0076] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a lace
tension system 100 for a sports boot 120. The boot upper includes
two opposed closure edges 114 and 116 that partially cover a tongue
118.
[0077] The lacing system 100 includes a cable 122, tightening
mechanism 124, opposing cable guide members 126, 127 (shown as
dotted lines because these cable guide members are embedded in the
upper) and cable guide members 128, 129, and a cable lock-out
device 130. The cable 122 is threaded in a crossing pattern along
the midline of the boot over the tongue 118 between the two
generally parallel closure edges 114 and 116. The cable guide
members 126, 127 and 128, 129 and the cable lock-out device 130
include channels or passageways therethrough for accommodating the
cable 122, and can be made of a rigid or durable plastics rubber or
composite material. Although not shown, one or more cable guide
members may also be present along the toe area of the boot. The
cable guide members are affixed to the closure edges 114 and 116 in
a known manner. The cable 122 may be one continuous loop that
begins and terminates at the tightening mechanism 124. The cable
guide members and cable may be made of the materials described
above.
[0078] FIG. 5B is an enlarged front view of the cable lock-out
device 130 shown in FIG. 5A. The cable lock-out device includes a
base 131, twist-tightening mechanisms 132, threaded tubes 134, stop
bumpers 136 and channel guides 138.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 5A, the cable lock-out device
accommodates the cable 122 at a cross-over position over a forefoot
zone 125. The cable passes freely through channels located in the
body 131, channel guides 138, threaded tubes 134 and stop bumpers
136. A wearer adjusts the lock-out device 130 to assume a lock-out
position by twisting the twist tightening mechanism 132 to adjust
the length "S" (see FIG. 5B) between the body edge 133 and stop
bumper edge 137. The edge 137 of the stop bumper 136 contacts a
surface of the cable guide members 128 and/or 129 to prevent the
closure edges 114 and/or 116 from advancing towards each other
while the boot 120 is being tightened or when the boot is in use
during an athletic activity, for example. A user can turn the twist
tightening mechanism 132 to elongate or shorten the threaded tube
134 which increases or decreases the length "S" to vary the
lock-out distances between the closure edges 114 and 116. Thus, if
the wearer has a relatively wide forefoot, he would increase the
length "S" by adjusting one or both of the threaded tubes 134 of
the cable lock-out device 130 which is located in the forefoot zone
125 in FIG. 5A. In an implementation, the length "S" on one side of
the cable lock-out device can be varied from about 0.5 to 1.5
inches.
[0080] It should be understood that the cable lock-out device could
be used in other locations as well, such as in the upper cuff zone
123, where the cable 122 crosses over the tongue. In addition, two
or more cable lock-out devices could be used on a boot, and/or
could be used in conjunction with other types of stop devices such
as those described above.
[0081] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the cable lock-out
device 130 of FIG. 5B. In this implementation, the body 131 is made
of molded plastic and includes channels to permit the cable 122 to
freely move therethrough. The twist-tightening mechanisms 132
include threaded sleeves 135 that can be twisted or turned by a
wearer to either elongate or retract the threaded tubes 134 to vary
the length "S" between the stop bumper edges 137 and the body edge
133. Conventionally, the twist-tightening mechanisms are turned in
a clockwise manner to extend the threaded tube, and turned in a
counter-clockwise manner to retract the threaded tube. The wearer
can therefore control the distance between the closure edges 114
and 116 of the boot by adjusting the twist-tightening mechanisms
132.
[0082] FIG. 5D illustrates an alternate implementation of a cable
lock-out device 140. This implementation includes a body 141, four
twist tightening mechanisms 142, four threaded tubes 144 and four
stop bumpers 146. The cable 122 moves freely through the channels
within the cable lock-out device 140. The lock-out device 140
provides a wearer with more adjustment options than the cable
lock-out device 130 with respect to preventing the boot closure
edges 114 and 116 in a zone or area from advancing towards each
other.
[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another alternate embodiment of a
lace tension system 200 for a sports boot 220. The sport boot 220
includes an upper lateral flap 202 and a lower lateral flap 204 on
a side of the boot opposite an intermediate medial flap 206
positioned over a tongue 218. A tightening mechanism 224 is affixed
to the upper lateral flap 202. A first cable 221 is operable to
urge edge 203 of the upper flap 202 towards the edge 205. A second
cable 222 is operable to urge edge 207 of the lower flap towards
the edge 208. The lace tension system 200 may also include embedded
cable guide numbers 226, 227 and 228 shown as dotted lines in FIG.
6, and includes cable-end tightening devices 230.
[0084] FIG. 7A is an enlarged, perspective view of cable-end
tightening device 230. The cable-end tightening device 230 includes
a twist-tightening mechanism 232, threaded member 234 and end
section 236. The end section 236 includes an aperture 238 for
accommodating a rivet, screw or other fastener to affix the
cable-end tightening device 230 to the boot. FIG. 7B is an
enlarged, top view of the cable-end device 230 of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C
is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the cable-end tightener 230
of FIGS. 7A and/or 7B. The threaded member 234 is connected to an
end of cable 221 or 222 and meshes with teeth 233 of the
twist-tightening mechanism 232. The end section 236 includes a
free-spinning connector portion 237. Thus, when in use, a wearer
turns or twists the mechanism 232 in a first direction to either
pull cable 222 towards the end section 236 to tighten the cable
system, or turns the mechanism in a second, opposite direction to
extend the cable to loosen the cable system. Typically, the
mechanism 232 is turned in a clockwise manner to tighten the cable,
and turned counter-clockwise to loosen the cable. In an
implementation, the threaded member 234 and teeth section 233 are
about one-inch long to permit about one-inch of cable length
adjustment.
[0085] Referring again to FIG. 6, the tightening mechanism 224 is
configured to be used to separately tighten or loosen the upper
flap 202 and lower flap 204 by reeling in or letting out the first
cable 221 and/or second cable 222. Thus, the lace tension system
200 utilizes two separate cables to provide adjustment capability
for two different zones. In addition, FIG. 6 shows protective flaps
231 which can be used to cover the cable-end tightening mechanism
230.
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another variation of a lace tension
system 300 for a sports boot 320. The boot upper includes two
opposed closure edges 314 and 316 that partially cover a tongue
318. The lacing system 300 includes a cable 322, tightening
mechanism 324, and cable guide members (not shown, but the cable
guide members may be embedded within the boot upper and include
channels to permit the cable to slide freely therethrough). Also
included are fit adjustment elements 330 which can be positioned
between opposing cable guide members. The fit adjustment elements
330 do not require any tools in order to be adjusted, have tracks
334 shown affixed to the tongue 318, and operate to prevent the
closure edges 314 and 316 from advancing toward each other.
[0087] FIG. 9A is an enlarged top or front view of a fit adjustment
element 330 of FIG. 8. The fit adjustment element includes a stop
hook 332, a toothed track 334 and at least one fastener 336 to
affix the track to the tongue 318. The stop hook 332 can be
adjusted along the length of the track 334 by a wearer as shown by
arrow "B" so that it to engages the closure edge 316 when in use. A
rivet 336 or other fastener may function to limit the travel of the
stop hook 332 so that it cannot be moved past the mid-line of the
tongue, for example.
[0088] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional side view of a fit adjustment
element 330. As shown, the toothed track 334 is attached to a
tongue 318 by a rivet 336. In this implementation, the stop hook
332 include at least one tooth 333 on each of a pair of flexible
arms 331 that can be positioned to engage with the teeth of the
toothed track 334. The arms 331 of the stop hook 332 connect under
the toothed track 334 to create a pivot mechanism. A user presses
downward on the rear handle portion 335 to cause a pivoting action
that disengages the teeth 333 from the toothed track 334 and lifts
the stop hook 332 to reposition it by sliding the stop hook along
the toothed track 334. Once a desired position is reached the user
presses the stop hook towards the toothed track so that the teeth
333 will engage therewith. When the stop hook 332 is engaged, it
prevents the closure edge 316 from moving toward the opposite
closure edge 314 (see FIG. 8). As the wearer reels in the cable 322
to tighten the boot about the foot, the closure edges contact the
stop hooks 332 which then securely engage with the toothed
track.
[0089] Referring again to FIG. 8, two pairs of fit adjustment
elements 330 are shown, one to regulate the fit about an upper cuff
area 340 and another to regulate the fit about a forefoot area 350.
But one skilled in the art would recognize that other
configurations, which may utilize more or less adjustment fit
elements, could be used to provide fit adjustment options for a
wearer.
[0090] FIG. 10 is another embodiment of a lace tension system 400
for a sports boot 420. The boot 420 includes two opposed closure
edges 414 and 416 that cover the edges of a tongue 418. The lacing
system includes cables 421 and 422, a tightening mechanism 424 and
cable guide members (not shown, but the cable guide member may be
embedded within the boot upper and include channels to permit the
cable to slide freely therethrough). Also included are cable length
adjustment devices 430 that are affixed to the tongue 418 by known
methods, such as by stitching or by adhesive means. The adjustment
devices 430 include a plurality of end stations 432 that are
configured to mate with an end cap 423 of the cables 421 and 422.
FIG. 10A is an enlarged drawing illustrating a cable 421 having an
end cap 423. In the implementation of FIG. 10, the tightening
mechanism 424 is operable to tighten or loosen the first cable 421
and the second cable 422. The first cable 421 operates to adjust
the fit of a lower portion 440, and the cable 421 is routed
straight downward through the tongue 418 so that flexing of the
ankle of a wearer during use does not affect the fit of the lower
boot. The second cable 422 is operable to adjust the fit of an
upper portion of 450 of the boot. This cable 422 follows a
serpentine path as shown by arrows 422a and terminates at an end
station 432 adjacent the tightening mechanism 424. A wearer
utilizes the end station 432 of the adjustment device 430 to adjust
the length of one or both cables 421 and 422.
[0091] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a cable length
adjustment device 530. The adjustment device includes one end
station 532 for accommodating an end cap 423 (see FIG. 10A) of a
cable 422, and a serpentine path 534 for use in adjusting the cable
length. As shown, only a portion of the serpentine path 534 has
been used in FIG. 11. Thus, the length of the cable can be varied
depending on whether some, none or all of the serpentine path is
used. The cable length adjustment device 530 may be made of molded
plastic, rubber or a durable composite material, and may be
stitched or otherwise attached to the tongue or other portion of an
article of footwear.
[0092] It should be noted that the lace tension systems shown in
FIGS. 6 and 10 utilize two separate cables to separately adjust two
zones on an article of footwear, whereas the systems of FIGS. 1, 4
and 8 may utilize one continuous cable but are operable for
adjustment of multiple zones. One of skill in the art would
recognize that other configurations are possible that could use
one, two or more cables for adjustment of one or more zones.
[0093] The tightening mechanism in the implementations shown in the
figures generally includes a circular housing and a circular knob
rotatably mounted thereon. The knob may be rotated in a clockwise
manner to wind the ends of the lace into the housing onto a spool
or spools to thereby tension the lace and to reduce the slack in
the lacing system. The tightening mechanism may include an internal
gearing mechanism that allows a wearer to manually turn the knob to
retract the lace. The internal mechanism may also be configured to
permit incremental winding to retain predetermined amounts of lace
as the knob is turned, and may include a ratchet mechanism or other
arrangement to resist unwinding of the spool. The knob may be
turned manually by a wearer, or a small motor may be included to
provide turning power. In order to loosen the laces, a release
lever may be provided to disengage the spool from the internal
gearing mechanism to unravel the lace so that the closure edges can
be separated and the wearer can remove her foot from the boot.
[0094] The footwear lacing systems described herein advantageously
allow users to adjust the boot closure edge to closure edge
distance of one or more zones to obtain a customized fit. The low
friction cable along with the low friction cable guides and/or
cross guide members allow for easy sliding of the cable within the
guides. Use of low friction materials on the surface of the tongue
also facilitates movement of the closure edges as the cable is
tightened.
[0095] Although particular implementations have been described, it
should be understood that one of skill in the art could make many
changes or modifications that would fall within the scope of the
invention. For example, the various type of stop devices, cable
guide members, cross guide members, cable lock-out devices,
cable-end tightening devices and other described devices could be
used with one another in various combinations, and could be used
with one or more cables to provide a lace tension system.
* * * * *