U.S. patent application number 15/458824 was filed with the patent office on 2018-04-26 for deformable lace guides for automated footwear platform.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric P. Avar, Travis Berrian, Katelyn Bruce, Narissa Chang, Fanny Yung Ho, Daniel A. Johnson, Elizabeth A. Kilgore, Peter R. Savage, Summer L. Schneider.
Application Number | 20180110294 15/458824 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61971388 |
Filed Date | 2018-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180110294 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Summer L. ; et
al. |
April 26, 2018 |
DEFORMABLE LACE GUIDES FOR AUTOMATED FOOTWEAR PLATFORM
Abstract
Systems and apparatus related to footwear including a modular
lacing engine are discussed. In this example, the lace guide is
deformable to assist in facilitating automated lace tightening. The
lace guide can include a middle section, a first extension and a
second extension. In this example, the lace guide can be configured
to define a first route for a lace cable, the first route including
receiving the lace cable along the first incoming lace axis and
expelling the lace cable along the first outgoing lace axis. In
this example, the lace guide can also deflect, in response to
tension on the lace cable, resulting in defining a second route for
the lace cable, the second route including receiving the lace cable
along a second incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable
along a second outgoing lace axis.
Inventors: |
Schneider; Summer L.;
(Portland, OR) ; Chang; Narissa; (Portland,
OR) ; Johnson; Daniel A.; (Portland, OR) ;
Savage; Peter R.; (Aloha, OR) ; Berrian; Travis;
(Beaverton, OR) ; Ho; Fanny Yung; (Portland,
OR) ; Avar; Eric P.; (Lake Oswego, OR) ;
Kilgore; Elizabeth A.; (Portland, OR) ; Bruce;
Katelyn; (Hillsboro, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61971388 |
Appl. No.: |
15/458824 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62413142 |
Oct 26, 2016 |
|
|
|
62424301 |
Nov 18, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0005 20130101;
A43B 13/14 20130101; A43C 3/02 20130101; A43B 3/0015 20130101; A43B
23/0245 20130101; A43C 11/00 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101; A43C
1/06 20130101; A43C 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 23/02 20060101
A43B023/02; A43C 1/00 20060101 A43C001/00; A43B 13/14 20060101
A43B013/14; A43B 3/00 20060101 A43B003/00; A43C 11/16 20060101
A43C011/16 |
Claims
1. A lace guide comprising: a middle section including an internal
channel curved at a first radius and dimensioned to receive a lace
cable; a first extension extending from a first end of the middle
section defining a first incoming lace axis along at least a
portion of the internal channel extending through the first
extension, the first extension configured to receive the lace cable
through a lace reception opening opposite the first end of the
middle section; and a second extension extending from a second end
of the middle section defining a first outgoing lace axis along at
least a portion of the internal channel extending through the
second extension, the second extension configured to receive the
lace cable from the middle section and route the lace cable through
a lace exit opening along the first outgoing lace axis; wherein the
lace guide is configured to define a first route for a lace cable,
the first route including receiving the lace cable along the first
incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along the first
outgoing lace axis; wherein the lace guide deflects, in response to
tension on the lace cable, resulting in defining a second route for
the lace cable, the second route including receiving the lace cable
along a second incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable
along a second outgoing lace axis.
2. The lace guides of claim 1, wherein the lace guide in defining
the first route induces a pre-tension in the lace cable.
3. The lace guide of claim 1, wherein the lace guide includes a
medial axis intersecting an apex of the middle section and aligned
between the first incoming lace axis and the first outgoing lace
axis; wherein the tension on the lace cable generates a resultant
force vector aligned with the medial axis; and wherein deflection
of the lace guide is symmetric about the medial axis.
4. The lace guide of claim 1, wherein the lace guide includes a
medial axis intersecting an apex of the middle section and aligned
between the first incoming lace axis and the first outgoing lace
axis; wherein the tension on the lace cable causing deflection in
the lace guide generates a resultant force vector that is not
aligned with the medial axis; and wherein the deflection of the
lace guide is not symmetric about the medial axis.
5. The lace guide of claim 1, wherein the internal channel is a
tubular structure defining a cylindrical cross-section extending
through at least the middle section.
6. The lace guide of claim 5, wherein the first extension and the
second extension both extend the tubular structure of the internal
channel.
7. The lace guide of claim 1, wherein the middle section includes a
first modulus of elasticity, the first extension includes a second
modulus of elasticity, and the second extension includes a third
modulus of elasticity.
8. The lace guide of claim 7, wherein the second modulus of
elasticity is substantially the same as the third modulus of
elasticity resulting in the first extension and the second
extension flexing substantially the same amount in response to the
tension on the lace cable being aligned with a medial axis of the
lace guide.
9. The lace guide of claim 1, wherein the internal channel is an
open channel structure defining a u-shaped cross-section extending
through at least the middle section.
10. The lace guide of claim 9, wherein the first extension and the
second extension both extend the open channel structure of the
internal channel.
11. The lace guides of claim 10, wherein the lace cable is loaded
into the lace guide through the open channel structure of the
internal channel.
12. A footwear assembly comprising: a footwear upper including a
toe box portion, a medial side, a lateral side, and a heel portion,
the medial side and the lateral side each extending proximally from
the toe box portion to the heel portion; a lace cable with a first
end anchored along a distal outside portion of the medial side and
a second end anchored along a distal outside portion of the lateral
side; and a plurality of deformable lace guides distributed along
the medial side and the lateral side, each deformable lace guide of
the plurality of deformable lace guides adapted to receive a length
of the lace cable, wherein each deformable lace guide forms a first
shape in response to a first tension on the lace cable and a second
shape in response to a second tension on the lace cable, and
wherein each deformable lace guide operates to contribute to the
first tension in the first shape.
13. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein the second tension
is greater than the first tension and the change in tension is
generated by a shortening of an overall length of the lace
cable.
14. The footwear assembly of claim 13, wherein deformation from the
first shape to the second shape of each deformable lace guide of
the plurality of deformable lace guides operates to flatten out a
cable tension versus shortening length curve.
15. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein each deformable lace
guide is a tubular structure having a cylindrical
cross-section.
16. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein each deformable lace
guide of the plurality of deformable lace guides is a U-shaped lace
guide including a curved middle section, a first extension
extending from a first end of the middle section, and a second
extension extending from a second end of the middle section.
17. The footwear assembly of claim 16, wherein the first extension,
the middle section, and second extension all deform substantially
uniformly in response to a change in tension from the first tension
to the second tension.
18. The footwear assembly of claim 16, wherein the first extension
and the second extension deform substantially uniformly in response
to a change in tension from the first tension to the second
tension.
19. The footwear assembly of claim 18, wherein the middle section
exhibits negligible deformation between the first shape and the
second shape in response to the change in tension.
20. The footwear assembly of claim 12, wherein a first deformable
lace guide of the plurality of deformable lace guides includes a
first modulus of elasticity resulting in formation of the first
shape in response to the first tension and the second shape in
response to the second tension; and wherein a second deformable
lace guide of the plurality of deformable lace guides includes a
second modulus of elasticity resulting in formation of a third
shape in response to the first tension and a fourth shape in
response to the second tension.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/413,142, filed on Oct.
26, 2016, and of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/424,301, filed on Nov. 18, 2016, the benefit of priority of each
of which is claimed hereby, and each of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
[0002] The following specification describes various aspects of a
footwear assembly involving a lacing system including a motorized
or non-motorized lacing engine, footwear components related to the
lacing engines, automated lacing footwear platforms, and related
manufacturing processes. More specifically, much of the following
specification describes various aspects of lacing architectures
(configurations) and lace guides for use in footwear including
motorized or non-motorized lacing engines for centralized lace
tightening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale,
like numerals may describe similar components in different views.
Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent
different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate
generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various
embodiments discussed in the present document.
[0004] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of components of a
portion of a footwear assembly with a motorized lacing system,
according to some example embodiments.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a top-view diagram illustrating a lacing
architecture for use with footwear assemblies including a motorized
lacing engine, according to some example embodiments.
[0006] FIGS. 3A-3C are top-view diagrams illustrating a flattened
footwear upper with a lacing architecture for use in footwear
assemblies including a motorized lacing engine, according to some
example embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a footwear
upper with a lacing architecture for use in footwear assemblies
including a motorized lacing engine, according to some example
embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a footwear
upper with a lacing architecture for use in footwear assemblies
including a motorized lacing engine, according to some example
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a footwear
upper with a lacing architecture for use in footwear assemblies
including a motorized lacing engine, according to some example
embodiments.
[0010] FIGS. 7A-7B are diagrams illustrating a portion of a
footwear upper with a lacing architecture for use in footwear
assemblies including a motorized lacing engine, according to some
example embodiments.
[0011] FIGS. 7C-7D are diagrams illustrating deformable lace guides
for use in footwear assemblies, according to some example
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 7E is a graph illustrating various torque versus lace
displacement curves for deformable lace guides, according to some
example embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 8A-8G are diagrams illustrating a lacing guide for use
in certain lacing architectures, according to some example
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly
process for assembly of footwear including a lacing engine,
according to some example embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly
process for assembly of footwear including a lacing engine,
according to some example embodiments.
[0016] Any headings provided herein are merely for convenience and
do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the terms used or
discussion under the heading.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The concept of self-tightening shoe laces was first widely
popularized by the fictitious power-laced Nike.RTM. sneakers worn
by Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future II, which was
released back in 1989. While Nike.RTM. has since released at least
one version of power-laced sneakers similar in appearance to the
movie prop version from Back to the Future II, the internal
mechanical systems and surrounding footwear platform employed do
not necessarily lend themselves to mass production or daily use.
Additionally, other previous designs for motorized lacing systems
comparatively suffered from problems such as high cost of
manufacture, complexity, assembly challenges, and poor
serviceability. The present inventors have developed a modular
footwear platform to accommodate motorized and non-motorized lacing
engines that solves some or all of the problems discussed above,
among others. In order to fully leverage the modular lacing engine
discussed briefly below and in greater detail in co-pending
Application Ser. No. 62/308,686, titled "LACING APPARATUS FOR
AUTOMATED FOOTWEAR PLATFORM," the present inventors developed a
lacing architectures discussed herein. The lacing architectures
discussed herein can solve various problems experienced with
centralized lace tightening mechanisms, such as uneven tightening,
fit, comfort, and performance. The lacing architectures provide
various benefits, including smoothing out lace tension across a
greater lace travel distance and enhanced comfort while maintaining
fit performance. One aspect of enhanced comfort involves a lacing
architecture that reduces pressure across the top of the foot.
Example lacing architectures can also enhance fit and performance
by manipulating lace tension both a medial-lateral direction as
well as in an anterior-posterior (front to back) direction. Various
other benefits of the components described below will be evident to
persons of skill in the relevant arts.
[0018] The lacing architectures discussed were developed
specifically to interface with a modular lacing engine positioned
within a mid-sole portion of a footwear assembly. However, the
concepts could also be applied to motorized and manual lacing
mechanisms disposed in various locations around the footwear, such
as in the heel or even the toe portion of the footwear platform.
The lacing architectures discussed include use of lace guides that
can be formed from tubular plastic, metal clip, fabric loops or
channels, plastic clips, and open u-shaped channels, among other
shapes and materials. In some examples, various different types of
lacing guides can be mixed to perform specific lace routing
functions within the lacing architecture.
[0019] The motorized lacing engine discussed below was developed
from the ground up to provide a robust, serviceable, and
inter-changeable component of an automated lacing footwear
platform. The lacing engine includes unique design elements that
enable retail-level final assembly into a modular footwear
platform. The lacing engine design allows for the majority of the
footwear assembly process to leverage known assembly technologies,
with unique adaptions to standard assembly processes still being
able to leverage current assembly resources.
[0020] In an example, the modular automated lacing footwear
platform includes a mid-sole plate secured to the mid-sole for
receiving a lacing engine. The design of the mid-sole plate allows
a lacing engine to be dropped into the footwear platform as late as
at a point of purchase. The mid-sole plate, and other aspects of
the modular automated footwear platform, allow for different types
of lacing engines to be used interchangeably. For example, the
motorized lacing engine discussed below could be changed out for a
human-powered lacing engine. Alternatively, a fully automatic
motorized lacing engine with foot presence sensing or other
optional features could be accommodated within the standard
mid-sole plate.
[0021] Utilizing motorized or non-motorized centralized lacing
engines to tighten athletic footwear presents some challenges in
providing sufficient performance without sacrificing some amount of
comfort. Lacing architectures discussed herein have been designed
specifically for use with centralized lacing engines, and are
designed to enable various footwear designs from casual to
high-performance.
[0022] This initial overview is intended to introduce the subject
matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to
provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the various
inventions disclosed in the following more detailed
description.
Automated Footwear Platform
[0023] The following discusses various components of the automated
footwear platform including a motorized lacing engine, a mid-sole
plate, and various other components of the platform. While much of
this disclosure focuses on lacing architectures for use with a
motorized lacing engine, the discussed designs are applicable to a
human-powered lacing engine or other motorized lacing engines with
additional or fewer capabilities. Accordingly, the term "automated"
as used in "automated footwear platform" is not intended to only
cover a system that operates without user input. Rather, the term
"automated footwear platform" includes various electrically powered
and human-power, automatically activated and human activated
mechanisms for tightening a lacing or retention system of the
footwear.
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustration of components of a
motorized lacing system for footwear, according to some example
embodiments. The motorized lacing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1
includes a lacing engine 10, a lid 20, an actuator 30, a mid-sole
plate 40, a mid-sole 50, and an outsole 60. FIG. 1 illustrates the
basic assembly sequence of components of an automated lacing
footwear platform. The motorized lacing system 1 starts with the
mid-sole plate 40 being secured within the mid-sole. Next, the
actuator 30 is inserted into an opening in the lateral side of the
mid-sole plate opposite to interface buttons that can be embedded
in the outsole 60. Next, the lacing engine 10 is dropped into the
mid-sole plate 40. In an example, the lacing system 1 is inserted
under a continuous loop of lacing cable and the lacing cable is
aligned with a spool in the lacing engine 10 (discussed below).
Finally, the lid 20 is inserted into grooves in the mid-sole plate
40, secured into a closed position, and latched into a recess in
the mid-sole plate 40. The lid 20 can capture the lacing engine 10
and can assist in maintaining alignment of a lacing cable during
operation.
[0025] In an example, the footwear article or the motorized lacing
system 1 includes or is configured to interface with one or more
sensors that can monitor or determine a foot presence
characteristic. Based on information from one or more foot presence
sensors, the footwear including the motorized lacing system 1 can
be configured to perform various functions. For example, a foot
presence sensor can be configured to provide binary information
about whether a foot is present or not present in the footwear. If
a binary signal from the foot presence sensor indicates that a foot
is present, then the motorized lacing system 1 can be activated,
such as to automatically tighten or relax (i.e., loosen) a footwear
lacing cable. In an example, the footwear article includes a
processor circuit that can receive or interpret signals from a foot
presence sensor. The processor circuit can optionally be embedded
in or with the lacing engine 10, such as in a sole of the footwear
article.
Lacing Architectures
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view diagram of upper 200 illustrating an
example lacing configuration, according to some example
embodiments. In this example, the upper 205 includes lateral lace
fixation 215, medial lace fixation 216, lateral lace guides 222,
medial lace guides 220, and brio cables 225, in additional to lace
210 and lacing engine 10. The example illustrated in FIG. 2
includes a continuous knit fabric upper 205 with diagonal lacing
pattern involving non-overlapping medial and lateral lacing paths.
The lacing paths are created starting at the lateral lace fixation
215 running through the lateral lace guides 222 through the lacing
engine 10 up through the medial lace guides 220 back to the medial
lace fixation 216. In this example, lace 210 forms a continuous
loop from lateral lace fixation 215 to medial lace fixation 216.
Medial to lateral tightening is transmitted through brio cables 225
in this example. In other examples, the lacing path may crisscross
or incorporate additional features to transmit tightening forces in
a medial-lateral direction across the upper 205. Additionally, the
continuous lace loop concept can be incorporated into a more
traditional upper with a central (medial) gap and lace 210
crisscrossing back and forth across the central gap.
[0027] FIGS. 3A-3C are top-view diagrams illustrating a flattened
footwear upper 305 with a lacing architecture 300 for use in
footwear assemblies including a motorized lacing engine, according
to some example embodiments. For the purposes of discussing example
footwear uppers, the upper 305 is assumed to be designed for
incorporation into a right foot version of a footwear assembly.
FIG. 3A is a top-view diagram of a flattened footwear upper 305
with a lacing architecture 300 as illustrated. In this example,
footwear upper 305 includes a series of lace guides 320A-320J
(collectively referred to as lace guide(s) 320) with a lace cable
310 running through the lace guides 320. The lace cable 310, in
this example, forms a loop that is terminated on each side of the
upper 305 at a lateral lace fixation 345A and a medial lace
fixation 345B (collectively referred to as lace fixation points
345) with the middle portion of the loop routed through a lacing
engine within a mid-sole of the footwear assembly. The upper 305
also includes reinforcements associated with each of the series of
lace guides 320. The reinforcements can cover individual lace
guides or span multiple lace guides. In this example, the
reinforcements include a central reinforcement 325, a first lateral
reinforcement 335A, a first medial reinforcement 335B, a second
lateral reinforcement 330A, a second medial reinforcement 330B. The
middle portion of the lace cable 310 is routed to and/or from the
lacing engine via a lateral rear lace guide 315A and a medial rear
lace guide 315B, and exits and/or enters the upper 300 through a
lateral lace exit 340A and a medial lace exit 340B.
[0028] The upper 305 can include different portions, such as a
forefoot (toe) portion 307, a mid-foot portion 308, and a heel
portion 309. The forefoot portion 307 corresponding with joints
connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The
mid-foot point 308 may correspond with an arch area of the foot.
The heel portion 309 may correspond with the rear or heel portions
of the foot. The medial and lateral sides of the mid-foot portion
of the upper 305 can include a central portion 306. In some common
footwear designs the central portion 306 can include an opening
spanned by crisscrossing (or similar) pattern of laces that allows
for the fit of the footwear upper around the foot to be adjusted. A
central portion 306 including an opening also facilitates entry and
removal of the foot from the footwear assembly.
[0029] The lace guides 320 are tubular or channel structures to
retain the lace cable 310, while routing the lace cable 310 through
a pattern along each of a lateral side and a medial side of the
upper 305. In this example, the lace guides 320 are u-shaped
plastic tubes laid out in an essentially sinusoidal wave pattern,
which cycles up and down along the medial and lateral sides of the
upper 305. The number of cycles completed by the lace cable 310 may
vary depending on shoe size. Smaller sized footwear assemblies may
only be able to accommodate one and one half cycles, with the
example upper 305 accommodating two and one half cycles before
entering the medial rear lace guide 315B or the lateral rear lace
guide 315A. The pattern is described as essentially sinusoidal, as
in this example at least, the u-shape guides have a wider profile
than a true sine wave crest or trough. In other examples, a pattern
more closely approximating a true sine wave pattern could be
utilized (without extensive use of carefully curved lace guides, a
true sine wave is not easily attained with a lace stretched between
lace guides). The shape of the lace guides 320 can be varied to
generate different torque versus lace displacement curves, where
torque is measured at the lacing engine in the mid-sole of the
shoe. Using lace guides with tighter radius curves, or including a
higher frequency of wave pattern (e.g., greater number of cycles
with more lace guides), can result in a change to the torque versus
lace displacement curve. For example, with tighter radius lace
guides the lace cable experiences higher friction, which can result
in a higher initial torque, which may appear to smooth out the
torque out over the torque versus lace displacement curve. However,
in certain implementations it may be more desirable to maintain a
low initial torque level (e.g., by keep friction within the lace
guides low) while utilizing lace guide placement pattern or lace
guide design to assist in smoothing the torque versus lace
displacement curve. One such lace guide design is discussed in
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, with another alternative lace guide
design discussed in reference to FIGS. 8A through 8G. In addition
to the lace guides discussed in reference to these figures, lace
guides can be fabricated from plastics, polymers, metal, or fabric.
For example, layers of fabric can be used to create a shaped
channel to route a lace cable in a desired pattern. As discussed
below, combinations of plastic or metal guides and fabric overlays
can be used to generate guide components for use in the discussed
lacing architectures.
[0030] Returning to FIG. 3A, the reinforcements 325, 335, and 330
are illustrated associated with different lace guides, such as lace
guides 320. In an example, the reinforcements 335 can include
fabric impregnated with a heat activated adhesive that can be
adhered over the top of lace guides 320G, 320H, a process sometimes
referred to as hot melt. The reinforcements can cover a number of
lace guides, such as reinforcement 325, which in this example
covers six upper lace guides positioned adjacent to a central
portion of the footwear, such as central portion 306. In another
example, the reinforcement 325 could be split down the middle of
the central portion 306 to form two pieces covering lace guides
along a medial side of the central portion 306 separately from lace
guides along a lateral side of the central portion 306. In yet
another alternative example, the reinforcement 325 could be split
into six separate reinforcements covering individual lace guides.
Use of reinforcements can vary to change the dynamics of
interaction between the lace guides and the underlying footwear
upper, such as upper 305. Reinforcements can also be adhered to the
upper 305 in various other manners, including sewing, adhesives, or
a combination of mechanisms. The manner of adhering the
reinforcement in conjunction with the type of fabric or materials
used for the reinforcements can also impact the friction
experienced by the lace cable running through the lace guides. For
example, a more rigid material hot melted over otherwise flexible
lace guides can increase the friction experienced by the lace
cable. In contrast, a flexible material adhered over the lace
guides may reduce friction by maintaining more of the lace guide
flexibility.
[0031] As mentioned above, FIG. 3A illustrates a central
reinforcement 325 that is a single member spanning the medial and
lateral upper lace guides (320A, 320B, 320E, 320F, 320I, and 320J).
Assuming reinforcement 325 is more rigid material with less
flexibility than the underlying footwear upper, upper 305 in this
example, the resulting central portion 306 of the footwear assembly
will exhibit less forgiving fit characteristics. In some
applications, a more rigid, less forgiving, central portion 306 may
be desirable. However, in applications where more flexibility
across the central portion 306 is desired, the central
reinforcement 325 can be separated into two or more reinforcements.
In certain applications, separated central reinforcements can be
coupled across the central portion 306 using a variety of flexible
or elastic materials to enable a more form fitting central portion
306. In some examples, the upper 305 can have a small gap running
the length of the central portion 306 with one or more elastic
members spanning the gap and connecting multiple central
reinforcements, such as is at least partially illustrated in FIG. 4
with lace guide 410 and elastic member 440.
[0032] FIG. 3B is another top-view diagram of the flattened
footwear upper 305 with a lacing architecture 300 as illustrated.
In this example, footwear upper 305 includes a similar lace guide
pattern including lace guides 320 with modifications to the
configuration of reinforcements 325, 330, and 335. As discussed
above, the modifications to the reinforcements configuration will
result in at least slightly different fit characteristics and may
also change the torque versus lace displacement curve.
[0033] FIG. 3C is a series of lacing architecture examples
illustrated on flattened footwear uppers according to example
embodiments. Lace architecture 300A illustrates a lace guide
pattern similar to the sine wave pattern discussed in reference to
FIG. 3A with individual reinforcements covering each individual
lace guide. Lace architecture 300B once again illustrates a wave
lacing pattern, also referred to as parachute lacing, with
elongated reinforcements covering upper lace guide pairs spanning
across a central portion and individual lower lace guides. Lace
architecture 300C is yet another wave lacing pattern with a single
central reinforcement. Lace architecture 300D introduces a
triangular shaped lace pattern with individual reinforcements cut
to form fit over the individual lace guides. Lace architecture 300E
illustrates a variation in reinforcement configuration in the
triangular lace pattern. Finally, lace architecture 300F
illustrates another variation in reinforcement configuration
including a central reinforcement and consolidated lower
reinforcements.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a footwear
upper 405 with a lacing architecture 400 for use in footwear
assemblies including a motorized lacing engine, according to some
example embodiments. In this example, a medial portion of upper 405
is illustrated with lace guides 410 routing lace cable 430 through
to medial exit guide 435. Lace guides 410 are encapsulated in
reinforcements 420 to form lace guide components 415, with at least
a portion of the lace guide components being repositionable on
upper 405. In one example, the lace guide components 415 are backed
with hook-n-loop material and the upper 405 provides a surface
receptive to the hook-n-loop material. In this example, the lace
guide components 415 can be backed with the hook portion with the
upper 405 providing a knit loop surface to receive the lace guide
components 415. In another example, lace guide components 415 can
have a track interface integrated to engage with a track, such as
track 445. A track-based integration can provide a secure, limited
travel, movement option for lace guide components 415. For example,
track 445 runs essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the central portion 450 and allows for positioning a lace guide
component 415 along the length of the track. In some examples, the
track 445 can span across from a lateral side to a medial side to
hold a lace guide component on either side of central portion 450.
Similar tracks can be positioned in appropriate places to hold all
of the lace guide components 415, enabling adjustment in
restrictions directions for all lace guides on footwear upper
405.
[0035] The footwear upper 405 illustrates another example lacing
architecture including central elastic members, such as elastic
member 440. In these examples, at least the upper lace guide
components along the medial and lateral sides can be connected
across the central portion 450 with elastic members that allow for
different footwear designs to attain different levels of fit and
performance. For example, a high performance basketball shoe that
needs to secure a foot through a wide range of lateral movement may
utilize elastic members with a high modulus of elasticity to ensure
a snug fit. In another example, a running shoe may utilize elastic
members with a low modulus of elasticity, as the running shoe may
be designed to focus on comfort for long distance road running
versus providing high levels of lateral motion containment. In
certain examples, the elastic members 440 can be interchangeable or
include a mechanism to allow for adjustment of the level of
elasticity. As discussed above, in some examples the footwear
upper, such as upper 405, can include a gap along central portion
450 at least partially separating a medial side from a lateral
side. Even with a small gap along central portion 450 elastic
members, such as elastic member 440, can be used to span the
gap.
[0036] While FIG. 4 only illustrates a single track 445 or a single
elastic member 440, these elements can be replicated for any or all
of the lace guides in a particular lacing architecture.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a portion of footwear upper
405 with lacing architecture 400 for use in footwear assemblies
including a motorized lacing engine, according to some example
embodiments. In this example, the central portion 450 illustrated
in FIG. 4 is replaced with a central closure mechanism 460, which
is illustrated in this example as a central zipper 465. The central
closure mechanism is designed to enable a wider opening in the
footwear upper 405 for easy entry and exit. The central zipper 465
can be easily unzipped to enable foot entry or exit. In other
examples, the central closure 460 can be hook and loop, snaps,
clasps, toggles, secondary laces, or any similar closure
mechanism.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of footwear upper
405 with a lacing architecture 600 for use in footwear assemblies
including a motorized lacing engine, according to some example
embodiments. In this example, lacing architecture 600 adds a heel
lacing component 615 including a heel lacing guide 610 and a heel
reinforcement 620 as well as a heel redirect guide 610 and a heel
exit guide 635. The heel redirect guide 610 shifts the lace cable
430 from exiting the last lace guide 410 towards a heel lacing
component 615. The heel lacing component 615 is formed from a heel
lacing guide 610 with a heel reinforcement 620. The heel lacing
guide 610 is depicted with a similar shape to lacing guides used in
other locations on upper 405. However, in other examples the heel
lacing guide 610 can be other shapes or include multiple lace
guides. In this example, the heel lace component 615 is shown
mounted on a heel track 645 allowing for adjustability of the
location of the heel lace component 615. Similar to the adjustable
lace guides discussed above, other mechanisms can be utilized to
enable adjustment in positioning of the heel lace component 615,
such as hook and loop fasteners or comparable fastening
mechanisms.
[0039] In some examples, the upper 405 includes a heel ridge 650,
which like the central portion 450 discussed above can include a
closure mechanism. In examples with a heel closure mechanism, the
heel closure mechanism is designed to provide easy entry and exit
from the footwear by expanding a traditional footwear assembly foot
opening. Additionally, in some examples, the heel lacing component
615 can be connected across the heel ridge 650 (with or without a
heel closure mechanism) to a matching heel lacing component on the
opposite side. The connection can include an elastic member,
similar to elastic member 440.
[0040] FIG. 7A-7B are diagrams illustrating a portion of footwear
upper 405 with a lacing architecture 700 for use in footwear
assemblies including a motorized lacing engine, according to some
example embodiments. In this example, the lacing architecture 700
includes lace guides 710 for routing lace 730. The lace guides 710
can include associated reinforcements 720. In this example, the
lace guides 710 are configured to allow for flexing of portions of
the lace guides 710 from an open initial position illustrated in
FIG. 7A to a flexed closed position illustrated in FIG. 7B (with
phantom lines illustrating the opposition positions in each figure
for reference). In this example, the lace guides 710 include
extension portions that exhibit flex of approximately 14 degrees
between the open initial position and the closed position. Other
examples, can exhibit more or less flex between an initial and
final position (or shape) of the lace guide 710. The flexing of the
lace guides 710 occurs as the lace 730 is tightened. The flexing of
the lace guides 710 works to smooth out the torque versus lace
displacement curve by applying some initial tension to the lace 730
and providing an additional mechanism to dissipate lace tension
during the tightening process. Accordingly, in an initial shape or
flex position, lace guide 710 creates some initial tension in the
lace cable, which also functions to take up slack in the lace
cable. When tightening of the lace cable begins, the lace guide 710
flexes or deforms
[0041] The lace guides 710, in this example, are plastic or polymer
tubes and can have different modulus of elasticity depending upon
the particular composition of the tubes. The modulus of elasticity
of the lace guides 710 along with the configuration of the
reinforcements 720 will control the amount of additional tension
induced in the lace 730 by flexing of the lace guides 710. The
elastic deformation of the ends (legs or extensions) of the lace
guides 710 induces a continued tension on the lace 730 as the lace
guides 710 attempt to return to original shape. In some examples,
the entire lace guide flexes uniformly over the length of the lace
guide. In other examples, the flex occurs primarily within the
u-shaped portion of the lace guide with the extensions remaining
substantially straight. In yet other examples, the extensions
accommodate most of the flex with the u-shaped portion remaining
relatively fixed.
[0042] The reinforcements 720 are adhered over the lace guides 710
in a manner that allows for movement of the ends of the lace guides
710. In some examples, reinforcements 720 are adhered through the
hot melt process discussed above, with the placement of the heat
activated adhesive allowing for an opening to enable flex in the
lace guides 710. In other embodiments, the reinforcements 720 can
be sewed into place or use a combination of adhesives and
stitching. How the reinforcements 720 are adhered or structured can
affect what portion of the lace guide flexes under load from the
lace cable. In some examples, the hot melt is concentrated around
the u-shaped portion of the lace guide leaving the extensions
(legs) more free to flex.
[0043] FIGS. 7C-7D are diagrams illustrating deformable lace guides
710 for use in footwear assemblies, according to some example
embodiments. In this example, lace guides 710 introduced above in
reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B are discussed in additional detail.
FIG. 7C illustrates the lace guide 710 in a first (open) state,
which can be considered a non-deformed state. FIG. 7D illustrates
the lace guide 710 in a second (closed/flexed) state, which can be
considered a deformed state. The lace guide 710 can include three
different sections, such as a middle section 712, a first extension
714, and a second extension 716. The lace guide 710 can also
include a lace reception opening 740 and a lace exit opening 742.
As mentioned above, lace guide 710 can have different modulus of
elasticity, which controls the level of deformation with a certain
applied tension. In some examples, the lace guide 710 can be
constructed with different sections having different modulus of
elasticity, such as the middle section 712 having a first modulus
of elasticity, the first extension having a second modulus of
elasticity and the second extension having a third modulus of
elasticity. In certain examples, the second and third moduli of
elasticity can be substantially similar, resulting in the first
extension and the second extension flexing or deforming in a
similar manner. In this example, substantially similar can be
interpreted as the moduli of elasticity being within a few
percentage points of each other. In some examples, the lace guide
710 can have a variable modulus of elasticity shifting from a high
modulus at the apex 746 to a low modulus towards the outer ends of
the first extension and the second extension. In these examples,
the modulus can vary based on wall thickness of the lace guide
710.
[0044] The lace guide 710 defines a number of axes useful is
describing how the deformable lace guide functions. For example,
the first extension 714 can define an first incoming lace axis 750,
which aligns with at least an outer portion of an inner channel
defined within the first extension 714. The second extension 716
defines an first outgoing lace axis 760, which aligns with at least
an outer portion of an inner channel defined within the second
extension 716. Upon deformation, the lace guide 710 defines a
second incoming lace axis 752 and a second outgoing lace axis 762,
which are each aligned with respective portions of the first
extension and the second extension. The lace guide 710 also
includes a medial axis 744 that intersects the lace guide 710 at
the apex 746 and is equidistant from the first extension and the
second extension (assuming a symmetrical lace guide in a
non-deformed state as illustrated in FIG. 7C).
[0045] FIG. 7E is a graph 770 illustrating various torque versus
lace displacement curves for deformable lace guides, according to
some example embodiments. As discussed above, one of the benefits
achieved using lace guides 710 involves modifying torque (or lace
tension) versus lace displacement (or shortening) curves. Curve 776
illustrates a torque versus displacement curve for a non-deformable
lace guide used in an example lacing architecture. The curve 776
illustrates how laces experience a rapid increase in tension over a
short displacement near the end of the tightening process. In
contrast, curve 778 illustrates a torque versus displacement curve
for a first deformable lace guide used in an example lacing
architecture. The cure 778 begins in a fashion similar to curve
776, but as the lace guides deform with additional lace tension the
curve is flattened, resulting in tension increasing over a larger
lace displacement. Flattening out the curves allows for more
control of fit and performance of the footwear for the end
users.
[0046] The final example is split into three segments, an initial
tightening segment 780, an adaptive segment 782, and a reactive
segment 784. The segments 780, 782, 784 may be utilized in any
circumstance where the torque and resultant displacement is
desired. However, the reactive segment 784 may particularly be
utilized in circumstances where the motorized lacing engine makes
sudden changes or corrections in the displacement of the lace in
reaction to unanticipated external factors, e.g., the wearer has
abruptly stopped moving, resulting in a relatively high load on the
lace. The adaptive segment 782, by contrast, may be utilized when
more gradual displacement of the lace may be utilized because a
change in the load on the lace may be anticipated, e.g., because
the change in load may be less sudden or a change in activity is
input into the motorized lacing engine by the wearer or the
motorized lacing engine is able to anticipate a change in activity
through machine learning. The deformable lace guide design
resulting in this final example, is designed to create the adaptive
segment 782 and reactive segment 784 through lace guide structural
design (such as channel shape, material selection, or a combination
parameters). The lacing architecture and lace guides producing the
final example, also produce a pre-tension in the lace cable
resulting in the illustrated initial tightening segment 780.
[0047] FIGS. 8A-8F are diagrams illustrating an example lacing
guide 800 for use in certain lacing architectures, according to
some example embodiments. In this example, an alternative lace
guide with an open lace channel is illustrated. The lacing guide
800 described below can be substituted into any of the lacing
architectures discussed above in reference to lace guide 410, heel
lace guide 610, or even the medial exit guide 435. All of the
various configurations discussed above will not be repeated here
for the sake of brevity. The lacing guide 800 includes a guide tab
805, a stitch opening 810, a guide superior surface 815, a lace
retainer 820, a lace channel 825, a channel radius 830, a lace
access opening 840, a guide inferior surface 845, and a guide
radius 850. Advantages of an open channel lace guide, such as
lacing guide 800, include the ability to easily route the lace
cable after installation of the lace guides on the footwear upper.
With tubular lace guides as illustrated in many of the lace
architecture examples discussed above, routing the lace cable
through the lace guides is most easily accomplish before adhering
the lace guides to the footwear upper (not to say it cannot be
accomplished later). Open channel lace guides facilitate simple
lace routing by allowing the lace cable to simply be pushed pass
the lace retainer 820 after the lace guides 800 are positioned on
the footwear upper. The lacing guide 800 can be fabricated from
various materials including metal or plastics.
[0048] In this example, the lacing guide 800 can be initially
attached to a footwear upper through stitching or adhesives. The
illustrated design includes a stitch opening 810 that is configured
to enable easy manual or automated stitching of lacing guide 800
onto a footwear upper (or similar material). Once lacing guide 800
is attached to the footwear upper, lace cable can be routed by
simply pulling a loop of lace cable into the lace channel 825. The
lace access opening 840 extends through the inferior surface 845 to
provide a relief recess for the lace cable to get around the lace
retainer 820. In some examples, the lace retainer 820 can be
different dimensions or even be split into multiple smaller
protrusions. In an example, the lace retainer 820 can be narrower
in width, but extend further towards or even into access opening
840. In some examples, the access opening 840 can also be different
dimensions, and will usually somewhat mirror the shape of lace
retainer 820 (as illustrated in FIG. 8F). In this example, the
channel radius 830 is designed to correspond to, or be slightly
larger then, the diameter of the lace cable. The channel radius 830
is one of the parameters of the lacing guide 800 that can control
the amount of friction experienced by the lace cable running
through the lacing guide 800. Another parameter of lacing guide 800
that impacts friction experienced by the lace cable includes guide
radius 850. The guide radius 850 also may impact the frequency or
spacing of lace guides positioned on a footwear upper.
[0049] FIG. 8G is a diagram illustrating a portion of footwear
upper 405 with a lacing architecture 890 using lacing guides 800,
according to some example embodiments. In this example, multiple
lacing guides 800 are arranged on a lateral side of footwear upper
405 to form half of the lacing architecture 890. Similar to lacing
architectures discussed above, lacing architecture 890 uses lacing
guides 800 to form a wave pattern or parachute lacing pattern to
route the lace cable. One of the benefits of this type of lacing
architecture is that lace tightening can produce both later-medial
tightening as well as anterior-posterior tightening of the footwear
upper 405.
[0050] In this example, lacing guides 800 are at least initially
adhered to upper 405 through stitching 860. The stitching 860 is
shown over or engaging stitch opening 810. One of the lacing guide
800 is also depicted with a reinforcement 870 covering the lacing
guide. Such reinforcements can be positioned individually over each
of the lacing guides 800. Alternatively, larger reinforcements
could be used to cover multiple lacing guides. Similar to the
reinforcements discussed above, reinforcement 870 can be adhered
through adhesives, heat-activated adhesives, and/or stitching. In
some examples, reinforcement 870 can be adhered using adhesives
(heat-activated or not) and a vacuum bagging process that uniformly
compresses the reinforcement over the lacing guide. A similar
vacuum bagging process can also be used with reinforcements and
lacing guides discussed above. In other examples, mechanical
presses or similar machines can be used to assist with adhering
reinforcements over lacing guides.
[0051] Once all of the lacing guides 800 are initially positioned
and attached to footwear upper 405, the lace cable can be routed
through the lacing guides. Lace cable routing can begin with
anchoring a first end of the lace cable at lateral anchor point
470. The lace cable can then be pulled into each lace channel 825
starting with the anterior most lacing guide and working
posteriorly towards the heel of upper 405. Once the lace cable is
routed through all lacing guides 800, reinforcements 870 can be
optionally adhered over each of the lacing guides 800 to secure
both the lacing guides and the lace cable.
Assembly Processes
[0052] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly
process 900 for assembly of footwear including a lacing engine,
according to some example embodiments. In this example, the
assembly process 900 includes operations such as: obtaining
footwear upper, lace guides, and lace cable at 910; routing lace
cable through tubular lace guides at 920; anchoring a first end of
the lace cable at 930; anchoring a second end of lace cable at 940;
positioning lace guides at 950; securing lace guides at 960; and
integrating upper with footwear assembly at 970. The process 900
described in further detail below can include some or all of the
process operations described and at least some of the process
operations can occur at various locations and/or using different
automated tools.
[0053] In this example, the process 900 begins at 910 by obtaining
a footwear upper, a plurality of lace guides, and a lace cable. The
footwear upper, such as upper 405, can be a flattened footwear
upper separated from the remainder of a footwear assembly (e.g.,
sole, mid-sole, outer cover, etc. . . . ). The lace guides in this
example include tubular plastic lace guides as discussed above, but
could also include other types of lace guides. At 920, the process
900 continues with the lace cable being routed (or threaded)
through the plurality of lace guides. While the lace cable can be
routed through the lace guides at a different point in the assembly
process 900, when using tubular lace guides routing the lace
through the lace guides prior to assembly onto the footwear upper
may be preferable. In some examples, the lace guides can be
pre-threaded onto the lace cable, with process 900 beginning with
multiple lace guides already threaded onto the lace obtained during
the operation at 910.
[0054] At 930, the process 900 continues with a first end of the
lace cable being anchored to the footwear upper. For example, lace
cable 430 can be anchored along a lateral edge of upper 405. In
some examples, the lace cable may be temporary anchored to the
upper 405 with a more permanent anchor accomplished during
integration of the footwear upper with the remaining footwear
assembly. At 940, the process 900 can continue with a second end of
the lace cable being anchored to the footwear upper. Like the first
end of the lace cable, the second end can be temporarily anchored
to the upper. Additionally, the process 900 can optionally delay
anchoring of the second end until later in the process or during
integration with the footwear assembly.
[0055] At 950, the process 900 continues with the plurality of lace
guides being positioned on the upper. For example, lace guides 410
can be positioned on upper 405 to generate the desired lacing
pattern. Once the lace guides are positioned, the process 900 can
continue at 960 by securing the lace guides onto the footwear
upper. For example, the reinforcements 420 can be secured over lace
guides 410 to hold them in position. Finally, the process 900 can
complete at 970 with the footwear upper being integrated into the
remainder of the footwear assembly, including the sole. In an
example, integration can include positioning the loop of lace cable
connecting the lateral and medial sides of the footwear upper in
position to engage a lacing engine in a mid-sole of the footwear
assembly.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a footwear assembly
process 1000 for assembly of footwear including a plurality of
lacing guides, according to some example embodiments. In this
example, the assembly process 1000 includes operations such as:
obtaining footwear upper, lace guides, and lace cable at 1010;
securing lacing guides on footwear upper at 1020; anchoring a first
end of the lace cable at 1030; routing lace cable through the lace
guides at 1040; anchoring a second end of lace cable at 1050;
optionally securing reinforcements over the lace guides at 1060;
and integrating upper with footwear assembly at 1070. The process
1000 described in further detail below can include some or all of
the process operations described and at least some of the process
operations can occur at various locations and/or using different
automated tools.
[0057] In this example, the process 1000 begins at 1010 by
obtaining a footwear upper, a plurality of lace guides, and a lace
cable. The footwear upper, such as upper 405, can be a flattened
footwear upper separated from the remainder of a footwear assembly
(e.g., sole, mid-sole, outer cover, etc. . . . ). The lace guides
in this example include open channel plastic lacing guides as
discussed above, but could also include other types of lace guides.
At 1020, the process 1000 continues with the lacing guides being
secured to the upper. For example, lacing guides 800 can be
individually stitched in position on upper 405.
[0058] At 1030, the process 1000 continues with a first end of the
lace cable being anchored to the footwear upper. For example, lace
cable 430 can be anchored along a lateral edge of upper 405. In
some examples, the lace cable may be temporary anchored to the
upper 405 with a more permanent anchor accomplished during
integration of the footwear upper with the remaining footwear
assembly. At 1040, the process 1000 continues with the lace cable
being routed through the open channel lace guides, which includes
leaving a lace loop for engagement with a lacing engine between the
lateral and medial sides of the footwear upper. The lace loop can
be a predetermined length to ensure the lacing engine is able to
properly tighten the assembled footwear.
[0059] At 1050, the process 1000 can continue with a second end of
the lace cable being anchored to the footwear upper. Like the first
end of the lace cable, the second end can be temporarily anchored
to the upper. Additionally, the process 1000 can optionally delay
anchoring of the second end until later in the process or during
integration with the footwear assembly. In certain examples,
delaying anchoring of the first and/or second end of the lace cable
can allow for adjustment in overall lace length, which may be
useful during integration of the lacing engine.
[0060] At 1060, the process 1000 can optionally include an
operation for securing fabric reinforcements (covers) over the lace
guides to further secure them to the footwear upper. For example,
lacing guides 800 can have reinforcements 870 hot melted over the
lacing guides to further secure the lacing guides and the lace
cable. Finally, the process 1000 can complete at 1070 with the
footwear upper being integrated into the remainder of the footwear
assembly, including the sole. In an example, integration can
include positioning the loop of lace cable connecting the lateral
and medial sides of the footwear upper in position to engage a
lacing engine in a mid-sole of the footwear assembly.
Examples
[0061] The present inventors have recognized, among other things, a
need for an improved lacing architecture for automated and
semi-automated tightening of shoe laces. This document describes,
among other things, example lacing architectures, example lace
guides used in the lacing architectures, and related assembly
techniques for automated footwear platforms. The following examples
provide a non-limiting examples of the actuator and footwear
assembly discussed herein.
[0062] Example 1 describes subject matter including a lace guide.
In this example, the lace guide is deformable to assist in
facilitating automated lace tightening. The lace guide can include
a middle section, a first extension and a second extension. The
middle section can include an internal channel curved at a first
radius and dimensioned to receive a lace cable. The first extension
can extend from a first end of the middle section defining a first
incoming lace axis along at least a portion of the internal channel
extending through the first extension. The first extension can be
configured to receive the lace cable through a lace reception
opening opposite the first end of the middle section. The second
extension can extend from a second end of the middle section
defining a first outgoing lace axis along at least a portion of the
internal channel extending through the second extension. The second
extension can be configured to receive the lace cable from the
middle section and route the lace cable through a lace exit opening
along the first outgoing lace axis. In this example, the lace guide
can be configured to define a first route for a lace cable, the
first route including receiving the lace cable along the first
incoming lace axis and expelling the lace cable along the first
outgoing lace axis. In this example, the lace guide can also
deflect, in response to tension on the lace cable, resulting in
defining a second route for the lace cable, the second route
including receiving the lace cable along a second incoming lace
axis and expelling the lace cable along a second outgoing lace
axis.
[0063] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 can optionally
include the lace guide inducing a pre-tension in the lace cable by
defining the first route.
[0064] In example 3, the subject matter of any one of examples 1
and 2 can optionally include the lace guide having a medial axis
intersecting an apex of the middle section and aligned between the
first incoming lace axis and the first outgoing lace axis. In this
example, tension on the lace cable can generate a resultant force
vector aligned with the medial axis, resulting in deflection of the
lace guide that is symmetric about the medial axis.
[0065] In example 4, the subject matter of any one of examples 1
and 2 can optionally include the lace guide having a medial axis
intersecting an apex of the middle section and being aligned
between the first incoming lace axis and the first outgoing lace
axis. In this example, tension on the lace cable causing deflection
in the lace guide can generate a resultant force vector that is not
aligned with the medial axis, resulting in deflection of the lace
guide that is not symmetric about the medial axis.
[0066] In example 5, the subject matter of any one of examples 1 to
4 can optionally include the internal channel being a tubular
structure defining a cylindrical cross-section extending through at
least the middle section.
[0067] In example 6, the subject matter of example 5 can optionally
include the first extension and the second extension both extending
the tubular structure of the internal channel.
[0068] In example 7, the subject matter of any one of examples 1 to
6 can optionally include the middle section having a first modulus
of elasticity, the first extension having a second modulus of
elasticity, and the second extension having a third modulus of
elasticity.
[0069] In example 8, the subject matter of example 7 can optionally
include the second modulus of elasticity being substantially the
same as the third modulus of elasticity resulting in the first
extension and the second extension flexing substantially the same
amount in response to tension on the lace cable being aligned with
a medial axis of the lace guide.
[0070] In example 9, the subject matter of any one of examples 1 to
8 can optionally include the internal channel being an open channel
structure defining a u-shaped cross-section extending through at
least the middle section.
[0071] In example 10, the subject matter of example 9 can
optionally include the first extension and the second extension
both extending the open channel structure of the internal
channel.
[0072] In example 11, the subject matter of example 10 can
optionally include the lace cable being loaded into the lace guide
through the open channel structure of the internal channel.
[0073] Example 12 describes subject matter including a footwear
assembly including a plurality of deformable lace guides. In this
example, the footwear assembly can include a footwear upper, a lace
cable, and a plurality of deformable lace guides. The footwear
upper can include a toe box portion, a medial side, a lateral side,
and a heel portion, where the medial side and the lateral side each
extend proximally from the toe box portion to the heel portion. The
lace cable can include a first end anchored along a distal outside
portion of the medial side and a second end anchored along a distal
outside portion of the lateral side. The plurality of deformable
lace guides can be distributed along the medial side and the
lateral side. Each deformable lace guide of the plurality of
deformable lace guides can be adapted to receive a length of the
lace cable. Each deformable lace guide can form a first shape in
response to a first tension on the lace cable and a second shape in
response to a second tension on the lace cable. In this example,
each deformable lace guide can operate to contribute to the first
tension in the first shape.
[0074] In example 13, the subject matter of example 12 can
optionally include the second tension being greater than the first
tension and the change in tension being generated by a shortening
of an overall length of the lace cable. In some examples, the
shortening of the overall length of the lace cable can be performed
by a motorized lacing engine within the footwear assembly.
[0075] In example 14, the subject matter of example 13 can
optionally include deformation from the first shape to the second
shape of each deformable lace guide of the plurality of deformable
lace guides operates to flatten out a cable tension versus
shortening length curve.
[0076] In example 15, the subject matter of any one of examples 12
to 14 can optionally include each deformable lace guide being a
tubular structure having a cylindrical cross-section.
[0077] In example 16, the subject matter of any one of examples 12
to 15 can optionally include each deformable lace guide of the
plurality of deformable lace guides being a U-shaped lace guide
including a curved middle section, a first extension extending from
a first end of the middle section, and a second extension extending
from a second end of the middle section.
[0078] In example 17, the subject matter of example 16 can
optionally include the first extension, the middle section, and
second extension all deforming substantially uniformly in response
to a change in tension from the first tension to the second
tension. In some examples, the first extension, middle section, and
second extension all have a similar modulus of elasticity.
[0079] In example 18, the subject matter of example 16 can
optionally include the first extension and the second extension
deforming substantially uniformly in response to a change in
tension from the first tension to the second tension. In this
example, the first extension and the second extension have a
similar modulus of elasticity.
[0080] In example 19, the subject matter of example 18 can
optionally include the middle section exhibiting negligible
deformation between the first shape and the second shape in
response to the change in tension.
[0081] In example 20, the subject matter of any one of examples 12
to 19 can optionally include a first deformable lace guide of the
plurality of deformable lace guides having a first modulus of
elasticity resulting in formation of the first shape in response to
the first tension and the second shape in response to the second
tension. In this example, a second deformable lace guide of the
plurality of deformable lace guides can have a second modulus of
elasticity resulting in formation of a third shape in response to
the first tension and a fourth shape in response to the second
tension.
Additional Notes
[0082] Throughout this specification, plural instances may
implement components, operations, or structures described as a
single instance. Although individual operations of one or more
methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one
or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently,
and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order
illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate
components in example configurations may be implemented as a
combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and
functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as
separate components. These and other variations, modifications,
additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject
matter herein.
[0083] Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has
been described with reference to specific example embodiments,
various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments
without departing from the broader scope of embodiments of the
present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject
matter may be referred to herein, individually or collectively, by
the term "invention" merely for convenience and without intending
to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single
disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact,
disclosed.
[0084] The embodiments illustrated herein are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. The disclosure, therefore, is not to be taken in a
limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments includes the
full range of equivalents to which the disclosed subject matter is
entitled.
[0085] As used herein, the term "or" may be construed in either an
inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be
provided for resources, operations, or structures described herein
as a single instance. Additionally, boundaries between various
resources, operations, modules, engines, and data stores are
somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated in a
context of specific illustrative configurations. Other allocations
of functionality are envisioned and may fall within a scope of
various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general,
structures and functionality presented as separate resources in the
example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure
or resource. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a
single resource may be implemented as separate resources. These and
other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall
within a scope of embodiments of the present disclosure as
represented by the appended claims. The specification and drawings
are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0086] Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or
can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or
more of the other examples.
[0087] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown or
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown or described are provided.
Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any
combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or
one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular
example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other
examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described
herein.
[0088] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document
and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this
document controls.
[0089] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of"at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In this
document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the
plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and
"wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including" and
"comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article,
composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in
addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still
deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the
following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc.
are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical
requirements on their objects.
[0090] Method (process) examples described herein, such as the
footwear assembly examples, can include machine or robotic
implementations at least in part.
[0091] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. An Abstract,
if provided, is included to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.72(b),
to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the
technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that
it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of
the claims. Also, in the above Description, various features may be
grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on
its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such
embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations
or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined
with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *