U.S. patent application number 17/083492 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-11 for lace routing pattern of a lacing system for an article of footwear.
The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Tiffany A. Beers, Andrew A. Owings.
Application Number | 20210037923 17/083492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005181304 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-11 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20210037923 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beers; Tiffany A. ; et
al. |
February 11, 2021 |
LACE ROUTING PATTERN OF A LACING SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF
FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A lace routing pattern for a lacing system for an article of
footwear is described. The lacing system is moved between opened
and closed positions by applying tension to segments of a lace
connected to a tensioning assembly of a tensioning system. Each of
the lace segments are arranged to extend between opposite sides of
a lacing area according to a different lace routing pattern. The
lace routing patterns have equal total closure distances for each
of the lace segments so that tension applied by the tensioning
system will be uniformly distributed through the lacing system and
the article of footwear.
Inventors: |
Beers; Tiffany A.;
(Portland, OR) ; Owings; Andrew A.; (Portland,
OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005181304 |
Appl. No.: |
17/083492 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16279064 |
Feb 19, 2019 |
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17083492 |
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15070173 |
Mar 15, 2016 |
10244822 |
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16279064 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/008 20130101;
A43C 1/003 20130101; A43C 11/165 20130101; A43C 1/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 1/00 20060101
A43C001/00; A43C 11/00 20060101 A43C011/00; A43C 11/16 20060101
A43C011/16 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; an upper,
secured to the sole structure, the upper forming a throat opening
and a lacing area bounded by a medial edge of the upper, a lateral
edge of the upper, the throat opening, and a forefoot region of the
upper, wherein the lacing architecture extends along a full length
of the lacing area from the throat opening to the forefoot region;
a tensioning assembly; a lace, comprising a first lace segment and
a second lace segment, the lace operatively coupled to the
tensioning system; wherein the first lace segment enters the lacing
area from the tensioning assembly, proximate the throat opening and
crosses over a first portion of the lacing area between the throat
opening and a midsection of the lacing area at least twice, wherein
the first lace segment has an end secured to the upper; and wherein
the second lace segment enters the lacing area, from the tensioning
assembly, proximate the midsection of the lacing area and crosses
over a second portion of the lacing area between the midsection and
the forefoot region at least twice, wherein the second lace segment
has an end secured to the upper.
2. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first
lace segment enters the lacing area proximate the medial edge.
3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the second
lace segment enters the lacing area proximate the medial edge.
4. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the first
lace segment crosses over the first portion three times.
5. The article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein the second
lacing segment crosses over the second portion three times.
6. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising
a plurality of lacing guides positioned proximate the lacing area,
each of the plurality of lacing guides receiving one of the first
lacing segment and the second lacing segment.
7. The article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein each of
the plurality of lacing guides extend across the lacing area.
8. The article of footwear according to claim 7, wherein at least
one of the plurality of lacing guides further partially extends
between the throat opening and the forefoot region.
9. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
and second lace segments are secured to one of a medial side and a
lateral side of the forefoot region of the upper.
10. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the first
lace segment overlaps the second lace segment on one of a medial
and a lateral side of the lacing area.
11. A method of making an article of footwear, comprising: securing
an upper to a sole structure, the upper forming a throat opening
and a lacing area bounded by a medial edge of the upper, a lateral
edge of the upper, the throat opening, and a forefoot region of the
upper, wherein the lacing architecture extends along a full length
of the lacing area from the throat opening to the forefoot region;
securing a tensioning assembly to at least one of the upper and the
sole structure; operatively coupling a lace to the tensioning
assembly, the lace comprising a first lace segment and a second
lace segment; routing the first lace segment within the lacing area
and securing an end of the first lace segment to the upper, wherein
the first lace segment enters the lacing area, from the tensioning
assembly, proximate the throat opening and crosses over a first
portion of the lacing area between the throat opening and a
midsection of the lacing area at least twice; and routing the
second lace segment within the lacing area and securing an end of
the second lace segment to the upper, wherein the second lace
segment enters lacing area, from the tensioning assembly, proximate
the midsection of the lacing area and crosses over a second portion
of the lacing area between the midsection and the forefoot region
at least twice.
12. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
11, wherein routing the end of the first lace segment includes
causing the first lace segment to enter the lacing area proximate
the medial edge.
13. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
12, wherein routing the second lace segment enters the lacing area
proximate the medial edge.
14. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
12, wherein routing the first lace segment causes the first lace
segment to cross over the first portion three times.
15. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
14, wherein routing the second lacing segment causes the second
lace segment to cross over the second portion three times.
16. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
11, further comprising positioning a plurality of lacing guides
proximate to the lacing area, each of the plurality of lacing
guides receiving one of the first lacing segment and the second
lacing segment.
17. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
16, wherein positioning the plurality of lace guides includes
extending each of the plurality of lacing guides extend across the
lacing area.
18. The method of making the article of footwear according to claim
17, wherein at least one of the plurality of lacing guides further
partially extends between the throat opening and the forefoot
region.
19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first and second
lace segments are secured to one of a medial side and a lateral
side of the forefoot region of the upper.
20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the first lace
segment overlaps the second lace segment on one of a medial and a
lateral side of the lacing area.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to articles of
footwear including lacing systems.
[0002] Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements:
an upper and a sole structure. The upper is often formed from a
plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet
layers, foam layers, leather, synthetic leather) that are stitched
or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the
footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More
particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over instep
and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the
foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also
incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as
well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void
within the upper.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, the invention provides a lacing system for an
article of footwear with a tensioning assembly. The lacing system
can include a lace. The lace includes a first lace segment and a
second lace segment. The first lace segment has a first end and a
second end. The first end can be attached to an upper of the
article of footwear on one of a medial side and a lateral side of
the upper. The second end can be connected to the tensioning
assembly. The second lace segment has a first end and a second end.
The first end can be attached to the upper of the article of
footwear on one of the medial side and the lateral side of the
upper. The second end can be connected to the tensioning assembly.
The lacing system can also include a lacing area extending from a
throat opening of the article of footwear in a longitudinal
direction towards an area proximate to a forefoot region of the
article of footwear. The lacing area extends between a medial edge
on the medial side of the upper and a lateral edge on the lateral
side of the upper. The first lace segment extends between the
medial edge and the lateral edge of the lacing area according to a
first routing pattern. The second lace segment extends between the
medial edge and the lateral edge of the lacing area according to a
second routing pattern. A total closure distance between the medial
edge and the lateral edge of the lacing area according to the first
routing pattern is approximately equal to a total closure distance
between the medial edge and the lateral edge of the lacing area
according to the second routing pattern.
[0004] In another aspect, the invention provides an article of
footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper with a lacing
area extending from a throat opening of the article of footwear in
a longitudinal direction towards an area proximate to a forefoot
region of the article of footwear. The lacing area extends between
a medial edge on a medial side of the upper and a lateral edge on a
lateral side of the upper. The article of footwear can also include
a tensioning assembly for adjusting tension of the lacing area of
the upper. The article of footwear can also include a lace. The
lace includes a first lace segment and a second lace segment. The
first lace segment extends between the medial edge and the lateral
edge of the lacing area according to a first routing pattern. The
second lace segment extends between the medial edge and the lateral
edge of the lacing area according to a second routing pattern. A
total closure distance between the medial edge and the lateral edge
of the lacing area according to the first routing pattern is
approximately equal to a total closure distance between the medial
edge and the lateral edge of the lacing area according to the
second routing pattern.
[0005] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention,
and be protected by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of an exemplary
embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic medial side view of the exemplary
embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic medial side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a lacing system with the article of footwear shown in
phantom;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic lateral side view of an exemplary
embodiment of a lacing system with the article of footwear shown in
phantom;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded view of the exemplary
embodiment of an article of footwear including a lacing system;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a representative diagram of lace routing patterns
of a lacing system for an article of footwear;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a representative enlarged top down view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lacing system for an article of
footwear;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a representative enlarged top down view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lacing system for an article of footwear
in an opened position and illustrating closure distances;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a representative enlarged top down view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lacing system for an article of footwear
in the process of closing;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a representative enlarged top down view of an
exemplary embodiment of a lacing system for an article of footwear
in a closed position;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment
of a tensioning system in a loosened condition; and
[0018] FIG. 12 is a representative view of an exemplary embodiment
of a tensioning system in a tightened condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic isometric view of an
exemplary embodiment of article of footwear 100 that is configured
with a tensioning system 300 for adjusting the tension of a lacing
system 130. In the current embodiment, article of footwear 100,
also referred to hereafter simply as article 100, is shown in the
form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, lacing
system 130 and/or tensioning system 300 may be used with any other
kind of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots,
soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes,
cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes
as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments
article 100 may be configured for use with various kinds of
non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to:
slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any
other kinds of footwear. As discussed in further detail below, a
tensioning system may not be limited to footwear and in other
embodiments a tensioning system could be used with various kinds of
apparel, including clothing, sportswear, sporting equipment and
other kinds of apparel. In still other embodiments, a tensioning
system may be used with braces, such as medical braces.
[0020] For reference purposes, article 100 may be divided into
three general regions: a forefoot region 10, a midfoot region 12,
and a heel region 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Forefoot region 10
generally includes portions of article 100 corresponding with the
toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges.
Midfoot region 12 generally includes portions of article 100
corresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel region 14
generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the
calcaneus bone. Article 100 also includes a medial side 16 and a
lateral side 18, which extend through each of forefoot region 10,
midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 and correspond with opposite
sides of article 100. More particularly, medial side 16 corresponds
with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces
toward the other foot), and lateral side 18 corresponds with an
outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from
the other foot). Forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel
region 14 and medial side 16, lateral side 18 are not intended to
demarcate precise areas of article 100. Rather, forefoot region 10,
midfoot region 12, and heel region 14, and medial side 16, lateral
side 18 are intended to represent general areas of article 100 to
aid in the following discussion. In addition to article 100,
forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 and
medial side 16, lateral side 18 may also be applied to a sole
structure, an upper, and individual elements thereof.
[0021] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are
also employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to
the illustrated embodiments. The term "lateral" or "lateral
direction" as used throughout this detailed description and in the
claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component
or element. For example, a lateral direction of article 100 may
extend between medial side 16 and lateral side 18. Additionally,
the term "longitudinal" or "longitudinal direction" as used
throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a
direction extending across a length or breadth of an element or
component (such as a sole structure or an upper). In some
embodiments, a longitudinal direction of article 100 may extend
from forefoot region 10 to heel region 14. It will be understood
that each of these directional adjectives may also be applied to
individual components of an article of footwear, such as an upper
and/or a sole structure. In addition, a vertical direction refers
to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal surface defined by the
longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. It will be
understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied
to various components shown in the embodiments, including article
100, as well as components of a tensioning system 300.
[0022] In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may include a
sole structure 110 and an upper 120. Generally, upper 120 may be
any type of upper. In particular, upper 120 may have any design,
shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article
100 is a basketball shoe, upper 120 could be a high top upper that
is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where
article 100 is a running shoe, upper 120 could be a low top
upper.
[0023] In some embodiments, sole structure 110 may be configured to
provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing
traction, sole structure 110 may attenuate ground reaction forces
when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking,
running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole
structure 110 may vary significantly in different embodiments to
include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures.
In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 110 can be
configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on
which sole structure 110 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces
include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf,
dirt, as well as other surfaces.
[0024] In different embodiments, sole structure 110 may include
different components. For example, sole structure 110 may include
an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In addition, in some
cases, sole structure 110 can include one or more cleat members or
traction elements that are configured to increase traction with a
ground surface.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure 110 is secured to
upper 120 and extends between the foot and the ground when article
100 is worn. Upper 120 defines an interior void within article 100
for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure 110.
The void is shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along a
lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the
foot, around the heel, and under the foot. Upper 120 may also
include a collar that is located in at least heel region 14 and
forms a throat opening 140. Access to the interior void of upper
120 is provided by throat opening 140. More particularly, the foot
may be inserted into upper 120 through throat opening 140, and the
foot may be withdrawn from upper 120 through throat opening
140.
[0026] In some embodiments, article 100 can include a lacing system
130. Lacing system 130 extends forward along the longitudinal
direction from the collar and throat opening 140 in heel region 14
over a lacing area 132 corresponding to an instep of the foot in
midfoot region 12 to an area adjacent to forefoot region 10. Lacing
area 132 also extends in the lateral direction between a lateral
edge 133 and a medial edge 134 on opposite sides of upper 120.
Lacing system 130 includes various components configured to secure
a foot within upper 120 of article 100 and, in addition to the
components illustrated and described herein, may further include
additional or optional components conventionally included with
footwear uppers.
[0027] In this embodiment, lacing system 130 includes a plurality
of strap members 136 that extend across portions of lacing area
132. Together with tensioning system 300 (described in detail
below), plurality of strap members 136 assist the wearer to modify
dimensions of upper 120 to accommodate the proportions of the foot.
In the exemplary embodiments, plurality of strap members 136 extend
laterally across lacing area 132 between lateral edge 133 and
medial edge 134 at various lace positions. As will be further
described below, lacing system 130 and tensioning system 300,
including strap members 136 and a lace 340, permit the wearer to
tighten upper 120 around the foot, and to loosen upper 120 to
facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the interior void
(i.e., through throat opening 140).
[0028] In some embodiments, upper 120 includes a tongue 138 that
extends over a foot of a wearer when disposed within article 100 to
enhance the comfort of article 100. In this embodiment, tongue 138
extends through lacing area 132 and can move within an opening
between opposite lateral edge 133 and medial edge 134 of upper 120.
In some cases, tongue 138 can extend between lace 340 and/or strap
members 136 to provide cushioning and disperse tension applied by
lace 340 or strap members 136 against a top of a foot of a wearer.
With this arrangement, tongue 138 can enhance the comfort of
article 100.
[0029] Some embodiments may include provisions for facilitating the
adjustment of an article to a wearer's foot, including tightening
and/or loosening the article around the wearer's foot. In some
embodiments, these provisions may include a tensioning system. In
some embodiments, a tensioning system may further include other
components that include, but are not limited to, a tensioning
member, lacing guides, a tensioning assembly, a housing unit, a
motor, gears, spools or reels, and/or a power source. Such
components may assist in securing, adjusting tension, and providing
a customized fit to a wearer's foot. These components and how, in
various embodiments, they may secure the article to a wearer's
foot, adjust tension, and provide a customized fit will be
explained further in detail below.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, article 100 includes an exemplary
embodiment of a tensioning system 300. Embodiments of tensioning
system 300 may include any suitable tensioning system, including
incorporating any of the systems disclosed in one or more of Beers
et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0068838,
now U.S. application Ser. No. 14/014,491, filed Aug. 20, 2013, and
titled "Motorized Tensioning System"; Beers, U.S. Patent
Application Publication Number 2014/0070042, now U.S. application
Ser. No. 14/014,555, filed Aug. 20, 2013 and titled "Motorized
Tensioning System with Sensors"; and Beers, U.S. Patent Application
Publication Number 2014/0082963, now U.S. application Ser. No.
14/032,524, filed Sep. 20, 2013 and titled "Footwear Having
Removable Motorized Adjustment System"; which applications are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety (collectively
referred to herein as the "Automatic Lacing cases").
[0031] In different embodiments, a tensioning system may include a
tensioning member. The term "tensioning member" as used throughout
this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component
that has a generally elongated shape and high tensile strength. In
some cases, a tensioning member could also have a generally low
elasticity. Examples of different tensioning members include, but
are not limited to: laces, cables, straps and cords. In some cases,
tensioning members may be used to fasten and/or tighten an article,
including articles of clothing and/or footwear. In other cases,
tensioning members may be used to apply tension at a predetermined
location for purposes of actuating some components or system.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning system 300 includes a
tensioning member in the form of a lace 340. Lace 340 is configured
to modify the dimensions of the interior void of upper 120 and to
thereby tighten (or loosen) upper 120 around a wearer's foot. In
one embodiment, lace 340 may be configured to move plurality of
strap members 136 of lacing system 130 so as to bring opposite
lateral edge 133 and medial edge 134 of lacing area 132 closer
together to tighten upper 120. Similarly, lace 340 may also be
configured to move plurality of strap members 136 in the opposite
direction to move lateral edge 133 and medial edge 134 further
apart to loosen upper 120. With this arrangement, lace 340 may
assist with adjusting tension and/or fit of article 100.
[0033] In some embodiments, lace 340 may be connected or joined to
strap members 136 so that movement of lace 340 is communicated to
plurality of strap members 136. For example, lace 340 may be
bonded, stitched, fused, or attached using adhesives or other
suitable mechanisms to attach portions of lace 340 extending across
lacing area 132 to each strap member of plurality of strap members
136. With this arrangement, when tension is applied to lace 340 via
tensioning system 300 to tighten or loosen lacing system 130, lace
340 can move strap members 136 between an open or closed
position.
[0034] In some embodiments, lace 340 may be configured to pass
through various lacing guides 342 that route lace 340 across
portions of upper 120. Lacing guides 342 can be configured to route
lace 340, including segments of lace 340, according to different
lace routing patterns, as will be described in more detail below.
In some cases, ends of lacing guides 340 may terminate adjacent to
lateral edge 133 and medial edge 134 of lacing area 132. In some
cases, lacing guides 342 may provide a similar function to
traditional eyelets on uppers. In particular, as lace 340 is pulled
or tensioned, lacing area 132 may generally constrict so that upper
120 is tightened around a foot. In one embodiment, lacing guides
342 may be routed or located between layers of the material forming
upper 120, including any interior layers or linings.
[0035] In some embodiments, lacing guides 342 may be used to
arrange lace 340 in a predetermined configuration or lace routing
pattern on upper 120 of article 100. Referring to FIGS. 3-6,
segments of lace 340 are arranged in exemplary lace routing
patterns on upper 120 to provide approximately equal total closure
distances for the configuration of each lace segment. In other
embodiments, lace 340 may be arranged, via lacing guides 342, in
different routing patterns or configurations.
[0036] In some embodiments, tensioning system 300 includes a
tensioning assembly 302 that is configured to adjust the tension of
components of lacing system 130, including lace 340 and/or strap
members 136, to secure, adjust, and modify the fit of article 100
around a wearer's foot. Tensioning assembly 302 may be any suitable
device for adjusting tension of a tensioning member, such as a lace
or strap, and can include any of the devices or mechanisms
described in the Automatic Lacing cases described above. In an
exemplary embodiment, tensioning assembly 302 is configured to wind
and/or unwind lace 340 to adjust tension within tensioning system
300. In some cases, tensioning assembly 302 can include a motor or
other device that is connected to lace 340 and is controllable to
wind and/or unwind lace 340. With this configuration, tensioning
assembly 302 is interconnected with lace 340 to permit lace 340 to
adjust the fit of upper 120 by opening or closing lacing system 130
when lace 340 is wound or unwound by tensioning assembly 302.
[0037] Some components of tensioning assembly 302 can be disposed
within a housing unit. In some embodiments, a housing unit can be
shaped so as to optimize the arrangement of components of
tensioning assembly 302. In one embodiment, tensioning assembly 302
can include a housing unit that has an approximately rectangular
shape. However, it should be understood that the shape and
configuration of the housing unit may be modified in accordance
with the type and configuration of tensioning assembly used within
tensioning system 300.
[0038] In some embodiments, tensioning assembly 302 of tensioning
system 300 may be located within a cavity 112 insole structure 110.
Sole structure 110 can include an upper surface 111 that is
disposed adjacent to upper 120 on a top of sole structure 110.
Upper surface 111 may be directly or indirectly attached or joined
to upper 120 or a component of upper 120 to secure sole structure
110 and upper 120 together. Sole structure 110 may also include a
lower surface or ground-engaging surface 113 that is disposed
opposite upper surface 111. Ground-engaging surface 113 may be an
outsole or other component of sole structure 110 that is configured
to be in contact with a ground surface when article 100 is
worn.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 112 is an opening in sole
structure 110 extending from upper surface 111 towards lower
surface 113. Tensioning assembly 302 of tensioning system 300 may
be inserted within cavity 112 from the top of sole structure 110.
In an exemplary embodiment, cavity 112 has an approximately
rectangular shape that corresponds with the rectangular shape of
the housing unit of tensioning assembly 302. In addition, cavity
112 may be of a similar size and dimension as tensioning assembly
302 so that tensioning assembly 302 conformably fits within cavity
112. With this arrangement, tensioning assembly 302 and related
components may be protected from contact with a ground surface by
lower surface 113 when article 100 is worn.
[0040] In addition, to facilitate lace 340 being able to tighten
and loosen tensioning system 300, ends of lace 340 are anchored to
upper 120 at different locations. As seen in FIG. 4, a first anchor
344 secures one end of lace 340 to upper 120 near or adjacent to
forefoot region 10 of upper 120 and a second anchor 346 secures the
opposite end of lace 340 to upper 120 at a location that is located
rearward in the longitudinal direction from first anchor 344
towards throat opening 140. First anchor 344 and second anchor 346
may be attached or joined to upper 120 may any suitable mechanism,
including, but not limited to, knotting, bonding, sewing,
adhesives, or other forms of attachment. By securing lace 340 to
upper 120 at first anchor 344 and second anchor 346, tension can
applied by tensioning assembly 302 to lace 340 to secure, adjust,
and modify the fit of article 100 around a wearer's foot.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of article 100,
including sole structure 110, upper 120, lacing system 130, and
tensioning system 300 are illustrated. In this embodiment, the
configuration of lace 340 through lacing guides 342 can be seen
according to two lace routing patterns extending across lacing area
132 at various locations of upper 120 between medial edge 134 on
medial side 16 and lateral edge 133 on lateral side 18.
[0042] In this embodiment, tensioning system 300 includes
tensioning assembly 302 and lace 340. In some cases, tensioning
assembly 302 can include a reel member (illustrated in FIGS. 11-12)
that is mechanically coupled to a motor (not shown). In some
embodiments, the motor could include an electric motor. However, in
other embodiments, the motor could comprise any kind of
non-electric motor known in the art. Examples of different motors
that can be used include, but are not limited to: DC motors (such
as permanent-magnet motors, brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors,
switched reluctance motors, etc.), AC motors (such as motors with
sliding rotors, synchronous electrical motors, asynchronous
electrical motors, induction motors, etc.), universal motors,
stepper motors, piezoelectric motors, as well as any other kinds of
motors known in the art.
[0043] Additionally, the motor can further include gears,
crankshafts, or other assemblies that can be used to drive one or
more components of tensioning assembly 302. For example, one or
more gears may be mechanically coupled to a reel member and may be
driven by a crankshaft of the motor to be rotated in opposite
directions around a central axis and thereby wind or unwind lace
340.
[0044] For purposes of reference, the following detailed
description uses the terms "first rotational direction" and "second
rotational direction" in describing the rotational directions of
one or more components about a central axis. For purposes of
convenience, the first rotational direction and the second
rotational direction refer to rotational directions about the
central axis of a shaft of a reel member and are generally opposite
rotational directions. The first rotational direction may refer to
the counterclockwise rotation of a component about the central
axis, when viewing the component from the vantage point of a first
end of the shaft. The second rotational direction may be then be
characterized by the clockwise rotation of a component about the
central axis, when viewing the component from the same vantage
point.
[0045] In some embodiments, tensioning assembly 302 may also
include provisions for powering the motor, including a power source
that may include a battery and/or control unit configured to power
and control tensioning assembly 302. The power source may be any
suitable battery of one or more types of battery technologies that
could be used to power the motor and tensioning system 302. One
possibly battery technology that could be used is a lithium polymer
battery. The battery (or batteries) could be rechargeable or
replaceable units packaged as flat, cylindrical, or coin shaped. In
addition, batteries could be single cell or cells in series or
parallel. Other suitable batteries and/or power sources may be used
to provide power to tensioning assembly 302.
[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing unit of tensioning
assembly 302 includes openings that permit lace 340 to enter into
tensioning assembly 302 and engage with the reel member. As shown
in FIG. 5, lace 340 includes two portions or segments that extend
out from tensioning assembly 302. As will be further described
below, each portion or segment of lace 340 may be arranged
according to a specific lace routing pattern across portions of
lacing area 132 of lacing system 130 so that each lace segment
encompasses a substantially similar total closure distance that is
equal to the take up distance of the lace segments when lace 340 is
wound within tensioning assembly 302 in a tightened condition.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of lace
routing patterns for lace 340 of lacing system 130 is illustrated.
In this embodiment, lace 340 includes a first lace segment 500 and
a second lace segment 502. First lace segment 500 and second lace
segment 502 are portions of lace 340 that extend from tensioning
assembly 302. Each of the lace segments of lace 340 are
interconnected with to tensioning assembly 302 at one end and
attached or connected to upper 120 at the opposite end. For
example, a first end of first lace segment 500 is attached to upper
120 at first anchor 344 and an opposite second end of first lace
segment 500 is interconnected with a reel member of tensioning
assembly 302. A first end of second lace segment 502 is attached to
upper 120 at second anchor 346 and an opposite second end of second
lace segment 502 is interconnected with the reel member of
tensioning assembly 302. In some embodiments, first lace segment
500 and second lace segment 502 may be disposed on opposite sides
of a flange of a reel member within tensioning system 302. The
flange of the reel member can include an aperture through which
lace 340 extends to interconnect lace 340 with tensioning system
302.
[0048] In this embodiment, a first routing pattern is associated
with first lace segment 500 and a second routing pattern is
associated with second lace segment 502. That is, first lace
segment 500 is configured to repeatedly extend across lacing area
132 between medial edge 134 on medial side 16 of upper 120 and
lateral edge 133 on lateral side 18 of upper 120 according to the
first routing pattern. Second lace segment 502 is configured to
repeatedly extend across lacing area 132 between medial edge 134 on
medial side 16 of upper 120 and lateral edge 133 on lateral side 18
of upper 120 according to the second routing pattern.
[0049] For the purposes of defining each location where first lace
segment 500 and/or second lace segment 502 crosses over lacing area
132 between medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133, lacing system 130
can include a plurality of lace positions. In an exemplary
embodiment, lacing system 130 includes a first lace position 601, a
second lace position 602, a third lace position 603, a fourth lace
position 604, a fifth lace position 605, and a sixth lace position
606. Each "lace position" represents a location on upper 120 where
first lace segment 500 and/or second lace segment 502 crosses
between lateral edge 133 and medial edge 134 of lacing area 132. In
some cases, each lace position may be associated with a
corresponding one strap member of plurality of strap members 136.
Providing strap members 136 at each lace position may provide
article 100 with a similar visual appearance as a conventional or
traditional shoe upper with conventional tied laces.
[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, first lace position 601 is
disposed adjacent to throat opening 140 of article 100, second lace
position 602 is disposed forward of first lace position 601 in the
longitudinal direction, third lace position 603 disposed forward of
second lace position 602 in the longitudinal direction, fourth lace
position 604 disposed forward of third lace position 603 in the
longitudinal direction, fifth lace position 605 is disposed forward
of fourth lace position 604 in the longitudinal direction, and
sixth lace position 606 is disposed forward of fifth lace position
605 in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, first lace position
601, second lace position 602, third lace position 603, fourth lace
position 604, fifth lace position 605, and sixth lace position 606
extend in sequential order from throat opening 140 towards forefoot
region 10 at the front or toe end of article 100.
[0051] In some embodiments, the distribution of tension throughout
upper 120 provided by tensioning system 300 to lacing system 130
can be determined by the lace routing pattern of lace 340, or
segments of lace 340, across lacing area 132. In this embodiment,
the first routing pattern of first lace segment 500 extends between
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 through
first lace position 601, third lace position 603, and sixth lace
position 606. The second routing pattern of second lace segment 502
extends between medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area
132 through second lace position 602, fourth lace position 604, and
fifth lace position 605. In different embodiments, the lace routing
patterns of segments of lace 340, or segments of lace 340, may be
configured according to specific arrangements to alter or change
the behavior or characteristics of lacing system 130 and/or
tensioning system 300.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, the first routing pattern of
first lace segment 500 extends from tensioning assembly 302 through
first lace position 601 and across lacing area 132 from medial edge
134 to lateral edge 133. From first lace position 601, the first
routing pattern of first lace segment 500 extends forward in the
longitudinal direction from first lace position 601 to third lace
position 603 on lateral side 18 of upper 120. At third lace
position 603, the first routing pattern of first lace segment 500
extends across lacing area 132 from lateral edge 133 to medial edge
134. From third lace position 603 on medial side 16 of upper 120,
the first routing pattern of first lace segment 500 extends forward
in the longitudinal direction to sixth lace position 606. The first
routing pattern of first lace segment 500 extends back across
lacing area 132 from medial edge 134 to lateral edge 133. Finally,
the first end of first lace segment 500 is secured to upper 120 on
lateral side 18 at first anchor 344.
[0053] The second routing pattern of second lace segment 502
extends from tensioning assembly 302 through fourth lace position
604 and across lacing area 132 from medial edge 134 to lateral edge
133. From fourth lace position 604, the second routing pattern of
second lace segment 502 extends rearward in the longitudinal
direction from fourth lace position 604 to second lace position 602
on lateral side 18 of upper 120. At second lace position 602, the
second routing pattern of second lace segment 502 extends across
lacing area 132 from lateral edge 133 to medial edge 134. From
second lace position 602 on medial side 16 of upper 120, the second
routing pattern of second lace segment 502 extends forward in the
longitudinal direction to fifth lace position 605. The second
routing pattern of second lace segment 502 extends back across
lacing area 132 from medial edge 134 to lateral edge 133 through
fifth lace position 605. Finally, the first end of second lace
segment 502 is secured to upper 120 on lateral side 18 at second
anchor 346.
[0054] As can be seen in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, lacing guides 342 may
include portions that extend over other portions of lacing guides
342 to route first lace segment 500 and/or second lace segment 502
according to the first routing pattern and the second routing
pattern. For example, when extending to fifth lace position 605,
the second routing pattern of second lace segment 502 can cross
over the portion of lacing guides 342 that route second lace
segment 502 through fourth lace position 604. As seen in FIG. 3, on
medial side 16 of upper 120 and in FIG. 4 on lateral side 18 of
upper 120, lacing guides 342 receive first lace segment 500 and
second lace segment 502 and are arranged within upper 120 to route
first lace segment 500 and second lace segment 502 according to the
first routing pattern and the second routing pattern. In other
embodiments, lacing guides 342 can be arranged differently to route
segments of lace 340 according to a different routing pattern.
[0055] In some embodiments, the first routing pattern and the
second routing pattern can be selected so that a total closure
distance between medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing
area 132 according to the first routing pattern is approximately
equal to a total closure distance between medial edge 134 and
lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the second routing
pattern. In addition, a take up distance of first lace segment 500
by tensioning assembly 302 in a tightened condition is
approximately equal to a take up distance of second lace segment
502 by tensioning assembly 302 in the tightened condition. With the
lace routing patterns according to the present embodiments, the
take up distance of first lace segment 500 is approximately equal
to the total closure distance between medial edge 134 and lateral
edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the first routing pattern.
Similarly, the take up distance of second lace segment 502 is
approximately equal to the total closure distance medial edge 134
and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the second
routing pattern. With this arrangement, tension within upper 120 of
article 100 may be approximately uniformly distributed across
lacing system 130 by tensioning system 300.
[0056] FIGS. 7 through 10 illustrate enlarged views of lacing area
132 of upper 120 with lacing system 130 in various states between a
closed position and an opened position. In the present embodiments,
the closed position of lacing system 130 may correspond with the
tightened condition of tensioning system 300 and can include lace
340, or segments thereof, being wound. Similarly, the open position
of lacing system 130 may correspond with the loosened condition of
tensioning system 300 and can include lace 340, or segments
thereof, being unwound.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7, as described above, lacing system
130 includes lacing area 132 and tongue 138 disposed between medial
edge 134 on medial side 16 of upper 120 and lateral edge 133 on
lateral side 18 of upper 120. Tongue 138 can include a lateral
perimeter edge 700 disposed on lateral side 18 of upper 120 near
lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 and a medial perimeter edge 702
disposed on medial side 16 of upper 120 near medial edge 134 of
lacing area 132.
[0058] Lacing system 130 can further include a plurality of lace
positions, as described with reference to FIG. 6 above. In this
embodiment, lacing system 130 includes first lace position 601,
second lace position 602, third lace position 603, fourth lace
position 604, fifth lace position 605, and sixth lace position 606
extending in sequential order from throat opening 140 towards
forefoot region 10 at the front or toe end of article 100. Each of
first lace position 601, second lace position 602, third lace
position 603, fourth lace position 604, fifth lace position 605,
and sixth lace position 606 extends between medial edge 134 and
lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 8, lacing system 130 is shown in an
opened position. When lacing system 130 is in the opened position,
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 are moved farther apart from
one another and move a predetermined distance compared with their
respective location when lacing system 130 is in the closed
position. The predetermined distance that each of medial edge 134
and lateral edge 133 move between their respective locations in the
opened position and the closed position can be associated with a
closure distance. That is, the closure distance is the distance
that each of medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 travels when
transitioning between the opened position and the closed position
of lacing system 130 (or, likewise, between the closed position and
the opened position).
[0060] In this embodiment, lacing system 130 includes closure
distances that are associated with each lace position. First lace
position 601 can have a first closure distance D1, second lace
position 602 can have a second closure distance D2, third lace
position 603 can have a third closure distance D3, fourth lace
position 604 can have a fourth closure distance D4, fifth lace
position 605 can have a fifth closure distance D5, and sixth lace
position 606 can have a sixth closure distance D6. In the present
embodiments, the closure distances of each of medial edge 134 and
lateral edge 133 on both sides of lacing area 132 are approximately
equal. For each lace position, the closure distance between medial
edge 134 and lateral edge 133 will be twice the closure distance
for each lace position. For example, the closure distance between
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 at first lace position 601
will be double first closure distance D1. That is, medial edge 134
moves first closure distance D1 between the opened and closed
positions of lacing system 130 on medial side 16 and lateral edge
133 also moves first closure distance D1 between the opened and
closed positions of lacing system 130 on lateral side 18.
[0061] The total closure distance between medial edge 134 and
lateral edge 133 for each segment of lace 340, i.e., first lace
segment 500 and second lace segment 502, can be determined by
adding the sum of the closure distances for each lace position that
includes a crossing by the first lace segment 500 or the second
lace segment 502. The first routing pattern of first lace segment
500 can have a total closure distance that is the sum of the
closure distances for each lace position associated with the first
routing pattern. Similarly, the second routing pattern of second
lace segment 502 can have a total closure distance that is the sum
of the closure distances for each lace position associated with the
second routing pattern. Additionally, as described above, the first
routing pattern and the second routing pattern can be selected so
that a total closure distance between medial edge 134 and lateral
edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the first routing pattern
is approximately equal to a total closure distance between medial
edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the
second routing pattern.
[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates lacing system 130 in a partially closed
state. In this embodiment, lacing system 130 is transitioning
between the opened position shown in FIG. 8 to a closed position
shown in FIG. 10. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning assembly
302 of tensioning system 300 can be controlled to a tightened
condition and configured to wind lace 340 to transition lacing
system 130 from the opened position to the closed position. As
first lace segment 500 and second lace segment 502 are wound by
tensioning assembly 302, each of first lace segment 500 and second
lace segment 502 pulls on opposite sides of lacing area 132 to
bring medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132
closer together. As shown in FIG. 9, medial edge 134 moves towards
medial perimeter edge 702 of tongue 138 and opposite lateral edge
133 moves towards lateral perimeter edge 700 of tongue 138. Both of
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 in the partially closed state
of lacing system 130 are displaced relative to their locations when
lacing system 130 is in the opened position (shown in phantom).
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 10, tensioning assembly 302 of
tensioning system 300 continues to apply tension to lace 340 until
lacing system 130 is in the closed position. In an exemplary
embodiment, the amount of each of first lace segment 500 and second
lace segment 502 that is wound up by tensioning assembly 302 of
tensioning system 300 in the tightened condition to place lacing
system 130 in the closed position from the opened position can be
referred to as a take up distance. That is, the take up distance is
the amount of each of first lace segment 500 and second lace
segment 502 that is wound around a reel member (described below) of
tensioning assembly 302 when tensioning system 300 transitions from
a loosened condition to a tightened condition to thereby bring
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 from their
respective locations in the opened position to their locations in
the closed position of lacing system 130.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the take up distance of first
lace segment 500 by tensioning assembly 302 in a tightened
condition is approximately equal to the take up distance of second
lace segment 502 by tensioning assembly 302 in the tightened
condition. With the lace routing patterns according to the present
embodiments, the take up distance of first lace segment 500 is
approximately equal to the total closure distance between medial
edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the
first routing pattern. Similarly, the take up distance of second
lace segment 502 is approximately equal to the total closure
distance medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132
according to the second routing pattern.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, the total closure distance between
medial edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according
to the first routing pattern of first lace segment 500 is equal to
twice the sum of: first closure distance D1 of first lace position
601, third closure distance D3 of third lace position 603, and
sixth closure distance D6 of sixth lace position 606. Similarly,
the total closure distance between medial edge 134 and lateral edge
133 of lacing area 132 according to the second routing pattern of
second lace segment 502 is equal to twice the sum of: second
closure distance D2 of second lace position 602, fourth closure
distance D4 of fourth lace position D4, and fifth closure distance
D5 of fifth lace position 605. With this arrangement, tension
within upper 120 of article 100 may be approximately uniformly
distributed across lacing system 130 by tensioning system 300.
[0066] In some embodiments, tensioning system 300 is operable to be
controlled between at least a tightened condition and a loosened
condition to adjust the tension applied to lacing system 130 to
transition lacing system 130 between closed and opened positions.
In different embodiments, however, it should be understood that
tensioning system 300 may be controlled to be placed into various
degrees or amounts of tension that range between a fully tightened
and a fully loosened condition. In addition, tensioning system 300
may include predetermined tension settings or user-defined tension
settings. FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary embodiments of
tensioning system 300 being operated between a loosened condition
(FIG. 11) and a tightened condition (FIG. 12). It should be
understood that the method of tightening and/or loosening
tensioning system 300 using tensioning assembly 302 may be
performed in reverse order to loosen tensioning system 300 from the
tightened condition to the loosened condition.
[0067] In some embodiments, tensioning system 300 includes a reel
member 310. Reel member 310 is a component within tensioning
assembly 302 of tensioning system 300. Reel member 310 is
configured to be rotated around a central axis in opposite
directions to wind and/or unwind lace 340 and thereby tighten or
loosen tensioning system 300 and adjust tension in lacing system
130 between a closed position and an opened position.
[0068] In an exemplary embodiment, reel member 310 has a central
axis that extends along a longitudinal length of reel member 310
from a first end 1100 to a second end 1102. Reel member 310 is a
reel or spool having a shaft running along the central axis and a
plurality of flanges extending radially outward from the shaft. The
plurality of flanges can have a generally circular or round shape
with the shaft disposed within the center of each flange. The
flanges assist with keeping the wound portions of lace 340
separated and organized on reel member 310 so that lace 340 does
not become tangled or bird-nested during winding or unwinding when
tensioning system 300 is tightened or loosened. As described above,
reel member 310 is configured to rotate about the central axis in a
first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational
direction to wind or unwind lace 340 around portions of the
shaft.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, reel member 310 may include a
center flange 322 located approximately at a midpoint along the
shaft of reel member 310. Center flange 322 may include an aperture
330 that forms an opening extending between opposite faces of
center flange 322. Aperture 330 is configured to receive lace 340.
As shown in FIG. 11, lace 340 extends through aperture 330 in
center flange 322 from one side or face of center flange to the
other side or opposite face. With this arrangement, portions or
segments of lace 340 are disposed on opposite sides of center
flange 322 and lace 340 is interconnected to reel member 310 and
tensioning assembly 302. When lace 340 is disposed through aperture
330 of center flange 322, lace 340 may include first lace segment
500 located on one side of center flange 322 and second lace
segment 502 located on the opposite side of center flange 322.
[0070] In one embodiment, reel member 310 may include at least
three flanges on the shaft. In this embodiment, reel member 310
includes a first end flange 320, center flange 322, and a second
end flange 324. Center flange 322 is located along the shaft
between first end flange 320 and second end flange 324. First end
flange 320 and second end flange 324 are located on the shaft at
opposite ends of reel member 310 on either side of center flange
322. First end flange 320 and/or second end flange 324 may assist
with keeping portions or segments of lace 340 that are wound on
reel member 310, including first lace segment 500 and/or second
lace segment 502, from sliding off the ends of reel member 310 and
may also assist with preventing lace 340 from becoming tangled or
bird-nested during winding or unwinding when tensioning system 300
is tightened or loosened.
[0071] In some embodiments, portions of the shaft of reel member
310 may be described with reference to the plurality of flanges
extending away from the shaft. For example, a first shaft section
1110 extends between first end flange 320 and center flange 322 and
a second shaft section 1112 extends between second end flange 324
and center flange 322.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, center flange 322 includes
aperture 330, described above. Aperture 330 extends between
opposite sides or faces of center flange 322 and provides an
opening that allows lace 340 to extend between the opposite sides
or faces of center flange 322 to interconnect with reel member 310
and tensioning assembly 302. In some embodiments, center flange 322
extends radially outward from shaft and aperture 330 is located on
center flange 322 so as to be spaced apart from the shaft. In this
embodiment, aperture 330 is located adjacent to a perimeter edge of
center flange 322. In different embodiments, the distance between
the perimeter edge of center flange 322 and the location of
aperture 330 may vary. For example, the distance may be determined
on the basis of revolution rate of tensioning assembly 302 and/or
the motor or may be determined on the basis of the desired tension
within tensioning system 300 and lacing system 130.
[0073] Reel member 310 is operable to be rotated in the first
rotational direction or the second rotational direction to wind or
unwind lace 340 and thereby tighten or loosen tensioning system
300. Tension on each of first lace segment 500 and second lace
segment 502 by tensioning system 300 causes lacing system 130 to
transition between the opened position and the closed position. For
example, a motor and/or an associated control unit of tensioning
system 300 can be used to control rotation of reel member 310,
including automatic operation and/or based on user inputs. When
tensioning system 300 is tightened, reel member 310 rotates while
lace 340 is interconnected to center flange 322 at aperture 330.
This rotation causes first lace segment 500 and second lace segment
502 to be wound onto portions of the shaft on opposite sides of
center flange 322. Specifically, first lace segment 500 is wound
onto first shaft section 1110 and second lace segment 502 is wound
onto second shaft section 1112.
[0074] Referring again to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of
tensioning system 300 in a loosened condition is illustrated. In
this embodiment, a foot 800 of a wearer is inserted into article
100 with tensioning system 300 in an initially loosened condition.
In the loosened condition, lacing system 130 and plurality of strap
members 136 are unfastened or in an opened position to allow
entrance of foot 800 within the interior void of upper 120. Lace
340 is connected to strap members 136 of lacing system 130 and is
also interconnected to reel member 310 of tensioning assembly 302
by being disposed through aperture 330 in central flange 322 of
reel member 310. With this arrangement, winding of lace 340 around
portions of reel member 310 will cause tension in lace 340 to pull
plurality of strap members 136 of lacing system 130 to a closed
position at each of the lace positions and tighten upper 120 around
foot 800 when tensioning system 300 is in the tightened
condition.
[0075] For example, in this embodiment, plurality of strap members
136 associated with first lace position 601, second lace position
602, third lace position 603, fourth lace position 604, fifth lace
position 605, and sixth lace position 606 are shown loosened when
lacing system 130 is in the opened position. This allows a wearer
to insert or remove foot 800 into or out of upper 120.
[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of tensioning
system 300 in a tightened condition. In this embodiment, tensioning
assembly 302 rotates reel member 310 in the first rotational
direction (e.g., counterclockwise) about the central axis to apply
tension to lace 340 and tighten tensioning system 300. The
interconnection of lace 340 to central flange 322 through aperture
330 causes first lace segment 500 to wind around first shaft
section 1110 and second lace segment 502 to wind around second
shaft section 1112 when reel member 310 is rotated in the first
rotational direction. The tension applied to lace 340 and
transmitted from lace 340 to plurality of strap members 136 moves
lacing system 130 to a closed position to secure upper 120 around
foot 800 when tensioning system 300 is in the tightened
condition.
[0077] Similarly, rotation of reel member 310 can be made in the
opposite second rotational direction to unwind lace 340 from
portions of the shaft to return tensioning system 300 to the
loosened condition and move lacing system 130 back to the opened
position, as shown in FIG. 11 above. In addition, in some
embodiments, rotation of reel member 310 in the second rotational
direction may be performed by a motor, by a user manually pulling
on lace 340 and/or strap members 136, or both.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, rotation of reel member 310 in
either or both of the first rotational direction and the second
rotational direction will cause lace 340 to wind or unwind
substantially equally around portions of the shaft of reel member
310. That is, the take up distance of first lace segment 500 wound
on first shaft section 1110 and the take up distance of second lace
segment 502 wound on second shaft section 1112 will be
approximately equal on opposite sides of central flange 322 when
tensioning system 300 is in the tightened condition. Similarly,
during unwinding of lace 340 from reel member 310, approximately
equal portions of lace 340 are unwound from opposite sides of
center flange 322 when tensioning system 300 is placed in the
loosened condition from the tightened condition. That is, the
amount of first lace segment 500 unwound or spooled out from first
shaft section 1110 and the amount of second lace segment 502
unwound or spooled out from second shaft section 1112 will be
approximately equal.
[0079] As described above, with the lace routing patterns according
to the present embodiments, the take up distance of first lace
segment 500 when tensioning system 300 is in the tightened
condition and lacing system 130 is in the closed position is
approximately equal to the total closure distance between medial
edge 134 and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the
first routing pattern. Similarly, the take up distance of second
lace segment 502 when tensioning system 300 is in the tightened
condition and lacing system is in the closed position is
approximately equal to the total closure distance medial edge 134
and lateral edge 133 of lacing area 132 according to the second
routing pattern. With this arrangement, tension within upper 120 of
article 100 may be approximately uniformly distributed across
lacing system 130 by tensioning system 300.
[0080] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than
limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached
claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and
changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
* * * * *