U.S. patent application number 17/142892 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for articles of footwear with adjustable dimensions.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is NIKE, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patrick D. Boyd, Stephen N. Bruno, Ami M. Davis, Daniel J. Gearhardt, Michelle Haines, George S. Kim, Ryan J. Maddox, Austin J. Orand, Richard S. Ramsay, Sarah E. Sowers, Peter P. Williams, II.
Application Number | 20210204635 17/142892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005343863 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210204635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bruno; Stephen N. ; et
al. |
July 8, 2021 |
ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR WITH ADJUSTABLE DIMENSIONS
Abstract
An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper.
The upper is coupled to the sole structure so as to form a
foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The upper comprises a first
portion, a second portion, and an expandable panel disposed between
the first portion and the second portion. The upper is movable
between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration.
In the compressed configuration, the first portion and the second
portion are coupled together at a location adjacent to the
expandable panel and the expandable panel is collapsed. In the
expanded configuration, the first portion and the second portion
are spaced apart from each other at the location adjacent to the
expandable panel and the expandable panel is exposed. One or more
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the upper
is in the expanded configuration than when the upper is in the
compressed configuration.
Inventors: |
Bruno; Stephen N.;
(Wellesley, MA) ; Davis; Ami M.; (Hillsboro,
OR) ; Gearhardt; Daniel J.; (Hillsboro, OR) ;
Haines; Michelle; (Portland, OR) ; Kim; George
S.; (Wilsonville, OR) ; Maddox; Ryan J.;
(Portland, OR) ; Orand; Austin J.; (Portland,
OR) ; Ramsay; Richard S.; (Portland, OR) ;
Sowers; Sarah E.; (Beaverton, OR) ; Williams, II;
Peter P.; (Portland, OR) ; Boyd; Patrick D.;
(Aloha, OR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIKE, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
1000005343863 |
Appl. No.: |
17/142892 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62958254 |
Jan 7, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0036 20130101;
A43B 23/0245 20130101; A43B 3/244 20130101; A43B 13/28 20130101;
A43B 3/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00; A43B 3/24 20060101 A43B003/24; A43B 3/26 20060101
A43B003/26 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure; and an
upper coupled to the sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving
cavity therebetween, wherein the upper comprises a first portion, a
second portion, and a third portion disposed between and coupling
the first portion and the second portion, wherein the upper is
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein in the compressed configuration, the first
portion and the second portion are proximate to each other, wherein
in the expanded configuration, the first portion and the second
portion are spaced apart from each other by the third portion, and
wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are
larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when
the upper is in the compressed configuration.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a closure
mechanism configured for selectively securing the upper in the
compressed configuration.
3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the closure
mechanism comprises a zipper.
4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion
extends from a lateral side portion of the upper to a medial side
portion of the upper.
5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion
extends from a heel portion of the upper to a forefoot portion of
the upper.
6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion
extends completely around the upper.
7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion
extends from an upper-most edge of the upper toward the sole
structure.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion is
disposed on only a medial side of the upper.
9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the third portion is
disposed on only a lateral side of the upper.
10. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure including a
first portion and a second portion; and an expandable panel
including a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first
segment of the expandable panel is coupled to the first portion of
the sole structure, wherein the second segment of the expandable
panel is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure,
wherein the expandable panel is movable between a compressed
configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more
dimensions of the sole structure are smaller when the expandable
panel is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable
panel is in the expanded configuration.
11. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the expandable
panel extends from a toe portion of the sole structure to a heel
portion of the sole structure.
12. The article of footwear of claim 10, wherein the expandable
panel extends from a lateral side portion of the sole structure to
a medial side portion of the sole structure.
13. The article of footwear of claim 10, further comprising a
closure mechanism configured for selectively securing the
expandable panel in the compressed configuration.
14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the closure
mechanism comprises a zipper.
15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the closure
mechanism conceals the expandable panel when the expandable panel
is in the compressed configuration.
16. The article of footwear of claim 10, further comprising one or
more biasing members coupled to the expandable panel and configured
to bias the expandable panel to the expanded configuration.
17. The article of footwear of claim 10, further comprising one or
more biasing members coupled to the expandable panel and configured
to bias the expandable panel to the compressed configuration.
18. An article of footwear comprising: a sole structure including a
first portion and a second portion; an upper coupled to the sole
structure and comprising a first section and a second section,
wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving
cavity therebetween; and an expandable panel including a first
segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the
expandable panel is coupled to the first portion of the sole
structure and the first section of the upper, wherein the second
segment of the expandable panel is coupled to the second portion of
the sole structure and the second section of the upper, wherein the
expandable panel is movable between a compressed configuration and
an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the
sole structure and the upper are smaller when the expandable panel
is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable panel
is in the expanded configuration.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, further comprising a
zipper movably coupled to the first and second portions of the sole
structure and the first and second sections of the upper, wherein
the zipper is movable between a first position, which retains the
expandable panel in the compressed configuration, and a second
position, which allow the expandable panel to move from the
compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the sole structure
comprises a recessed channel configured for receiving the zipper.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/958,254, filed on Jan. 7, 2020, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear
and more particularly to articles of footwear with adjustable
dimensions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] An article of footwear (also referred to herein as "the
article" or "the footwear") typically includes two main components:
a sole structure and an upper. The sole structure is configured for
supporting the wearer's foot and providing cushioning between the
wearer's foot and the ground. The upper is coupled to the sole
structure and is configured for securing the wearer's foot to the
sole structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary article of
footwear.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a lateral side of the
footwear of FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a medial side of the
footwear of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the footwear of FIG. 1,
taken along the line 4-4 as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of another exemplary article
of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 6,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of another exemplary article
of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0012] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 8,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
[0013] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary article
of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 10,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
[0015] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary article
of footwear, depicting a forefoot portion of the footwear in a
compressed configuration.
[0016] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 12,
depicting the forefoot portion of the footwear in an expanded
configuration.
[0017] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 12,
depicting a heel portion of the footwear in the compressed
configuration.
[0018] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 12,
depicting the heel portion of the footwear in the expanded
configuration.
[0019] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 12,
depicting a sole structure of the footwear in the compressed
configuration.
[0020] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 12,
depicting the sole structure of the footwear in the expanded
configuration.
[0021] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of another exemplary
article of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0022] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 18,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
[0023] FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 18,
depicting a sole structure of the footwear in the compressed
configuration.
[0024] FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the footwear of FIG. 18,
depicting the sole structure of the footwear in the expanded
configuration.
[0025] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another exemplary article
of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0026] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the footwear of FIG. 22,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
[0027] FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of another exemplary
article of footwear, depicting the footwear in a compressed
configuration.
[0028] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the footwear of FIG. 24,
depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
General Considerations
[0029] The systems and methods described herein, and individual
components thereof, should not be construed as being limited to the
particular uses or systems described herein in any way. Instead,
this disclosure is directed toward all novel and non-obvious
features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, alone
and in various combinations and subcombinations with one another.
For example, any features or aspects of the disclosed embodiments
can be used in various combinations and subcombinations with one
another, as will be recognized by an ordinarily skilled artisan in
the relevant field(s) in view of the information disclosed herein.
In addition, the disclosed systems, methods, and components thereof
are not limited to any specific aspect or feature or combinations
thereof, nor do the disclosed things and methods require that any
one or more specific advantages be present or problems be
solved.
[0030] As used in this application, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term "includes" means
"comprises." Further, the terms "coupled" or "secured" encompass
mechanical and chemical couplings, as well as other practical ways
of coupling or linking items together, and do not exclude the
presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items unless
otherwise indicated, such as by referring to elements, or surfaces
thereof, being "directly" coupled or secured. Furthermore, as used
herein, the term "and/or" means any one item or combination of
items in the phrase.
[0031] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a
non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein,
the terms "e.g.," and "for example," introduce a list of one or
more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and/or
illustrations.
[0032] Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are
described in a particular, sequential order for convenient
presentation, it should be understood that this manner of
description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering
is required by specific language set forth below. For example,
operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged
or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity,
the attached figures may not depict the various ways in which the
disclosed things and methods can be used in conjunction with other
things and methods. Additionally, the description sometimes uses
terms like "provide" and "produce" to describe the disclosed
methods. These terms are high-level descriptions of the actual
operations that are performed. The actual operations that
correspond to these terms will vary depending on the particular
implementation and are readily discernible by one of ordinary skill
in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0033] As used herein, the directional terms (e.g., "upper" and
"lower") generally correspond to the orientation of an article of
footwear or sole assembly as it is configured to be worn by a
wearer. For example, an "upwardly-facing surface" and/or an "upper
surface" of a sole assembly refers to the surface oriented in the
"superior" anatomical direction (i.e., toward the head of a wearer)
when the article of footwear is being worn by the wearer.
Similarly, the directional terms "downwardly" and/or "lower" refer
to the anatomical direction "inferior" (i.e., toward the ground and
away from the head of the wearer). "Front" means "anterior" (e.g.,
towards the toes), and "rear" means "posterior" (e.g., towards the
heel). "Medial" means "toward the midline of the body," and
"lateral" means "away from the midline of the body." "Longitudinal
axis" refers to a centerline of the article from the heel to toe
Similarly, a "longitudinal length" refers to a length of the
article along the longitudinal axis and a "longitudinal direction"
refers to a direction along the longitudinal axis.
[0034] As used herein, the term "sole structure" refers to any
combination of materials that provides support for a wearer's foot
and bears the surface that is in direct contact with the ground or
playing surface, such as, for example, a single sole; a combination
of an outsole and an inner sole; a combination of an outsole, a
midsole, and an inner sole; and a combination of an outer covering,
an outsole, a midsole and an inner sole.
[0035] As used herein, the terms "attached" and "coupled" generally
mean physically connected or linked, which includes items that are
directly attached/coupled and items that are attached/coupled with
intermediate elements between the attached/coupled items, unless
specifically stated to the contrary.
[0036] As used herein, the terms "fixedly attached" and "fixedly
coupled" refer to two components joined in a manner such that the
components may not be readily separated from one another without
destroying and/or damaging one or both of the components. Exemplary
modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent
adhesive, stitches, welding or other thermal bonding, and/or other
joining techniques. In addition, two components may be "fixedly
attached" or "fixedly coupled" by virtue of being integrally
formed, for example, in a molding process. In contrast, the terms
"temporarily attached," "temporarily coupled," or "temporarily
fixed," refer to two components joined in a manner such that the
components can be readily separated from one another to return to
their separate, discrete forms without destroying and/or damaging
either component. Exemplary modalities of temporary attachment may
include removable stitches or other temporary joining
techniques.
[0037] As used herein, the terms "articles of footwear" or
"articles" mean any type of footwear, including, for example,
casual shoes, walking shoes, sneakers, tennis shoes, running shoes,
soccer shoes, football shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes,
baseball shoes, boots, sandals, etc.
[0038] Although the figures may illustrate an article of footwear
intended for use on only one foot (e.g., a right foot) of a wearer,
one skilled in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure
will recognize that a corresponding article of footwear for the
other foot (e.g., a left foot) would be a mirror image of the right
article of footwear.
[0039] Unless explained otherwise, all technical and scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to
one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the
present disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described
below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only
and not intended to be limiting. Other features of the disclosure
are apparent from the detailed description, abstract, and
drawings.
The Disclosed Technology
[0040] An article of footwear typically includes two main
components: a sole structure and an upper. The sole structure is
configured for supporting the wearer's foot and providing
cushioning between the wearer's foot and the ground. The upper is
coupled to the sole structure and forms a foot-receiving cavity.
The upper is configured for securing the wearer's foot to the sole
structure and/or can protect the wearer's foot.
[0041] For example, FIGS. 1-5 depict an article of footwear 100,
according to one embodiment. The article of footwear 100 can also
be referred to as "the article 100" or "the footwear 100." FIG. 1
depicts a perspective view of the footwear 100. FIG. 2 depicts an
elevation view of a lateral side of the footwear 100. FIG. 3
depicts an elevation view of a medial side of the footwear 100.
FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the footwear 100, taken
along the line 4-4 as depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 depicts a bottom
plan view of the footwear 100.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the footwear 100 comprises a sole
structure 102 and an upper 104. The upper 104 is coupled to and
extends from the sole structure 102 so as to form a foot-receiving
cavity 106 between the sole structure 102 and the upper 104. The
foot-receiving cavity 106 can be widened to make it easier for a
wearer to insert their foot into the foot-receiving cavity 106. The
foot-receiving cavity 106 can also be tightened to secure the
wearer's foot within the foot-receiving cavity 106. In some
embodiments, the upper 104 can comprise stretchable material to
allow the foot-receiving cavity 106 to widen while the wearer is
inserting their foot into the foot-receiving cavity 106. In some
embodiments, the footwear 100 can comprise a closure system to
accommodate widening and/or tightening of the foot-receiving cavity
106. Exemplary closure systems include laces, straps, bands,
cables, cords, ratcheting mechanisms, hook-and-loop, etc.
[0043] The footwear 100 may be divided into one or more portions
(which may also be referred to as "zones" or "regions"). For
example, referring to FIG. 3, the portions can include a forefoot
portion 108, a midfoot portion 110, and a heel portion 112. The
forefoot portion 108 of the footwear 100 can correspond to anterior
portions of a foot, including toes and joints connecting metatarsal
bones with phalanx bones of the foot. The midfoot portion 110 of
the footwear 100 can correspond with an arch area of the foot. The
heel portion 112 of the footwear 100 can correspond with posterior
portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.
[0044] The footwear 100 can also be divided into a lateral side 114
and a medial side 116, both of which extend through the forefoot
portion 108, the midfoot portion 110, and the heel portion 112. For
example, FIG. 2 depicts the lateral side 114 of the footwear 100,
and FIG. 3 depicts the medial side 116 of the footwear 100.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4, the sole structure 102 of the
footwear 100 comprises a midsole 118 and an outsole 120. In the
illustrated embodiment, the midsole 118 and the outsole 120 are
formed as separate components that are fixedly coupled together.
This can be accomplished in various ways, including with adhesive,
fasteners, stitching, and/or other means for fastening. In other
embodiments, the midsole 118 and the outsole 120 can be integrally
formed as a unitary component.
[0046] The midsole 118 of the sole structure 102 is configured to
be positioned under the wearer's foot. As such, the midsole 118
can, for example, be configured to provide cushioning and support.
The midsole 118 can be configured to flex and/or elastically deform
as wearer's foot applies pressure upon the midsole 118 and/or as
the footwear 100 impacts a ground surface. In some embodiments, the
midsole 118 can comprise relatively flexible foam material.
[0047] The outsole 120 of the sole structure 102 is configured to
be positioned between the midsole 118 and the ground surface.
Accordingly, the outsole 120 can, for example, be configured to
provide increased traction and/or to protect the midsole 118. In
some embodiments, the outsole 120 can comprise various traction
elements (e.g., nubs, ribs, cleats, lugs, patterns, etc.)
configured for engaging one or more types of ground surfaces. In
some embodiments, the outsole 120 can comprise a flexible polymeric
material (e.g., rubber).
[0048] In some embodiments, the sole structure 102 can also
comprise one or more additional components. For example, the sole
structure 102 can include one or more cushioning elements (e.g., a
fluid-filled capsule such as an airbag) and/or foam member (e.g., a
foam pad).
[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, the upper 104 comprises a throat
portion 122 separating the lateral side of the upper 104 and the
medial side of the upper 104. The upper 104 also comprises a tongue
124 disposed at least partially within the throat portion 122. In
other embodiments, the upper 104 can be formed without a throat
portion and/or a tongue.
[0050] The upper 104 of the footwear 100 can be formed of various
materials. For example, the upper 104 can be formed of one or more
of the following materials: textiles, foam, leather, polymers,
and/or synthetic leather. In some embodiments, the upper 104 can be
formed as a single, unitary component (e.g., by knitting or
molding). In other embodiments, the upper 104 can comprise a
plurality of components that are coupled together (e.g., by
stitching, adhesive, fasteners, etc.).
[0051] The upper 104 can be fixedly coupled to the sole structure
102 in various ways. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, the upper
104 is attached (e.g., stitched) to a strobel 126, and the strobel
126 is attached to the midsole 118 (e.g., with an adhesive). In
other embodiments, the strobel can be omitted, and the upper 104
can be attached to a component of the sole structure 102. In some
such embodiments, the upper 104 can be attached to the midsole 118
and/or a cushioning element (e.g., an airbag) of the sole structure
102 via adhesive, stitching, and/or other means for coupling.
[0052] As depicted, the footwear 100 further comprises a sockliner
128 (which may also be referred to as "an insole"). The sockliner
128 is configured to be positioned directly underfoot and is
configured to cushion and/or support the wearer's foot. The
sockliner 128 can comprise various materials including textile,
leather, foam, and/or other types of materials.
[0053] The footwear 100 can be configured in one or more sizes
(e.g., U.S. women's size 4-12) and/or widths (e.g., A, B, C, D, E,
EE, and/or EEE). The footwear 100 can also be also be configured in
other sizing conventions (e.g., UK, EUR, cm etc.) and/or sizes
(e.g., U.S. men's size 1-18).
[0054] Under normal circumstances, the dimensions of a wearer's
feet can change throughout the day and/or over the course of an
activity. Such changes in dimensions can include slight swelling
(i.e., expansion) of the feet. Typical footwear can accommodate
slight variation in the dimensions of the wearer's feet. In some
circumstances, however, the dimensions of the wearer's feet may
change relatively more drastically. These circumstances may include
pregnancy, growth, injury, and/or other circumstances or conditions
that result in changes in the dimensions of a person's feet. Such
circumstances may result in the dimensions of a wearer's feet
changing beyond the tolerance afforded by a single size of
footwear. Thus, a person experiencing these circumstances or
conditions may be required to purchase and/or frequently change
sizes of footwear. This can be particularly problematic during
circumstances in which a person's feet change sizes relatively
quickly (e.g., throughout the day and/or during a pregnancy).
[0055] Unlike typical footwear, the dimensions of the articles of
footwear disclosed herein can adjust and/or or be adjusted to
account for relatively large changes and/or fluctuation in the
dimensions of a wearer's feet. Accordingly, the disclosed footwear
can, for example, improve comfort. It can also reduce the need for
multiple sizes and/or increase the range of feet that can be
accommodated by a single size of footwear.
[0056] This disclosure is directed to articles of footwear with
adjustable dimensions. More specifically, the articles of footwear
disclosed herein comprise expandable uppers and/or sole structures.
In some instances, the dimensions can be adjusted via one or more
expandable panels. The expandable panels can be configured to
adjust a length (i.e., anterior/posterior) dimension, a width
(i.e., medial/lateral) dimension, and/or a height (i.e.,
inferior/superior) dimension of footwear.
[0057] The expandable panels can be moved between a compressed
configuration and an expanded configuration. In some embodiments,
the expandable panels can be moved between the compressed
configuration and the expanded configuration via a closure
mechanism. In some such instances, the closure mechanism can be a
zipper. In lieu of or in additional to a zipper, the closure
mechanism can include one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, snap
buttons, magnets, and/or other mechanism adapted to be adjusted
from a first configuration to a second configuration. In other
embodiments, the expandable panels can be moved between the
compressed configuration and the expanded configuration via an
adjustable tension member. In some such instances, the tension
member can be a lace, cord, wire, string, etc.
[0058] In one representative embodiment, an article of footwear
includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the
sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween.
The upper comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an
expandable panel disposed between the first portion and the second
portion. The upper is movable between a compressed configuration
and an expanded configuration. In the compressed configuration, the
first portion and the second portion are coupled together at a
location adjacent to the expandable panel and the expandable panel
is collapsed. In the expanded configuration, the first portion and
the second portion are spaced apart from each other at the location
adjacent to the expandable panel and the expandable panel is
exposed. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are
larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when
the upper is in the compressed configuration.
[0059] In another representative embodiment, an article of footwear
includes a sole structure, an upper, and an expandable panel. The
sole structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The
upper is coupled to the sole structure. The upper and the sole
structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The expandable
panel includes a first portion and a second portion. The first
portion of the expandable panel is coupled to the first portion of
the sole structure. The second portion of the expandable panel is
coupled to the second portion of the sole structure. The expandable
panel is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration. One or more dimensions of the sole structure are
smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0060] In another representative embodiment, an article of footwear
includes a sole structure, an upper, and an expandable panel. The
sole structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The
upper includes a first portion and a second portion. The first
portion of the upper is coupled to the first portion of the sole
structure. The second portion of the upper is coupled to the second
portion of the sole structure. The upper and the sole structure
form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The expandable panel
includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of
the expandable panel is coupled to the first portion of the sole
structure and the first portion of the upper. The second portion of
the expandable panel is coupled to the second portion of the sole
structure and the second portion of the upper. The expandable panel
is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity
are smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0061] In yet another representative embodiment, an article of
footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and a plurality of
expandable panels. The upper is coupled to the sole structure, and
the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity
therebetween. The expandable panels are coupled to the sole
structure or the upper. The expandable panels are each movable
between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration.
One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are smaller
when the expandable panel is in the compressed configuration than
when the expandable panel is in the expanded configuration.
[0062] In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a
sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole
structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The
upper comprises a gusset, and the gusset is movable between a
compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the gusset
is in the expanded configuration than when the gusset is in the
compressed configuration.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a
sole structure, an upper, a first adjustment mechanism, and a
second adjustment mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole
structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween, and
the upper comprises a lateral side portion and a medial side
portion. The first adjustment mechanism comprises a lace or a strap
extending from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial
side portion of the upper, and the first adjustment mechanism is
configured for securing a wearer's foot within the foot-receiving
cavity. The second adjustment mechanism comprises a cable and a
plurality of cable guides. The cable guides are coupled to the
upper and/or the sole structure, and the cable is adjustably
coupled to the cable guides and the first adjustment mechanism such
that tensioning the cable moves the upper from an expanded
configuration to a compressed configuration.
[0064] Additional examples of the disclosed technology are
described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Exemplary Embodiments of the Disclosed Technology
[0065] FIGS. 6-7 depict an article of footwear 200, according to
one embodiment. The footwear 200 comprises a sole structure 202 and
an upper 204. The upper 204 is coupled to the sole structure 202,
and the footwear comprises a foot-receiving cavity 206 between the
sole structure 202 and the upper 204. The dimensions of the
foot-receiving cavity 206 can be adjusted by moving the upper 204
between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration.
FIG. 6 depicts the upper 204 in the compressed configuration, and
FIG. 7 depicts the upper 204 in the expanded configuration. The
volume of the foot-receiving cavity 206 is greater when the upper
204 is in the expanded configuration than when the upper 204 is in
the compressed configuration.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 7, the upper 204 of the footwear 200
comprises an expandable panel 208 disposed between and coupled to a
first portion 210 of the upper 204 and a second portion 212 of the
upper 204. The first and second portions 210, 212 generally divide
the upper 204 in an inferior/superior direction (e.g., down/up as
depicted), with the first portion 210 being disposed superior
relative to the second portion 212. In this manner, the expanded
configuration of the upper 204 primarily increases the height
(e.g., up/down as depicted) of the foot-receiving cavity 206,
though the length (e.g., left/right as depicted) and/or the width
(e.g., into/out of the page as depicted) of the foot-receiving
cavity 206 may also increase at least slightly.
[0067] The first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the
upper 204 are coupled together by an adjustable closure mechanism
(e.g., a zipper). The closure mechanism is movable between a closed
configuration and an open configuration. When the closure mechanism
is in a closed configuration (FIG. 6), the first portion 210 and
the second portion 212 of the upper 204 are held adjacent to each
other by the closure mechanism. Also, the expandable panel 208 is
hidden in the closed configuration. When the closure mechanism is
in an open configuration (FIG. 7), the closure mechanism releases
the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper 204
from each other such that they can separate. The expandable panel
208 is exposed when the first portion 210 and the second portion
212 separate.
[0068] Separating the first portion 210 and the second portion 212
expands the upper 204, which expands the dimensions of the
foot-receiving cavity 206 of the footwear 200. The dimensions of
the first portion 210, the second portion 212, and/or expandable
panel 208 can be selected to determine the dimensions of the
foot-receiving cavity 206 in the compressed configuration and/or
the expanded configuration. For example, configuring the upper 204
with a relatively wide expandable panel provides greater expansion
of the foot-receiving cavity 206 from the compressed configuration
to the expanded configuration than when the upper 204 is configured
with a relative narrow expandable panel.
[0069] In some embodiments, the expandable panel 208 can be formed
of a material comprising one or more of the same or similar
properties (e.g., stretchabilily) as the first and second portions
210, 212 of the upper 204. In other embodiments, the expandable
panel 208 can be formed of a material comprising one or more
different properties than the first and second portions 210, 212 of
the upper 204. For example, the first and second portions 210, 212
can be formed of a relatively less stretchy material than the
expandable panel 208. As another example, the first and second
portions 210, 212 can be formed of a relatively more stretchy
material than the expandable panel 208.
[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism
comprises a zipper with a slider 214, a first plurality of teeth
216, and a second plurality of teeth 218. The first plurality of
teeth 216 is coupled to the first portion 210 of the upper 204, and
the second plurality of teeth 218 is coupled to the second portion
212 of the upper 204. The slider 214 is movably coupled to the
teeth 216, 218. The slider 214 is configured to move the teeth 216,
218 to an engaged state as the slider 214 passes over the teeth
216, 218 in a first direction and to move the teeth 216, 218 to a
disengaged state as the slider passes over the teeth 216, 218 in a
second direction. For example, FIG. 6 depicts the slider 214 on a
lateral side of the upper 204, which corresponds to the engaged
state of the teeth 216, 218 and the compressed configuration of the
upper 204. FIG. 7 depicts the slider 214 (hidden from view) on a
medial side of the upper 204, which corresponds to the disengaged
sate of the teeth 216, 218 and the expanded configuration of the
upper 204.
[0071] Various other types of zipper mechanisms can also be used.
For example, a zipper comprising a slider and a plurality of rails
(as opposed to teeth) on which the slider is adjustable coupled can
be used.
[0072] In lieu of or in additional to a zipper, various other types
of closure mechanism can be used to selectively couple the first
and second portions 210, 212 of the upper together. For example,
the closure mechanism can include one or more hook-and-loop
fasteners, snap buttons, magnets, and/or other mechanism adapted
selectively couple the first and second portions 210, 212 of the
upper together.
[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 210 and the
second portion 212 of the upper 204 are directly coupled together
(e.g., integrally formed) at the heel portion of the upper 204. In
other embodiments, the first section and the second section can be
discrete components that are not directly coupled together, as
further described below.
[0074] The expandable panel can be positioned at various other
locations on the upper relative to the location of the expandable
panel 208 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some
embodiments, the expandable panel can be positioned farther in the
inferior direction (e.g., toward the sole structure) or farther in
the superior direction (e.g., away from the sole structure) than
the expandable panel 208 depicted in the illustrated embodiment.
Additionally or alternatively, the expandable panel can extend over
a greater or lesser portion of the upper than the expandable panel
208 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some
embodiments, the expandable panel can be disposed on only one side
(e.g., a lateral side) of the upper.
[0075] The footwear 200 allows a wearer to selectively adjust the
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity 206 as desired. For
example, a wearer can position the upper 204 of the footwear 200 in
the compressed configuration (e.g., at the beginning of a
pregnancy). As the wearer's foot expands (e.g., later in
pregnancy), the wearer can move the upper 204 of the footwear 200
from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration. As
such, the footwear 200 provides adjustability that can accommodate
changes to the wearer's foot that is beyond the adjustability of
typical footwear.
[0076] FIGS. 8-9 depict an article of footwear 300, according to
another embodiment. The footwear 300 comprises a sole structure 302
and an upper 304. The upper 304 is coupled to the sole structure
302, and the footwear comprises a foot-receiving cavity 306 between
the sole structure 302 and the upper 304. The dimensions of the
foot-receiving cavity 306 can be adjusted by moving the upper 304
between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration.
FIG. 8 depicts the upper 304 in the compressed configuration, and
FIG. 9 depicts the upper 304 in the expanded configuration. The
volume of the foot-receiving cavity 306 is less when the upper 304
is in the compressed configuration than when the upper 204 is in
the expanded configuration.
[0077] The footwear 300 is configured generally similar to the
footwear 200 in that it comprises an expandable panel 308 (FIG. 9)
disposed between a first portion 310 and a second portion 312 of
the upper 304. The first and second portions 310, 312 divide the
upper 304 in an inferior/superior direction (i.e., down/up as
depicted), with the first portion 310 being disposed superior
relative to the second portion 312. In this manner, the expanded
configuration of the upper 304 primarily increases the height
(e.g., up/down as depicted) of the foot-receiving cavity 306,
though the length (e.g., left/right as depicted) and/or the width
(e.g., into/out of the page as depicted) of the foot-receiving
cavity 306 may also increase at least slightly.
[0078] One difference between the footwear 300 and the footwear 200
is that the first and second portions 310, 312 are not coupled
directly together and that the expandable panel 308 and a closure
mechanism (e.g., a zipper 314) extend around the entire upper 304.
This can, for example, allow the upper 304 of the footwear 300 to
expand relatively more uniformly around the entire footwear 300,
whereas the upper 204 tends to pivot or splay apart at the heel
portion of the footwear 200 where the first and second portions
210, 212 of the upper 204 join.
[0079] As noted above, the first and second portions 310, 312 of
the upper 304 are coupled together by the adjustable closure
mechanism (e.g., the zipper 314). The closure mechanism is movable
between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When the
closure mechanism is in a closed configuration (FIG. 8), the first
and second portions 310, 312 of the upper 304 are held adjacent to
each other by the closure mechanism. Also, the expandable panel 308
is hidden in the closed configuration. When the closure mechanism
is in an open configuration (FIG. 9), the closure mechanism
releases the first and second portions 310, 312 of the upper 304
from each other such that they can separate. The expandable panel
308 is exposed when the first and second portions 310, 312
separate.
[0080] The expandable panel can be positioned at various other
locations on the upper relative to the location the expandable
panel 308 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some
embodiments, the expandable panel can be positioned farther in the
inferior direction (e.g., toward the sole structure) or farther in
the superior direction (e.g., away from the sole structure) than
the expandable panel 308 depicted in the illustrated
embodiment.
[0081] FIGS. 10-11 depict an article of footwear 400, according to
yet another embodiment. The footwear 400 comprises a sole structure
402 and an upper 404. The upper 404 is coupled to the sole
structure 402, and the footwear comprises a foot-receiving cavity
406 between the sole structure 402 and the upper 404. The
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity 406 can be adjusted by
moving the upper 404 between a compressed configuration and an
expanded configuration. FIG. 10 depicts the upper 404 in the
compressed configuration, and FIG. 11 depicts the upper 404 in the
expanded configuration. The volume of the foot-receiving cavity 406
is greater when the upper 404 is in the expanded configuration than
when the upper 404 is in the compressed configuration.
[0082] The footwear 400 is configured generally similar to the
footwear 200 in that it comprises an expandable panel 408 (FIG. 11)
disposed between a first portion 410 and a second portion 412 of
the upper 404. One difference between the footwear 400 and the
footwear 200 is that the first and second portions 410, 412 are
oriented in the anterior/posterior direction, with the first
portion 410 being disposed anterior relative to the second portion
412. In this manner, the expanded configuration of the upper 404
primarily increases the length of the foot-receiving cavity 406,
though the width of the foot-receiving cavity 406 may also increase
at least slightly (e.g., at the location of the expandable panel
408).
[0083] The first and second portions 410, 412 of the upper 404 are
coupled together by an adjustable closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper
414). The closure mechanism is movable between a closed
configuration and an open configuration. When the closure mechanism
is in a closed configuration (FIG. 10), the first and second
portions 410, 412 of the upper 404 are held adjacent to each other
by the closure mechanism. Also, the expandable panel 408 is hidden
in the closed configuration. When the closure mechanism is in an
open configuration (FIG. 11), the closure mechanism releases the
first and second portions 410, 412 of the upper 404 from each other
such that they can separate. The expandable panel 408 is exposed
when the first and second portions 410, 412 separate.
[0084] The expandable panel can be positioned at various other
locations on the upper relative to the location of the expandable
panel 408 that is depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For
example, in some embodiments, the expandable panel can be
positioned at locations farther in the anterior direction (e.g.,
toward the toe) or farther in the posterior direction (e.g., toward
the heel) than the expandable panel 408 depicted in the illustrated
embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the expandable panel can
extend over a greater or lesser portion of the upper than the
expandable panel 408 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment the expandable panel 408
extends along the entire inferior/superior height of the upper 404
(i.e., from an inferior position where the upper meets the sole
structure (which can also be referred to as "the bite line") to the
superior edge of the upper 404). In other embodiments, the
expandable panel can extend along only a portion of the height of
the upper (e.g., from the superior edge of the upper 404 to an
intermediate location between the superior edge and the sole
structure 402).
[0085] FIGS. 12-17 depict an article of footwear 500, according to
yet another embodiment. The footwear 500 comprises a sole structure
502 and an upper 504. The upper 504 is coupled to the sole
structure 502, and the footwear comprises a foot-receiving cavity
506 between the sole structure 502 and the upper 504. The
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity 506 can be adjusted by
moving the sole structure 502 and the upper 504 between a
compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The width
of the foot-receiving cavity 506 is greater when the sole structure
502 and the upper 504 are in the expanded configuration than when
the sole structure 502 and the upper 504 are in the compressed
configuration. As a result, the footwear 500 can accommodate a
larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the compressed
configuration.
[0086] FIG. 12 depicts a forefoot portion of the upper 504 in the
compressed configuration, and FIG. 13 depicts the forefoot portion
of the upper 504 in the expanded configuration. FIG. 14 depicts a
heel portion of the upper 504 in the compressed configuration, and
FIG. 15 depicts the heel portion of the upper 504 in the expanded
configuration. FIG. 16 depicts the sole structure 502 in the
compressed configuration, and FIG. 17 depicts the sole structure
502 in the expanded configuration.
[0087] As depicted in FIGS. 13, 15, and 17, the footwear 500
comprises an expandable panel 508 disposed between a lateral side
portion 510 and a medial side portion 512 of the footwear 500. The
expandable panel 508 extends from a forefoot portion of the upper
504 adjacent to the tongue to a toe portion of the upper, continues
from the toe portion of the sole structure 502 to the heel portion
of the sole structure, and continues to the collar of the upper. In
some embodiments, the expandable panel 508 can extend over the
tongue of the footwear.
[0088] The lateral side portion 510 and the medial side portion 512
of the footwear 500 can be selectively coupled together by a
closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper 514). The closure mechanism can
be moved between a closed state (e.g., FIGS. 12, 14, and 16) and an
open state (e.g., FIGS. 13, 15, and 17). With the closure mechanism
in the closed state, the zipper 514 retains a medial edge of the
lateral side portion 510 adjacent to a lateral edge of the medial
side portion 512. In the closed state, the expandable panel 508
collapses and is concealed. With the closure mechanism in the open
state, the lateral side portion 510 and the medial side portion 512
can move away from each other, thereby exposing the expandable
panel 508. In the open state, the width (i.e., medial/lateral)
dimension of the footwear 500 increases by the exposed width of the
expandable panel 508. Thus, the volume of the foot-receiving cavity
506 increases when the footwear is in the expanded configuration.
In this manner, the footwear 500 can accommodate a relatively broad
range of foot widths by adjusting the footwear between the
compressed configuration and the expanded configuration.
[0089] The expandable panel 508 can comprise various widths. For
example, configuring the footwear 500 with a relatively wide
expandable panel 508 allows for a greater change in width between
the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration.
[0090] In some embodiments, the expandable panel 508 can comprise
bias and/or the footwear 500 can comprise one or more biasing
members (e.g., springs, bands, etc.) configured to bias the
footwear 500 to the expanded configuration. In other words, the
width of the footwear 500 is essentially binary (i.e., fully
expanded or fully compressed). In such embodiments, the zipper 514
can provide sufficient opposing force to overcome the bias and
therefore can retain the footwear 500 in the compressed
configuration.
[0091] In other embodiments, the expandable panel 508 can comprise
bias and/or the footwear 500 can comprise one or more biasing
members (e.g., springs, bands, etc.) configured to bias the
footwear 500 to the compressed configuration. In such embodiments,
the wearer's foot can provide sufficient opposing force to overcome
the bias and therefore can retain the footwear 500 in the expanded
configuration. This configuration can, for example, allow the
footwear 500 to adjust to various intermediate widths of the
wearer's foot between a minimum width (i.e., the width when the
zipper 514 is in the closed state) and a maximum width (i.e., the
width when the zipper 514 is in the open state and the expandable
panel 508 is fully expanded). In other words, the width of the
footwear 500 is non-binary. The intermediate widths occur when the
zipper 514 is in the open state and the expandable panel 508 is
expanded somewhat but is not fully expanded. The biasing force
toward the compressed state can be low enough that the footwear
does not put so much pressure on the sides of the wearer's foot
that the footwear is uncomfortable and can be high enough that the
footwear fits snugly against the sides of the wearer's foot.
[0092] In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable panel 508
evenly bisects the lateral side portion 510 and the medial side
portion 512 of the footwear 500 in the width dimension. In other
embodiments, the expandable panel can be offset toward the lateral
side or the medial side so that the lateral and medial side
portions 510, 512 are unevenly divided.
[0093] FIGS. 18-21 depict an article of footwear 600, according to
yet another embodiment. The footwear 600 comprises a sole structure
602 and an upper 604. The upper 604 is coupled to the sole
structure 602, and the footwear comprises a foot-receiving cavity
606 between the sole structure 602 and the upper 604. The
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity 606 can be adjusted by
moving the sole structure 602 and the upper 604 between a
compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The length
of the foot-receiving cavity 606 is greater when the sole structure
602 and the upper 604 are in the expanded configuration than when
the sole structure 602 and the upper 604 are in the compressed
configuration. As such, the footwear 600 can accommodate a larger
foot in the expanded configuration that in the compressed
configuration.
[0094] FIG. 18 depicts a lateral side portion of the footwear 600
in the compressed configuration, and FIG. 19 depicts the lateral
side portion of the footwear 600 in the expanded configuration.
FIG. 20 depicts the sole structure 602 in the compressed
configuration, and FIG. 21 depicts the sole structure 602 in the
expanded configuration.
[0095] As depicted in FIGS. 19 and 21, the footwear 600 comprises
an expandable panel 608 disposed between an anterior portion 610
(or front portion) and a posterior portion 612 (or back portion) of
the footwear 600. The expandable panel 608 extends from a
superior-most edge of a lateral side of the upper 604, across the
sole structure 602, and to a superior-most edge of a medial side of
the upper 604.
[0096] The anterior portion 610 and the posterior portion 612 of
the footwear 600 can be selectively coupled together by a closure
mechanism (e.g., a zipper 614). The closure mechanism can be moved
between a closed state (e.g., FIGS. 18 and 20) and an open state
(e.g., FIGS. 19 and 21). With the closure mechanism in the closed
state, the zipper 614 retains a posterior edge of the anterior
portion 610 adjacent to an anterior edge of the posterior portion
612. In the closed state, the expandable panel 608 collapses and is
concealed. With the closure mechanism in the open state, the
anterior portion 610 and the posterior portion 612 can move away
from each other, thereby exposing the expandable panel 608. In the
open state, the length (i.e., anterior/posterior) dimension of the
footwear 600 increases by the exposed width of the expandable panel
608. Thus, the volume of the foot-receiving cavity 606 increases
when the footwear is in the expanded configuration. In this manner,
the footwear 600 can accommodate a relatively broad range of foot
lengths by adjusting the footwear 600 between the compressed
configuration and the expanded configuration.
[0097] The expandable panel 608 can comprise various lengths. For
example, configuring the footwear 600 with a relatively wide
expandable panel 608 allows for a greater change in length between
the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration.
[0098] In some embodiments, the expandable panel 608 can comprise
bias and/or the footwear 600 can comprise one or more biasing
members (e.g., springs, bands, etc.) configured to bias the
footwear 600 to the expanded configuration. In other words, the
length of the footwear 600 is essentially binary (i.e., fully
expanded or fully compressed). In such embodiments, the zipper 614
can provide sufficient opposing force to overcome the bias and
therefore can retain the footwear 600 in the compressed
configuration.
[0099] In other embodiments, the expandable panel 608 can comprise
bias and/or the footwear 600 can comprise one or more biasing
members (e.g., springs, bands, etc.) configured to bias the
footwear 600 to the compressed configuration. In such embodiments,
the wearer's foot can provide sufficient opposing force to overcome
the bias and therefore can retain the footwear 600 in the expanded
configuration. This configuration can, for example, allow the
footwear 600 to adjust to various intermediate lengths of the
wearer's foot between a minimum length (i.e., the length when the
zipper 614 is in the closed state) and a maximum length (i.e., the
length when the zipper 614 is in the open state and the expandable
panel 608 is fully expanded). In other words, the length of the
footwear 600 is non-binary. The intermediate lengths occur when the
zipper 614 is in the open state and the expandable panel 608 is
expanded to some extent but not fully expanded. The biasing force
toward the compressed state can be low enough that the footwear
does not put so much pressure on the wearer's toes or heel that the
footwear is uncomfortable and can be high enough that the footwear
fits snugly against the wearer's foot.
[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable panel 608
essentially bisects the anterior portion 610 and the posterior
portion 612 of the footwear 600 evenly in the length dimension. In
other embodiments, the expandable panel can be offset in the
anterior direction or the posterior dimension such that the
anterior and posterior portions 610, 612 are unevenly divided.
[0101] It should be noted that a sole structure can comprise a
recessed channel configured for receiving an expandable panel
and/or closure mechanism. The recessed channel can, for example,
prevent (or reduce the likelihood of) the closure mechanism from
contacting the ground surface during use. This can help prevent the
closure mechanism from becoming damaged.
[0102] FIGS. 22-23 depict an article of footwear 700. The footwear
700 comprises a sole structure 702 and an upper 704. The upper 704
is coupled to the sole structure 702, and the footwear 700
comprises a foot-receiving cavity 706 between the sole structure
702 and the upper 704. The dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity
706 can be adjusted by moving the upper 704 between a compressed
configuration (FIG. 22) and an expanded configuration (FIG. 23).
The volume of the foot-receiving cavity 706 is greater when the
upper 704 is in the expanded configuration than when the upper 704
is in the compressed configuration. Accordingly, the footwear 700
can accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in
the compressed configuration.
[0103] To allow for expansion, the upper 704 of the footwear 700
comprises a gusset 708. The footwear 700 also comprises a cord 710
(or strand) that is coupled to the upper 704 and/or the gusset 708.
The cord 710 can be tensioned to collapse the gusset 708, as
depicted in FIG. 22. The cord 710 can be slackened to allow the
gusset 708 to expand, as depicted in FIG. 23.
[0104] In some embodiments, the gusset 708 is integrally formed
with the upper 704. This can be accomplished, for example, by
forming the upper 704 and the gusset 708 from a knitted or a woven
material. The cord 710 can also be integrally formed with the upper
704 and/or the gusset 708 in some embodiments. In other
embodiments, the gusset 708 and the upper 704 can be formed as
separate components, and the upper 704 can comprise an expandable
opening in which the gusset 708 is disposed. In such embodiments,
the upper 704 and the gusset 708 can be coupled together in various
ways (e.g., stitching, adhesive, fasteners, and/or other means for
coupling). The cord 710 can also be formed as a separate component
from the upper 704 and/or the gusset 708. In such embodiments, the
cord 710 can be coupled to the upper 704 and/or the gusset in
various ways (e.g., eyelets, fasteners, etc.).
[0105] In particular implementations, the gusset 708 can be
configured so as to fold or lay in a organized manner in the
compressed configuration and/or the expanded configuration. For
example, the gusset 708 can comprise folds, pleats, and/or can be
shape-set. This can, for example, reduce bunching of the gusset
708, thereby improving comfort and/or appearance of the footwear
700.
[0106] In some embodiments, the footwear 700 can comprise a locking
member 712 configured to selectively secure the cord 710 relative
to the upper 704 and/or the gusset 708. In this manner, the locking
member 712 allows the wearer to adjust the tension in the cord 710
and/or the expansion of the gusset 708 and then secure the
configuration by restricting relative movement between the cord
710, the gusset 708, and/or the upper 704. In some examples, the
locking member 712 can be a cord lock.
[0107] In some embodiments, the upper 704 can be biased to the
expanded configuration. In other embodiments, the upper 704 can be
biased to the compressed configuration. This can be accomplished,
for example, by shape-setting the material of the upper 704 and/or
the gusset 708.
[0108] The gusset can be disposed at various locations on the
footwear. In the illustrated embodiment, the gusset 708 is disposed
on a lateral side portion of the footwear 700. In other
embodiments, the gusset can be disposed on a medial side portion of
the footwear. As another example, the gusset can be disposed on a
toe portion of the footwear. The gusset can also be oriented in
various ways so as to adjust the height, width, and/or length of
the upper.
[0109] The gusset can comprise various sizes and/or shapes. For
example, in the illustrated embodiment, the gusset 708 comprises a
generally elliptical shape in the expanded configuration.
[0110] FIGS. 24-25 depict an article of footwear 800. The footwear
800 comprises a sole structure 802, an upper 804, and an adjustment
mechanism. The upper 804 is coupled to the sole structure 802, and
the footwear 800 comprises a foot-receiving cavity 806 between the
sole structure 802 and the upper 804. The dimensions of the
foot-receiving cavity 806 can be adjusted by via the adjustment
mechanism between a compressed configuration (FIG. 24) and an
expanded configuration (FIG. 25). The volume of the foot-receiving
cavity 806 is greater in the expanded configuration than the
compressed configuration. Accordingly, the footwear 800 can
accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the
compressed configuration.
[0111] The adjustment mechanism of the footwear 800 comprises a
cable 808 and a plurality of cable guides 810. The cable guides 810
are secured to the upper 804 and/or the sole structure 802. The
cable guides 810 can be configured for engaging the cable 808 and
for allowing the cable 808 to move with low friction relative to
the cable guides. For example, the cable guides 810 can be eyelets,
hooks, posts, and/or other type of member which the cable 808 can
adjustably move through and/or around.
[0112] The cable 808 is fixedly coupled at one end to the cable
guides 810. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable
808 is fixedly coupled to the right-most cable guide. In this
manner, the right-most cable guide 810 can be referred to as "an
anchor." The cable 808 extends between the cable guides 810 and a
lace member 812 in an undulating or zig-zag pattern. In other
embodiments, the cable guides 810 and/or the cable 808 can be
configured in various other patterns. The cable 808 is
interconnected with the lace member 812, and the cable 808 is
movable relative to the lace member 812 and the cable guides 810
(except the right-most cable guide). As such, adjusting tension in
the cable 808 also adjusts tension in the lace member 812, and vice
versa. In this manner, the cable 808 and/or lace member 812 can be
used to adjust the dimensions of the upper 804 and the
foot-receiving cavity 806. For example, FIG. 24 depicts a first
configuration (i.e., a compressed configuration) in which the cable
808 is relatively taut. This draws the lace member 812 downwardly
and thereby compresses the upper and reduces the volume of the
foot-receiving cavity 806. In some instances, the upper 804 at
least slightly gathers or bunches up as a result of the compression
applied to the upper 804 via the cable 808. As desired, a wearer
can slacken the cable 808, which allows the upper 804 and the
foot-receiving cavity to expand. Accordingly, the footwear 800 can
accommodate feet of various dimensions and can allow a wearer to
adjust the footwear as their foot changes (e.g., throughout the day
and/or over the course of a pregnancy.
[0113] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism of the
footwear 800 can also comprise a locking mechanism configured for
securing the cable 808 relative to the cable guides 810, which
thereby secures the upper 804 in a desired configuration (e.g.,
expanded and/or compressed). For example, the locking mechanism can
comprise a cord lock. In some embodiments, one or more of the cable
guides 810 (e.g., the left-most cable guide as illustrated) can
comprise a locking mechanism. In this manner, the left-most cable
guide 810 (e.g., as illustrated) can be referred to as "a lock."
Additionally or alternatively, a locking mechanism can be a
structure configured to secure the "tail" of the cable 808 to the
upper 804. For example, the tail of the cable can comprise a hook
configured for engaging the upper 804 (and/or some structure
coupled to the upper such as eyelets or loops). In other
embodiments, the cable can be releasably and/or adjustably coupled
to the upper in various other ways (e.g., magnets, snap buttons,
etc.)
[0114] In some instances, the footwear can comprise a plurality of
adjustment mechanisms with cables and cable guides. For example,
the footwear can comprise a first adjustment mechanism disposed on
a lateral side of the upper and a second adjustment mechanism
disposed on a medial side of the upper.
Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology
[0115] Additional examples of the disclosed technology are
enumerated below.
[0116] 1. An article of footwear comprising:
[0117] a sole structure; and
[0118] an upper coupled to the sole structure so as to form a
foot-receiving cavity therebetween, wherein the upper comprises a
first portion, a second portion, and a third portion disposed
between and coupling the first portion and the second portion,
wherein the upper is movable between a compressed configuration and
an expanded configuration, wherein in the compressed configuration,
the first portion and the second portion are proximate to each
other, wherein in the expanded configuration, the first portion and
the second portion are spaced apart from each other by the third
portion, and wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving
cavity are larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration
than when the upper is in the compressed configuration.
[0119] 2. The article of footwear of example 1, further comprising
a closure mechanism configured for selectively securing the upper
in the compressed configuration.
[0120] 3. The article of footwear of example 2, wherein the closure
mechanism comprises a zipper.
[0121] 4. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-3,
wherein the third portion extends from a lateral side portion of
the upper to a medial side portion of the upper.
[0122] 5. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-4,
wherein the third portion extends from a heel portion of the upper
to a forefoot portion of the upper.
[0123] 6. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-4,
wherein the third portion extends completely around the upper.
[0124] 7. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-4,
wherein the third portion extends from an upper-most edge of the
upper toward the sole structure.
[0125] 8. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-3,
wherein the third portion is disposed on only a medial side of the
upper.
[0126] 9. The article of footwear of any one of examples 1-3,
wherein the third portion is disposed on only a lateral side of the
upper.
[0127] 10. An article of footwear comprising:
[0128] a sole structure including a first portion and a second
portion;
[0129] an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper
and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween;
and
[0130] an expandable panel including a first portion and a second
portion, wherein the first portion of the expandable panel is
coupled to the first portion of the sole structure, wherein the
second portion of the expandable panel is coupled to the second
portion of the sole structure, wherein the expandable panel is
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure
are smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0131] 11. The article of footwear of example 10, wherein the
expandable panel extends from a toe portion of the sole structure
to a heel portion of the sole structure.
[0132] 12. The article of footwear of example 10, wherein the
expandable panel extends from a lateral side portion of the sole
structure to a medial side portion of the sole structure.
[0133] 13. An article of footwear comprising:
[0134] a sole structure including a first portion and a second
portion;
[0135] an upper including a first portion and a second portion,
wherein the first portion of the upper is coupled to the first
portion of the sole structure, wherein the second portion of the
upper is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure,
wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving
cavity therebetween; and
[0136] an expandable panel including a first portion and a second
portion, wherein the first portion of the expandable panel is
coupled to the first portion of the sole structure and the first
portion of the upper, wherein the second portion of the expandable
panel is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure and
the second portion of the upper, wherein the expandable panel is
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving
cavity are smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0137] 14. The article of footwear of example 13, wherein the
expandable panel extends in an anterior/posterior direction from a
toe portion of the sole structure to a heel portion of the sole
structure.
[0138] 15. The article of footwear of example 14, wherein the one
or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity include a width
dimension extending in a medial/lateral direction, and wherein the
width dimension is smaller when the expandable panel is in the
compressed configuration than when the expandable panel is in the
expanded configuration.
[0139] 16. The article of footwear of any one of examples 13-15,
wherein the first portion of the sole structure is a lateral side
portion, and wherein the second portion of the sole structure is a
medial side portion.
[0140] 17. The article of footwear of example 13, wherein the
expandable panel extends in an medial/lateral direction from a
medial side portion of the upper to a lateral side portion of the
upper.
[0141] 18. The article of footwear of example 17, wherein the one
or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity include a length
dimension extending in an anterior/posterior direction, and wherein
the length dimension is smaller when the expandable panel is in the
compressed configuration than when the expandable panel is in the
expanded configuration.
[0142] 19. The article of footwear of any one of examples 17-18,
wherein the first portion of the sole structure includes a forefoot
portion, and wherein the second portion of the sole structure
includes a heel portion.
[0143] 20. The article of footwear of any one of examples 13-19,
further comprising a closure mechanism configured for selectively
securing the expandable panel in the compressed configuration.
[0144] 21. The article of footwear of example 20, wherein the
closure mechanism comprises a zipper.
[0145] 22. An article of footwear comprising:
[0146] a sole structure;
[0147] an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper
and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween;
and
[0148] a plurality of expandable panels coupled to the sole
structure or the upper, wherein the expandable panels are each
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving
cavity are smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0149] 23. The article of footwear of example 22, wherein the
plurality of expandable panels includes a first expandable panel
and a second expandable panel, wherein the first expandable panel
is coupled to the upper at a first location, and wherein the second
expandable panel is coupled to the upper at a second location.
[0150] 24. The article of footwear of example 22, wherein the
plurality of expandable panels includes a first expandable panel
and a second expandable panel, wherein the first expandable panel
is coupled to the sole structure at a first location, and wherein
the second expandable panel is coupled to the sole structure at a
second location.
[0151] 25. The article of footwear of example 22, wherein the
plurality of expandable panels includes a first expandable panel
and a second expandable panel, wherein the first expandable panel
is coupled to the sole structure at a first sole location and to
the upper at a first upper location, and wherein the second
expandable panel is coupled to the sole structure at a second sole
location and to the upper at a second upper location.
[0152] 26. The article of footwear of any one of examples 23-25,
wherein the first expandable panel crosses over the second
expandable panel.
[0153] 27. An article of footwear comprising:
[0154] a sole structure; and
[0155] an upper coupled to the sole structure so as to form a
foot-receiving cavity therebetween, wherein the upper comprises a
gusset, wherein the gusset is movable between a compressed
configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more
dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the gusset
is in the expanded configuration than when the gusset is in the
compressed configuration.
[0156] 28. The article of footwear of example 27, wherein the upper
and the gusset are integrally formed as a unitary structure.
[0157] 29. The article of footwear of example 28, wherein the upper
and the gusset comprise a knitted material.
[0158] 30. The article of footwear of example 28, wherein the upper
and the gusset comprise a woven material.
[0159] 31. The article of footwear of example 27, wherein the upper
and the gusset are formed as separate component that are coupled
together.
[0160] 32. The article of footwear of any one of examples 27-31,
further comprising a cord coupled to the upper and the gusset such
that tensioning the cord moves the gusset from the expanded
configuration to the compressed configuration.
[0161] 33. The article of footwear of example 32, further
comprising a locking member coupled to the cord and configured to
restrict movement between the cord and the upper and the
gusset.
[0162] 34. The article of footwear of example 33, wherein the
locking member includes a cord lock.
[0163] 35. An article of footwear comprising:
[0164] a sole structure;
[0165] an upper coupled to the sole structure so as to form a
foot-receiving cavity therebetween, wherein the upper comprises a
lateral side portion and a medial side portion;
[0166] a first adjustment mechanism comprising a lace or a strap
extending from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial
side portion of the upper, wherein the first adjustment mechanism
is configured for securing a wearer's foot within the
foot-receiving cavity; and
[0167] a second adjustment mechanism comprising a cable and a
plurality of cable guides, wherein the cable guides are fixedly
coupled to the upper or the sole structure, wherein the cable is
adjustably coupled to the cable guides and the first adjustment
mechanism such that tensioning the cable moves the upper from an
expanded configuration to a compressed configuration.
[0168] 36. The article of footwear of example 35, the cable of the
second adjustment mechanism is interconnected with the lace or the
strap of the first adjustment mechanism.
[0169] 37. The article of footwear of either example 35 or example
36, wherein the upper gathers or bunches between the cable guides
when the upper is in the compressed configuration.
[0170] 38. The article of footwear of any one of examples 35-37,
wherein one or more of the cable guides comprises a locking
mechanism configured for selectively restricting relative movement
between the cable and the cable guides.
[0171] 39. The article of footwear of either example 37 or example
38, wherein the first row of cable guides is offset in an
anterior/posterior direction relative to the second row of cable
guides.
[0172] 40. An article of footwear comprising:
[0173] a sole structure including a first portion and a second
portion; and
[0174] an expandable panel including a first segment and a second
segment, wherein the first segment of the expandable panel is
coupled to the first portion of the sole structure, wherein the
second segment of the expandable panel is coupled to the second
portion of the sole structure, wherein the expandable panel is
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure
are smaller when the expandable panel is in the compressed
configuration than when the expandable panel is in the expanded
configuration.
[0175] 41. The article of footwear of example 40, wherein the
expandable panel extends from a toe portion of the sole structure
to a heel portion of the sole structure.
[0176] 42. The article of footwear of example 40, wherein the
expandable panel extends from a lateral side portion of the sole
structure to a medial side portion of the sole structure.
[0177] 43. The article of footwear of any one of examples 40-42,
further comprising a closure mechanism configured for selectively
securing the expandable panel in the compressed configuration.
[0178] 44. The article of footwear of example 43, wherein the
closure mechanism comprises a zipper.
[0179] 45. The article of footwear of either example 43 or example
44, wherein the closure mechanism conceals the expandable panel
when the expandable panel is in the compressed configuration.
[0180] 46. The article of footwear of any one of examples 40-45,
further comprising one or more biasing members coupled to the
expandable panel and configured to bias the expandable panel to the
expanded configuration.
[0181] 47. The article of footwear of any one of examples 40-45,
further comprising one or more biasing members coupled to the
expandable panel and configured to bias the expandable panel to the
compressed configuration.
[0182] 48. An article of footwear comprising:
[0183] a sole structure including a first portion and a second
portion;
[0184] an upper coupled to the sole structure and comprising a
first section and a second section, wherein the upper and the sole
structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween; and
[0185] an expandable panel including a first segment and a second
segment, wherein the first segment of the expandable panel is
coupled to the first portion of the sole structure and the first
section of the upper, wherein the second segment of the expandable
panel is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure and
the second section of the upper, wherein the expandable panel is
movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded
configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure
and the upper are smaller when the expandable panel is in the
compressed configuration than when the expandable panel is in the
expanded configuration.
[0186] 49. The article of footwear of example 48, further
comprising a zipper movably coupled to the first and second
portions of the sole structure and the first and second sections of
the upper, wherein the zipper is movable between a first position,
which retains the expandable panel in the compressed configuration,
and a second position, which allow the expandable panel to move
from the compressed configuration to the expanded
configuration.
[0187] 50. The article of footwear of example 49, wherein the sole
structure comprises a recessed channel configured for receiving the
zipper.
[0188] Any feature(s) of any example(s) disclosed herein can be
combined with or isolated from any feature(s) of any example(s)
disclosed herein, unless otherwise stated. For example, in some
embodiments, an article of footwear can comprise a plurality of
expandable panels, including one or more expandable panels in the
upper and/or one or more expandable panels in the sole structure.
As one example, any feature of the footwear 200 can be combined
with the footwear 400, or vice versa. As another example, any
feature of the footwear 500 can be combined with the footwear 600,
or vice versa. As yet another example, any feature of the footwear
700 can be combined with the footwear 800, or vice versa.
[0189] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the
principles of the disclosure may be applied, it should be
recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only examples and
should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.
* * * * *