Protective member for an article of footwear

A protective system for articles of footwear includes a protective member that may be used to protect a sole structure from components of a graphic transfer assembly. The protective member can include adjustment members for adjusting the effective depth of different portions of the protective member. The protective member can also include adjustable covering portions for protecting portions of an upper.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to protective members for articles of footwear.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole. The upper may be formed from a variety of materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. The sole is secured to a lower portion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot and the ground. In many articles of footwear, including athletic footwear styles, the sole often incorporates an insole, a midsole, and an outsole.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a protective system for an article of footwear includes a protective member, where the protective member is configured to cover a sole structure. The protective member includes an interior cavity, where the interior cavity further includes an interior portion. The interior portion has an effective depth, where the effective depth is associated with the shallowest portion of the interior portion. The protective system also includes at least one adjustment member that can be removably attached to interior portion. The at least one adjustment member can be used to decrease the effective depth of the interior portion.

In another aspect, a protective system for an article of footwear includes a protective member, where the protective member is configured to cover a sole structure. The protective member includes an attachment region disposed on an outer portion of the protective member. At least one adjustable covering portion can be removably attached to the attachment region. The at least one adjustable covering portion is configured to selectively cover a portion of an upper.

In another aspect, a protective system for an article of footwear includes a protective member, where the protective member is configured to cover a sole structure. The protective member includes an interior cavity. The interior cavity further includes a first interior portion and a second interior portion. The first interior portion has a first effective depth, where the first effective depth is associated with the shallowest portion of the first interior portion. The second interior portion has a second effective depth, where the second effective depth is associated with the shallowest portion of the second interior portion. A first adjustment member can be removably attached to the first interior portion and the first adjustment member can be used to change the first effective depth of the first interior portion so that the first effective depth is substantially different than the second effective depth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate views of an embodiment of protective system101. Protective system101can include protective member100as well as plurality of adjustment members102. In one embodiment, protective system101may be configured for use with a graphic transfer assembly. An example of various types of graphic transfer assemblies are disclosed in Hull et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,162,022, now U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/245,402, filed Oct. 3, 2008 and issued on Apr. 24, 2012, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. For purposes of convenience, this application may be referred to hereafter as the “Hull case”. More generally, the term “graphic transfer assembly” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any collection of components which may be used to transfer a graphic to an object.

For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplary embodiment of a protective system that can be used with articles of footwear, but it should be noted that the protective system may be configured for use with any other kinds of articles. In some embodiments, the protective system may be configured for use with articles that can be worn, including, but not limited to: footwear, gloves, shirts, pants, socks, scarves, hats, jackets, as well as other articles. In other embodiments, the protective system may be configured for use with protective equipment, including, but not limited to: shin guards, knee pads, elbow pads, shoulder pads, as well as any other type of protective equipment. Additionally, in some embodiments, the protective system could be configured for use with non-wearable articles, including, but not limited to: balls, bags, purses, backpacks, as well as other articles that may not be worn.

For consistency and convenience, the terms proximal and distal may also be used throughout this detailed description. The term “proximal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally closer to an article of footwear when the protective member is positioned over a portion of the article of footwear. The term “distal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally further from an article of footwear when the protective member is positioned over a portion of the article of footwear.

In some cases, protective member100can be configured as a substantially rigid cover for an article of footwear. An example of such a protective member is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/746,415, entitled “Protective Cover and Graphic Transfer Assembly”, filed on Jan. 22, 2013, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In other words, in some cases, protective member100may have a fixed shape that does not substantially change during a graphic transfer process. In other cases, however, protective member100could comprise a substantially flexible material. In still other cases, protective member100could be configured with any level of rigidity, durability or other material properties.

In some cases, protective member100may comprise a substantially contoured member. In particular, protective member100may comprise a contoured first side portion103and a contoured second side portion105. First side portion103and second side portion105may be separated at proximal portion130of protective member100. In some cases, first side portion103and second side portion105may be joined together within distal portion140. In some embodiments, first side portion103and second side portion105may be joined together to form a surface that includes contours or is otherwise non-flat. For example, referring to the cross-sections of protective member100depicted inFIG. 7, first side portion103and second side portion105are shown extending above a sole structure604. In some embodiments, first side portion103and second side portion105may loin and form a rounded or substantially pointed edge that is associated with distal portion140of protective member100. Referring specifically toFIGS. 1 and 7, protective member100can in some embodiments include a tapered edge107along one end. In some embodiments, tapered edge107can be proximate to distal portion140of protective member100. In one embodiment, tapered edge107may extend along or comprise the most distally situated portion of protective member100.

In some embodiments, proximal portion130can be configured to receive a sole structure of an article of footwear. The term “sole structure” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any portion of a sole, including, but not limited to: an outsole, a midsole or an insole, as well as any combination of these components. As described above, in other embodiments where protective member100is configured for use with other kinds of articles, proximal portion130may be configured to receive any other portion of an article.

Proximal portion130may include opening150that provides access to interior cavity180. In some cases, interior cavity180includes first interior portion202and second interior portion204. Each interior portion may generally comprise a sidewall portion and a base portion. For example, first interior portion202includes first sidewall portion210and second interior portion204includes second sidewall portion212. Also, first interior portion202includes first base portion220and second base portion222. In one embodiment, first interior portion202may be a forefoot portion and the second interior portion204may be a heel portion. In other words, in one embodiment, first interior portion202may be configured to cover the forefoot portion of a sole and second interior portion204may be configured to cover the heel portion of a sole. In other embodiments, however, first interior portion202and second interior portion204could be associated with any other portions of an article.

In some embodiments, interior cavity180may also include a central channel250that extends through the length of interior cavity180. In particular, central channel250may extend through both first interior portion202and second interior portion204. In some cases, central channel250may be a portion that is recessed with respect to first base portion220and second base portion222. Central channel250may help reduce the weight of protective member100by decreasing the volume of material comprising protective member100. In other embodiments, however, central channel may be optional. In such cases, first base portion220and second base portion222may comprise substantially flat surfaces that extend across the width of interior cavity180.

Each interior portion may be characterized by a depth. The depth of an interior portion may refer to the distance by which a base portion is recessed with respect to peripheral edge190of proximal portion130. For example, as seen inFIG. 2, first base portion220is recessed with respect to peripheral edge190by a depth D1. Also, second base portion222is recessed with respect to peripheral edge190by a depth D2.

In some embodiments, depth D1and depth D2may be substantially equal. In such cases, first base portion220and second base portion222may comprise a generally continuous surface of constant depth. However, in other embodiments, depth D1and depth D2could be substantially different. In such cases, the depth of interior cavity180may change gradually or abruptly between first base portion220and second base portion222.

In situations where a base portion is approximately flat, the depth of an interior portion can be characterized by measuring the depth at any region of the base portion. However, in situations where the base portion is not flat, the depth of an interior portion can be approximated by an effective depth. The term “effective depth” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to the depth of an interior portion at the shallowest region (i.e., the region of smallest depth). The effective depth may represent the amount by which a substantially flat sole may be inserted into interior cavity180. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, for example, first base portion220is an approximately flat portion, and therefore the effective depth may be approximately equivalent to the depth measured at any particular region of first base portion220. However, in other cases, the effective depth may not be equivalent to the depth measured at any particular location.

In some cases, a protective system can include provisions for modifying the effective depth of an interior cavity. For example, in some cases one or more components or parts could be inserted into an interior cavity in order to decrease the effective depth of the interior portion. In some cases, one or more adjustment members could be fastened to a base portion in order to adjust the effective depth of an interior portion.

Protective system101may also include plurality of adjustment members102. For purposes of illustration, components of plurality of adjustment members102are shown in a disassembled state inFIG. 1and in an assembled state inFIG. 2. The term “adjustment member” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any member or object that can be used to adjust the effective depth of an interior portion of an interior cavity. For purposes of illustration, three adjustment members are shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. However, other embodiments can include any other number of adjustment members.

In some cases, each adjustment member may further include at least one stackable member and at least one post member. For example, first adjustment member110comprises first stackable member112. Each of the remaining adjustment members of plurality of adjustment members102may also include one or more stackable members.

In different embodiments, the geometry of first stackable member112could vary. Generally, first stackable member112could have any shape including, but not limited to: a square, a rectangular shape, a rounded shape, a circular shape, an elliptic shape, a polygonal shape, a regular shape, an irregular shape as well as any other kind of shape. In one embodiment, first stackable member112comprises first lobe portion117and second lobe portion118. First lobe portion117and second lobe portion118may be joined at connecting portion119. In some cases, first stackable member112may have a butterfly wing-like shape.

First stackable member112can include one or more holes. In some cases, first stackable member112includes first hole114and second hole116. In other cases, first stackable member112could include a single hole. In still other cases, first stackable member112could include more than two holes.

In some cases, first adjustment member110can include first post member120and second post member122. In some cases, first post member120and second post member122may be sized and shaped to be inserted through first hole114and second hole116of first adjustment member110. In particular, first post member120includes head portion124and shaft portion126. Shaft portion126extends through first hole114. Head portion124may have a diameter that is substantially larger than first hole114, so that head portion124cannot be inserted through first hole114. Additionally, in some cases, shaft portion126is configured with one or more locking ridges128that are substantially similar in diameter to first hole114. Locking ridges128may be used to secure a stackable member to first post member120. In some cases, for example, a stackable member may be secured in place along shaft126at locations between adjacent locking ridges128. Second post member122may be configured in a similar manner to first post member120. In particular, second post member122is configured to be inserted through second hole116and may have a substantially similar geometry to first post member120.

It will be understood that each of the adjustment members of plurality of adjustment members102may include one or more stacking members that are substantially similar to first stacking member112. Also, each of the adjustment members of plurality of adjustment members102may include one or more post members that are substantially similar to first post member120and second post member122. It will also be understood that the shapes and/or relative sizes of stackable members could vary between different adjustment members. Also, the number of holes and/or associated post members could vary between different adjustment members.

For purposes of illustration, the stacking members comprising plurality of adjustment members102are shown as having substantially similar thicknesses. In some cases, each stacking member may have a similar predetermined thickness. This arrangement may allow a user to automatically adjust the effective depth of the interior cavity in increments of the predetermined thickness. However, in other embodiments, the thickness of different stacking members could vary.

Protective member100can include provisions for receiving adjustment members102. In some cases, protective member100may include one or more fastening holes that are configured to receive post members. In one embodiment, protective member100includes first set of fastening holes260and second set of fastening holes270that are associated with first interior portion202and second interior portion204, respectively. First set of fastening holes260and second set of fastening holes270may each comprise four pairs of fastening holes. Moreover, each pair of fastening holes can be configured to receive a pair of post members in order to fasten an adjustment member within interior cavity180. In still other embodiments, first set of fastening holes260and second set of fastening holes270may include any other number of fastening holes.

FIG. 3illustrates an embodiment of three adjustment members in exploded and assembled states. Referring toFIG. 3, each adjustment member may comprise one or more stacking members that are joined using two post members. For example, first adjustment member302may comprise three stacking members, including first stacking member311, second stacking member312and third stacking member313. First stacking member311, second stacking member312and third stacking member313may be joined using first post member321and second post member322. As another example, second adjustment member304may comprise two stacking members, including fourth stacking member314and fifth stacking member315that are joined using third post member323and fourth post member324. As still another example, third adjustment member306may comprise a single stacking member, including sixth stacking member316that may be combined with fifth post member325and sixth post member326. This arrangement provides a method for easily creating adjustment members of different thicknesses. In particular, by combining multiple stacking members, the overall thickness of an adjustment member can be increased.

Although the current embodiment illustrates adjustment members comprising three, two or one stackable members, other embodiments could include adjustment members with four or more stackable members. Moreover, as discussed above, some embodiments could include stackable members of varying shapes and/or sizes.

In different embodiments, the materials comprising components of protective system101may vary. In some embodiments, materials for protective member100can be selected to achieve a desired degree of rigidity, density, weight and/or durability. In some cases, materials having low thermal conductivity could be selected. Using materials with low thermal conductivities may help protect a sole structure from heat applied during a graphic transfer process. Examples of different materials that could be used for protective member100include, but are not limited to: polymers, plastics, low density foam, high density foam, composite materials, as well as any other materials.

Materials for adjustment members can be selected to achieve desired material properties, such as rigidity, density and/or durability. In some cases, components of an adjustment member may comprise a substantially rigid material in order to maintain a fixed effective depth for the protective member during use with a graphic transfer assembly. Examples of different materials that could be used for stackable members and/or post members of an adjustment member include, but are not limited to: polymers, plastics, metals, rubbers, foams, wood, as well as any other materials. In one embodiment, stackable members and post members may be made of plastic.

FIGS. 4 and 5illustrate schematic views of an embodiment of an adjustment member used to modify the effective depths of first interior portion202of interior cavity180. In this case, first adjustment member402comprises first stackable member411and second stackable member412. First adjustment member402may be fastened to first pair of fastening holes420using first set of post members430. As seen inFIG. 5, this arrangement modifies the effective depth of first interior portion202and second interior portion204. In particular, the effective depth of first interior portion202is decreased to depth D3. Moreover, depth D3may be less than depth D2, which is associated with second interior portion204. Using this arrangement, protective member100may be configured to cover a sole structure with a variable thickness, as discussed in an example below.

FIG. 6illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of protective member100and an associated article of footwear602. Article of footwear602can include sole structure604and upper605. In addition, sole structure604further includes forefoot portion606and heel portion608. In this case, the thickness T1of forefoot portion606is substantially less than the thickness T2of heel portion608. In order to accommodate this variation in sole thickness, first adjustment member402may be fastened within first interior portion202as described above and shown inFIG. 5. This configuration for protective member100decreases the depth of first interior portion202.

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of a graphic transfer assembly700that is used to apply graphic702to upper605of article of footwear602. In this case, protective member100has been placed over sole structure604in order to protect sole structure604during the graphic transfer process. In some cases, protective member100may help protect sole structure604from heat and/or pressure that may be applied by first deformable membrane710and second deformable membrane712.

The use of adjustment member402in first interior portion202helps to ensure that protective member100is evenly supported over sole structure604. In particular, this arrangement helps ensure that peripheral edge190extends over sole structure604without substantially covering any of upper605. Such an arrangement may help reduce the possibility of protective member100covering a portion of an upper where a graphic is being applied. This arrangement can also enhance stability for the protective system by reducing chances of protective member100rocking or tilting with respect to article of footwear602.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate another embodiment of a possible configuration for a protective system used with graphic transfer assembly700. Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, article of footwear802includes sole structure804and upper805. In this case, the thickness of midsole portion810is approximately constant from forefoot portion806to heel portion808. However, forefoot cleats812are substantially shorter than heel cleats814, which results in a thicker heel profile for sole structure604.

To accommodate this difference in cleat heights, protective member100is configured with first adjustment member820and second adjustment member822. First adjustment member820may comprise two stackable members while second adjustment member822may comprise a single stackable member. This arrangement reduces the effective depth of first interior portion202relative to second interior portion204, so that protective member100can sit evenly across sole structure604when inserted into graphic transfer assembly700. Moreover, this arrangement provides a consistent positioning of peripheral edge190with respect to upper805. For example, peripheral edge190is disposed adjacent to lower edge807of upper805in both forefoot portion811and heel portion813of article802.

FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate schematic views of various different configurations for a protective system. In particular,FIGS. 10 and 11illustrate different possible positions and relative orientations for adjustment members that may be attached to protective member100. Referring toFIG. 10, first adjustment member1002is attached to a forward pair of fastening holes1020of first interior portion202. Also, second adjustment member1004and third adjustment member1006are attached to fastening holes along second interior portion204. In particular, second adjustment member1004and third adjustment member1006are arranged so that the widest ends of the adjustment members are adjacent to one another.

As previously discussed, in some cases the relative sizes of one or more stackable members could vary. For example, in the current embodiment third adjustment member1006has a slightly smaller size than first adjustment member1002and second adjustment member1004. In still other embodiments, the sizes of each stackable member could vary in any other manner.

Referring now toFIG. 11, fourth adjustment member1008has been inserted into first interior portion202. In addition, third adjustment member1006has been removed. Furthermore, second adjustment member1004has been attached at a rearward pair of fastening holes1022of second interior portion204.

It will be understood that the preceding Figures are only intended to illustrate a few possible arrangements of adjustment members within interior cavity180. In other embodiments, any other number of adjustment members can be attached to first interior portion202and/or second interior portion204. In still other embodiments, any other sizes and/or shapes of adjustment members could be attached to first interior portion202and second interior portion204.

A protective system can include provisions for protecting portions of an upper. For example, some portions of an upper could be heat sensitive and it may be desirable to shield these portions from direct contact with components of a graphic transfer assembly. In some embodiments, a protective system may include one or more adjustable covering portions that can be used with a protective member to selectively cover portions of an upper.

FIG. 12illustrates a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of protective system1201. In some cases, protective system1201includes protective member1200. In some cases, protective member1200may be similar in some respects to protective member100discussed earlier. For example, in one embodiment, protective member1200may include first side portion1220and second side portion1222that are joined at distal portion1240. Moreover, first side portion1220and second side portion1222may be generally separated at a peripheral edge, as described in earlier embodiments.

Protective member1200can include one or more attachment regions disposed on outer portion1203. In some cases, protective member1200includes first attachment region1230, which may be disposed on first side portion1220. Additionally, in some cases, protective member1200may include second attachment region1232that is disposed on second side portion1222. First attachment region1230and second attachment region1232can comprise any provisions for attaching various removable components to protective member100. In some cases, first attachment region1230and second attachment region1232may comprise hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro. For example, in one embodiment, first attachment region1230and second attachment region1232include first fastening strip1240and second fastening strip1242, respectively. In other cases, however, any other types of fasteners or other attachment means could be used at first attachment region1230and/or second attachment region1232.

Protective system1201may also include one or more adjustable covering portions. In some cases, protective system1201includes first adjustable covering portion1250and second adjustable covering portion1252. In some cases, first adjustable covering portion1250and second adjustable covering portion1252may comprise flap-like portions that are configured to attach to protective member1200. For example, in one embodiment, first adjustable covering portion1250includes fastening portion1260and second adjustable covering portion1252includes fastening portion1262. Each fastening portion could comprise one or more kinds of fastening means for removably attaching to protective member1200. In one embodiment, first fastening portion1260and second fastening portion1262are hook and loop fastener portions that can be attached to first attachment region1230and second attachment region1232, respectively. In some cases, first fastening portion1260and second fastening portion1262are portions of a hook and loop fastener system that engage first fastening strip1240and second fastening strip1242, respectively. This arrangement allows first adjustable covering portion1250and second adjustable covering portion1252to be attached to any location along the length of first attachment region1230and second attachment region1232, respectively.

Although the current embodiment illustrates a protective member with two attachment regions, other embodiments could include any other number of attachment regions. Moreover, the attachment regions could extend over any location and may be oriented in any manner over the outer surface of a protective member.

FIGS. 13 through 15illustrate schematic views of an embodiment of an adjustable covering portion used to protect an upper. Referring toFIG. 13, protective member1200is placed onto article of footwear1300in order to cover footwear sole structure1304(seeFIG. 15). In addition, upper1305includes decorative portion1310that may be made of a heat sensitive material. In order to prevent a deformable membrane from contacting and heating decorative portion1310, adjustable covering portion1330may be used as a protective barrier. In some cases, adjustable covering portion1330may be attached to first attachment region1230of protective member1200. In particular, adjustable covering portion1330may be attached at a location of first attachment region1130that is aligned with decorative portion1310. This arrangement allows end portion1340of adjustable covering portion1330to hang down and cover decorative portion1310.

As seen inFIG. 15, this arrangement allows adjustable covering portion1330to act as a protective barrier between deformable membrane1502of graphic transfer assembly1500and decorative portion1310of upper1305. Moreover, graphic1530may applied to forefoot portion1510of upper1305. In particular, deformable membrane1502is able to contact graphic1530in order to apply heat and pressure to graphic1530. Therefore, this arrangement allows heat and pressure to be selectively applied to some portions of upper1305but not others.

Referring now toFIGS. 16 and 17, in some cases, an adjustable covering portion can also be used to protect one or more components of a graphic transfer assembly. For example, in the current embodiment, graphic1602is applied to upper1605of article of footwear1600. Upper1605further includes jeweled portion1610. Jeweled portion1610could be a plastic jewel-type decoration.

As seen inFIG. 17, adjustable covering portion1630may be attached to protective cover1200. Moreover, adjustable covering portion1630may be configured to hang down from protective cover1200and over jeweled portion1610. With this arrangement, adjustable covering portion1630may provide a protective layer between deformable membrane1502and footwear upper1605at the location of jeweled portion1610. This helps prevent any potential damage to deformable membrane1502that might occur if deformable membrane1502were to be pressed directly against jeweled portion1610.

FIG. 18illustrates an alternative embodiment of a protective system1801that includes protective member1800and adjustable covering portion1820. In this case, protective member1800comprises a partially flexible material that may wrap around a sole structure. An example of such a protective member is disclosed in the Hull case. In some cases, protective member1800may include a first side portion1810and a second side portion1812for covering portions of a sole structure.

Some embodiments may include provisions for attaching protective member1800to a sole structure. As one example, protective member1800may be attached to a sole structure using a clamp system (not shown), as discussed in detail in the Hull case. However, in other embodiments, any other methods of attaching protective member1800to a sole structure could be used.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 18, protective member1800is configured with attachment region1830. Generally, any type of fastening system can be associated with attachment region1830for purposes of removably attaching adjustable covering portions to protective member1800. In some cases, attachment region1830may be associated with a hook and loop fastener system. In some cases, attachment region1830further includes fastening strip1832. Furthermore, adjustable covering portion1820may include fastening portion1840that may be removably attached to fastening strip1832.

A protective system can include provisions for selectively covering two or more distinct portions of an upper. In some cases, two or more adjustable covering portions could be used with a protective member. For example, as seen inFIG. 19, adjustable covering portion1820may be used simultaneously with adjustable covering portion1902. This allows multiple portions of an upper to be selectively protected from heat during a graphic transfer process.

In different embodiments, the shapes of adjustable covering portions can vary. Examples of different shapes include, but are not limited to: triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, rounded shapes, polygonal shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well as any other kinds of shapes. In one embodiment, as seen inFIG. 19, adjustable covering portion1820may have an approximately rectangular shape. In contrast, adjustable covering portion1902may have an approximately trapezoidal shape. In particular, distal edge1906of covering portion1902may be smaller than proximal edge1904of covering portion1902. Using different shapes for adjustable covering portions may allow for more versatility in covering different portions of an upper.

In different embodiments, the sizes of adjustable covering portions can vary. Generally, the length and width of an adjustable covering portion can vary in order to achieve different types of coverage over an upper. In some cases, an adjustable covering portion may comprise a substantially narrow strip. In other cases, an adjustable covering portion can comprise a substantially wide portion.

FIG. 20illustrates another embodiment of an adjustable covering portion2002that may be used with protective member1800. In this case, adjustable covering portion2002may extend along a majority of the length of protective member1800. This type of coverage could be useful for covering one side of an upper during a graphic transfer process while applying a graphic to an opposing side of the upper. In addition to adjusting the width, it will be understood that in different embodiments the length and/or thickness of an adjustable covering portion could also vary. Moreover, in some cases, the shape and size of an adjustable covering portion may be tailored to cover a specific portion of an upper.

Generally, the material properties of an adjustable covering portion could vary. In some cases, adjustable covering portions may comprise materials with low thermal conductivity. In some cases, adjustable covering portions may comprise substantially flexible portions that adapt to the approximate curvature of an upper. In other cases, however, adjustable covering portions could be substantially rigid. Examples of materials that could be used for adjustable covering portions include, but are not limited to: plastic, rubber, woven and non-woven fabrics, composite materials as well as any other materials.

In some embodiments, the various features of a protective system described above can be used in combination with each other. For example, in some cases, a protective member can be configured to receive adjustment members as well as adjustable covering portions. This allows the user of a graphic transfer assembly to customize the graphic transfer process for particular articles of footwear.

FIG. 21illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment in which a protective member is configured with an adjustment member as well as an adjustable covering member. Referring toFIG. 21, article of footwear2140has been inserted into graphic transfer assembly2100. In this case, adjustment member2150has been applied to second interior portion204of protective member100. This arrangement may adjust the effective depth of second interior portion204in order to accommodate the variable thickness of sole structure2144of article of footwear2140. Additionally, adjustable covering portion2130has been attached to protective member100in order to protect portion2110of upper2105from deformable membrane2102. This configuration for protective member100helps increase the versatility of protective member100, since these features allow protective member100to be used with a variety of different articles having various sole structure dimensions as well as various upper configurations.

A protective member may include provisions for preventing relative movement between a protective member and an article during use. In some embodiments, a protective member can be configured to tighten around, or clamp down onto, a sole structure or other component of an article. This may help reduce the tendency of the protective member to slip or otherwise move relative to the sole structure during various processes, such as a graphic transfer process.

FIGS. 22 and 23illustrate schematic views of an embodiment of protective member2200that includes a fit adjustment system2300. In particular,FIG. 22illustrates a side view of an embodiment of protective member2200, whileFIG. 23illustrates an isometric view of a proximal portion2201of protective member2200. The term “fit adjustment system” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component or combination of components that may be used to adjust one or more dimensions of a protective member or otherwise adjust protective member2200in a manner that changes the fit of protective member2200with a corresponding article of footwear. The following embodiments illustrate a fit adjustment system2300that uses a linkage assembly to adjust the dimensions of protective member2200, though other embodiments could utilize other kinds of adjustment systems.

Referring toFIGS. 22 and 23, protective member2200may share similar features with previous embodiments. Though it will be understood that protective member2200may not share all the provisions of earlier embodiments and could include additional provisions not previously described. Protective member2200may comprise a substantially contoured member. In particular, protective member2200may comprise a contoured first side portion2203and a contoured second side portion2205. First side portion2203and second side portion2205may be separated at proximal portion2201of protective member2200. In some cases, first side portion2203and second side portion2205may be joined together within distal portion2240.

In some embodiments, proximal portion2201can be configured to receive a sole structure of an article of footwear. As described above, in other embodiments where protective member2200is configured for use with other kinds of articles, proximal portion2201may be configured to receive any other portion of an article. In some embodiments, proximal portion2201may include opening2250that provides access to interior cavity2280.

Fit adjustment system2300may comprise various components including a linkage assembly2302and a handle member2304. In some embodiments, linkage assembly2302may comprise multiple linkage members that are attached to one another using various kinds of fasteners. In one embodiment, linkage assembly2302may include first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314. Moreover, first linkage member2310may include a first end portion2320and a second end portion2322. Likewise, second linkage member2312may include a first end portion2330and a second end portion2332. Also, third linkage member2314may include a first end portion2340and a second end portion2342.

In some embodiments, first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314are connected to one another. In one embodiment, first end portion2320, first end portion2330and first end portion2340of first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314, respectively, may all be joined together using fastener2350. In some embodiments, fastener2350may be a pin, screw, rivet or similar kind of fastener that allows first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314to pivot with respect to one another. In other embodiments, however, first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may not be connected in a pivoting manner and could instead be permanently attached to one another.

In some embodiments, linkage assembly2302may be disposed within protective member2200. In some embodiments, linkage assembly2302may be disposed within interior cavity2280. In other embodiments, however, linkage assembly2302may be embedded within interior surface portion2282of interior cavity2280. The embodiment shown inFIG. 23is intended to be schematic and shows linkage assembly2302exposed within interior cavity2280, however other embodiments may include provisions for hiding or otherwise embedding portions of linkage assembly2302within various portions of protective member2200so that some or all portions of linkage assembly2302are internal components not visible to a user. As an example, in embodiments where protective member2200is made of a lightweight foam or plastic material, protective member2200could include one or more channels, cavities or other internal provisions for housing some or all components of linkage assembly2302.

The arrangement of first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314within protective member2200can vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, first linkage member2310may generally extend along a longitudinal direction of protective member2200. In addition, in some embodiments, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may be oriented in directions that are generally angled with respect to the longitudinal direction, though as discussed below the orientations of second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may be changed during use.

Some components of linkage assembly2302may be attached directly to portions of protective member2200at one or more end portions, while other components could include free end portions. For example, in some embodiments, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may be attached directly to protective member2200at second end portion2332and second end portion2342, respectively. In particular, in some cases, second end portion2332of second linkage member2312may be attached directly to first side portion2203of protective member2200. Likewise, in some cases, second end portion2342of third linkage member2314may be attached directly to second side portion2205of protective member2200. In contrast, in some embodiments, first end portion2320, first end portion2330and first end portion2340of first linkage member2310, second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may not be fixed in place with respect to protective member2200. Instead, as discussed in further detail below, some embodiments can be configured so that these first end portions are free to move relative to other portions of protective member2200.

Handle member2304may be attached to rearward end portion2290of protective member2200. In some cases, first end portion2360of handle member2304may be configured to pivot about fastener2370that joins handle member2304with protective member2200. Moreover, in some cases, second end portion2362of handle member2304may be a free end that can move, which allows handle member2304to pivot about fastener2370.

Handle member2304can include provisions for engaging and interacting with linkage assembly2302. In some embodiments, first end portion2360of handle member2304may include cam portion2366. Cam portion2366may be a portion that extends or projects outwardly from first end portion2360. Moreover, as handle member2304is adjusted, cam portion2366may rotate to various angular positions about an axis corresponding to fastener2370.

FIGS. 24 and 25illustrate schematic isometric views of protective member2200covering sole structure2404of article of footwear2400, which are intended to illustrate the general operation of fit adjustment system2300according to an embodiment. For purposes of clarity, protective member2200is shown in phantom. As seen inFIG. 24, handle member2304is disposed in a first position where cam portion2366is rotated away from second end portion2322of first linkage member2310. This has the effect of allowing linkage assembly2302to maintain a default configuration. In this default configuration, the orientation of second linkage member2312and third linkage member2314may be determined by the natural position of first side portion2203and second side portion2205of protective member2200.

Referring now toFIG. 25, as handle member2304is rotated to a second position, cam portion2366rotates to a position that engages second end portion2322of first linkage member2310. This has the effect of pushing first linkage member2310forwards and thereby retracting second end portion2332of second linkage member2312and second end portion2342of third linkage member2314. This retraction further pulls first side2203and second side2205closer together, thereby reducing the width of interior cavity2280(seeFIG. 23). Thus, by rotating handle member2304between the first, or loosened, position and the second, or tightened, position, linkage assembly2302is adjusted to tighten protective member2200around sole structure2404.

AlthoughFIGS. 24 and 25illustrate two configurations where fit adjustment system2300operates between a first (loose) configuration and a second (tightened) configuration, other embodiments may include various intermediate configurations. In some cases, for example, handle member2304may be adjusted to any position between the fully loosened and fully tightened positions. Such intermediate positions may allow for various degrees of tightening and could also allow protective member2200to be used with various sized articles.

The arrangement of linkages in linkage assembly2302is only intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, for example, a linkage assembly could comprise any number of linkage members that are arranged in any configurations. The number of linkage members and configurations for the linkage members can be selected according to various properties including the geometry of a protective member, the desired degree of tightening for the protective member, the geometries and arrangements of additional components that may be assembled with a protective member as well as any other properties.

Protective members with fit adjustment systems can also be used in combination with one or more of the features described in earlier embodiments. For example, a protective member including a fit adjustment system can also be configured for use with height adjustment members and/or covering portions. Referring toFIG. 27, protective member2700includes fit adjustment system2702and may also be configured for use with height adjustable members2704and covering portion2706. Moreover, any modifications to the design for a linkage assembly described above and shown inFIGS. 22 through 25can be made to accommodate height adjustment members as well as covering portions. This arrangement may allow a protective member to be used with a wide variety of footwear, including footwear of varying sole heights as well as footwear of varying sole widths.