Adjustable article system

The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. An extensor system is activated to open or close a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can provide loosen the footwear to the foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to an adjusting system for an article and in particular to an adjustable footwear system in which the footwear is initially in a tightened state and can be loosened for insertion of a foot and subsequently adjusted after the insertion of the foot.

Description of Related Art

Conventional footwear typically is inherently loose in order for ease of insertion of the foot. The footwear includes a closing mechanism such as a type of lacing, buckle, ratchet or strap in order to close the loose section of the footwear to create a tight fit.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,769,844 describes an article of footwear including an automatic lacing system. The lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and a tightened position of the upper of the footwear.

It is desirable to provide an adjustable footwear system to loosen the footwear during insertion of the foot into the footwear and provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear after the footwear is received on the foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an adjustable article system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of an article. In particular, the article can be footwear. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. The footwear is, in its initial form, tightest on the inner cavity with an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials. The footwear can also include more rigid materials in order to provide additional support or decoration.

The adjustable footwear system includes an extensor system for loosening and tightening the footwear. In particular, the extensor system is activated to create a rigid infra-structure to open a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with a device to manually increase the pressure in the extensor system. In one embodiment, the device includes a crank and ratchet device or a pump. Pressure in the extensor system is increased in order to loosen the shoe. Alternatively, pressure in the extensor system is decreased in order to return the shoe to its tighter natural state. The extensor system can include single or multiple chambers within the footwear to allow for varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear. In one embodiment, the extensor system includes one or more extensor arms which are positioned in any direction, or a plurality of directions, in the upper. In one embodiment, the a plurality of extensors are assembled to form a grid or mesh pattern throughout the entire upper.

In one embodiment, when the extensor system has zero pressure, the extensor arms in the upper are pliable, leaving the upper having elastic properties in its original, tightest state on the cavity between the upper and the sole assembly. As the user exerts pressure on the extensor system with the device, the extensor arms become more rigid and extend for expanding the volume of the inner cavity. Maximum and near maximum pressure conditions of the extensor system open the inner cavity sufficiently to allow for easy entry of the user's foot into the cavity. Once the foot is in the cavity, the user can decrease the pressure in the extensor system. The decrease of pressure in the extensor system decreases the cavity volume and allows for the elastic upper to apply pressure to the foot. The pressure in the extensor system is user adjustable to allow the user to determine how much force is exerted by the elastic upper on the foot. The extensor system can be placed on key areas of the foot to provide an easy opening and a snug fit for support when walking.

In one embodiment, the extensor system can be applied to a wedge type shoe including ankle and heel support. An elastic wrapping can be provided at the top of the foot for providing a snug fit to the foot. Alternatively, the extensor system can be included in a low top or a climbing shoe.

The extensor system can be pressure activated. The extensor system can include a path for coupling one or more heel extensors and one or more upper extensors to a fluid reservoir. A pressure button actuator can be used to increase or reduce pressure in the extensor system. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir is positioned within the sole. In an alternate embodiment, the fluid reservoir is positioned in a pressure activation device housing including the pressure button actuator.

The one or more heel extensors and the one or more upper extensors can be formed individually or a as a plenum which is divided by one or more baffles. The one or more heel extensors and the one or more upper extensors can be positioned in a side of the footwear. Alternatively the one or more heel extensors extend radially around a heel portion of the footwear and the one or more upper extensors extend radially around an upper portion of the footwear

The present invention can be applied to all types of footwear including, but not limited to, athletic shoes, athletic cleats, formal shoes, ski boots, snowboard boots, and standard boots. The present invention can be used as an inner liner for an outer shoe.

In one embodiment, the article can be other wearable items which require a desired fit such as, but not limited to, watch bands, headwear, compression clothing, and durable medical equipment, including medical braces.

The invention will be more fully described by reference to the following drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2are schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system10in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system10is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear11includes upper12. Preferably, upper12is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper12can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper12can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper12or decoration. Cavity13is formed between upper12and insole14.

Adjustable footwear system10includes extensor system20. Extensor system20can be activated by pressure activation device30to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensor system20includes a one or more extensors22. In this embodiment, extensors22are formed of extensor arms23. Extensor arms23can be positioned to extend from one side24of upper12to the other side25of upper12. Width W1adjacent of respective extensor arms23positioned adjacent side24or side25can be greater than width W2at end26of extensor arms23. Extensor arms23can extend from width W2to point27.

Extensors22are coupled to pressure activation device30. Pressure activation device30controls pressure within extensors22. In the un-activated state shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2zero pressure is used in extensor system20. Extensor arms23in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper12.

Pressure activation device30can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with device32to manually increase the pressure in extensor system20as shown inFIG. 3. Coupling lines34can be used to couple device32to pressure button actuator36. Device32can be a pump. Alternatively, device32can be a crank and ratchet device or a battery powered device to regulate the desired pressure.

Activation of pressure button actuator36increases pressure in extensor system20to increase rigidity of extensor system20. Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, increasing of pressure in extensor system20extends extensor arms23in a substantially vertical direction to extend upper12away from insole14thereby increasing the size of cavity13. In the activated state extensor arms23are no longer flat.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, in one embodiment, extensor arms23expand in both a horizontal and vertical direction to extend upper12away from insole14thereby increasing the size of cavity13. In the activated state extensor arms23are no longer flat.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, in one embodiment, extensor system20includes extensor mesh50formed of overlapping extensors22. Pressure activation device30can be activated for increasing of pressure to extends mesh50away from insole14thereby increasing the size of cavity13as shown inFIG. 10.

Activation of pressure button actuator36by finger60of a user can increase pressure in extensor system20to a maximum pressure to expand cavity13to its largest volume and allow for easy entry of foot70into cavity13, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. Once foot70is in cavity13, finger60of the user can activate pressure button actuator36to decrease pressure in extension system20, which decreases volume of cavity13, and allows for the elastic upper13to apply the pressure on foot70.

FIGS. 13-15are schematic diagrams of adjustable article system100in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Article101can be for example a band or a sleeve such as a watch band, headband or medical band. Adjustable article system100is shown in an un-activated state inFIGS. 13 and 14. Article101has diameter D1between sides103. Article101includes embedded extensor system20and pressure activation device30. Extensor system20can be activated by pressure activation device30to provide a rigid infra-structure. In the activated state shown inFIG. 15, diameter D2is increased from diameter D1to enlarge opening105.

FIG. 16is a schematic diagram of adjustable footwear system200which includes extensor system202. Extensor system202includes first group204aof extensors22positioned at front205of footwear11and second group204nof extensors22positioned at rear206of footwear11. Extensors22of first group204acan be activated by pressure activation device30ato provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensors22of second group204ncan be activated by pressure activation device30nto provide a rigid infra-structure. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17, pressure activation device30ais activated to activate first group204aof extensors22. It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in footwear and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the footwear.

FIG. 18is a schematic diagram of adjustable footwear system350which includes extensor system352. Extensor system352includes first mesh50apositioned at front205of footwear11and second mesh50npositioned at rear206of footwear11. First mesh50acan be activated by pressure activation device30ato provide a rigid infra-structure. Second mesh50ncan be activated by pressure activation device30nto provide a rigid infra-structure. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 19, pressure activation device30bis activated to activate second mesh50n. It will be appreciated that any number of portions of mesh can be positioned in footwear and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the footwear.

FIG. 20is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system400includes embedded extensor system402. Extensor system402includes first group404aof extensors22positioned at side405of article401and second group404nof extensors22positioned at side406of article401. Extensors22of first group404acan be activated by pressure activation device30ato provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensors22of second group404ncan be activated by pressure activation device30nto provide a rigid infra-structure.

FIG. 21is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system500which includes extensor system502. Extensor system502includes first mesh50apositioned at side505of article501and second mesh50npositioned at side506of article501. First mesh50acan be activated by pressure activation device30ato provide a rigid infra-structure. Second mesh50ncan be activated by pressure activation device30nto provide a rigid infra-structure. It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding number of pressure activation devices to control pressure in different positions of the article. Alternatively, mesh50aand mesh50ncan be formed in a spiral configuration.

FIG. 22is a schematic diagram of adjustable article system600which includes extensor system602. Extensor system602can be activated by device lever610to provide a rigid infra-structure. Extensor system602can be in the form of a flexible clip. Extensor system602includes extensor base604. One or more extensor arms605can extend from extensor base604. Extensor system602can be positioned within sides24of upper12from end607to end608. Device lever610can be moved to squeeze extensor system602to enlarge cavity13to open upper12. Device lever610can be locked in place. Device lever610can be moved again to release extensor system602to provide a rigid infra-structure and reduce cavity13and upper12creating a snug fit around a foot inserted into cavity13. It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding to control pressure in different positions of the article.

FIG. 23Ais a schematic diagram of adjustable article system700which includes extensor system702. Extensor system702can be activated by pressure activation device708. Pressure activation device708can include device lever710device lever710to provide a rigid infra-structure. Device lever710can include arms711extending from central portion709. Arms711can be grasped by a user to activate device lever710. Extensor system702includes air chamber704. Air chamber704is connected to device lever710with connection712as shown inFIG. 23B. Referring toFIG. 23A, Extensor system702can be positioned within side24of upper12from end707to end713. Device lever710can be activated to create a vacuum within air chamber704to provide a rigid infra-structure and reduce cavity13and upper12. Device lever710can be locked in place. Device lever710can be moved again to activate air valve716of extensor system702to inflate upper12creating a larger opening of cavity13. It will be appreciated that any number of groups of extensors can be positioned in the article and activated by a corresponding to control pressure in different positions of the article.

FIGS. 24 and 25A-C are schematic diagrams of adjustable article system1200which includes extensor system1202. Extensor system1202includes extensor chamber1204. Extensor chamber1204can be a hydraulic extensor chamber. Chamber bracket1205is attached to one or more ends1207as shown inFIG. 25A. Panel1206can be attached to chamber bracket1205. Panel1206can be formed of fabric. Hydraulic path connector1208connects extensor chamber1204to hydraulic path1210as shown inFIG. 24. Hydraulic path connector1208can receive hydraulic fluid1210. Hydraulic fluid1210can include for example water or air. Extensor material1220houses extensor chamber1204.

FIGS. 26A-26Dare schematic diagrams of variations of extensor system1202to provide an array of functions for various shoe types or activities. Extensor system1240includes extensor chamber1204having extensor material1220formed into cylindrical body1242as shown inFIG. 26A.

Extensor system1250includes a plurality of extensor chambers1252as shown inFIG. 26B. Extensor chambers1252extend longitudinally between panels1256. Extensor chambers1252are substantially adjacent to one another. Extensor chambers1252can extend vertically within an adjustable article. Extensor chambers1252have a width which can vary with the application.

Extensor system1270includes a plurality of extensor chambers1272as shown inFIG. 26D. Extensor chambers1272extend longitudinally between panels1276. Extensor chambers1272are substantially adjacent to on to one another. Extensor chambers1252can extend vertically within an adjustable article. Extensor chambers1272have a width which can vary with the application.

FIGS. 27A and 27Bare schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system2000in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system2000includes extensor system is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear2001includes heel upper2002coupled to heel component compartment2004at upper portion2003of heel upper2002. Toe upper2005is coupled to heel component compartment2004at lower portion2006of component compartment. Sole2007is positioned at bottom2008of compartment2004. Insole2009is positioned at top2010of heel component compartment2004. Heel component compartment2004can be in the shape of a wedge with length L1which is greater than length L2.

Adjustable footwear system2000includes extensor system2020. Extensor system2020can be coupled to heel upper2002. Strap2012connects end2023of extensor system2020to toe upper2005. Heel upper2002, strap2012and toe upper2005can be formed of an elastic material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Extensor system2020can be activated by pressure activation device2030to enlarge one or more openings between heel upper2002, strap2012and toe upper2005and insole2009of footwear2001for easy insertion of a foot.

Extensor system2020includes upper extensor2021and one or more lower extensors2022. Upper extensor2021is attached to either side2009of heel upper2002. Upper extensor2021is coupled with hydraulic path2022to path connector2024.

One or more lower extensors2022are positioned in lower portion2025of heel component compartment2004. One or more lower extensors2022are connected with hydraulic path2026to path connector2024. Fluid reservoir2028is connected by hydraulic path2027to hydraulic path2026. Hydraulic path connector2029connects path connector2024to pressure activation device2030. Pressure activation device2030controls pressure within upper extensor2021and one or more lower extensors2022. In the un-activated state shown inFIG. 27Azero pressure is used in extensor system2020. Upper extensor2021and one or more lower extensors2022in the un-activated state are substantially flat. Pressure activation device2030can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with device2032to manually increase the pressure in extensor system2030. Upper extensor2021in the activated state provides an easy opening between upper extensor2021and heel upper2002for receiving a foot. After insertion of the foot, upper extensor2021can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of heel upper2002, strap2012and the foot. Lower extensors2022in the activated state provides an easy opening between lower extensor2022and toe upper2005for receiving a foot. After insertion of the foot, lower extensors2022can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of toe upper2005and the foot.

One or more upper flexors2040can be positioned at sides2042of heel upper2002. Upper flexor2040is an elastic material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. The one or more upper flexors2040can be used to pull strap2012, upper extensors2021and toe upper2005for a tight fit of adjustable footwear system2000. Activation of upper extensor2021and lower extensor2022creates sufficient force when extended under pressure to create a stronger counter force against upper flexor2040to open the cavity of footwear2001between heel upper2002and strap2012. After insertion of the foot, upper flexor2040can be un-activated to provide a snug fit of upper flexor2040and the foot.

FIGS. 28A and 28Bare schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system3000in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system3000is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear3001includes upper3012. Preferably, upper3012is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper3012can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper3012can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper3012or decoration. Cavity3013is formed between upper3012and sole3014.

Adjustable footwear system3000includes extensor system3020. Extensor system3020can be activated by pressure activation device3330. Extensor system3020includes a one or more heel extensors3021and one or more upper extensors3022. In one embodiment, heel extensors3021can be formed individually. Alternatively, heel extensors3021can be formed of plenum3023which is divided by one or more baffles3015. In one embodiment, upper extensors3022can be formed individually. Alternatively, upper extensors3022can be formed of plenum3016which is divided by one or more baffles3017.

Hydraulic path3025connects one or more upper extensors3022to fluid reservoir3024. Hydraulic path3026connects fluid reservoir3024to pressure activation device3030. Fluid reservoir3024can be positioned within cavity3027between bottom sole3028and insole3014. Hydraulic path3028connects one or more heel extensors3021to one or more upper extensors3022. One or more flexors3040can be positioned at top3042of upper3012.

Pressure activation device3030controls pressure within one or more heel extensors3021and one or more upper extensors3022. Pressure activation device3030includes pressure button actuator3036. In the un-activated state shown in zero pressure is used in extensor system3020. One or more heel extensors3021and one or more upper extensors3022in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper3012.

Pressure activation device3030can be hydraulic and use fluids or air with pressure button actuator3036to manually increase the pressure in extensor system3020.

Activation of pressure button actuator3036increases pressure in extensor system3020to expand one or more heel extensors3021and one or more upper extensors3022to create a larger cavity3013for easy insertion of a foot into upper3012. In the activated state, one or more heel extensors3021and one or more upper extensors3022are no longer flat.

FIGS. 29A and 29Bare schematic diagrams of adjustable footwear system4000in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Adjustable footwear system4000is shown in an un-activated state. Footwear4001includes upper4012. Preferably, upper4012is formed of an elastic material. For example, upper4012can be formed of one or more materials having elastic properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra, elastic, spandex, neoprene, or PVC. Upper4012can also include one or more materials which are more rigid. Suitable rigid materials include, but are not limited to, plastic, polyurethane and polypropylene. The rigid material can provide support of upper4012or decoration. Cavity4013is formed between upper4012and sole4014. Heel portion4015is positioned at rear4016of footwear4001. Strap4008can be positioned at rear of4011of cavity4013.

Adjustable footwear system4019includes extensor system4020. Extensor system4020can be activated by pressure activation device4030. Extensor system4020includes a one or more heel extensors4021positioned at heel portion4015. One or more upper extensors4022are positioned at upper portion4012. One or more heel extensors4021can extend radially around heel portion from edge4016to an opposite edge4017on the opposite side of footwear4001. One or more upper extensors4022can extend radially around upper portion4012from edge4016to an opposite edge4017on the opposite side of footwear4001. Hydraulic path4023connects one or more heel extensors4021and one or more upper extensors4022to outlet4025. Inlet4032of pressure activation device4030can be connected to outlet4025. Hydraulic path4034connects fluid reservoir4036to inlet4032. Fluid reservoir4036can be positioned within housing4035. Pressure activation device4030includes pressure button actuator4036. Hydraulic path4038connects fluid reservoir4036to pressure button actuator4039. One or more flexors4040can be positioned at top4042of upper4012.

Pressure activation device4030controls pressure within one or more heel extensors4021and one or more upper extensors4022. In the un-activated state shown in zero pressure is used in extensor system4020. One or more heel extensors4021and one or more upper extensors4022in the un-activated state are substantially flat within upper4012.

Pressure button activation device4030can be pumped to activate fluid reservoir4036to manually increase the pressure in extensor system4020. Activation of pressure button actuator4036increases pressure in extensor system4020to expand one or more heel extensors4021and one or more upper extensors4022to create a larger cavity4013for easy insertion of a foot into upper4012. In the activated state one or more heel extensors4021and one or more upper extensors4022are no longer flat.

It is to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative of only a few of the many possible specific embodiments, which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements can be readily devised in accordance with these principles by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.