Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustment device for an article of apparel or footwear.

Articles of apparel such as garments and headwear and articles of footwear such as shoes and boots, typically include a receptacle for receiving a body part of a wearer. For example, an article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure that cooperate to form a receptacle for receiving a foot of a wearer. Likewise, garments and headwear may include one or more pieces of material formed into a receptacle for receiving a torso or head of a wearer.

Articles of apparel or footwear are typically adjustable and/or are formed from a relatively flexible material to allow the article of apparel or footwear to accommodate various sizes of wearers, or to provide different fits on a single wearer. While conventional articles of apparel and articles of footwear are adjustable, such articles do not typically allow a wearer to conform the shape of the article to a body part of the wearer. For example, while laces adequately secure an article of footwear to a wearer by constricting a portion of an upper around the wearer's foot, the laces do not cause the upper to conform to the user's foot. Accordingly, an optimum fit of the upper around the foot is difficult to achieve.

<CIT> describes an article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

<CIT> describes that an article of footwear may incorporate a chamber with an outer barrier and a tether element. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that defines an interior cavity, and tether element may be located within the interior cavity and joined to opposite sides of the barrier. Upon pressurization of the chamber, the tether element may extend across the interior cavity and be placed in tension by the outward force of a pressurized fluid within the interior cavity. The tether element may have a variety of configurations. For example, the tether element may have a diagonal orientation, or different tether elements may have different lengths. A tether element may also have plates or tie pieces secured to opposite sides of the chamber, with one or more tethers extending between. Also, the tether element may include one of more sheets that extend across the interior cavity.

<CIT> describes a pressure fixing device applied to a shoe. The pressure fixing device includes an inflatable shoe tongue, a first air pump and a control module. The control module drives the air to flow out of the inflatable shoe tongue according to a second enabling signal so that the inflatable shoe tongue tends to shrunk and moves toward the wear space to attach to a user's instep. The control module drives the first air pump to pump the air flowing into the inflatable shoe tongue according to a first enabling signal, so that the inflatable shoe tongue tends to expand due to the air inflated and moves away from the wear space to enlarge the opening, by which the user can wear or take off the shoe easily.

An article according to the claimed invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>. Dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM> define advantageous embodiments of the article according to the claimed invention.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an article as defined in claim <NUM>.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features.

In some implementations, the bladder includes a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together at discrete locations to define the one or more chambers. Here, the bladder may include a first bearing layer adjacent to the first barrier layer and a second bearing layer adjacent to the second barrier layer. In some examples, the compressible component is disposed between the first bearing layer and the second bearing layer. Here, the first bearing layer and the second bearing layer have a lower coefficient of friction than the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. In some examples, the bearing layer is formed of a fabric material.

In some implementations, the compressible component includes a unitary element.

In some configurations, the compressible component includes a plurality of compressible particles. Optionally, the plurality of compressible particles are spherical beads.

In some examples, the compressible component is formed of a foam material.

In some configurations, the adjustment element includes a valve providing fluid communication between each of the one or more chambers and an exterior of the bladder.

In some examples, the one or more chambers includes a plurality of the chambers. Here, the plurality of the chambers are in fluid communication with each other.

According to the claimed invention, the receptacle is an upper of an article of footwear. Here, the adjustment element may be disposed on an instep region of the upper. According to the claimed invention, the adjustment element includes a first wing chamber attached to the upper on a lateral side, a second wing chamber attached to the upper on a medial side, and a central chamber disposed between and connecting the first wing chamber and the second wing chamber. In the expanded configuration the first wing chamber and the second wing chamber are spaced outwardly from the central chamber.

In some examples not according to the claimed invention, the receptacle is a shirt.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an adjustment element comprising a bladder forming an interior void having a plurality of chambers. The compressible component has a portion disposed within each one of the chambers. A first valve is attached to the bladder and provides fluid communication between the interior void and an exterior of the bladder.

In some examples, the bladder includes a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined to the first barrier layer along a web area to define each of the plurality of the chambers. In some configurations, web area defines a central chamber, a first wing chamber on a first side of the central chamber, and a second wing chamber on a second side of the central chamber. In some examples, the web area defines a first series of elongate chambers and a second series of elongate chambers that diverge from the first series of the elongate chambers. In some implementations, the web area defines an auxetic structure.

In some examples, the bladder includes a first bearing layer covering the first barrier layer within each of the plurality of the chambers and a second bearing layer covering the second barrier layer within each of the plurality of the chambers.

In some implementations, the compressible component includes a plurality of unitary compressible elements each disposed within one of the chambers.

In some configurations, the compressible component is a plurality of compressible particles.

In some examples, the first valve is a bi-directional valve. In some configurations, the bladder includes the first valve and a second valve, the first valve being a one-way intake valve and the second valve being a one-way exhaust valve.

In some examples, the adjustment element includes a pump in communication with the interior void through the first valve.

In another aspect of the disclosure, the adjustment element may be incorporated into any one of an article of footwear or, not according to the claimed invention, an article of clothing.

With reference to <FIG>, different examples of an adjustment element for an article of apparel or an article of footwear are shown. Generally, the adjustment element is operable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration to adjust a size of the article. As discussed in greater detail below, the adjustment element includes a bladder having a compressible component disposed therein. The adjustment element can be moved between the expanded configuration and the contracted configuration by adjusting a pressure within the bladder to move the compressible component between a compressed state and a relaxed or decompressed state. Depending on an arrangement of seams of the bladder, movement of the bladder from the compressed state to the expanded state may move the adjustment element from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration, or vice versa. Additionally, the seams of the bladder may be configured to effect two-way expansion and contraction or four-way, auxetic expansion and contraction. While the examples below are directed towards articles of footwear and shirts, the adjustment elements of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any article of apparel or article of footwear where an adjustable fit is desired.

Generally, each of the examples described below includes an article of apparel or footwear <NUM>-<NUM> having a receptacle <NUM>, 100a defining an interior void <NUM>, 102a for receiving a body part. For example, the receptacle <NUM>, 100a may be an article of footwear <NUM> or a shirt 100a. The receptacle <NUM>, 100a includes one or more openings <NUM>, 104a providing access to the interior void <NUM>, 102a. The receptacle <NUM>, 100a may further include an adjustment region <NUM>, 106a configured for adjusting a size of the receptacle <NUM>, 100a and the interior void <NUM>, 102a. In some examples, the adjustment region <NUM>, 106a extends from the opening <NUM>, 104a and is configured to adjust a size of the opening <NUM>, 104a. However, the adjustment region <NUM>, 106a may be also be spaced apart from the opening <NUM>, 104a such that an intermediate portion of the receptacle <NUM>, 100a can be expanded or contracted around the respective body part of the wearer. The article of apparel or footwear <NUM>-<NUM> further includes an adjustment element <NUM>-200d attached to the receptacle <NUM>, 100a and configured to move between the expanded state and the contracted state to adjust a size of the receptacle <NUM>, 100a.

With particular reference to <FIG>, an adjustment element <NUM>, 200a is provided and is configured to attach to an upper <NUM> of an article of footwear <NUM> (<FIG>) to adjust a size of an adjustment region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> around the foot. The adjustment element <NUM>, 200a includes a bladder <NUM> forming an interior void <NUM> having a compressible component <NUM>, 206a disposed therein. The bladder <NUM> further includes at least one valve 208a, 208b providing fluid communication between the interior void <NUM> and an exterior of the bladder <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> includes a pair of barrier layers <NUM> each having an exterior surface <NUM> and an interior surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the barrier layer <NUM> from the exterior surface <NUM>. The interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM> oppose or face each other, and are joined to each other along a seam <NUM> to separate the bladder <NUM> into a plurality of chambers 218a-218c.

As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers <NUM>) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier layers <NUM> are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of the barrier layers <NUM> are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers).

The barrier layers <NUM> can each be produced from an elastomeric material that includes one or more thermoplastic polymers and/or one or more cross-linkable polymers. In an aspect, the elastomeric material can include one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials, such as one or more thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) copolymers, one or more ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymers, and the like.

Examples of suitable isocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include diisocyanates, such as aromatic diisocyanates, aliphatic diisocyanates, and combinations thereof. Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene <NUM>,<NUM>-diisocyanate (NDI), <NUM>,<NUM>-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), <NUM>,<NUM>' - dimethyldipheny1-<NUM>, <NUM>' -diisocyanate (DDDI), <NUM>,<NUM> '-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), <NUM>-chloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the copolymer chains are substantially free of aromatic groups.

In another aspect, the polymeric layer can be formed of one or more of the following: EVOH copolymers, poly(vinyl chloride), polyvinylidene polymers and copolymers (e.g., polyvinylidene chloride), polyamides (e.g., amorphous polyamides), amide-based copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers (e.g., acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers), polyethylene terephthalate, polyether imides, polyacrylic imides, and other polymeric materials known to have relatively low gas transmission rates. Blends of these materials as well as with the TPU copolymers described herein and optionally including combinations of polyimides and crystalline polymers, are also suitable.

The bladder <NUM> can be produced from the barrier layers <NUM> using any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like.

In the illustrated example, the bladder <NUM> includes a central chamber 218a and a pair of wing chambers 218b, 218c attached to opposite sides of the central chamber 218a from each other. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the chambers 218a-218c extends along a longitudinal axis A218a-A218c from a first end 220a-220c to a second end 222a-222c disposed on an opposite end of the chamber 218a-218c from the first end 220a-220c. Each of the chambers 218a-218c further includes a pair of sides 224a-224c, 226a-226c extending from the respective first end 220a-220c to the respective second end 222a-222c.

Generally, the first side 224b of the first wing chamber 218b is configured to be attached to the upper <NUM> on a first side of the adjustment region <NUM> and a first side 224c of the second wing chamber 218c is configured to be attached to the upper <NUM> on the opposite side of the adjustment region <NUM> than the first wing chamber 218b (<FIG>). The central chamber 218a extends between and connects the second side 226b of the first wing chamber 218b and the second side 226c of the second wing chamber 218c, and is configured to span the gap of the adjustment region <NUM> when the wing chambers 218b, 218c are attached to the upper <NUM>. Thus, as discussed in greater detail below with respect to <FIG>, the wing chambers 218b, 218c are operable to move the adjustment region <NUM> between a first width W<NUM>-<NUM> and a second width W<NUM>-<NUM> when the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a moves between the expanded configuration (<FIG>) and the contracted configuration (<FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, a width (i.e., distance between sides) of each of the chambers 218a-218c tapers from the first end 220a-220c to the second end 222a-222c such that an overall width of the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a also tapers. In the illustrated example, the central chamber 218a is formed with a trapezoidal shape, whereby the first side 224a and the second side 226a are spaced apart from each other at the first end 220a and at the second end 222a, and converge with each other along a direction from the first end 220a to the second end 222a. The wing chambers 218b, 218c are formed as triangular structures, where the first sides 224b, 224c are spaced apart from the second sides 226b, 226c at the first ends 220b, 220c and intersect with each other at the second ends 222b, 222c. In other examples, one or more of the chambers 218a-218c may be formed with parallel or divergent sides 224a-224c, 226a-226c.

Referring to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> may include one or more conduits <NUM> fluidly coupling adjacent ones of the chambers 218a-218c together. In the illustrated example, the conduits <NUM> are formed across a width of the seams <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, between the interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>. Here, the barrier layers <NUM> are separated from each other along one or more portions of the seam <NUM> such that fluid can pass through the seam <NUM> and between the barrier layers <NUM> from one chamber 218a-218c to another.

Optionally, the seam <NUM> may include perforations <NUM> that each extend through a thickness of the seam <NUM> from the exterior surface <NUM> of one barrier layer <NUM> to the exterior surface <NUM> of the other barrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the perforations <NUM> allow air to pass through the portions of the seam <NUM> between the chambers 218a-218c where the barrier layers <NUM> are joined to each other. Thus, the perforations <NUM> provide ventilation and breathability to the portion of the upper <NUM> disposed beneath the seam <NUM>.

As best shown in <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> further includes a pair of bearing layers <NUM> disposed within the interior void <NUM>. Each bearing layer <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the bearing layer <NUM> from the outer surface <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the outer surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM> are attached directly to the interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM> such that the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM> face each other. The bearing layers <NUM> may be attached to the interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM> by bonding the outer surface <NUM> of each bearing layer <NUM> to a respective one of the interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>. Alternatively, the bearing layers <NUM> may be indirectly attached to the interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM> by intermediate layers of material.

Generally, the bearing layers <NUM> are configured to provide a low-friction interface between the compressible component <NUM>, 206a and the barrier layers <NUM>. Accordingly, the bearing layers <NUM>, or at least the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM>, include a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the material forming the interior surface <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>. In some examples, the material of the bearing layers <NUM> is a textile material. For example, the textile material may be a four-way stretch fabric (i.e., a material that stretches crosswise and lengthwise). Examples of suitable materials include knitted textile fabrics, Euro-woven textile fabrics, and stretchable synthetic fabrics. While the illustrated bearing layers <NUM> are shown as including a single layer of the material, the bearing layers <NUM> may optionally be formed as a laminate, whereby the outer surface <NUM> is formed of a first material providing desirable structural properties, such as rigidity or adhesion, and the inner surface <NUM> is formed of a second material providing desirable frictional properties.

As best shown in <FIG>, each of the bearing layers <NUM> may be separated into a plurality of fragments 238a-238c corresponding to each of the chambers 218a-218c of the bladder <NUM>. Thus, while the barrier layers <NUM> are each continuously formed, the bearing layers <NUM> are discontinuous, such that each of the fragments 238a-238c covers a portion of the interior surface <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM> associated with each chamber 218a-218c. The fragments 238a-238c are separated and bounded by the seams <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the compressible component <NUM>, 206a is disposed between the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM> such that portions of the interior void <NUM> formed between the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM> are filled with the compressible component <NUM>, 206a. Generally, the compressible component <NUM>, 206a includes one or more resilient materials or structures configured to bias each of the chambers 218a-218c towards an expanded state. Particularly, the compressible component <NUM>, 206a may include exterior surfaces <NUM> in facing contact with the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM>, whereby a resilience of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a causes the exterior surfaces <NUM> of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a to apply a force against the inner surfaces <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM> to bias the chambers 218a-218c towards the expanded state. As with the bearing layers <NUM>, the compressive component <NUM>, 206a may be separated into a plurality of discrete portions by the seam <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. Accordingly, each portion of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a is disposed within a corresponding one of the chambers 218a-218c, and is configured to bias the individual chamber 218a-218c towards the expanded state.

In some examples, the portions of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a may include unitary compressible elements 242a-242c disposed within each of the chambers 218a-218c, as shown in <FIG>. The compressible elements 242a-242c are each formed of a resilient material or structure that allows a fluid to pass freely therethrough, such as an open-cell foam material. The adjustment element 200a of <FIG> and <FIG> is constructed in a substantially similar manner as the adjustment element <NUM> described above and shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, instead of being formed of a unitary material, the compressible component 206a may include a plurality of individual compressible particles <NUM>, whereby each chamber 218a-218c is filled with the compressible particles <NUM> and the compressible particles <NUM> are able to move relative to each other within each chamber 218a-218c. The compressible particles may be formed of a foam material, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or other type of foam. In some examples, the compressible particles <NUM> are formed as spherical beads, and cooperate to collectively define the exterior surface <NUM> of the compressible component <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> may be fitted with one or more valves 208a, 208b operable to provide fluid communication between the interior void <NUM> and an exterior of the bladder <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the bladder <NUM> includes an exhaust valve 208a disposed at the second end 222a of the central chamber 218a and an intake valve 208b disposed at the first end 220a of the central chamber 218a. However, either one of the valves 208a, 208b may be provided on any one of the chambers 218a-218c, as the chambers 218a-218c are in fluid communication with each other through the conduits <NUM>. In some examples, the exhaust valve 208a and the intake valve 208b may be embodied as a single valve configured for bi-directional operation as an intake valve and an exhaust valve.

The exhaust valve 208a is configured to be selectively opened to allow fluid to pass in a direction from the interior void <NUM> to an exterior of the bladder <NUM>. In some examples, the exhaust valve 208a is configured as a passive valve, whereby the exhaust valve 208a is moved to the open position by application of a fluid pressure differential across the exhaust valve 208a. For example, the exhaust valve 208a may be configured to open when a pressure differential between an inlet side and an outlet side of the valve 208a satisfies or exceeds a pressure threshold. Examples of passive valves may include check valves such as duckbill valves, swing-type valves, plug-type valves, ball-type valves, and the like.

In some examples, a pressure differential may be generated by applying a positive pressure on an inlet side of the exhaust valve 208a. A positive pressure may be generated on the inlet side of the exhaust valve 208a by compressing one or more of the chambers 218a-218c, thereby forcing fluid from the interior void <NUM> through the exhaust valve 208a. Optionally, the pressure differential may be generated by applying a negative pressure on an outlet side of the valve 208a. For example, the outlet side of the exhaust valve 208a may be connected to a vacuum source, such as a pump <NUM>. Here, the pump <NUM> is configured to draw a negative pressure on the outlet side of the exhaust valve 208a to pull fluid through the exhaust valve 208a from the interior void <NUM>. While the illustrated pump <NUM> is shown as being disposed on the upper <NUM>, in other examples the bladder <NUM> may be connected to a peripheral pump not directly incorporated into the article of apparel, such as a hand pump or a powered pump.

In the illustrated example, the intake valve 208b is disposed at the first end 220a of the central chamber 218a and is operable between an open position to allow a flow of fluid into the interior void <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, and a closed position to prevent a flow of fluid into the interior void <NUM>. The intake valve 208b can be selectively moved between the open position and the closed position by the user. In one example, the intake valve 208b is embodied as a zipper that can be unsealed and resealed to open and close the intake valve 208b.

In addition to the passive valves 208a, 208b discussed above, either or both of the valves 208a, 208b may be embodied as an active valve configured to be manually opened and closed. For example, the valve 208a, 208b may be a manual valve that can be moved between the open position and the closed position by the wearer. In other examples, the exhaust valve 208a, 208b may be embodied as any one of the check valves discussed above, and may include a release grip connected to the valve mechanism for biasing the valve 208a, 208b to an opened position. In some examples, shape-metal alloys may be incorporated in the exhaust valve, whereby a shape of the alloy changes upon a change in temperature to move the valve 208a, 208b between the open position and the closed position.

In the example of <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> is provided in the form of an article of footwear <NUM> having an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> attached to the bottom of the upper <NUM>. Accordingly, the interior void <NUM>, is configured to receive a foot of a wearer and the opening <NUM> is an ankle opening providing access into a heel region of the footwear <NUM>. Generally, the sole structure <NUM> is configured to provide characteristics of cushioning and responsiveness to the article of footwear <NUM>, while the upper <NUM> is configured to receive the foot of the wearer to secure the foot of the wearer to the sole structure <NUM>.

When embodied as an article of footwear <NUM>, the adjustment region <NUM> of the receptacle is formed as an instep extending along a dorsal region of the upper <NUM> to adjust a fit of the interior void <NUM> around the foot, and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. As shown, the adjustment region <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> at the ankle opening <NUM> to a second end <NUM> spaced apart from the ankle opening <NUM> in a forefoot region. However, the adjustment region <NUM> may be formed in other areas of the upper <NUM>, such as along a lateral side or a medial side of the upper <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjustment region <NUM> is formed as a gap or space through the upper <NUM>, where a width W<NUM> of the gap can be increased or decreased to adjust a fit of the upper <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment region <NUM> may include one or more elastic materials configured to move between a stretched state and a contracted state to adjust a size of the upper <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the first ends 220a-220c of the chambers 218a-218c are positioned adjacent to the ankle opening <NUM> when the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a is attached to the upper <NUM>, while the second ends 222a-222c are positioned in the midfoot region, over the adjustment region <NUM>. The first side 224b of the first wing chamber 218b is attached to the upper <NUM> on a first side of the adjustment region <NUM> and a first side 224c of the second wing chamber 218c is attached to the upper <NUM> on the opposite side of the adjustment region <NUM> from the first wing chamber 218b.

Referring now to <FIG>, movement of the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a from the expanded configuration (<FIG>) to the contracted configuration (<FIG>) is shown and described. In the expanded configuration, the interior void <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> is filled with fluid such that the interior void <NUM> is at a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure. As such, the compressible component <NUM>, 206a is able to bias the bearing layers <NUM> and the barrier layers <NUM> outward to move each of the chambers 218a-218c to an expanded state, as shown in <FIG>. When each of the chambers 218a-218c is in the expanded state, the wing chambers 218b, 218c are extended, such that the first sides 224b, 224c are attached to the upper <NUM> and the second sides 226b, 226c are spaced apart from the first sides 224b, 224c across the wing chambers 218b, 218c. As shown, the central chamber 218a is spaced apart from the upper <NUM> by the wing chambers 218b, 218c and the adjustment region <NUM> has an expanded first width W<NUM>-<NUM>. In the expanded configuration, the chambers 218a-218c are generally arranged in series with each other from the first end 224b of the first wing chamber 218b to the first end 224c of the second wing chamber 218c.

With reference to <FIG>, the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a is transformed from the expanded configuration (<FIG>) to the contracted configuration (<FIG>) by exhausting fluid from the interior void <NUM> through the exhaust valve 208a. As discussed above, fluid may be exhausted from the interior void <NUM> by applying a positive pressure on the inlet side of the exhaust valve 208a (e.g., by squeezing or compressing the bladder <NUM>) and/or by applying a negative pressure on the outlet side of the exhaust valve 208a (e.g., by using a vacuum pump). As fluid is exhausted from the interior void <NUM>, the compressible component <NUM>, 206a is compressed within the interior void <NUM> by the barrier layers <NUM>. The pressure exerted on the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a may be applied directly to an outer surface of the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a by a wearer depressing the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a either directly (i.e., with the wearer's hand) or indirectly by constricting laces (not shown) that extend at least partially over the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a.

Referring now to <FIG>, the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a is moved to the fully compressed configuration. Here, each of the chambers 218a-218c is in a fully-compressed state, such that the pores or cells of the material forming the compressible component <NUM>, 206a are substantially fully collapsed. When the chambers 218a-218c are in the fully-compressed state, the resiliency of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a causes the exterior surface <NUM> of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a to apply an outward biasing force against the inner surface <NUM> of the bearing layers <NUM>, and consequently, to the barrier layers <NUM>. However, because the exhaust valve 208a is configured to prevent fluid flow into the interior void <NUM>, the chambers 218a-218c are prevented from returning to their respective expanded states. Instead, the biasing force of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a against the barrier layers <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> causes a vacuum (i.e., negative pressure) to form within the interior void <NUM> to maintain the chambers 218a-218c in the compressed states.

When the chambers 218a-218c are in the compressed states, the chambers 218a-218c can be folded over upon themselves to reduce an effective width of the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a. For example, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the wing chambers 218b, 218c may be folded along their respective longitudinal axes A218b, A218c. Accordingly, the second side 226b, 226c of each wing chamber 218b, 218c is folded over upon the first side 224b, 224c of the respective wing chamber 218b, 218c. Consequently, the first side 224a of the central chamber 218a and the first side 224b of the first wing chamber 218b are pulled towards each other, while the second side 226a of the central chamber 218a and the first side 224c of the second wing chamber 218c are pulled towards each other. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the wing chambers 218b, 218c are folded along their longitudinal axes A218b, A218c, the wing chambers 218b, 218c will be folded beneath the central chamber 218a. Furthermore, the reduction in the effective width of the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a causes the adjustment region <NUM> to be contracted to the second width W<NUM>-<NUM> that is less than the first width W<NUM>-<NUM>, thereby tightening the upper <NUM> around the foot of the wearer.

To return the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a to the expanded configuration, the intake valve 208b is moved to an open position to allow fluid to flow into the interior void <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. Particularly, with the intake valve 208b in the open position, the resiliency of the compressible component <NUM>, 206a biases the barrier layers <NUM> outwardly to increase the volume of the interior void, thereby drawing fluid through the intake valve 208b until the compressible component <NUM>, 206a reaches a fully-expanded state. In some examples, the fluid flow through the intake valve 208b may be metered so as to only allow the compressible component <NUM>, 206a to move to a partially-expanded state. The partially-expanded state may be used where a looser fit of the upper <NUM> on the foot is desired.

With particular reference to <FIG>, additional examples, not according to the claimed invention, of configurations of adjustment elements 200b, 200c are shown. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the adjustment elements <NUM> with respect to the adjustment elements 200b, 200c, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

As with the adjustment element <NUM> described above, the adjustment elements 200b, 200c of <FIG> include a bladder 202a having a pair of barrier layers <NUM> joined together at discrete locations to define a seam 216a and a plurality of chambers 218d-218j. The bladder 202a extends along and is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis A202a and includes a first series of chambers 218d-218j arranged on a first (e.g., lateral) side of the longitudinal axis A202a and a second series of chambers 218d-218j arranged on a second (e.g., medial) side of the longitudinal axis A202a. The chambers 218d-218j are generally elongate and extend longitudinally from a first end 220d-220j to a second 222d-222j.

As shown, the chambers 218d-218j in each series are orientated at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A202a. Particularly, a length of each of the chambers 218d-218j extends along a direction from the first end 220d-220j spaced apart from the longitudinal axis A202a to the second end 222d-222j adjacent to the longitudinal axis A202a. Put another way, each of the chambers 218d-218j extends along a direction of the longitudinal axis A202a and diverges from the longitudinal axis A202a along a direction from the second end 222d-222j to the first end 220d-220j. The chambers 218d-218j in each series may be arranged parallel to each other. Accordingly, the first series of chambers 218d-218j on the first side of the longitudinal axis A202a all diverge from the chambers 218d-218j of the second series on the second side of the longitudinal axis A202a. In other examples, the chambers 218d-218j may be non-parallel, or may be arranged as an array of chambers.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, each of the chambers 218d-218j further includes a first side 224d-224j and a second side 226d-226j formed on an opposite side of the chamber 218d-218j than the first side 224d-224j. Here, each of the first side 224d-224j and the second side 226d-226j extends from the first end 220d-220j to the second end 222d-222j along the length of the respective chamber 218d-218j. For each series of chambers, 218d-218j, the first side 224d-224j faces inwardly towards the longitudinal axis A202a, while the second side 226d faces outwardly away from the longitudinal axis A202a. The first side 226d-226j of each chamber 218d-218j attaches to the second side 226d-226j of an adjacent one of the chambers 218d-218j along the seam 216a of the bladder 202a.

Like the bladder <NUM> discussed above, the bladder 202a of <FIG> and <FIG> includes one or more conduits 228a fluidly coupling each of the chambers 218d-218j together. As best illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the conduit 228a of the bladder 202a may be configured as a central manifold extending continuously along the longitudinal axis A202a and connecting the second ends 222d-222j of each of the chambers 218d-218j. Accordingly, each of the chambers 218d-218j is in communication with each other through the conduit 228a, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The bladder 202a may include one or more valves 208c, 208d in communication with the interior void 204a of the bladder 202a and configured to selectively allow a flow of fluid into and/or out of the bladder 202a. In the illustrated example, the bladder 202a includes a pair of exhaust valves 208c disposed on opposite sides of the bladder 202a. For example, a first exhaust valve 208c is disposed on the first side of the bladder 202a and is in direct fluid communication with an outermost one of the chambers 218j on the first side, while a second exhaust valve 208c is disposed on the second side of the bladder 202a and is in direct fluid communication with an outermost one of the chambers 218j on the second side.

The bladder 202a further includes an intake valve 208d disposed at one end. As shown, the intake valve 208d is disposed along the longitudinal axis A202a and is in direct fluid communication with the conduit 228a. While the intake valve 208d is shown as being positioned adjacent to the first ends 220d-220j of the chambers 218d-218j, the intake valve 208d may be positioned adjacent to the second ends 222d-222j of the chambers 218d-218j. Additionally or alternatively, one or more intake valves 208d may be fluidly coupled directly to one of the chambers 218d-218j in a similar manner as the exhaust valves 208c.

Referring to <FIG>, the adjustment element 200b, 200c of <FIG> and <FIG> are constructed in a similar fashion as the adjustment element <NUM>, 200a described above. Particularly, the adjustment element includes the barrier layers <NUM> joined to each other along the seam 216a to define a profile of the interior void 204a and to form the plurality of chambers 218d-218j. The bladder 202a further includes one or more bearing layers <NUM> attached to opposing interior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>, where the bearing layers <NUM> are subdivided into a plurality of fragments 238d-238j corresponding to portions of the interior surface <NUM> forming each chamber 218d-218j. A compressible component 206b, 206c is disposed within the interior void 204a.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one example the adjustment element 200b may be formed with a compressible component 206b including a plurality of unitary compressible elements 242d-242j filling a portion of the interior void 204b defined by each of the chambers 218d-218j. In another example of the adjustment element 206c, each of the chambers 218d-218j may be filled with the compressible particles <NUM> discussed above.

In use, the adjustment elements 200b, 200c of <FIG> move between a contracted configuration (<FIG>) and an expanded configuration (<FIG>) by changing a fluid pressure within the interior void 204a of the bladder 202a. However, unlike the bladder <NUM> discussed above, the bladder 202a of <FIG> moves to the contracted configuration when fluid pressure within the interior void 204a is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure, and moves to the expanded configuration when the fluid pressure within the interior void 204a is less than atmospheric pressure.

With particular reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, the adjustment element 200b, 200c is shown in the contracted configuration. Here, the fluid pressure within the interior void 204a of the bladder 202a is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure such that the compressible component 206b, 206c is able to bias the barrier layers <NUM> of the bladder 202a apart to move the chambers 218d-218j to an expanded state. In the expanded state, thicknesses (i.e., the distance between the exterior surfaces <NUM> of the barrier layers <NUM>) of the chambers 218d-218j are maximized, while the widths (i.e., distance between the first side 224d-224j and the second side 226d-226j) are minimized. Accordingly, adjacent ones of the chambers 218d-218j are drawn towards each other as the barrier layers <NUM> are biased apart from each other, thereby causing an overall width (i.e., distance across all chambers 218d-218j) of the bladder 202a to be minimized.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, to move the adjustment element 200b, 200c to the expanded configuration, a fluid pressure within the interior void 204a is reduced below the atmospheric pressure such that the barrier layers <NUM> are drawn towards each other to minimize the thicknesses of the chambers 218d-218j. As discussed above, fluid pressure is reduced by removing a volume of fluid from the interior void 204a. This may be accomplished by compressing (e.g., squeezing) the chambers-either directly or indirectly (i.e., via laces)-to create a positive pressure on an inlet side of the exhaust valves 208c, thereby causing fluid to be forced through the exhaust valves 208c and out of the bladder 202a. Additionally or alternatively, fluid may be removed by applying a vacuum to an outlet side of the vacuum valves 208c.

Once the fluid exits the interior void 204a, the resiliency of the compressible component 206b, 206c applies a biasing force to the bearing layers <NUM> of the bladder to bias the barrier layers <NUM> apart from each other. However, with the pressure differential removed, the exhaust valves 208c move to a closed position to prevent fluid flow into the interior void. Thus, the biasing force of the compressible component 206b, 206c generates a negative pressure within the interior void 204a, which maintains the chambers 218d-218j in the compressed state.

As shown in <FIG>, when the chambers 218d-218j are in the compressed state, a thickness of the chambers 218d-218j is minimized and the widths of the chambers 218d-218j are maximized. Furthermore, moving the chambers 218d-218j to the compressed state allows the seam 216a of the bladder 202a to move to a relaxed state between adjacent ones of the chambers 218d-<NUM>, as the transition from joined barrier layers <NUM> of the seam 216a to the separated barrier layers <NUM> of each chamber 218d-218j is more gradual. With the chambers 218d-218j in the compressed state, an overall width of the bladder 202a is maximized.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one example, the adjustment element 200b, 200c is incorporated on an article of footwear <NUM>. Similar to the article <NUM>, 10a discussed above, here the article 10b, 10c includes the article of footwear <NUM> having the adjustment region <NUM> disposed in an instep region adjacent to an ankle opening <NUM>. To adjust a fit of the article of footwear <NUM>, the adjustment element 200b, 200c is moved between the contracted configuration (<FIG>) and the expanded configuration (<FIG>) by changing the fluid pressure within the interior void 204a of the bladder 202a.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> in another example, not according to the claimed invention, of an article 10d, 10e, the adjustment element 200b, 200c is incorporated on a garment, such as a shirt 100a. Here, the shirt 100a includes an interior void 102a forming a body cavity, where an opening 104a in the shirt 100a provides access to the interior void 102a. As shown, the shirt 100a may include an adjustment region 106a. As with the article of footwear <NUM>, the adjustment region 106a of the shirt 100a may be formed of an elastic material, or may include a gap in the material of the shirt 100a.

When the adjustment element 200b, 200c is incorporated in a shirt 100a or other garment, the adjustment element 200b, 200c will be disposed over the adjustment region 106a. In some examples, the adjustment region 106a may be formed adjacent to the opening 104a to adjust a fit of the opening 104a around the body. For example, where the opening 104a is provided as a neck opening 104a, as shown, the adjustment element 200b, 200c may be configured to adjust a fit of the neck opening 104a around the neck of a wearer. In other examples, the adjustment region 106a and the adjustment element 200b, 200c are spaced apart from the opening 104a to adjust a fit of an intermediate portion of the shirt 100a.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, another example, not according to the claimed invention, of an adjustment element 200d is shown. Here, the adjustment element 200d is formed with a similar construction as the adjustment elements <NUM>-200c, and includes a bladder 202b having a pair of barrier layers <NUM> joined to each other along a seam 216b to form a plurality of chambers <NUM>. Generally, the adjustment element 200d has an auxetic structure, where a length L200d and a width W200d of the adjustment element 200d are minimized when the adjustment element 200d is moved to the contracted configuration (<FIG>), and are maximized when the adjustment element 200d is moved to the expanded configuration (<FIG>).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the seam 216b of the bladder 202b forms an interconnected network or mesh defining a plurality of discrete polygonal chambers <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the seam 216b defines a plurality of diamond or square-shaped chambers <NUM> arranged in rows and columns to provide the bladder 202b with the auxetic structure. The seam 216b may include a plurality of fingers <NUM> that partially divide each of the chambers <NUM> into an opposing pair of triangular-shaped chamber sections <NUM>. Each of the chambers <NUM> may be fluidly coupled to each other with one or more conduits 228b formed in the seam 216b.

The adjustment element 200d may further include one or more valves, as discussed above. In the illustrated example, a single two-way valve 208e is fluidly connected to each of the chambers <NUM> through the network of conduits 228b. Accordingly, the valve 208e may function as both an exhaust valve for removing fluid from the bladder 202b, and as an intake valve for providing fluid to the bladder 202b.

The adjustment element 200b includes a compressible component disposed within each of the chambers <NUM> and configured to bias the barrier layers <NUM> of the adjustment element 200b apart from each other. As with the examples provided above, the compressible component may include a plurality of unitary compressible elements each filling one of the chambers <NUM> and formed of a resilient material <NUM>, such as open-cell foam. Additionally or alternatively, the compressible component of the adjustment element 200b may include a plurality of the compressible particles <NUM> disposed within each chamber <NUM>.

In use, the adjustment element 200d is moved between the contracted configuration (<FIG>) and the expanded configuration (<FIG>) by changing a fluid pressure within the bladder 202b. In <FIG>, the adjustment element 200d is arranged in the contracted configuration when a fluid pressure within the bladder 202b is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure, such that the compressible component within each chamber <NUM> can bias the barrier layers <NUM> apart from each other. Here, as the barrier layers <NUM> are biased apart from each other, a length L<NUM> and a width W<NUM> of each chamber <NUM> is minimized and the chambers <NUM> and seams 216b are drawn towards each other. Accordingly, an overall length L200d-<NUM> and overall width W200d-<NUM> of the adjustment element 200b is minimized.

To move the adjustment element 200d to the expanded configuration, a volume of fluid is exhausted from within the bladder 202b through the valve 208e. As with previous examples, the fluid may be exhausted by generating a pressure differential across the valve 208e, such that the fluid pressure within the bladder 202b is greater than the fluid pressure on an exterior of the valve 208e. As the fluid is exhausted from the bladder 202b, the barrier layers <NUM> are drawn towards each other to compress the compressible component within the interior void of the bladder 202b, reducing a thickness of each of the chambers <NUM>. Reduction in the thicknesses of the chambers <NUM> results in an increase in the width W<NUM> and the length L<NUM> of each chamber <NUM>, which consequently results in the overall length L200d-<NUM> and overall width W200d-<NUM> of the bladder 202b being maximized.

With the adjustment element 200d in the expanded configuration, the valve 208e is then closed to prevent fluid flow into the bladder. As discussed above, the compressible component applies a biasing force to the barrier layers <NUM> to move the barrier layers <NUM> apart from each other. However, with the valve 208e in the close position, fluid is unable to flow into the bladder 202b and a vacuum is formed within the interior void, thereby maintaining the adjustment element 200d in the expanded configuration until the valve 208e is opened to allow fluid to return to the interior void.

Claim 1:
An article (<NUM>, 10a) comprising:
a receptacle (<NUM>) defining an interior void (<NUM>); and
an adjustment element (<NUM>-200a) attached to the receptacle (<NUM>) and including a bladder (<NUM>) defining one or more chambers (218a-218c) each having a compressible component (<NUM>; 206a) disposed therein, the adjustment element (<NUM>-200a) operable between a contracted configuration providing the receptacle (<NUM>) with a first size and an expanded configuration providing the receptacle (<NUM>) with a second size different than the first size by adjusting a pressure within the one or more chambers (218a-218c),
wherein the receptacle (<NUM>) includes an opening (<NUM>) providing access to the interior void (<NUM>), the adjustment element (<NUM>-200a) being disposed adjacent to the opening (<NUM>) and operable to move the opening (<NUM>) between the first size and the second size
wherein the receptacle (<NUM>) is an upper (<NUM>) of an article of footwear,
wherein the adjustment element (<NUM>-200d) includes a first wing chamber (218b) attached to the upper (<NUM>) on a lateral side, a second wing chamber (218c) attached to the upper on a medial side, and a central chamber (218a) disposed between and connecting the first wing chamber (218b) and the second wing chamber (218c), and
wherein in the contracted configuration the first wing chamber (218b) and the second wing chamber (218c) are folded between the central chamber (218a) and the upper (<NUM>).