Patent Description:
The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure and support a foot on the sole structure. Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between an outsole providing abrasion-resistance and traction with a ground surface and a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning for the foot.

For instance, laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot and tied once a desired fit of the upper around the foot is attained. Care is required to ensure that the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot each time the laces are tied. Moreover, the laces may loosen or become untied during wear of the footwear. While fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners are easier and quicker to operate than traditional laces, these fasteners have a propensity to wear out over time and require more attention to attain a desired tension when securing the upper to the foot.

Known automated tightening systems typically include a tightening mechanism, such as a rotatable knob, that can be manipulated to apply tension to one or more cables that interact with the upper for closing the upper around a foot. While these automated tightening systems can incrementally increase the magnitude of tension of the one or more cables to achieve the desired fit of the upper around the foot, they require a time-consuming task of manipulating the tightening mechanism to properly tension the cables for securing the upper around the foot. Further, when it is desired to remove the footwear from the foot, the wearer is required to simultaneously depress a release mechanism and pull the upper away from the foot to release the tension of the cables. Thus, known automated tightening systems lack suitable provisions for both quickly and variably adjusting the tension of the cables to close the upper around the foot and quickly releasing the tension applied to the cables so that the upper can be quickly loosened for removing the footwear from the foot.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled chamber to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a stroble attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

Midsoles using fluid-filled chambers are generally configured as a chamber formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together, and pressurized with a fluid such as air. Tensile members may be incorporated within the chamber to retain the shape of the chamber when the chamber compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, fluid-filled chambers are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the fluid-filled chamber resiliently compresses under an applied load. The fluid-filled chamber as a whole, however, fails to adequately dampen oscillations by the foot as the fluid-filled chamber compresses to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Accordingly, creating a midsole from a fluid-filled chamber that dampens foot oscillation and provides acceptable cushioning for the foot while attenuating ground-reaction forces is difficult to achieve. In this context, <CIT> describes a closure system consisting of a tensioning device arranged in a housing, to which at least one tensioning element that can be shortened or lengthened is coupled. Further, <CIT> relates to articles of footwear having a dynamic lacing system for moving footwear between a tightened state and a loosened state. Even further, <CIT> and <CIT> each disclose a shoelace tightener which facilitates tightening and loosening operations of a shoelace so that a shoe can be easily attached and detached.

The claimed invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper and a cable lock disposed adjacent to an exterior surface of the upper. The cable lock is separated from the exterior surface of the upper by a space. The article of footwear also includes a cable having a first portion routed through the cable lock and a second portion routed through the space between the cable lock and the upper. The cable is operable to move the upper between a relaxed state and a constricted state.

Implementations of the disclosure includes the following features. The cable lock includes one or more legs extending therefrom, wherein the cable lock may be supported against the upper by each of the one or more legs. Here, each of the legs includes a flange disposed against the upper. The flange of each of the one or more legs may be attached to the upper. Each of the legs includes an aperture formed therethrough. The aperture is in communication with the space.

The cable may be routed through the aperture of each of the one or more legs.

In some examples, the cable lock is disposed on a throat of the upper. The cable includes a control element and a fastening element, the control element extending from the cable lock and around a heel region of the article of footwear and the fastening element extending along a throat of the upper. The upper may include a release grip attached to a throat of the upper adjacent to an ankle opening, the release grip operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper having an ankle opening and a tongue portion disposed adjacent to the ankle opening. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock disposed adjacent to the tongue portion of the upper and a cable having a first portion routed through the cable lock and a second portion routed through a space between the cable lock and the tongue portion. The cable is operable to move the upper between a relaxed state and a constricted state. The article of footwear also includes a release grip extending from the cable lock adjacent to the ankle opening and operable to move the cable lock from a locked state to an unlocked state.

Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the cable lock includes one or more legs extending therefrom, the cable lock supported against the upper by each of the one or more legs to define the space between the cable lock and the upper. Optionally, each of the legs includes a flange disposed against the upper. Here, the flange of each of the one or more legs may be attached to the upper.

In some implementations, each of the legs includes an aperture formed therethrough. Optionally, the aperture is in communication with the space. In some examples, the cable is routed through the aperture of each of the one or more legs.

In some configurations, the cable lock is disposed on a throat of the upper. Generally, the cable includes a control element and a fastening element, the control element extending from the cable lock and around a heel region of the article of footwear and the fastening element extending along a throat of the upper. In some examples, the cable lock includes a release cord having a first end connected to the cable lock and a second end connected to the release grip.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a cable lock for an article of footwear. The cable lock includes a cradle having a receptacle and one or more legs extending from the receptacle. The cable lock also includes a lock device removably received within the receptacle. The lock device is operable between an unlocked state to allow a cable to move through the lock device in a tightening direction and a loosening direction and in a locked state to prevent the cable from moving through the lock device in the loosening direction.

Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In particular, the receptacle includes a bottom wall and one or more sidewalls, each of the one or more legs extending from the one or more sidewalls to a distal end beyond the bottom wall. Here, the distal end of each of the legs includes a flange. The flange may be parallel to and offset from the bottom wall of the receptacle. The one or more legs may include a pair of the legs disposed on opposite sides of the receptacle and defining a space along the bottom wall. Each of the legs includes an aperture in communication with the space.

According to the claimed invention, the receptacle includes a chamber configured to receive the lock device, the chamber including a pair of shoulders upon which the lock device is supported. Here, the shoulders are spaced apart from each other to define a channel extending between the lock device and an inner surface of the receptacle. The lock device includes a release cord operable to move the lock device from a locked state to an unlocked state, the release cord routed through the channel. Here, the cable lock may include a lid configured to enclose the lock device within the receptacle.

Referring to <FIG>, an example of an article of footwear <NUM> including a system providing for variable tension is disclosed. In some implementations, the article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> attached to the upper <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> further includes a cable lock <NUM> and tensioning system <NUM> integrated into at least one of the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>. The tensioning system <NUM> includes a cable <NUM> that cooperates with the cable lock <NUM> to move the article of footwear <NUM> between a constricted state and a relaxed state, as detailed below. Particularly, the cable <NUM> is movable in a tightening direction DT to move the article of footwear <NUM> into the constricted state. In some implementations, the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM> cooperate to provide passages and guides for routing portions of the cable <NUM> to and from the cable lock <NUM>. The cable lock <NUM> is configured to selectively secure the cable <NUM> in the tightened or constricted state.

The footwear <NUM> may further include an anterior end <NUM> associated with a forward-most point of the footwear <NUM>, and a posterior end <NUM> corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM> extends along a length of the footwear <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, and generally divides the footwear <NUM> into a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>. Accordingly, the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extend from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>.

The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions along the longitudinal axis A<NUM>. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM> and a heel region <NUM>. The forefoot region <NUM> may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear regions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The upper <NUM> includes a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void <NUM> and an ankle opening <NUM>, which cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure <NUM>. For example, the upper <NUM> includes a pair of side panels or quarter panels <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM> on opposite sides of the interior void <NUM>. A throat <NUM> extends across the top of the upper <NUM>, and defines an instep region extending between the quarter panels <NUM> from the ankle opening <NUM> to the forefoot region <NUM>. In the illustrated example, an upper portion of the throat <NUM> is open, whereby opposing upper edges <NUM> of the quarter panels <NUM> are separated from each other by a space <NUM> and can be selectively spaced apart from each other to adjust the size of the interior void <NUM> and the ankle opening <NUM>. In some examples, a tongue <NUM> may be disposed within the space <NUM> of the throat <NUM> to cover the interior void <NUM>. The upper <NUM> further includes a plurality of conduits or cable guides <NUM> spaced along each of the upper edges <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples a portion of cable <NUM> may be alternatingly routed between the cable guides <NUM> of the respective quarter panels <NUM> along the length of the throat <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> may be further described as including heel side panels <NUM> extending through the heel region <NUM> along the lateral and medial sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the ankle opening <NUM>. A heel counter <NUM> wraps around the posterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM> and connects the heel side panels <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the heel counter <NUM> includes a pair of support arms <NUM> extending along the sole structure <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. Here, each of the support arms <NUM> extends to a terminal end in the mid-foot region <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, the support arms <NUM> may provide reinforcement to the heel counter <NUM> to minimize deflection when a tightening force FT is applied to the cable <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM>. Uppermost edges of the tongue <NUM>, the heel side panels <NUM>, and the heel counter <NUM> cooperate to form a collar <NUM>, which defines the ankle opening <NUM> of the interior void <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may include one or more grip features <NUM> attached to the collar <NUM> adjacent the ankle opening <NUM> for pulling the footwear <NUM> onto and off of the foot.

As illustrated best in <FIG>, the upper <NUM> may be provided with one or more shrouds <NUM> for concealing the various components of the tensioning system <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the cable <NUM> of the tensioning system <NUM> may be routed beneath the shroud <NUM>. In the illustrated example, a portion of the cable <NUM> extending from the cable lock <NUM> on the throat <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> may be concealed within the shroud <NUM> on each of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define the interior void <NUM>. Suitable materials of the upper <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The example upper <NUM> may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper <NUM> to facilitate movement of the upper <NUM> between the tightened state and the loosened state. The one or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, without limitation, spandex, elastane, rubber or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material/fabric that does not impart properties of elasticity.

In the illustrated example, the heel counter <NUM> may be formed of a different material than the heel side panels <NUM> and/or the remainder of the upper <NUM>. In some examples, the heel counter <NUM> is formed of a material having a higher modulus of elasticity (i.e., greater stiffness) than the material of the heel side panels <NUM>, whereby the upper <NUM> can be stretched to increase the size of the interior void <NUM> while the heel counter <NUM> is configured to provide increased rigidity. In other examples, the heel counter <NUM> and the heel side panels <NUM> are formed of the same material, and may be formed of a single piece of material. Optionally, the heel counter <NUM> may include a laminate construction including a base layer 118a and an outer shell layer 118b including a different material than the base layer 118a.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM>, which does not form part of the claimed invention and is present for illustration purposes only, includes a midsole <NUM> and an outsole <NUM>. Generally, the midsole <NUM> is configured to impart performance characteristics to the sole structure <NUM>, such as cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution. The outsole <NUM> may be attached to or formed integrally with the midsole <NUM>, and forms a ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. Accordingly, the outsole <NUM> is configured to impart characteristics related to traction and abrasion resistance.

The midsole <NUM> is formed as a composite structure, and includes a bladder <NUM> and one or more optional foam inserts <NUM>, 208a. As described in greater detail below, the bladder <NUM> and the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a cooperate to form a substantially flush and continuous top surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>, which defines a profile of a footbed. The midsole <NUM> further includes a bottom surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the midsole <NUM> than the top surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> defines a profile of the ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. A peripheral side surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> extends between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM>, and defines an outer peripheral profile of the sole structure <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> is configured to extend from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. The bladder <NUM> may be described as including an upper surface <NUM> and a lower surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the bladder <NUM> from the upper surface <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, and best shown in <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may include one or more recesses <NUM>, 220a formed therein. In the illustrated example, the upper surface <NUM> includes a forefoot recess <NUM> extending through the forefoot region <NUM> and the mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel recess 220a formed in the heel region <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, and illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the midsole <NUM> is assembled, the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a are received within the respective recesses <NUM>, 220a such that the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> is exposed and cooperates with top surfaces of the inserts <NUM>, 208a to provide a continuous and substantially flush top surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the bladder <NUM> is constructed of an upper barrier layer <NUM> and a lower barrier layer <NUM>, which are joined together with each other at discrete locations to form a chamber <NUM> and a web area <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> is associated with an area of the bladder <NUM> where interior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another to define an interior void <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. Conversely, the web area <NUM> is associated with areas of the bladder <NUM> where the upper barrier layer <NUM> is joined to the lower barrier layer <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> and the web area <NUM> cooperate to define the recesses <NUM>, 220a in the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>, whereby the web area <NUM> defines a bottom portion of the recesses <NUM>, 220a and the chamber <NUM> defines an outer periphery of the recesses <NUM>, 220a.

As used herein, the term "barrier layer" (e.g., barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier layers <NUM>, <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>, <NUM> are each produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometers to about <NUM> micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about <NUM> micrometer to about <NUM> micrometers.

One or both of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> can independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. As used herein, the term "transparent" for a barrier layer and/or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier layer in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier layer. In comparison, for an opaque barrier layer, light does not pass through the barrier layer and one cannot see clearly through the barrier layer at all. A translucent barrier layer falls between a transparent barrier layer and an opaque barrier layer, in that light passes through a translucent layer but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the layer.

The barrier layers <NUM>, <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 barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> may include two or more sublayers (multilayer film) such as shown in <CIT> and <CIT>. In embodiments where the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> include two or more sublayers, examples of suitable multilayer films include microlayer films, such as those disclosed in <CIT>. In further embodiments, the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> may each independently include alternating sublayers of one or more TPU copolymer materials and one or more EVOH copolymer materials, where the total number of sublayers in each of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> includes at least four (<NUM>) sublayers, at least ten (<NUM>) sublayers, at least twenty (<NUM>) sublayers, at least forty (<NUM>) sublayers, and/or at least sixty (<NUM>) sublayers.

The chamber <NUM> can be produced from the barrier layers <NUM>, <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 an aspect, the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> can be produced by coextrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce an inflatable chamber <NUM>, which can optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) that allows the chamber <NUM> to be filled with the fluid (e.g., gas).

The chamber <NUM> can be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear <NUM>) or in an unfilled state. The chamber <NUM> can be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N<NUM>), or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the chamber <NUM> can alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads). The fluid provided to the chamber <NUM> can result in the chamber <NUM> being pressurized. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chamber <NUM> can be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamber <NUM> is not pressurized but, rather, simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

The chamber <NUM> desirably has a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chamber <NUM> has a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (<NUM>) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, the chamber <NUM> has a nitrogen gas transmission rate of <NUM> cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm<NUM>/m<NUM>·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of <NUM> micrometers (based on thicknesses of the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>). In further aspects, the transmission rate is <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>·atm·day or less, <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>·atm·day or less, or <NUM><NUM>/m<NUM>·atm·day or less.

In some examples, the formation of the recesses <NUM>, 220a in the upper surface <NUM> is induced by filling the interior void <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> with a pressurized fluid, causing the upper barrier layer <NUM> to bulge in areas that are not joined to the lower barrier layer <NUM> (i.e., the chamber <NUM>). For example, the upper barrier layer <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> may be substantially planar, or have a continuous contour when the chamber <NUM> is in an unfilled or relaxed state. However, when the interior void <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> is filled, the upper barrier layer <NUM> and the lower barrier layer <NUM> will be biased apart from each other. Even where the upper barrier layer <NUM> has a naturally flat or continuous profile in the relaxed state, the filling of the interior void <NUM> will cause the upper barrier layer <NUM> to bulge in areas that are not joined to the lower barrier layer <NUM> (i.e., the web area <NUM>), thereby forming the one or more recesses <NUM>, 220a in between adjacent segments of the chamber <NUM>. In some examples, the upper barrier layer <NUM> may be molded or pre-formed to include one or more of the recesses <NUM>, 220a in areas that are not joined to the lower barrier layer <NUM>.

Exterior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM> define the respective upper and lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the bladder <NUM>. Accordingly, when the interior void <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> is filled with a fluid and the upper barrier layer <NUM> is caused to bulge, the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> can be described as having an outer portion <NUM>, an inner portion <NUM>. The outer portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM> corresponds to a portion of the upper barrier layer <NUM> that is spaced farthest away from the lower barrier layer <NUM> along a direction perpendicular to the ground-engaging surface <NUM>, while the inner portion <NUM> is associated with a portion of the upper barrier layer <NUM> that is disposed closest to the lower barrier layer <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the inner portion <NUM> is associated with the portion of the upper barrier layer <NUM> that is joined to the lower barrier layer <NUM> (i.e., the web area <NUM>). A peripheral portion <NUM> is associated with an intermediate portion of the chamber <NUM> that extends from the web area <NUM> (i.e., the inner portion <NUM>) to the top-most portion of the chamber <NUM> (i.e., the outer portion <NUM>).

With reference to <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> may be described as including a plurality of sub-chambers <NUM>-238c each comprising a plurality of segments <NUM> that are at least partially spaced apart from each other by the web area <NUM> and cooperate to define a profile of the ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. The segments <NUM> of each sub-chamber <NUM>-238c are in direct fluid communication with each other. Further, a series of the segments <NUM> are arranged sequentially with each other, as best shown in <FIG>. The chamber <NUM> may further include one or more conduits <NUM> that provide fluid communication between pairs of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c. In some examples, all of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c may be in fluid communication with one or more conduits <NUM> to form a substantially continuous chamber <NUM> along the length of the sole structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the chamber <NUM> may comprise a continuous network of fluidly connected sub-chambers <NUM>-238c, whereby a change in pressure in a first one of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c is transmitted to a second one of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c. In other examples, one or more of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c may be fluidly isolated, where each sub-chamber <NUM>-238c includes a plurality of interconnected segments <NUM> that are isolated from the interconnected segments <NUM> forming the other sub-chambers <NUM>-238c.

Each of the segments <NUM> and the conduits <NUM> may be filled with a pressurized fluid (i.e., gas, liquid) to provide cushioning and stability for the foot during use of the footwear <NUM>. In some implementations, compressibility of a first portion of the plurality of segments <NUM> of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c under an applied load provides a responsive-type cushioning, while a second portion of the segments <NUM> of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c may be configured to provide a soft-type cushioning under an applied load. Accordingly, the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear <NUM> that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the segments <NUM> are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear <NUM> performs).

In other implementations, one or more cushioning materials (none shown), such as polymer foam and/or particulate matter, are enclosed by one or more of the segments <NUM> in place of, or in addition to, the pressurized fluid to provide cushioning for the foot. In these implementations, the cushioning materials may provide one or more of the segments <NUM> with cushioning properties different from the segments <NUM> filled with the pressurized fluid. For example, the cushioning materials may be more or less responsive or provide greater impact absorption than the pressurized fluid.

As discussed above, the recesses <NUM>, 220a may be formed between bulges in the upper surface <NUM>, which are created when the interior void <NUM> of the chamber <NUM> is filled and the upper barrier layer <NUM> is biased apart from the lower barrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the profiles of the recesses <NUM>, 220a formed in the upper surface <NUM> correspond to the arrangement of the sub-chambers <NUM>-238c, segments <NUM>, and/or conduits <NUM>. In the example of the bladder <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the chamber <NUM> forms a forefoot recess <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>, and a heel recess 220a in the heel region <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the forefoot recess <NUM> extends continuously from a first end <NUM> at the anterior end <NUM> to a second end <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Here, the forefoot recess <NUM> may be described as including a plurality of interconnected segments <NUM>, <NUM> arranged in a substantially continuous and serpentine manner from the anterior end <NUM> to the mid-foot region <NUM>. In other words, the forefoot recess <NUM> includes a first plurality of laterally extending segments <NUM> each extending continuously across the width of the bladder <NUM> from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>, and a first plurality of longitudinally extending segments <NUM> extending between and connecting adjacent ones of the laterally extending segments <NUM> along the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the heel recess 220a extends continuously from a first end <NUM> in the mid-foot region <NUM> to a second end <NUM> at the posterior end <NUM>. As with the forefoot recess <NUM>, the heel recess 220a includes a plurality of laterally extending segments <NUM> extending across the width of the bladder <NUM> from the lateral side <NUM> to the medial side <NUM>. The heel recess 220a also includes longitudinally extending segments <NUM> extending along the lateral side <NUM> and/or the medial side <NUM>, and connecting ends of adjacent ones of the laterally extending segments <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the illustrated example of the sole structure <NUM> optionally includes a first foam insert <NUM> associated with the forefoot recess <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, and a second foam insert 208a associated with the heel recess 220a of the sole structure <NUM>. Each of the inserts <NUM>, 208a includes a top surface <NUM>, 260a and a bottom surface <NUM>, 262a formed on an opposite side of the foam insert <NUM>, 208a from the top surface <NUM>, 260a. A peripheral side surface <NUM>, 264a of each of the inserts <NUM>, 208a extends from the top surface <NUM>, 260a to the bottom surface <NUM>, 262a.

Generally, each of the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a is configured to be received within the respective recesses <NUM>, 220a. As described above, the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a may cooperate with the outer portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> to form the top surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>, which may be contoured to accommodate a profile of a plantar surface of a foot. Accordingly, the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a may be formed such that the top surfaces <NUM>, 260a merge with the outer portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> in a substantially tangential relationship, thereby forming a continuous and substantially flush top surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a are assembled within the recesses <NUM>, 220a, the outer portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> will be exposed between the segments of the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a corresponding to the segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the recesses <NUM>, 220a.

The foam inserts <NUM>, 208a are configured to fill the recesses <NUM>, 220a to form a substantially continuous and flush top surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. Accordingly, the bottom surfaces <NUM>, 262a of the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a are configured to oppose or interface with the inner portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM>, while the peripheral side surfaces <NUM>, 264a are configured to cooperate with the peripheral portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM>. Accordingly, where the web area <NUM> is substantially planar, as shown, the bottom surfaces <NUM>, 262a of the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a will also be substantially planar. Likewise, where the peripheral portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM> of the bladder <NUM> has a convex profile, the peripheral side surfaces <NUM>, 264a of the inserts <NUM>, 208a will have a concave profile configured to receive the peripheral portion <NUM> of the upper surface <NUM>. As such, the inserts <NUM>, 208a are shaped to be matingly received by the respective recesses <NUM>, 220a such that the inserts <NUM>, 208a substantially fill the respective recesses <NUM>, 220a.

As described above, the foam inserts <NUM>, 208a are formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. In one example, the first foam insert <NUM> and the second foam insert 208a are formed of the same material to impart similar performance characteristics to each of the forefoot region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. In other examples, the first foam insert <NUM> and the second foam insert 208a may be formed of different materials to impart different characteristics to at least one of the forefoot region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>.

Example resilient polymeric materials for the inserts <NUM>, 208a may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above for the barrier layers <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as azodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an example of the cable lock <NUM> according to the instant disclosure are provided. As shown in <FIG>, the cable lock <NUM> is disposed on the instep region of the upper <NUM>, adjacent to the ankle opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the cable lock <NUM> may be disposed on or over the throat <NUM> and/or the tongue <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the cable lock <NUM> is generally configured to interface with the cable <NUM> of the tensioning system <NUM> to selectively secure a position of the cable <NUM> relative to the upper <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cable lock <NUM> includes a lock device <NUM> that is removably received within a cartridge <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the lock device <NUM> is operable between a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the cable <NUM> is permitted to move in a loosening direction DL through the lock device <NUM> when the lock device <NUM> is in the unlocked state and is prevented from moving in the loosening direction DL when the lock device <NUM> is in the locked state. The cartridge <NUM> removably receives the lock device <NUM>, and is configured for attachment to an exterior of the upper <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cartridge <NUM> is attached over the throat <NUM> of the upper. As discussed below, the cartridge <NUM> may include provisions for spacing the lock device <NUM> apart from the exterior surface of the upper <NUM>, such that the cable <NUM> can be routed beneath the lock device <NUM> and between the cartridge <NUM> and the upper <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lock device <NUM> has a housing <NUM> and a cover <NUM>. A locking member <NUM> is disposed within the lock device <NUM>, and is configured to selectively engage the cable <NUM>. The lock device <NUM> further includes a first biasing member <NUM> configured to bias the locking member <NUM> towards an engaged or locked state, and a pair of second biasing members <NUM> configured to cooperate with the housing <NUM> to retain the locking member <NUM> in a disengaged or unlocked state, as described below with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, an example of a housing <NUM> is provided. The housing <NUM> defines a length extending between a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The housing <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and peripheral walls 322a, 322b extending from the base portion <NUM> to define a main cavity <NUM> of the lock device <NUM>. The main cavity <NUM> is configured to receive the cable <NUM> and the locking member <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the peripheral walls 322a, 322b include a pair of end walls 322a at each of the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>, and an opposing pair of sidewalls 322b extending between the end walls 322a. In other examples, the housing <NUM> may include different configurations of peripheral walls, and define an annular peripheral wall of a circular lock device <NUM>, or may be multi-faceted and define a polygonal lock device <NUM>.

The peripheral walls 322a, 322b may include a plurality of cable openings 326a, 326b formed therethrough for providing communication between the main cavity <NUM> and an exterior of the lock device <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the openings 326a, 326b include a first pair of openings 326a proximate to the first end <NUM> for receiving a first end of the cable <NUM>, and a second pair of openings 326b proximate to the second end <NUM> for receiving a second end of the cable <NUM>. In the example of the housing <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the openings 326a, 326b are formed in the sidewalls 322b of the housing. However, the openings 326a, 326b may be formed through corners of the housing <NUM>. In other examples the openings 326a, 326b may be formed entirely in the end walls 322a of the housing.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a locking channel <NUM> defined by an opposing pair of engagement surfaces <NUM> that converge toward one another such that the locking channel <NUM> is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration tapering along a direction from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the engagement surfaces <NUM> are defined by corresponding sidewalls of the housing <NUM> converging toward one another and extending between the base portion <NUM> and the cover <NUM> to define the locking channel <NUM>. As described in greater detail below, the engagement surfaces <NUM> cooperate with the locking member <NUM> to secure a position of the cable <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in some examples the housing <NUM> may further include one or more guide shafts <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the housing <NUM> includes a pair of the shafts <NUM> respectively disposed between the locking channel <NUM> and each of the second openings 326b at the second end <NUM>. Accordingly, the shafts <NUM> are positioned within the housing <NUM> such that the shafts <NUM> will be engaged by the cable <NUM> as the cable <NUM> passes between the locking channel <NUM> and the second openings 326b, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. However, the shafts <NUM> may be positioned in other areas of the housing <NUM>, such that the shafts <NUM> are arranged along a path of the cable <NUM>. Optionally, the guide shafts <NUM> may support rotatable guide wheels (not shown) for guiding the cable <NUM> through the housing <NUM>. In some examples, the guide wheels may include a series of detents operable to interface with a flexible tab of the housing, whereby the detents engage the tab as the wheel is rotated to provide tactile and/or audible feedback as the cable <NUM> is pulled through the housing <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the housing <NUM> includes a pair of retention features <NUM> configured to selectively engage the locking member <NUM> to secure the locking member <NUM> in the unlocked state, as shown in <FIG>. The retention features <NUM> associated with the housing <NUM> may include a first retention feature <NUM> and a second retention feature <NUM> disposed on opposite sides of the housing <NUM>, whereby the retention features <NUM> are biased inward toward the locking member <NUM> by the second biasing members <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the retention features <NUM> each include a flexible tab <NUM> integrally formed with the housing <NUM> such that the retention features <NUM> act as living hinges movable between an engaged state and a disengaged state for allowing the locking member <NUM> to pass therebetween. Accordingly, each tab <NUM> extends from a fixed first end <NUM> to a detached distal end <NUM>. As shown, the distal ends <NUM> of each tab <NUM> may partially define a path of the cable <NUM> between the locking channel <NUM> and the first openings 326a at the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the distal end <NUM> may include an inner guide surface <NUM> along which the cable <NUM> passes between the locking channel <NUM> and a respective one of the first openings 326a.

Each of the retention features <NUM> further includes a projection <NUM> extending laterally into the locking channel <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> of the tab <NUM>. A width of the projection <NUM> may taper along a direction from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, such that the projection <NUM> includes a retention surface <NUM> facing the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and a biasing surface <NUM> formed on the opposite side of the projection <NUM> from the retention surface <NUM>. Each of the retention surface <NUM> and the biasing surface <NUM> may be formed at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the housing <NUM>. However, an angle of the retention surface <NUM> with respect to the longitudinal axis A<NUM> may be greater than the angle of the biasing surface <NUM>, such that the retention surface <NUM> is configured to prove greater resistance to movement of the locking member <NUM> towards the second end <NUM> (i.e. the locked state) than towards the first end <NUM> (i.e. the unlocked state). In the illustrated example, the projection <NUM> is spaced apart from the distal end <NUM> of the tab <NUM>, and cooperates with the distal end <NUM> to define a track <NUM> or passage for guiding the cable <NUM> from the locking channel <NUM> to one of the first openings 326a.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable lock <NUM> includes a pair of the second biasing members <NUM> configured to bias the distal ends <NUM> and, consequently, the projections <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> inward towards the locking channel <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the biasing members <NUM> are compression springs that apply a continuous biasing force FB to the distal ends <NUM> of the tabs <NUM>. In other examples, the biasing force FB may be applied by other types of biasing members <NUM>, such as tension springs, coil springs, or by forming the first end <NUM> of the tab <NUM> as a resilient living hinge.

Referring to the examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> is configured to be slidably received within the locking channel <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. As provided above, the locking member <NUM> is operable between a locked state and an unlocked state to selectively secure a position of the cable <NUM>. The locking member <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and a pair of lock surfaces <NUM> formed on opposite sides of the locking member between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. In some examples, the lock surfaces <NUM> converge toward one another along a direction from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, such that the lock surfaces <NUM> are parallel to respective ones of the engagement surfaces <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is disposed within the locking channel <NUM>. In the example shown, the lock surfaces <NUM> include projections or teeth <NUM> configured to permit movement by the cable <NUM> towards the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> while restricting movement by the cable <NUM> towards the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> by gripping the cable <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is in the locked state.

The first end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may include a tab portion <NUM> having flared protuberances <NUM> extending outwardly therefrom, and a pair of detents <NUM> formed between the protuberances <NUM> and the lock surfaces <NUM>. Generally, the protuberances <NUM> include a biasing surface <NUM> facing toward the first end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and a retention surface <NUM> facing in an opposite direction from the biasing surface <NUM>. The retention surface <NUM> defines a portion of the detent <NUM>. The biasing surfaces <NUM> of the protuberances <NUM> are configured to interface with the biasing surfaces <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> to spread the projections <NUM> apart from each other as the protuberances <NUM> pass between the projections <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is moved towards the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The retention surfaces <NUM> of the protuberances <NUM> are configured to interface with the retention surfaces <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> to secure the locking member <NUM> in the unlocked state, as shown in <FIG>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking member <NUM> includes the first biasing member <NUM> attached to the second end <NUM> and a release cord <NUM> attached to the first end <NUM>. As shown, the first biasing member <NUM> is a tension spring having a first end attached to the second end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and a second end attached to the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the first biasing member <NUM> is configured to apply a continuous engaging force FE to the locking member <NUM> to bias the locking member <NUM> towards the locked state. Conversely, the release cord <NUM> is attached to the tab <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and is configured to transmit a selectively-applied release force FR to the first end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>. As discussed below, when the release force FR is greater than the engaging force FE, the locking member <NUM> will move from the locked state towards the unlocked state.

Referring to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> includes a cradle <NUM> configured to receive the lock device <NUM>, and a cap or lid <NUM> that is removably attached to the cradle <NUM> to secure the lock device <NUM> within the cradle <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the cradle <NUM> includes a receptacle <NUM> and pair of legs <NUM> formed on opposite sides of the receptacle <NUM>. Generally, the legs <NUM> are configured to separate the receptacle <NUM> from the exterior surface of the upper <NUM> such that a void or space <NUM> is formed between a bottom surface of the receptacle <NUM> and an outer surface of the upper <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, one or more of the cables <NUM>, <NUM> may be routed through the space <NUM> between the receptacle <NUM> and the upper <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the receptacle <NUM> of the cradle <NUM> includes a substantially planar bottom wall <NUM> and peripheral walls 384a, 384b extending from an outer periphery of the bottom wall <NUM>. As shown, the bottom wall <NUM> and the peripheral walls 384a, 384b cooperate to define a chamber <NUM> configured to receive the lock device <NUM>. Accordingly, the peripheral walls 384a, 384b may have an inner profile corresponding to an outer peripheral profile of the lock device <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the peripheral walls 384a, 384b define a rectangular-shaped chamber <NUM> having a pair of sidewalls 384a extending along a length of the receptacle <NUM>, and a pair of end walls 384b connecting the sidewalls 384a at opposite ends of the receptacle <NUM>. However, in other examples, differently shaped (e.g., square, round) lock devices may be incorporated into the article of footwear, and the peripheral wall(s) may be configured to receive those lock devices.

According to the claimed invention, the receptacle <NUM> includes a pair of shoulders <NUM> extending along opposite sides of the chamber <NUM>. Here, the shoulders <NUM> each extend continuously along a length of the chamber <NUM> from a first end wall 384b to a second end wall 384b of the receptacle <NUM>. Each of the shoulders <NUM> is formed adjacent to one of the sidewalls 384a. The shoulders <NUM> are configured to support the lock device <NUM> within the chamber <NUM>. As shown, the shoulders <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the bottom wall <NUM> by a channel <NUM> that extends continuously along the length of the receptacle <NUM>. As such, when the cable lock <NUM> is assembled, the base <NUM> of the lock device <NUM> rests upon the shoulders <NUM> within the chamber <NUM>, whereby the channel <NUM> extends beneath the lock device <NUM> and provides a conduit for routing the release cord <NUM>.

The channel <NUM> is configured to receive the release cord <NUM> of the lock device <NUM> when the cable lock <NUM> is assembled. A first portion of the channel <NUM> may have a first width W<NUM>-<NUM> suitable for receiving the release cord <NUM>, and a second portion of the channel <NUM> may have a second width W<NUM>-<NUM> suitable for receiving a release grip <NUM> of the fastening system <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the release grip <NUM> may be a strap having a greater width than the release cord <NUM> to provide a suitable gripping point for the release cord <NUM>. Accordingly, the release cord <NUM> extends from the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and is routed back beneath the housing <NUM> through the first portion of the channel <NUM> to the second portion of the channel <NUM> where an end of the release cord <NUM> may be attached to the release grip <NUM> within the second portion of the channel <NUM>. As shown, the wider, the second portion of the channel <NUM> extends through an end wall 384b of the receptacle <NUM> so that the release grip <NUM> can be routed to the upper <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the legs <NUM> of the cradle <NUM> extend from opposite sidewalls 384a of the receptacle <NUM> and are configured to space the bottom wall <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> apart from the exterior surface of the upper <NUM>. Here, a length of each of the legs <NUM> extends along one of the sidewalls 384a. In the illustrated example, each leg <NUM> extends outwardly from a sidewall 384a of the receptacle <NUM> to a flange <NUM> formed along the length of the leg <NUM>. The legs <NUM> extend beyond (i.e., below) the bottom wall <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM> such that the flanges <NUM> formed at the ends of the legs <NUM> are offset from the bottom wall <NUM> to define the height of the space <NUM>. In some examples, the flanges <NUM>, and more particularly, bottom surfaces of the flanges <NUM>, may be substantially parallel to the bottom wall <NUM>.

Each of the legs <NUM> includes one or more apertures <NUM> formed through the leg <NUM> between the flange <NUM> and the respective sidewall 384a of the receptacle <NUM>. In the illustrated example, each leg <NUM> includes an elongate aperture <NUM> extending along a length of each leg <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> provides a passageway between the flange <NUM> and the receptacle <NUM>, thereby allowing portions of the cable <NUM> to be routed through the aperture <NUM> and into the space <NUM> formed between the receptacle <NUM> and the upper <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Put another way, the aperture <NUM> is formed through a thickness of the leg <NUM> and provides access to the space <NUM> formed between the legs <NUM>.

Optionally, the flanges <NUM> may each include a relief <NUM> for attaching the cradle <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the relief <NUM> includes a portion of the flange <NUM> having a reduced thickness, whereby the flange <NUM> can be attached to the upper <NUM> by stitching or sewing through the relief <NUM>. In addition to the reliefs <NUM> in the flanges <NUM>, the cable lock <NUM> may optionally include corresponding apertures 398a-398c respectively formed through the lock device <NUM>, the cradle <NUM>, and the lid <NUM>. When the cable lock <NUM> is assembled, the respective apertures 398a-398c of each of the components align with each other to provide an opening extending continuously through the cable lock <NUM>. Here, the components of the cable lock <NUM> may be attached to each other and/or to the upper <NUM> through the apertures 398a-398c.

<FIG> provides a top view of the cable lock <NUM> with the cover <NUM> removed to show the locking member <NUM>, release cord <NUM>, and cable <NUM> disposed within the locking channel <NUM> of the housing <NUM> while in the locked state. In some examples, the locking member <NUM> is biased into the locked state by the first biasing member <NUM>. For instance, <FIG> shows the first biasing member <NUM> exerting the engaging force FE upon the locking member <NUM> to urge the second end <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> toward the second end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and thereby bias the locking member <NUM> into the locked state.

While in the locked state, the locking member <NUM> restricts movement of the cable <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> by pinching the cable <NUM> between the engagement surfaces <NUM> and the lock surfaces <NUM>. Accordingly, the locked state of the locking member <NUM> restricts the cable <NUM> from moving in the loosening direction DL when the loosening force FL is applied to the cable <NUM>. In the example shown, the locking member <NUM> permits movement of the cable <NUM> when the tightening force FT is applied to a control element <NUM> of the cable <NUM>, as this direction causes the cable <NUM> to apply a force on the locking member <NUM> due to the generally wedge shape of the locking member <NUM>, thereby moving the locking member <NUM> towards the unlocked state. The locking member <NUM> automatically returns towards the locked state once the force applied to the control element <NUM> is released due to the forces imparted on the locking member <NUM> by the first biasing member <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a top view of the cable lock <NUM> with the cover <NUM> removed to show the locking member <NUM> disposed within the locking channel <NUM> of the housing <NUM> while in the unlocked state. In some examples, the release cord <NUM> attached to the tab <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> applies the release force FR upon the locking member <NUM> to move the locking member <NUM> away from the engagement surfaces <NUM>. Here, the release force FR is sufficient to overcome the engaging force FE of the first biasing member <NUM> to permit the locking member <NUM> to move relative to the housing <NUM> such that the pinching upon the locking segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the cable <NUM> between the lock surfaces <NUM> and the engagement surfaces <NUM> is released. In some examples, the engaging force FE causes the locking member <NUM> to transition back toward the locked state when the release force FR applied by the release cord <NUM> is removed.

While in the unlocked state, the locking member <NUM> permits movement of the cable <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> by allowing the locking segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the cable <NUM> to freely move between the respective lock surfaces <NUM> and the engagement surfaces <NUM>. The unlocked state of the locking member <NUM> permits movement of the cable <NUM> in both the tightening direction DT and the loosening direction DL when the pulling forces FT, FL are applied to respective ones of the control element <NUM> and a fastening element <NUM> of the cable <NUM>. Movement of the cable <NUM> in the tightening direction DT causes the effective length of the fastening element <NUM> to decrease to constrict the throat <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and thereby move the upper <NUM> into the constricted state for closing the interior void <NUM> around the foot, while movement of the cable <NUM> in the loosening direction DL causes an effective length of the fastening element <NUM> to increase to allow the throat <NUM> to revert back to their flat relaxed states and thereby facilitate a transition of the upper <NUM> from the constricted state to the relaxed state such that the foot can be removed from the interior void <NUM>.

In some examples, a sufficient magnitude and/or duration of the release force FR applied to the release cord <NUM> causes the release cord <NUM> to apply the release force FR upon the locking member <NUM> in a direction opposite the direction of the engaging force FE such that the locking member <NUM> moves away from the engagement surfaces <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM> and toward the first end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. At least one of the retention features <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may engage the detent <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> when release force FR moves the locking member <NUM> a predetermined distance away from the engagement surfaces <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Here, engagement between the detents <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> and the at least one retention feature <NUM> of the housing <NUM> maintains the locking member <NUM> in the unlocked state once the release force FR is released. The engaging force FE of the first biasing member <NUM> and the forces exerted by the pair of second biasing members <NUM> on the retention features <NUM> lock the projections <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> into engagement with the detents <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> after the locking member <NUM> moves the predetermined distance and the release force FR is no longer applied.

In some scenarios, a release force FR associated with a first magnitude may be applied to the release cord <NUM> to move the locking member <NUM> away from the engagement surfaces <NUM> by a distance less than the predetermined distance such that the retention features <NUM> do not engage. In these scenarios, the release force FR associated with the first magnitude can be maintained when it is desirable to move the cable <NUM> in the loosening direction DL (e.g., by applying the loosening force FL to the fastening element <NUM>) or the tightening direction DT (e.g., by applying the tightening force FT to the control element <NUM>) for adjusting the fit of the interior void <NUM> around the foot. Once the desired fit of the interior void <NUM> around the foot is achieved, the release force FR can be released to cause the locking member <NUM> to transition back to the locked state so that movement of the cable <NUM> is restricted in the loosening direction DL and the desired fit can be sustained. It should be noted that even when the locking member <NUM> is in the locked state, the cable <NUM> can be moved in the tightening direction DT. As such, once the loosening force FL is released and a desired fit is achieved, the locking member <NUM> automatically retains the desired fit by locking a position of the cable <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

In other scenarios, a release force FR associated with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude can be applied to the release cord <NUM> to move the locking member <NUM> the predetermined distance away from the engagement surfaces <NUM> to cause the corresponding retention features <NUM> to engage the detents <NUM>. Engagement of the retention features <NUM> is facilitated by providing the projections <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> with a tapered biasing surface <NUM> that opposes the locking member <NUM> to allow the locking member <NUM> to more easily move the retention features <NUM> against the biasing force FB imparted thereon by the second biasing members <NUM> when the release cord <NUM> is pulled the predetermined distance. In these scenarios, engagement between the corresponding retention features <NUM> and the detents <NUM> maintains the locking member <NUM> in the unlocked state when the release force FR is released, as shown in <FIG>.

The locking member <NUM> is returned to the locked state when a tightening force FT is applied to the control element <NUM>. Namely, when the tightening force FT is applied to control element <NUM>, the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM> are placed in tension which, in turn, exerts a force on the second biasing members <NUM> via the distal ends <NUM> of the tab <NUM> of the retention features <NUM>, as the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM> pass through the first openings 326a, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In so doing, the distal ends <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> compress the second biasing members <NUM> and, as such, cause the projections <NUM> of the retention features <NUM> to move away from one another and disengage the detents <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>, thereby allowing the first biasing member <NUM> to return the locking member <NUM> to the locked state.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the tensioning system <NUM> includes the cable <NUM> and a tracking system <NUM> formed on or in the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM> for routing the cable <NUM> and distributing tension of the cable <NUM> along the article of footwear <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, application of each of the tightening force FT and the loosening force FL to the respective control element <NUM> and the fastening element <NUM> causes a tensile force to be imparted along the length of the cable <NUM>. Generally, as one of the tightening force FT or the loosening force FL is applied to the cable <NUM>, the tracking system <NUM> distributes the tension of the cable <NUM> along a plurality of points along the throat <NUM> to constrict or relax the throat <NUM>, as discussed in greater detail below.

The cable <NUM> may be highly lubricous and/or may be formed from one or more fibers having a low modulus of elasticity and a high tensile strength. For instance, the fibers may include high modulus polyethylene fibers having a high strength-to-weight ratio and a low elasticity. Additionally or alternatively, the cable <NUM> may be formed from a molded monofilament polymer and/or a woven steel with or without other lubrication coating. In some examples, the cable <NUM> includes multiple strands of material woven together.

In the illustrated examples, the cable <NUM> includes the control element <NUM> extending in a first direction from the cable lock <NUM>, the fastening element <NUM> extending in a second direction from the cable lock <NUM>, and a locking portion <NUM> (<FIG>) connecting the control element <NUM> and the fastening elements <NUM>. The control element <NUM> is configured to have a tightening force FT applied thereto to move the cable <NUM> in the tightening direction DT. When incorporated into the article of footwear <NUM>, the control element <NUM> may be arranged on the article of footwear <NUM> so that it can be easily grasped by the user to pull the cable <NUM> in the tightening direction DT. The fastening element <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the tracking system <NUM> to tighten the article of footwear <NUM> when the tightening force FT is applied to the control element <NUM>. Conversely, the fastening element <NUM> is also configured to have a loosening force FL applied thereto to move the cable <NUM> in the loosening direction DL. In the illustrated example, the loosening force FL may be indirectly applied to the fastening element <NUM> by pulling on one of the grips <NUM>, <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. The locking portion <NUM> is disposed within the cable lock <NUM> and interfaces with the cable lock <NUM> to secure the position of the cable <NUM>, as described above.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cable <NUM> may include various segments defined in relation to the cable lock <NUM>. For example, the control element <NUM> may be described as including a first control segment <NUM> and a second control segment <NUM>, which are independently operable to control a tension of corresponding fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM> of the fastening element <NUM>, as discussed below. In the illustrated example, the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM> each extend from the first openings 326a at an anterior end of the cable lock <NUM> and towards the posterior end <NUM> of the upper <NUM> along opposite sides <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the control element <NUM> is formed as a continuous loop, whereby respective "ends" of the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM> are joined to each other such that the control element <NUM> forms a continuous length of the cable <NUM> extending from the cable lock <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, where the cable lock <NUM> is disposed on the tongue <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, the first control segment <NUM> is generally disposed along the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> while the second control segment <NUM> is generally disposed along the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and attaches or joins to the first control segment <NUM> in a central portion of the upper <NUM>, adjacent to the heel counter <NUM>.

Likewise, the fastening element <NUM> may include a first fastening segment <NUM> and a second fastening segment <NUM>. The first fastening segment <NUM> extends from the cable lock <NUM> on the tongue <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and is routed in a serpentine manner along the throat <NUM>. The second fastening segment <NUM> extends from the cable lock <NUM> on the tongue <NUM> of the upper <NUM> and is routed in a serpentine manner along the throat <NUM>. In contrast to the continuously formed control element <NUM>, the fastening element <NUM> is not continuous such that each of the fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM> include terminal ends <NUM> anchored to the upper <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail below, the terminal ends <NUM> may attach to the upper <NUM> at discrete locations from each other. Alternatively, the terminal ends <NUM> may connect to one another at another area of the footwear <NUM>.

While an overall length of the cable <NUM> is constant, effective lengths of the control element <NUM> and the fastening element <NUM> of the cable <NUM> depend upon the position of the cable <NUM> with respect to the cable lock <NUM>. For example, when the control element <NUM> is pulled and the cable <NUM> moves in the tightening direction DT through the cable lock <NUM>, the effective length of the control element <NUM> will increase and the effective length of the fastening element <NUM> will decrease. Conversely, when the fastening element <NUM> is pulled and the cable <NUM> moves in the loosening direction DL through the cable lock <NUM>, the effective length of the fastening element <NUM> will increase to loosen the article of footwear <NUM> and the effective length of the control element <NUM> will decrease. As provided above, the locking portion <NUM> refers to the portion of the cable <NUM> that is contained within the cable lock <NUM> regardless of the position of the cable <NUM>. Accordingly, the control element <NUM>, the fastening element <NUM>, and the locking portion <NUM> are not fixed sections of the cable <NUM> itself, but depend on the position of the cable <NUM> with respect to the cable lock <NUM>.

The cable <NUM> of the tensioning system <NUM> is configured to cooperate with the cable lock <NUM> to move the article of footwear <NUM> between a constricted state and a relaxed state, as described in greater detail below. In some examples, at least one of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM> include a series of the cable guides <NUM> that route the fastening element <NUM> of the cable <NUM> along the throat <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the cable guides <NUM> of the tracking system <NUM> are formed by fabric or mesh loops through the shroud <NUM>, which define a passage for slidably receiving the cable <NUM> therethrough. In other examples, the cable guides <NUM> may include apertures (e.g., eyelets) formed through the upper <NUM>, or fabric or mesh loops attached to the upper <NUM> to receive the fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Fabric or mesh loops/webbing may generate friction with the cable <NUM> when the cable <NUM> moves in the tightening direction DT. A maximum number of fabric or mesh loops for use as the cable guides <NUM> may be selected to not exceed a threshold number of turns of the cable <NUM> so that cumulative friction does not detrimentally inhibit movement by the cable <NUM> in the tightening direction DT.

With reference to <FIG>, the first fastening segment <NUM> and the second fastening segment <NUM> route through a plurality of the cable guides <NUM> disposed along the throat <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. After routing through the cable guides <NUM>, the terminal ends <NUM> of the first fastening segment <NUM> and the second fastening segment <NUM> are attached to the upper <NUM>. In the illustrated examples, the terminal ends <NUM> are attached to the upper <NUM> at discrete attachment points <NUM> adjacent to an anterior end of the throat <NUM>. In other examples, the terminal ends <NUM> may operatively connect to one another at a single attachment point. For instance, a connector may connect the terminal ends <NUM> to one another or the terminal ends <NUM> may be knotted together, adhesively bonded to each other, or fused together.

In the illustrated example, the first fastening segment <NUM> and the second fastening segment <NUM> cooperate to control a tightness of the upper <NUM> along the throat <NUM>. As shown, the first fastening segment <NUM> extends from the cable lock <NUM> to a first one of the cable guides <NUM> disposed on the lateral side <NUM> of the throat <NUM> adjacent to the collar <NUM>. From the first one of the cable guides <NUM>, the first fastening segment <NUM> is routed across the throat <NUM> through the space <NUM> formed between the receptacle <NUM> and the upper <NUM> to a second one of the cable guides <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> of the throat <NUM>. Thus, the first fastening segment <NUM> passes beneath the receptacle <NUM> through the apertures <NUM> formed in each of the legs <NUM> of the cable lock <NUM>. From the second one of the cable guides <NUM> on the medial side <NUM>, the first fastening segment extends back across the throat <NUM> to another cable guide <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>, and is then routed to the attachment point <NUM> at the anterior end of the throat <NUM>.

The second fastening segment <NUM> extends from the cable lock <NUM> to a first one of the cable guides <NUM> disposed on the medial side <NUM> of the throat <NUM> adjacent to the collar <NUM>. From the first one of the cable guides <NUM>, the second fastening segment <NUM> is routed across the throat <NUM> through the space <NUM> formed between the receptacle <NUM> and the upper <NUM> to a second one of the cable guides <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM> of the throat <NUM>. Thus, the second fastening segment <NUM> passes beneath the receptacle <NUM> through the apertures <NUM> formed in each of the legs <NUM> of the cable lock <NUM>. From the second one of the cable guides <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>, the second fastening segment <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> to another cable guide <NUM> on the medial side <NUM>, and is then routed to the attachment point <NUM> at an anterior end of the throat <NUM>. Thus, the second fastening segment <NUM> is routed similar to the first fastening segment <NUM>, but along opposite sides of the throat <NUM>. Accordingly, the first fastening segment <NUM> and the second fastening segment <NUM> cooperate to control the state (e.g., relaxed, constricted) of the throat <NUM>.

The tensioning system <NUM> may further include one or more passages <NUM> for routing the cable <NUM> along the upper <NUM>. The passages <NUM> may be formed within the upper <NUM>, or alternatively, the passages <NUM> may be defined by a sheath or cover attached to an outer surface of the upper <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM> are routed through a passage <NUM> formed within or beneath the shroud <NUM> along each of the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the passage <NUM> extends from the throat <NUM> adjacent to the cable lock <NUM>, and along the lateral quarter panel <NUM> and the lateral heel side panel <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> on the heel counter <NUM>. A similar passage <NUM> extends along the medial side <NUM> from the cable lock <NUM> to an outlet <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> of the heel counter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

As provided above, the control element <NUM> of the cable <NUM> is a continuous loop extending from the cable lock <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the control element <NUM> extends around heel counter <NUM>. The portion of the control element <NUM> that extends around the heel counter <NUM> may be enclosed within one or more sheaths <NUM>. Each sheath <NUM> may additionally be formed from a material and/or a weave that allows the sheath <NUM> and control element <NUM> of the cable <NUM> to move from a relaxed state to a stretched or expanded state when the control element <NUM> is moved in a direction away from the upper <NUM> by way of the tightening force FT (i.e., when the cable <NUM> is moved in the tightening direction DT). When the tightening force FT is removed, the material and/or weave of the sheath <NUM> automatically causes the sheath <NUM> to contract to the relaxed state and accommodate bunching by the cable <NUM> therein.

In the example shown, a separate control portion grip <NUM> operatively connects to the sheath <NUM> at an attachment location proximate to the posterior end <NUM> to allow a user to apply the tightening force FT to pull the control element <NUM> away from the upper <NUM>, and thereby constrict the throat <NUM> by simultaneously pulling opposite sides of the throat <NUM> toward one another to move the upper <NUM> into the constricted state. Other configurations may include operatively connecting the control portion grip <NUM> to other portions of the sheath <NUM> along the length of the control element <NUM>. In some implementations, the control portion grip <NUM> is omitted and the sheath <NUM> corresponds to the control element <NUM> by allowing a user to grasp and apply the tightening force FT to pull the control element <NUM> away from the upper <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the use of the cable lock <NUM> and tensioning system <NUM> in conjunction with the upper <NUM> is illustrated. <FIG> shows an example of the footwear <NUM> in a relaxed or loosened state, whereby the first fastening segment <NUM> and the second fastening segment <NUM> are provided with slack and the throat <NUM> is in a relaxed state. In the relaxed state, a foot of a wearer can be inserted into the interior void <NUM> of the upper <NUM> via the ankle opening <NUM>. The slack within the fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM> allows the throat <NUM> to move to a stretched or expanded state, thereby increasing an effective volume of the interior void <NUM> to accommodate the foot of the wearer. The throat <NUM> and the tongue <NUM> may be formed of elastic materials to provide a first degree of constriction to the foot of the wearer to maintain the footwear <NUM> on the foot prior to transitioning the footwear to the constricted or tightened state.

As shown in <FIG>, the footwear <NUM> can be moved to a constricted state by pulling the control element <NUM>. For example, as the control element <NUM> is pulled away from heel counter <NUM>, first tightening force FT is applied to the first control segment <NUM> and the second control segment <NUM>. The tightening force FT causes the first locking segment <NUM> and the second locking segment <NUM> of the cable <NUM> to be pulled through the cable lock <NUM> a first distance as the tightening force FT is transmitted from the control segments <NUM>, <NUM> to the respective fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Application of the tightening force FT to the fastening segments <NUM>, <NUM> draws the cable guides <NUM> along opposite sides of the throat <NUM> towards each other, thereby constricting the throat <NUM> of the upper <NUM> around the foot of the wearer. By constricting the throat <NUM>, the amount that the elastic material of the throat <NUM> or tongue <NUM> is able to stretch is effectively limited by the fastening element <NUM>. A magnitude of the first tightening force FT can be selected based on a desired amount of stretch to be allowed in the throat <NUM> and tongue <NUM>.

At <FIG>, the footwear <NUM> is shown in the constricted state with the cable lock <NUM> in the locked state. As discussed above, in the constricted state, the effective length of the control element <NUM> is increased by pulling the control element <NUM>, thereby reducing the effective length of the fastening element <NUM> along the throat <NUM> to constrict the throat <NUM>. Here, the additional length of the control element <NUM> is accommodated by the sheath <NUM>. For example, the control element <NUM> may be contained within the elastic sheath <NUM>, such that when the control element <NUM> is in the extended state and the tightening force FT is released, the sheath <NUM> contracts and the additional length of the control element <NUM> is bunched within the sheath <NUM>. In some examples, the sheath <NUM> may be routed within the shroud <NUM> such that the control element <NUM> can bunch beneath the shroud <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cable lock (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), the cable lock (<NUM>) comprising:
a cartridge (<NUM>) including a receptacle (<NUM>) and one or more legs (<NUM>) extending from the receptacle (<NUM>); and
a lock device (<NUM>) removably received within the receptacle (<NUM>), the lock device (<NUM>) operable between an unlocked state to allow a cable (<NUM>) to move through the lock device (<NUM>) in a tightening direction (DT) and a loosening direction (DL) and in a locked state to prevent the cable (<NUM>) from moving through the lock device (<NUM>) in the loosening direction (DL);
wherein the receptacle (<NUM>) includes a chamber (<NUM>) configured to receive the lock device (<NUM>), the chamber (<NUM>) including a pair of shoulders (<NUM>) upon which the lock device (<NUM>) is supported,
wherein the shoulders (<NUM>) are spaced apart from each other to define a channel (<NUM>) extending between the lock device (<NUM>) and an inner surface of the receptacle (<NUM>), and
wherein the lock device (<NUM>) includes a release cord (<NUM>) operable to move the lock device (<NUM>) from a locked state to an unlocked state, the release cord (<NUM>) routed through the channel (<NUM>),
wherein the receptacle (<NUM>) includes a bottom wall (<NUM>) and one or more sidewalls (<NUM>), each of the one or more legs (<NUM>) extending from the one or more sidewalls (<NUM>) to a distal end beyond the bottom wall (<NUM>),
wherein the distal end of each of the legs (<NUM>) includes a flange (<NUM>),
wherein the flange (<NUM>) is suitable to be attached to an upper of the article of footwear,
wherein the one or more legs (<NUM>) define a space (<NUM>) along the bottom wall (<NUM>),
wherein each of the one or more legs (<NUM>) includes an aperture (<NUM>) formed therethrough and being in communication with the space (<NUM>),
configured so that the cable (<NUM>) may be routed through the aperture (<NUM>) of each of the one or more legs (<NUM>).