Patent ID: 12213562

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a schematic isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear100that is configured with a tensioning system300for adjusting the tension of a lacing system130. In the current embodiment, article of footwear100, also referred to hereafter simply as article100, is shown in the form of an athletic shoe. However, in other embodiments, lacing system130and/or tensioning system300may be used with any other kind of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Moreover, in some embodiments article100may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports related footwear, including, but not limited to: slippers, sandals, high heeled footwear, loafers as well as any other kinds of footwear. As discussed in further detail below, a tensioning system may not be limited to footwear and in other embodiments a tensioning system could be used with various kinds of apparel, including clothing, sportswear, sporting equipment and other kinds of apparel. In still other embodiments, a tensioning system may be used with braces, such as medical braces.

For reference purposes, article100may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region10, a midfoot region12, and a heel region14, as shown inFIGS.1and2. Forefoot region10generally includes portions of article100corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region12generally includes portions of article100corresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel region14generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Article100also includes a medial side16and a lateral side18, which extend through each of forefoot region10, midfoot region12, and heel region14and correspond with opposite sides of article100. More particularly, medial side16corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot), and lateral side18corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from the other foot). Forefoot region10, midfoot region12, and heel region14and medial side16, lateral side18are not intended to demarcate precise areas of article100. Rather, forefoot region10, midfoot region12, and heel region14, and medial side16, lateral side18are intended to represent general areas of article100to aid in the following discussion. In addition to article100, forefoot region10, midfoot region12, and heel region14and medial side16, lateral side18may also be applied to a sole structure, an upper, and individual elements thereof.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are also employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “lateral” or “lateral direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending along a width of a component or element. For example, a lateral direction of article100may extend between medial side16and lateral side18. Additionally, the term “longitudinal” or “longitudinal direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending across a length or breadth of an element or component (such as a sole structure or an upper). In some embodiments, a longitudinal direction of article100may extend from forefoot region10to heel region14. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may also be applied to individual components of an article of footwear, such as an upper and/or a sole structure. In addition, a vertical direction refers to a direction perpendicular to a horizontal surface defined by the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to various components shown in the embodiments, including article100, as well as components of a tensioning system300.

In some embodiments, article of footwear100may include a sole structure110and an upper120. Generally, upper120may be any type of upper. In particular, upper120may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article100is a basketball shoe, upper120could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article100is a running shoe, upper120could be a low top upper.

In some embodiments, sole structure110may be configured to provide traction for article100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure110may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure110may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure110can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure110may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.

In different embodiments, sole structure110may include different components. For example, sole structure110may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In addition, in some cases, sole structure110can include one or more cleat members or traction elements that are configured to increase traction with a ground surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, sole structure110is secured to upper120and extends between the foot and the ground when article100is worn. Upper120defines an interior void within article100for receiving and securing a foot relative to sole structure110. The void is shaped to accommodate the foot and extends along a lateral side of the foot, along a medial side of the foot, over the foot, around the heel, and under the foot. Upper120may also include a collar that is located in at least heel region14and forms a throat opening140. Access to the interior void of upper120is provided by throat opening140. More particularly, the foot may be inserted into upper120through throat opening140, and the foot may be withdrawn from upper120through throat opening140.

In some embodiments, article100can include a lacing system130. Lacing system130extends forward along the longitudinal direction from the collar and throat opening140in heel region14over a lacing area132corresponding to an instep of the foot in midfoot region12to an area adjacent to forefoot region10. Lacing area132also extends in the lateral direction between a lateral edge133and a medial edge134on opposite sides of upper120. Lacing system130includes various components configured to secure a foot within upper120of article100and, in addition to the components illustrated and described herein, may further include additional or optional components conventionally included with footwear uppers.

In this embodiment, lacing system130includes a plurality of strap members136that extend across portions of lacing area132. Together with tensioning system300(described in detail below), plurality of strap members136assist the wearer to modify dimensions of upper120to accommodate the proportions of the foot. In the exemplary embodiments, plurality of strap members136extend laterally across lacing area132between lateral edge133and medial edge134at various lace positions. As will be further described below, lacing system130and tensioning system300, including strap members136and a lace340, permit the wearer to tighten upper120around the foot, and to loosen upper120to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from the interior void (i.e., through throat opening140).

In some embodiments, upper120includes a tongue138that extends over a foot of a wearer when disposed within article100to enhance the comfort of article100. In this embodiment, tongue138extends through lacing area132and can move within an opening between opposite lateral edge133and medial edge134of upper120. In some cases, tongue138can extend between lace340and/or strap members136to provide cushioning and disperse tension applied by lace340or strap members136against a top of a foot of a wearer. With this arrangement, tongue138can enhance the comfort of article100.

Some embodiments may include provisions for facilitating the adjustment of an article to a wearer's foot, including tightening and/or loosening the article around the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, these provisions may include a tensioning system. In some embodiments, a tensioning system may further include other components that include, but are not limited to, a tensioning member, lacing guides, a tensioning assembly, a housing unit, a motor, gears, spools or reels, and/or a power source. Such components may assist in securing, adjusting tension, and providing a customized fit to a wearer's foot. These components and how, in various embodiments, they may secure the article to a wearer's foot, adjust tension, and provide a customized fit will be explained further in detail below.

Referring now toFIG.3, article100includes an exemplary embodiment of a tensioning system300. Embodiments of tensioning system300may include any suitable tensioning system, including incorporating any of the systems disclosed in one or more of Beers et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0068838, now U.S. application Ser. No. 14/014,491, filed Aug. 20, 2013, and titled “Motorized Tensioning System”; Beers, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0070042, now U.S. application Ser. No. 14/014,555, filed Aug. 20, 2013 and titled “Motorized Tensioning System with Sensors”; and Beers, U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2014/0082963, now U.S. application Ser. No. 14/032,524, filed Sep. 20, 2013 and titled “Footwear Having Removable Motorized Adjustment System”; which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety (collectively referred to herein as the “Automatic Lacing cases”).

In different embodiments, a tensioning system may include a tensioning member. The term “tensioning member” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any component that has a generally elongated shape and high tensile strength. In some cases, a tensioning member could also have a generally low elasticity. Examples of different tensioning members include, but are not limited to: laces, cables, straps and cords. In some cases, tensioning members may be used to fasten and/or tighten an article, including articles of clothing and/or footwear. In other cases, tensioning members may be used to apply tension at a predetermined location for purposes of actuating some components or system.

In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning system300includes a tensioning member in the form of a lace340. Lace340is configured to modify the dimensions of the interior void of upper120and to thereby tighten (or loosen) upper120around a wearer's foot. In one embodiment, lace340may be configured to move plurality of strap members136of lacing system130so as to bring opposite lateral edge133and medial edge134of lacing area132closer together to tighten upper120. Similarly, lace340may also be configured to move plurality of strap members136in the opposite direction to move lateral edge133and medial edge134further apart to loosen upper120. With this arrangement, lace340may assist with adjusting tension and/or fit of article100.

In some embodiments, lace340may be connected or joined to strap members136so that movement of lace340is communicated to plurality of strap members136. For example, lace340may be bonded, stitched, fused, or attached using adhesives or other suitable mechanisms to attach portions of lace340extending across lacing area132to each strap member of plurality of strap members136. With this arrangement, when tension is applied to lace340via tensioning system300to tighten or loosen lacing system130, lace340can move strap members136between an open or closed position.

In some embodiments, lace340may be configured to pass through various lacing guides342that route lace340across portions of upper120. Lacing guides342can be configured to route lace340, including segments of lace340, according to different lace routing patterns, as will be described in more detail below. In some cases, ends of lacing guides340may terminate adjacent to lateral edge133and medial edge134of lacing area132. In some cases, lacing guides342may provide a similar function to traditional eyelets on uppers. In particular, as lace340is pulled or tensioned, lacing area132may generally constrict so that upper120is tightened around a foot. In one embodiment, lacing guides342may be routed or located between layers of the material forming upper120, including any interior layers or linings.

In some embodiments, lacing guides342may be used to arrange lace340in a predetermined configuration or lace routing pattern on upper120of article100. Referring toFIGS.3-6, segments of lace340are arranged in exemplary lace routing patterns on upper120to provide approximately equal total closure distances for the configuration of each lace segment. In other embodiments, lace340may be arranged, via lacing guides342, in different routing patterns or configurations.

In some embodiments, tensioning system300includes a tensioning assembly302that is configured to adjust the tension of components of lacing system130, including lace340and/or strap members136, to secure, adjust, and modify the fit of article100around a wearer's foot. Tensioning assembly302may be any suitable device for adjusting tension of a tensioning member, such as a lace or strap, and can include any of the devices or mechanisms described in the Automatic Lacing cases described above. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning assembly302is configured to wind and/or unwind lace340to adjust tension within tensioning system300. In some cases, tensioning assembly302can include a motor or other device that is connected to lace340and is controllable to wind and/or unwind lace340. With this configuration, tensioning assembly302is interconnected with lace340to permit lace340to adjust the fit of upper120by opening or closing lacing system130when lace340is wound or unwound by tensioning assembly302.

Some components of tensioning assembly302can be disposed within a housing unit. In some embodiments, a housing unit can be shaped so as to optimize the arrangement of components of tensioning assembly302. In one embodiment, tensioning assembly302can include a housing unit that has an approximately rectangular shape. However, it should be understood that the shape and configuration of the housing unit may be modified in accordance with the type and configuration of tensioning assembly used within tensioning system300.

In some embodiments, tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300may be located within a cavity112insole structure110. Sole structure110can include an upper surface111that is disposed adjacent to upper120on a top of sole structure110. Upper surface111may be directly or indirectly attached or joined to upper120or a component of upper120to secure sole structure110and upper120together. Sole structure110may also include a lower surface or ground-engaging surface113that is disposed opposite upper surface111. Ground-engaging surface113may be an outsole or other component of sole structure110that is configured to be in contact with a ground surface when article100is worn.

In an exemplary embodiment, cavity112is an opening in sole structure110extending from upper surface111towards lower surface113. Tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300may be inserted within cavity112from the top of sole structure110. In an exemplary embodiment, cavity112has an approximately rectangular shape that corresponds with the rectangular shape of the housing unit of tensioning assembly302. In addition, cavity112may be of a similar size and dimension as tensioning assembly302so that tensioning assembly302conformably fits within cavity112. With this arrangement, tensioning assembly302and related components may be protected from contact with a ground surface by lower surface113when article100is worn.

In addition, to facilitate lace340being able to tighten and loosen tensioning system300, ends of lace340are anchored to upper120at different locations. As seen inFIG.4, a first anchor344secures one end of lace340to upper120near or adjacent to forefoot region10of upper120and a second anchor346secures the opposite end of lace340to upper120at a location that is located rearward in the longitudinal direction from first anchor344towards throat opening140. First anchor344and second anchor346may be attached or joined to upper120may any suitable mechanism, including, but not limited to, knotting, bonding, sewing, adhesives, or other forms of attachment. By securing lace340to upper120at first anchor344and second anchor346, tension can applied by tensioning assembly302to lace340to secure, adjust, and modify the fit of article100around a wearer's foot.

Referring now toFIG.5, an exploded view of article100, including sole structure110, upper120, lacing system130, and tensioning system300are illustrated. In this embodiment, the configuration of lace340through lacing guides342can be seen according to two lace routing patterns extending across lacing area132at various locations of upper120between medial edge134on medial side16and lateral edge133on lateral side18.

In this embodiment, tensioning system300includes tensioning assembly302and lace340. In some cases, tensioning assembly302can include a reel member (illustrated inFIGS.11-12) that is mechanically coupled to a motor (not shown). In some embodiments, the motor could include an electric motor. However, in other embodiments, the motor could comprise any kind of non-electric motor known in the art. Examples of different motors that can be used include, but are not limited to: DC motors (such as permanent-magnet motors, brushed DC motors, brushless DC motors, switched reluctance motors, etc.), AC motors (such as motors with sliding rotors, synchronous electrical motors, asynchronous electrical motors, induction motors, etc.), universal motors, stepper motors, piezoelectric motors, as well as any other kinds of motors known in the art.

Additionally, the motor can further include gears, crankshafts, or other assemblies that can be used to drive one or more components of tensioning assembly302. For example, one or more gears may be mechanically coupled to a reel member and may be driven by a crankshaft of the motor to be rotated in opposite directions around a central axis and thereby wind or unwind lace340.

For purposes of reference, the following detailed description uses the terms “first rotational direction” and “second rotational direction” in describing the rotational directions of one or more components about a central axis. For purposes of convenience, the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction refer to rotational directions about the central axis of a shaft of a reel member and are generally opposite rotational directions. The first rotational direction may refer to the counterclockwise rotation of a component about the central axis, when viewing the component from the vantage point of a first end of the shaft. The second rotational direction may be then be characterized by the clockwise rotation of a component about the central axis, when viewing the component from the same vantage point.

In some embodiments, tensioning assembly302may also include provisions for powering the motor, including a power source that may include a battery and/or control unit configured to power and control tensioning assembly302. The power source may be any suitable battery of one or more types of battery technologies that could be used to power the motor and tensioning system302. One possibly battery technology that could be used is a lithium polymer battery. The battery (or batteries) could be rechargeable or replaceable units packaged as flat, cylindrical, or coin shaped. In addition, batteries could be single cell or cells in series or parallel. Other suitable batteries and/or power sources may be used to provide power to tensioning assembly302.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing unit of tensioning assembly302includes openings that permit lace340to enter into tensioning assembly302and engage with the reel member. As shown inFIG.5, lace340includes two portions or segments that extend out from tensioning assembly302. As will be further described below, each portion or segment of lace340may be arranged according to a specific lace routing pattern across portions of lacing area132of lacing system130so that each lace segment encompasses a substantially similar total closure distance that is equal to the take up distance of the lace segments when lace340is wound within tensioning assembly302in a tightened condition.

Referring now toFIG.6, an exemplary embodiment of lace routing patterns for lace340of lacing system130is illustrated. In this embodiment, lace340includes a first lace segment500and a second lace segment502. First lace segment500and second lace segment502are portions of lace340that extend from tensioning assembly302. Each of the lace segments of lace340are interconnected with to tensioning assembly302at one end and attached or connected to upper120at the opposite end. For example, a first end of first lace segment500is attached to upper120at first anchor344and an opposite second end of first lace segment500is interconnected with a reel member of tensioning assembly302. A first end of second lace segment502is attached to upper120at second anchor346and an opposite second end of second lace segment502is interconnected with the reel member of tensioning assembly302. In some embodiments, first lace segment500and second lace segment502may be disposed on opposite sides of a flange of a reel member within tensioning system302. The flange of the reel member can include an aperture through which lace340extends to interconnect lace340with tensioning system302.

In this embodiment, a first routing pattern is associated with first lace segment500and a second routing pattern is associated with second lace segment502. That is, first lace segment500is configured to repeatedly extend across lacing area132between medial edge134on medial side16of upper120and lateral edge133on lateral side18of upper120according to the first routing pattern. Second lace segment502is configured to repeatedly extend across lacing area132between medial edge134on medial side16of upper120and lateral edge133on lateral side18of upper120according to the second routing pattern.

For the purposes of defining each location where first lace segment500and/or second lace segment502crosses over lacing area132between medial edge134and lateral edge133, lacing system130can include a plurality of lace positions. In an exemplary embodiment, lacing system130includes a first lace position601, a second lace position602, a third lace position603, a fourth lace position604, a fifth lace position605, and a sixth lace position606. Each “lace position” represents a location on upper120where first lace segment500and/or second lace segment502crosses between lateral edge133and medial edge134of lacing area132. In some cases, each lace position may be associated with a corresponding one strap member of plurality of strap members136. Providing strap members136at each lace position may provide article100with a similar visual appearance as a conventional or traditional shoe upper with conventional tied laces.

In an exemplary embodiment, first lace position601is disposed adjacent to throat opening140of article100, second lace position602is disposed forward of first lace position601in the longitudinal direction, third lace position603disposed forward of second lace position602in the longitudinal direction, fourth lace position604disposed forward of third lace position603in the longitudinal direction, fifth lace position605is disposed forward of fourth lace position604in the longitudinal direction, and sixth lace position606is disposed forward of fifth lace position605in the longitudinal direction. Accordingly, first lace position601, second lace position602, third lace position603, fourth lace position604, fifth lace position605, and sixth lace position606extend in sequential order from throat opening140towards forefoot region10at the front or toe end of article100.

In some embodiments, the distribution of tension throughout upper120provided by tensioning system300to lacing system130can be determined by the lace routing pattern of lace340, or segments of lace340, across lacing area132. In this embodiment, the first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132through first lace position601, third lace position603, and sixth lace position606. The second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132through second lace position602, fourth lace position604, and fifth lace position605. In different embodiments, the lace routing patterns of segments of lace340, or segments of lace340, may be configured according to specific arrangements to alter or change the behavior or characteristics of lacing system130and/or tensioning system300.

Referring toFIGS.3through6, the first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends from tensioning assembly302through first lace position601and across lacing area132from medial edge134to lateral edge133. From first lace position601, the first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends forward in the longitudinal direction from first lace position601to third lace position603on lateral side18of upper120. At third lace position603, the first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends across lacing area132from lateral edge133to medial edge134. From third lace position603on medial side16of upper120, the first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends forward in the longitudinal direction to sixth lace position606. The first routing pattern of first lace segment500extends back across lacing area132from medial edge134to lateral edge133. Finally, the first end of first lace segment500is secured to upper120on lateral side18at first anchor344.

The second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends from tensioning assembly302through fourth lace position604and across lacing area132from medial edge134to lateral edge133. From fourth lace position604, the second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends rearward in the longitudinal direction from fourth lace position604to second lace position602on lateral side18of upper120. At second lace position602, the second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends across lacing area132from lateral edge133to medial edge134. From second lace position602on medial side16of upper120, the second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends forward in the longitudinal direction to fifth lace position605. The second routing pattern of second lace segment502extends back across lacing area132from medial edge134to lateral edge133through fifth lace position605. Finally, the first end of second lace segment502is secured to upper120on lateral side18at second anchor346.

As can be seen inFIGS.3,4, and5, lacing guides342may include portions that extend over other portions of lacing guides342to route first lace segment500and/or second lace segment502according to the first routing pattern and the second routing pattern. For example, when extending to fifth lace position605, the second routing pattern of second lace segment502can cross over the portion of lacing guides342that route second lace segment502through fourth lace position604. As seen inFIG.3, on medial side16of upper120and inFIG.4on lateral side18of upper120, lacing guides342receive first lace segment500and second lace segment502and are arranged within upper120to route first lace segment500and second lace segment502according to the first routing pattern and the second routing pattern. In other embodiments, lacing guides342can be arranged differently to route segments of lace340according to a different routing pattern.

In some embodiments, the first routing pattern and the second routing pattern can be selected so that a total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern is approximately equal to a total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern. In addition, a take up distance of first lace segment500by tensioning assembly302in a tightened condition is approximately equal to a take up distance of second lace segment502by tensioning assembly302in the tightened condition. With the lace routing patterns according to the present embodiments, the take up distance of first lace segment500is approximately equal to the total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern. Similarly, the take up distance of second lace segment502is approximately equal to the total closure distance medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern. With this arrangement, tension within upper120of article100may be approximately uniformly distributed across lacing system130by tensioning system300.

FIGS.7through10illustrate enlarged views of lacing area132of upper120with lacing system130in various states between a closed position and an opened position. In the present embodiments, the closed position of lacing system130may correspond with the tightened condition of tensioning system300and can include lace340, or segments thereof, being wound. Similarly, the open position of lacing system130may correspond with the loosened condition of tensioning system300and can include lace340, or segments thereof, being unwound.

Referring now toFIG.7, as described above, lacing system130includes lacing area132and tongue138disposed between medial edge134on medial side16of upper120and lateral edge133on lateral side18of upper120. Tongue138can include a lateral perimeter edge700disposed on lateral side18of upper120near lateral edge133of lacing area132and a medial perimeter edge702disposed on medial side16of upper120near medial edge134of lacing area132.

Lacing system130can further include a plurality of lace positions, as described with reference toFIG.6above. In this embodiment, lacing system130includes first lace position601, second lace position602, third lace position603, fourth lace position604, fifth lace position605, and sixth lace position606extending in sequential order from throat opening140towards forefoot region10at the front or toe end of article100. Each of first lace position601, second lace position602, third lace position603, fourth lace position604, fifth lace position605, and sixth lace position606extends between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132.

Referring now toFIG.8, lacing system130is shown in an opened position. When lacing system130is in the opened position, medial edge134and lateral edge133are moved farther apart from one another and move a predetermined distance compared with their respective location when lacing system130is in the closed position. The predetermined distance that each of medial edge134and lateral edge133move between their respective locations in the opened position and the closed position can be associated with a closure distance. That is, the closure distance is the distance that each of medial edge134and lateral edge133travels when transitioning between the opened position and the closed position of lacing system130(or, likewise, between the closed position and the opened position).

In this embodiment, lacing system130includes closure distances that are associated with each lace position. First lace position601can have a first closure distance D1, second lace position602can have a second closure distance D2, third lace position603can have a third closure distance D3, fourth lace position604can have a fourth closure distance D4, fifth lace position605can have a fifth closure distance D5, and sixth lace position606can have a sixth closure distance D6. In the present embodiments, the closure distances of each of medial edge134and lateral edge133on both sides of lacing area132are approximately equal. For each lace position, the closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133will be twice the closure distance for each lace position. For example, the closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133at first lace position601will be double first closure distance D1. That is, medial edge134moves first closure distance D1between the opened and closed positions of lacing system130on medial side16and lateral edge133also moves first closure distance D1between the opened and closed positions of lacing system130on lateral side18.

The total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133for each segment of lace340, i.e., first lace segment500and second lace segment502, can be determined by adding the sum of the closure distances for each lace position that includes a crossing by the first lace segment500or the second lace segment502. The first routing pattern of first lace segment500can have a total closure distance that is the sum of the closure distances for each lace position associated with the first routing pattern. Similarly, the second routing pattern of second lace segment502can have a total closure distance that is the sum of the closure distances for each lace position associated with the second routing pattern. Additionally, as described above, the first routing pattern and the second routing pattern can be selected so that a total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern is approximately equal to a total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern.

FIG.9illustrates lacing system130in a partially closed state. In this embodiment, lacing system130is transitioning between the opened position shown inFIG.8to a closed position shown inFIG.10. In an exemplary embodiment, tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300can be controlled to a tightened condition and configured to wind lace340to transition lacing system130from the opened position to the closed position. As first lace segment500and second lace segment502are wound by tensioning assembly302, each of first lace segment500and second lace segment502pulls on opposite sides of lacing area132to bring medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132closer together. As shown inFIG.9, medial edge134moves towards medial perimeter edge702of tongue138and opposite lateral edge133moves towards lateral perimeter edge700of tongue138. Both of medial edge134and lateral edge133in the partially closed state of lacing system130are displaced relative to their locations when lacing system130is in the opened position (shown in phantom).

Referring now toFIG.10, tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300continues to apply tension to lace340until lacing system130is in the closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, the amount of each of first lace segment500and second lace segment502that is wound up by tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300in the tightened condition to place lacing system130in the closed position from the opened position can be referred to as a take up distance. That is, the take up distance is the amount of each of first lace segment500and second lace segment502that is wound around a reel member (described below) of tensioning assembly302when tensioning system300transitions from a loosened condition to a tightened condition to thereby bring medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132from their respective locations in the opened position to their locations in the closed position of lacing system130.

In an exemplary embodiment, the take up distance of first lace segment500by tensioning assembly302in a tightened condition is approximately equal to the take up distance of second lace segment502by tensioning assembly302in the tightened condition. With the lace routing patterns according to the present embodiments, the take up distance of first lace segment500is approximately equal to the total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern. Similarly, the take up distance of second lace segment502is approximately equal to the total closure distance medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern.

As shown inFIG.10, the total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern of first lace segment500is equal to twice the sum of: first closure distance D1of first lace position601, third closure distance D3of third lace position603, and sixth closure distance D6of sixth lace position606. Similarly, the total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern of second lace segment502is equal to twice the sum of: second closure distance D2of second lace position602, fourth closure distance D4of fourth lace position D4, and fifth closure distance D5of fifth lace position605. With this arrangement, tension within upper120of article100may be approximately uniformly distributed across lacing system130by tensioning system300.

In some embodiments, tensioning system300is operable to be controlled between at least a tightened condition and a loosened condition to adjust the tension applied to lacing system130to transition lacing system130between closed and opened positions. In different embodiments, however, it should be understood that tensioning system300may be controlled to be placed into various degrees or amounts of tension that range between a fully tightened and a fully loosened condition. In addition, tensioning system300may include predetermined tension settings or user-defined tension settings.FIGS.11and12illustrate exemplary embodiments of tensioning system300being operated between a loosened condition (FIG.11) and a tightened condition (FIG.12). It should be understood that the method of tightening and/or loosening tensioning system300using tensioning assembly302may be performed in reverse order to loosen tensioning system300from the tightened condition to the loosened condition.

In some embodiments, tensioning system300includes a reel member310. Reel member310is a component within tensioning assembly302of tensioning system300. Reel member310is configured to be rotated around a central axis in opposite directions to wind and/or unwind lace340and thereby tighten or loosen tensioning system300and adjust tension in lacing system130between a closed position and an opened position.

In an exemplary embodiment, reel member310has a central axis that extends along a longitudinal length of reel member310from a first end1100to a second end1102. Reel member310is a reel or spool having a shaft running along the central axis and a plurality of flanges extending radially outward from the shaft. The plurality of flanges can have a generally circular or round shape with the shaft disposed within the center of each flange. The flanges assist with keeping the wound portions of lace340separated and organized on reel member310so that lace340does not become tangled or bird-nested during winding or unwinding when tensioning system300is tightened or loosened. As described above, reel member310is configured to rotate about the central axis in a first rotational direction and an opposite second rotational direction to wind or unwind lace340around portions of the shaft.

In an exemplary embodiment, reel member310may include a center flange322located approximately at a midpoint along the shaft of reel member310. Center flange322may include an aperture330that forms an opening extending between opposite faces of center flange322. Aperture330is configured to receive lace340. As shown inFIG.11, lace340extends through aperture330in center flange322from one side or face of center flange to the other side or opposite face. With this arrangement, portions or segments of lace340are disposed on opposite sides of center flange322and lace340is interconnected to reel member310and tensioning assembly302. When lace340is disposed through aperture330of center flange322, lace340may include first lace segment500located on one side of center flange322and second lace segment502located on the opposite side of center flange322.

In one embodiment, reel member310may include at least three flanges on the shaft. In this embodiment, reel member310includes a first end flange320, center flange322, and a second end flange324. Center flange322is located along the shaft between first end flange320and second end flange324. First end flange320and second end flange324are located on the shaft at opposite ends of reel member310on either side of center flange322. First end flange320and/or second end flange324may assist with keeping portions or segments of lace340that are wound on reel member310, including first lace segment500and/or second lace segment502, from sliding off the ends of reel member310and may also assist with preventing lace340from becoming tangled or bird-nested during winding or unwinding when tensioning system300is tightened or loosened.

In some embodiments, portions of the shaft of reel member310may be described with reference to the plurality of flanges extending away from the shaft. For example, a first shaft section1110extends between first end flange320and center flange322and a second shaft section1112extends between second end flange324and center flange322.

In an exemplary embodiment, center flange322includes aperture330, described above. Aperture330extends between opposite sides or faces of center flange322and provides an opening that allows lace340to extend between the opposite sides or faces of center flange322to interconnect with reel member310and tensioning assembly302. In some embodiments, center flange322extends radially outward from shaft and aperture330is located on center flange322so as to be spaced apart from the shaft. In this embodiment, aperture330is located adjacent to a perimeter edge of center flange322. In different embodiments, the distance between the perimeter edge of center flange322and the location of aperture330may vary. For example, the distance may be determined on the basis of revolution rate of tensioning assembly302and/or the motor or may be determined on the basis of the desired tension within tensioning system300and lacing system130.

Reel member310is operable to be rotated in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction to wind or unwind lace340and thereby tighten or loosen tensioning system300. Tension on each of first lace segment500and second lace segment502by tensioning system300causes lacing system130to transition between the opened position and the closed position. For example, a motor and/or an associated control unit of tensioning system300can be used to control rotation of reel member310, including automatic operation and/or based on user inputs. When tensioning system300is tightened, reel member310rotates while lace340is interconnected to center flange322at aperture330. This rotation causes first lace segment500and second lace segment502to be wound onto portions of the shaft on opposite sides of center flange322. Specifically, first lace segment500is wound onto first shaft section1110and second lace segment502is wound onto second shaft section1112.

Referring again toFIG.11, an exemplary embodiment of tensioning system300in a loosened condition is illustrated. In this embodiment, a foot800of a wearer is inserted into article100with tensioning system300in an initially loosened condition. In the loosened condition, lacing system130and plurality of strap members136are unfastened or in an opened position to allow entrance of foot800within the interior void of upper120. Lace340is connected to strap members136of lacing system130and is also interconnected to reel member310of tensioning assembly302by being disposed through aperture330in central flange322of reel member310. With this arrangement, winding of lace340around portions of reel member310will cause tension in lace340to pull plurality of strap members136of lacing system130to a closed position at each of the lace positions and tighten upper120around foot800when tensioning system300is in the tightened condition.

For example, in this embodiment, plurality of strap members136associated with first lace position601, second lace position602, third lace position603, fourth lace position604, fifth lace position605, and sixth lace position606are shown loosened when lacing system130is in the opened position. This allows a wearer to insert or remove foot800into or out of upper120.

FIG.12illustrates an exemplary embodiment of tensioning system300in a tightened condition. In this embodiment, tensioning assembly302rotates reel member310in the first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) about the central axis to apply tension to lace340and tighten tensioning system300. The interconnection of lace340to central flange322through aperture330causes first lace segment500to wind around first shaft section1110and second lace segment502to wind around second shaft section1112when reel member310is rotated in the first rotational direction. The tension applied to lace340and transmitted from lace340to plurality of strap members136moves lacing system130to a closed position to secure upper120around foot800when tensioning system300is in the tightened condition.

Similarly, rotation of reel member310can be made in the opposite second rotational direction to unwind lace340from portions of the shaft to return tensioning system300to the loosened condition and move lacing system130back to the opened position, as shown inFIG.11above. In addition, in some embodiments, rotation of reel member310in the second rotational direction may be performed by a motor, by a user manually pulling on lace340and/or strap members136, or both.

In an exemplary embodiment, rotation of reel member310in either or both of the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction will cause lace340to wind or unwind substantially equally around portions of the shaft of reel member310. That is, the take up distance of first lace segment500wound on first shaft section1110and the take up distance of second lace segment502wound on second shaft section1112will be approximately equal on opposite sides of central flange322when tensioning system300is in the tightened condition. Similarly, during unwinding of lace340from reel member310, approximately equal portions of lace340are unwound from opposite sides of center flange322when tensioning system300is placed in the loosened condition from the tightened condition. That is, the amount of first lace segment500unwound or spooled out from first shaft section1110and the amount of second lace segment502unwound or spooled out from second shaft section1112will be approximately equal.

As described above, with the lace routing patterns according to the present embodiments, the take up distance of first lace segment500when tensioning system300is in the tightened condition and lacing system130is in the closed position is approximately equal to the total closure distance between medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the first routing pattern. Similarly, the take up distance of second lace segment502when tensioning system300is in the tightened condition and lacing system is in the closed position is approximately equal to the total closure distance medial edge134and lateral edge133of lacing area132according to the second routing pattern. With this arrangement, tension within upper120of article100may be approximately uniformly distributed across lacing system130by tensioning system300.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.