Footwear closure system with zonal locking

Abstract

Systems and methods for zonal tightening of footwear are disclosed. A zonal locking system for an article of footwear having a first zone and a second zone is provided. At least one curving point is disposed between the first zone and the second zone, the curving point being configured so that a closure line winds around the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure line without bending any single point of the closure line at an acute angle. At least one rotatable closure line lock is configured to move into a locking position wherein the closure line lock frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to footwear and, more specifically, to a system and method for adjustably securing the footwear to a wearer's foot. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Over the last few decades, different ways of closing and securing footwear have been developed. Historically, footwear was designed to slip onto the foot or would be closed with one of laces or a buckling strap. However, with increased popularity of sports, consumers' investment in athletic shoes has resulted in additional techniques for footwear closure and securing systems. For example, athletic shoes were introduced with multiple Velcro® straps for closing the shoes. Also, shoes were introduced with inwardly-directed air bladders which the wearer could adjustably size with a built-in pumping device to custom-fit the shoe. Footwear manufacturers introduced variations on these closure systems and other devices to provide advantages to those selecting their footwear. [0003...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for zonal locking of an article of footwear. Embodiments of the present invention use at least one rotatable locking member to frictionably secure a closure line used to secure the tightness of the closure line between zones of the article of footwear. The rotatable locking member allows tension in the closure line to remain different on opposing sides of the locking member. Also, the rotatable locking member allows the closure line to be locked without kinking or bending the closure line at an acute angle at any point along the line. As a result, the rotatable locking member is particularly advantageous for cable closure lines which practically cannot or should not be bent at acute angles.

[0008] More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide zonal locking for an article of footwear having a first zone and a second zone. At least one curving point is disposed between a first zone and a second zone of the article of footwear, the curving point being configured so that a closure line curves around the curving point to turn a line of travel of the closure line without bending any single point of the closure line at an acute angle. At least one rotatable closure line lock is configured to move into a locking position wherein the closure line lock frictionably engages the closure line to generally prevent the closure line from moving through the curving point to allow a first tension in the closure line in the first zone to remain different than a second tension in the closure line in the second zone.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, with a conventional lacing system, even if the wearer tightly laces one section of the shoe's upper while leaving another section of the upper less tightly secured, that desired fitting is not likely to last.

Currently used zonal tightening systems, however, are not optimal or suitable for all applications.

Known locking systems, such as Adams's double-loop eyelets are not suitable because it is neither practical nor desirable to bend the cable closure of the boot through the two eyelets to facilitate zonal tightening of the cable.

Similarly, it is neither practical nor desirable to pull and / or bend the cable through a system such as Skaja's elongate locking eyelets which can kink or damage the cable closure.

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