Articles of footwear having adjustable sizes

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The upper includes a first portion, a second portion, and an expandable sheet disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The upper is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the compressed configuration, the first portion and the second portion are coupled together at a position adjacent to the expandable sheet, and the expandable sheet is folded. In the expanded configuration, the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other at a position adjacent to the expandable sheet, and the expandable sheet is exposed. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when the upper is in the compressed configuration.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 958,254, filed on January 7, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear, and more particularly to articles of footwear having adjustable sizes.

[0005] background

[0006] Articles of footwear (also referred to herein as "articles" or "footwear") generally include two major components: a sole structure and an upper. The sole structure is configured to support the wearer's foot and provide cushioning between the wearer's foot and the ground. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and is configured to secure the wearer's foot to the sole structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary article of footwear.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the lateral side of a pair of footwear.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the medial side of the footwear.

[0011] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 The line 4-4 depicted in Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a pair of footwear.

[0012] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A bottom plan view of a pair of footwear.

[0013] Figure 6 is a side view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A side view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0015] Figure 8 is a side view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0016] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8A side view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0017] Fig.10 is a perspective view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0018] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 A perspective view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0019] Fig.12 is a perspective view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting a forefoot portion of the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0020] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 0014] A perspective view of a pair of footwear depicting a forefoot portion of the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0021] Fig.14 yes Fig.12 A perspective view of a footwear depicting a heel portion of the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0022] Fig.15 yes Fig.12 A perspective view of a footwear depicting a heel portion of the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0023] Fig.16 yes Fig.12 A bottom plan view of a footwear depicting the sole structure of the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0024] Fig.17 yes Fig.12 A bottom plan view of a footwear depicting the sole structure of the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0025] Fig.18 is a side view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0026] Fig.19 yes Fig.18 A side view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0027] Fig. 20 yes Fig.18 A bottom plan view of a footwear depicting the sole structure of the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0028] Fig.21 yes Fig.18 A bottom plan view of a footwear depicting the sole structure of the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0029] Fig. 22is a perspective view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0030] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 A perspective view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0031] Fig.24 is a side view of another exemplary article of footwear depicting the footwear in a compressed configuration.

[0032] Fig.25 yes Fig.24 A side view of a footwear depicting the footwear in an expanded configuration.

[0033] Detailed Description

[0034] General considerations

[0035] The systems and methods described herein and their individual components should not be construed as being limited in any way to the specific uses or systems described herein. Instead, the present disclosure focuses on all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed embodiments, individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. For example, as recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art based on the information disclosed herein, any feature or aspect of the disclosed embodiments may be used in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. In addition, the disclosed systems, methods, and components thereof are not limited to any particular aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do the disclosed things and methods require the existence of any one or more specific advantages or the resolution of any one or more specific problems.

[0036] As used in this application, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, the term "include" means "comprise". Furthermore, the terms "coupled" or "fixed" encompass mechanical and chemical couplings, as well as other practical ways of coupling or attaching items together, and do not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items, unless otherwise indicated, such as by reference to the elements or surfaces thereof being "directly" coupled or fixed. In addition, as used herein, the term "and / or" means any one or combination of terms in the phrase.

[0037] As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "eg" and "for example" introduce a list of one or more non-limiting embodiments, examples, instances, and / or illustrations.

[0038] Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a specific, sequential order for ease of presentation, it should be understood that unless the specific language stated below requires a specific order, this description includes rearrangement. For example, operations described in sequence may be rearranged or implemented simultaneously in some cases. In addition, for simplicity, the accompanying drawings may not depict the various ways in which the disclosed things and methods can be used in combination with other things and methods. In addition, sometimes the description uses terms such as "providing" and "producing" to describe the disclosed methods. These terms are high-level descriptions of the actual operations performed. The actual operations corresponding to these terms will vary depending on the specific implementation and can be easily discerned by a person of ordinary skill in the art who benefits from the present disclosure.

[0039] As used herein, directional terms (e.g., "upper" and "lower") generally correspond to the orientation of an article of footwear or a sole assembly when it is configured to be worn by a wearer. For example, the "upward-facing surface" and / or "upper surface" of a sole assembly refers to a surface that is oriented in an "upper" anatomical direction (i.e., toward the wearer's head) when the article of footwear is worn by a wearer. Similarly, the directional terms "downward" and / or "lower" refer to the anatomical direction "lower" (i.e., toward the ground and away from the wearer's head). "Front" means "front" (e.g., toward the toes), and "rear" means "rear" (e.g., toward the heel). "Medial" means "toward the midline of the body", and "lateral" means "away from the midline of the body". "Longitudinal axis" refers to the centerline of an article from the heel to the toe. Similarly, "longitudinal length" refers to the length of an article along the longitudinal axis, and "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0040] As used herein, the term "sole structure" refers to any combination of materials that provide support for the wearer's foot and support the surface that comes into direct contact with the ground or playing surface, such as, for example, a single sole; a combination of an outsole and an inner sole; a combination of an outsole, midsole and inner sole, and a combination of an outer covering, outsole, midsole and inner sole.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “attach” and “couple” generally mean a physical connection or link, which includes items directly attached / coupled and items attached / coupled with intermediate elements between the attached / coupled items, unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "fixedly attached" and "fixedly coupled" refer to two components that are connected in such a way that the components may not be easily separated from each other without destroying and / or damaging one or both of the components. Exemplary forms of fixed attachment may include connection with permanent adhesives, stitches, welding or other thermal bonding and / or other joining techniques. In addition, two components may be "fixedly attached" or "fixedly coupled" by means of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process. In contrast, the terms "temporary attachment", "temporary coupling" or "temporary fixing" refer to two components that are connected in such a way that the components can be easily separated from each other to return to their separate discrete forms without destroying and / or damaging any one component. Exemplary forms of temporary attachment may include removable stitches or other temporary joining techniques.

[0043] As used herein, the term "article of footwear" or "article" means any type of footwear, including, for example, casual shoes, walking shoes, athletic shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, baseball shoes, boots, sandals, etc.

[0044] Although the accompanying figures may illustrate footwear intended for only one foot of a wearer (e.g., the right foot), those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure will recognize that the corresponding footwear for the other foot (e.g., the left foot) will be a mirror image of the right footwear.

[0045] Unless otherwise explained, all technical terms and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to the methods and materials described herein can be used for the implementation or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods and materials will be described below. These materials, methods and examples are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. Other features of the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description, abstract and accompanying drawings.

[0046] Disclosed Technology

[0047] Articles of footwear generally include two main components: a sole structure and an upper. The sole structure is configured to support the wearer's foot and provide cushioning between the wearer's foot and the ground. The upper is coupled to the sole structure and forms a foot-receiving cavity. The upper is configured to secure the wearer's foot to the sole structure and / or to protect the wearer's foot.

[0048] For example, according to one embodiment, Figure 1-Figure 5 Depicted is article of footwear 100. Article of footwear 100 may also be referred to as "article 100" or "footwear 100." Figure 1A perspective view of footwear 100 is depicted. Figure 2 A front view of the lateral side of footwear 100 is depicted. Figure 3 A front view of the medial side of footwear 100 is depicted. Figure 4 Depicted along Figure 2 4-4 depicted in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of footwear 100 taken along line 4-4. Figure 5 A bottom plan view of footwear 100 is depicted.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , footwear 100 includes a sole structure 102 and an upper 104. Upper 104 is coupled to and extends from sole structure 102 to form a foot-receiving cavity 106 between sole structure 102 and upper 104. Foot-receiving cavity 106 may be widened to make it easier for a wearer to insert their foot into foot-receiving cavity 106. Foot-receiving cavity 106 may also be tightened to secure the wearer's foot within foot-receiving cavity 106. In some embodiments, upper 104 may include a stretchable material to allow for widening of foot-receiving cavity 106 when a wearer inserts their foot into foot-receiving cavity 106. In some embodiments, footwear 100 may include a closure system to accommodate widening and / or tightening of foot-receiving cavity 106. Exemplary closure systems include laces, straps, bands, cables, cords, ratchet mechanisms, hooks and loops, and the like.

[0050] Footwear 100 may be divided into one or more sections (which may also be referred to as "zones" or "regions"). Figure 3 , these portions may include a forefoot portion 108, a midshoe portion 110, and a heel portion 112. The forefoot portion 108 of the footwear 100 may correspond to a front portion of the foot including the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones and phalanges of the foot. The midshoe portion 110 of the footwear 100 may correspond to an arch area of ​​the foot. The heel portion 112 of the footwear 100 may correspond to a rear portion of the foot including the calcaneus.

[0051] Footwear 100 may also be divided into a lateral side 114 and a medial side 116, both of which extend through forefoot portion 108, midfoot portion 110, and heel portion 112. For example, Figure 2 The lateral side 114 of the footwear 100 is depicted, and Figure 3 Medial side 116 of footwear 100 is depicted.

[0052] Now refer to Figure 4, the sole structure 102 of the footwear 100 includes a midsole 118 and an outsole 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 118 and the outsole 120 are formed as separate components that are fixedly coupled together. This can be achieved in various ways (including using adhesives, fasteners, stitching, and / or other means for fastening). In other embodiments, the midsole 118 and the outsole 120 can be integrally formed as a unitary component.

[0053] The midsole 118 of the sole structure 102 is configured to be positioned under the foot of the wearer. Thus, the midsole 118 can be configured to provide cushioning and support, for example. The midsole 118 can be configured to bend and / or elastically deform when the wearer's foot applies pressure on the midsole 118 and / or when the footwear 100 strikes a ground surface. In some embodiments, the midsole 118 can include a relatively flexible foam material.

[0054] Outsole 120 of sole structure 102 is configured to be positioned between midsole 118 and a ground surface. Thus, outsole 120, for example, can be configured to provide increased traction and / or protect midsole 118. In some embodiments, outsole 120 can include various traction elements (e.g., bumps, ribs, cleats, lugs, patterns, etc.) configured to engage one or more types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, outsole 120 can include a flexible polymer material (e.g., rubber).

[0055] In some embodiments, sole structure 102 may also include one or more additional components. For example, sole structure 102 may include one or more cushioning elements (eg, fluid-filled capsules such as air bladders) and / or foam members (eg, foam pads).

[0056] Reference Figure 1 , upper 104 includes a throat portion 122 that separates a lateral side of upper 104 and a medial side of upper 104. Upper 104 also includes a tongue 124 that is at least partially disposed within throat portion 122. In other embodiments, upper 104 may be formed without a throat portion and / or tongue.

[0057] The upper 104 of the footwear 100 can be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the upper 104 can be formed from one or more of the following materials: textiles, foams, leather, polymers, and / or synthetic leather. In some embodiments, the upper 104 can be formed as a single unitary component (e.g., by knitting or molding). In other embodiments, the upper 104 can include multiple components that are coupled together (e.g., by stitching, adhesives, fasteners, etc.).

[0058] Upper 104 may be fixedly coupled to sole structure 102 in a variety of ways. Figure 4 , upper 104 is attached (e.g., stitched) to strobel 126, and strobel 126 is attached to midsole 118 (e.g., with an adhesive). In other embodiments, the strobel may be omitted, and upper 104 may be attached to components of sole structure 102. In some such embodiments, upper 104 may be attached to midsole 118 and / or cushioning elements (e.g., air bladders) of sole structure 102 via adhesive, stitching, and / or other means for attachment.

[0059] As depicted, footwear 100 also includes a sockliner 128 (which may also be referred to as an "insole"). Sockliner 128 is configured to be positioned directly under the foot and is configured to cushion and / or support the wearer's foot. Sockliner 128 may include a variety of materials, including textiles, leather, foam, and / or other types of materials.

[0060] The footwear 100 can be constructed in one or more sizes (e.g., U.S. women's sizes 4-12) and / or widths (e.g., A, B, C, D, E, EE, and / or EEE). The footwear 100 can also be constructed in other sizing conventions (e.g., UK, EUR, cm, etc.) and / or sizes (e.g., U.S. men's sizes 1-18).

[0061] Under normal circumstances, the size of a wearer's foot can change throughout the day and / or throughout the course of activities. Such changes in size can include slight swelling (i.e., expansion) of the foot. Typical footwear can accommodate slight changes in the size of the wearer's foot. However, in some cases, the size of the wearer's foot may change relatively more dramatically. These situations may include pregnancy, growth, injury, and / or other situations or conditions that cause changes in the size of a person's foot. Such situations may cause the size of the wearer's foot to change beyond the range that a single-sized footwear can accommodate. Therefore, people experiencing these situations or conditions may need to purchase footwear of various sizes and / or change the size of footwear frequently. This may be particularly problematic in situations where the size of an individual's foot changes relatively quickly (e.g., throughout the day and / or throughout pregnancy).

[0062] Unlike typical footwear, the size of the footwear articles disclosed herein can be adjusted and / or adjusted to account for relatively large variations and / or fluctuations in the size of a wearer's foot. Thus, the disclosed footwear can, for example, improve comfort. It can also reduce the need for multiple sizes and / or increase the range of feet that can be accommodated by a single-sized footwear.

[0063] The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear with adjustable sizes. More specifically, the articles of footwear disclosed herein include expandable uppers and / or sole structures. In some cases, the size can be adjusted via one or more expandable panels. The expandable panels can be configured to adjust the length (i.e., front / rear) size, width (i.e., medial / lateral) size, and / or height (i.e., bottom / top) size of the footwear.

[0064] The expandable sheet material can be moved between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. In some embodiments, the expandable sheet material can be moved between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration via a closing mechanism. In some such cases, the closing mechanism can be a zipper. Instead of or in addition to the zipper, the closing mechanism can include one or more hook and loop fasteners, snap buttons, magnets, and / or other mechanisms suitable for adjusting from a first configuration to a second configuration. In other embodiments, the expandable sheet material can be moved between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration via an adjustable tensioning member. In some such cases, the tensioning member can be a shoelace, a rope, a wire, a string, etc.

[0065] In a representative embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The upper includes a first portion, a second portion, and an expandable sheet material disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The upper can move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. In the compressed configuration, the first portion and the second portion are coupled together at a position adjacent to the expandable sheet material, and the expandable sheet material is folded. In the expanded configuration, the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other at a position adjacent to the expandable sheet material, and the expandable sheet material is exposed. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when the upper is in the compressed configuration.

[0066] In another representative embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and an expandable sheet material. The sole structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The upper is coupled to the sole structure. The upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The expandable sheet material includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the expandable sheet material is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure. The second portion of the expandable sheet material is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure. The expandable sheet material can move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more dimensions of the sole structure are smaller when the expandable sheet material is in a compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet material is in an expanded configuration.

[0067] In another representative embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and an expandable sheet material. The sole structure includes a first portion and a second portion. The upper includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the upper is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure. The second portion of the upper is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure. The upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The expandable sheet material includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the expandable sheet material is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure and the first portion of the upper. The second portion of the expandable sheet material is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure and the second portion of the upper. The expandable sheet material can move between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are smaller when the expandable sheet material is in a compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet material is in an expanded configuration.

[0068] In yet another representative embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and a plurality of expandable panels. The upper is coupled to the sole structure, and the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween. The expandable panels are coupled to the sole structure or the upper. The expandable panels are each movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are smaller when the expandable panels are in the compressed configuration than when the expandable panels are in the expanded configuration.

[0069] In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole structure to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure. The upper includes a gusset, and the gusset is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. One or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the gusset is in the expanded configuration than when the gusset is in the compressed configuration.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, an article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, a first adjustment mechanism, and a second adjustment mechanism. The upper is coupled to the sole structure to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, and the upper includes a lateral side portion and a medial side portion. The first adjustment mechanism includes a lace or strap extending from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial side portion of the upper, and the first adjustment mechanism is configured to secure a wearer's foot within the foot-receiving cavity. The second adjustment mechanism includes a cable and a plurality of cable guides. The cable guide is coupled to the upper and / or the sole structure, and the cable is adjustably coupled to the cable guide and the first adjustment mechanism such that tightening the cable moves the upper from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration.

[0071] Further examples of the disclosed technology are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology

[0073] Figure 6-Figure 7An article of footwear 200 is depicted according to one embodiment. Footwear 200 includes a sole structure 202 and an upper 204. Upper 204 is coupled to sole structure 202, and the footwear includes a foot-receiving cavity 206 located between sole structure 202 and upper 204. The size of foot-receiving cavity 206 can be adjusted by moving upper 204 between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. Figure 6 The upper 204 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Figure 7 Upper 204 is depicted in an expanded configuration. The volume of foot-receiving cavity 206 is greater when upper 204 is in the expanded configuration than when upper 204 is in the compressed configuration.

[0074] Reference Figure 7 , the upper 204 of the footwear 200 includes an expandable panel 208 disposed between and coupled to a first portion 210 of the upper 204 and a second portion 212 of the upper 204. The first portion 210 and the second portion 212 generally separate the upper 204 in an inferior / superior direction (e.g., inferior / superior as depicted), wherein the first portion 210 is disposed superiorly relative to the second portion 212. In this manner, the expanded configuration of the upper 204 primarily increases the height of the foot-receiving cavity 206 (e.g., superior / inferior as depicted), however the length (e.g., left / right as depicted) and / or width (e.g., entering / leaving the page as depicted) of the foot-receiving cavity 206 may also be at least slightly increased.

[0075] The first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper 204 are coupled together by an adjustable closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper). The closure mechanism can be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When the closure mechanism is in the closed configuration ( Figure 6 ), the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper 204 are held adjacent to each other by the closure mechanism. In addition, in the closed configuration, the expandable panel 208 is hidden. When the closure mechanism is in the open configuration ( Figure 7 ), the closure mechanism releases the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper 204 from each other so that the first portion and the second portion can be separated. When the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 are separated, the expandable sheet material 208 is exposed.

[0076] Separating first portion 210 and second portion 212 expands upper 204, which expands the size of foot-receiving cavity 206 of footwear 200. The sizes of first portion 210, second portion 212, and / or expandable panel 208 may be selected to determine the size of foot-receiving cavity 206 in the compressed configuration and / or the expanded configuration. For example, configuring upper 204 with a relatively wide expandable panel provides greater expansion of foot-receiving cavity 206 from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration than when upper 204 is configured with a relatively narrow expandable panel.

[0077] In some embodiments, expandable sheet material 208 may be formed of a material including one or more of the same or similar properties (e.g., stretchability) as first portion 210 and second portion 212 of upper 204. In other embodiments, expandable sheet material 208 may be formed of a material including one or more properties different from first portion 210 and second portion 212 of upper 204. For example, first portion 210 and second portion 212 may be formed of a material having relatively less stretchability than expandable sheet material 208. As another example, first portion 210 and second portion 212 may be formed of a material having relatively more stretchability than expandable sheet material 208.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism includes a zipper having a slider 214, a first plurality of teeth 216, and a second plurality of teeth 218. The first plurality of teeth 216 is coupled to the first portion 210 of the upper 204, and the second plurality of teeth 218 is coupled to the second portion 212 of the upper 204. The slider 214 is movably coupled to the teeth 216, 218. The slider 214 is configured to move the teeth 216, 218 to an engaged state when the slider 214 passes over the teeth 216, 218 in a first direction, and to move the teeth 216, 218 to a disengaged state when the slider passes over the teeth 216, 218 in a second direction. For example, Figure 6 Slider 214 is depicted on the lateral side of upper 204 , which corresponds to the engaged state of teeth 216 , 218 and the compressed configuration of upper 204 . Figure 7 Slider 214 is depicted (hidden from view) on the medial side of upper 204 , which corresponds to a disengaged state of teeth 216 , 218 and an expanded configuration of upper 204 .

[0079] Various other types of zipper mechanisms may also be used. For example, a zipper comprising a slider and a plurality of guide tracks (opposite to the teeth) may be used, the slider being adjustably coupled to these guide tracks.

[0080] Instead of or in addition to a zipper, various other types of closure mechanisms may be used to selectively couple the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper together. For example, the closure mechanism may include one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, snap fasteners, magnets, and / or other mechanisms suitable for selectively coupling the first portion 210 and the second portion 212 of the upper together.

[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, first portion 210 and second portion 212 of upper 204 are directly coupled together (e.g., integrally formed) at a heel portion of upper 204. In other embodiments, first and second sections may be separate components that are not directly coupled together, as described further below.

[0082] The expandable sheet material may be positioned at various other locations on the upper relative to the position of the expandable sheet material 208 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable sheet material may be positioned further in the downward direction (e.g., toward the sole structure) or further in the upward direction (e.g., away from the sole structure) than the expandable sheet material 208 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the expandable sheet material may extend over a larger or smaller portion of the upper than the expandable sheet material 208 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable sheet material may be disposed on only one side (e.g., the lateral side) of the upper.

[0083] Footwear 200 allows the wearer to selectively adjust the size of foot-receiving cavity 206 as desired. For example, the wearer can position upper 204 of footwear 200 in a compression configuration (e.g., at the beginning of pregnancy). When the wearer's foot expands (e.g., in late pregnancy), the wearer can move upper 204 of footwear 200 from the compression configuration to the expansion configuration. Thus, footwear 200 provides adjustability that can accommodate changes in the wearer's foot, which is beyond the adjustability of typical footwear.

[0084] Figure 8-Figure 9 An article of footwear 300 is depicted according to another embodiment. Footwear 300 includes a sole structure 302 and an upper 304. Upper 304 is coupled to sole structure 302, and the footwear includes a foot-receiving cavity 306 located between sole structure 302 and upper 304. The size of foot-receiving cavity 306 can be adjusted by moving upper 304 between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. Figure 8 The upper 304 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Fig. 9 Upper 304 is depicted in an expanded configuration. The volume of foot-receiving cavity 306 is smaller when upper 304 is in the compressed configuration than when upper 304 is in the expanded configuration.

[0085] Footwear 300 is constructed generally similar to footwear 200 in that footwear 300 includes an expandable panel 308 disposed between a first portion 310 and a second portion 312 of an upper 304. Fig. 9 ). First portion 310 and second portion 312 divide upper 304 in an inferior / superior direction (i.e., inferior / superior as depicted), wherein first portion 310 is disposed superiorly relative to second portion 312. In this manner, the expanded configuration of upper 304 primarily increases the height of foot-receiving cavity 306 (e.g., superior / inferior as depicted), however, the length (e.g., left / right as depicted) and / or width (e.g., entering / leaving the page as depicted) of foot-receiving cavity 306 may also be at least slightly increased.

[0086] One difference between footwear 300 and footwear 200 is that first portion 310 and second portion 312 are not directly coupled together, and expandable panel 308 and closure mechanism (e.g., zipper 314) extend around entire upper 304. This may, for example, allow upper 304 of footwear 300 to expand relatively more evenly around entire footwear 300, whereas upper 204 tends to pivot or expand at a heel portion of footwear 200 where first portion 210 and second portion 212 of upper 204 are joined.

[0087] As described above, the first portion 310 and the second portion 312 of the upper 304 are coupled together by an adjustable closure mechanism (e.g., zipper 314). The closure mechanism can be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When the closure mechanism is in the closed configuration ( Figure 8 ), the first portion 310 and the second portion 312 of the upper 304 are held adjacent to each other by the closure mechanism. In addition, in the closed configuration, the expandable panel 308 is hidden. When the closure mechanism is in the open configuration ( Fig. 9 ), the closure mechanism releases the first portion 310 and the second portion 312 of the upper 304 from each other so that the first portion and the second portion can be separated. When the first portion 310 and the second portion 312 are separated, the expandable sheet material 308 is exposed.

[0088] The expandable panel may be positioned at various other locations on the upper relative to the position of the expandable panel 308 in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable panel may be positioned further in an inferior direction (e.g., toward the sole structure) or further in an superior direction (e.g., away from the sole structure) than the expandable panel 308 depicted in the illustrated embodiment.

[0089] Figure 10-11An article of footwear 400 is depicted according to yet another embodiment. Footwear 400 includes a sole structure 402 and an upper 404. Upper 404 is coupled to sole structure 402, and the footwear includes a foot-receiving cavity 406 located between sole structure 402 and upper 404. The size of foot-receiving cavity 406 can be adjusted by moving upper 404 between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. Fig.10 The upper 404 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Fig.11 Upper 404 is depicted in an expanded configuration. The volume of foot-receiving cavity 406 is greater when upper 404 is in the expanded configuration than when upper 404 is in the compressed configuration.

[0090] Footwear 400 is constructed generally similar to footwear 200 in that footwear 400 includes an expandable panel 408 disposed between a first portion 410 and a second portion 412 of an upper 404. Fig.11 ). One difference between footwear 400 and footwear 200 is that first portion 410 and second portion 412 are oriented in a front / rear direction, with first portion 410 disposed forwardly relative to second portion 412. In this manner, the expanded configuration of upper 404 primarily increases the length of foot-receiving cavity 406, however the width of foot-receiving cavity 406 may also be at least slightly increased (e.g., at the location of expandable panel 408).

[0091] The first portion 410 and the second portion 412 of the upper 404 are coupled together by an adjustable closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper 414). The closure mechanism can be moved between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When the closure mechanism is in the closed configuration ( Fig.10 ), the first portion 410 and the second portion 412 of the upper 404 are held adjacent to each other by the closure mechanism. In addition, in the closed configuration, the expandable panel 408 is hidden. When the closure mechanism is in the open configuration ( Fig.11 ), the closure mechanism releases the first portion 410 and the second portion 412 of the upper 404 from each other so that the first portion and the second portion can be separated. When the first portion 410 and the second portion 412 are separated, the expandable sheet material 408 is exposed.

[0092] The expandable sheet material can be positioned at various other positions on the upper relative to the position of the expandable sheet material 408 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the expandable sheet material can be positioned farther in the front direction (e.g., toward the toe) or farther in the rear direction (e.g., toward the heel) than the expandable sheet material 408 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, the expandable sheet material can extend over a larger or smaller portion of the upper than the expandable sheet material 408 depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the expandable sheet material 408 extends along the entire lower / upper height of the upper 404 (i.e., from the lower position where the upper meets the sole structure (which may also be referred to as the "bite line") to the upper edge of the upper 404). In other embodiments, the expandable sheet material can extend only along a portion of the height of the upper (e.g., from the upper edge of the upper 404 to the middle position between the upper edge and the sole structure 402).

[0093] Figure 12-Figure 17 An article of footwear 500 according to yet another embodiment is depicted. Footwear 500 includes a sole structure 502 and an upper 504. Upper 504 is coupled to sole structure 502, and the footwear includes a foot-receiving cavity 506 located between sole structure 502 and upper 504. The size of foot-receiving cavity 506 can be adjusted by moving sole structure 502 and upper 504 between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The width of foot-receiving cavity 506 is greater when sole structure 502 and upper 504 are in the expanded configuration than when sole structure 502 and upper 504 are in the compressed configuration. As a result, footwear 500 can accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

[0094] Fig.12 A forefoot portion of upper 504 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Fig.13 A forefoot portion of upper 504 is depicted in an expanded configuration. Fig.14 A heel portion of upper 504 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Fig.15 A heel portion of upper 504 is depicted in an expanded configuration. Fig.16 depicts sole structure 502 in a compressed configuration, and Fig.17 Sole structure 502 is depicted in an expanded configuration.

[0095] like Fig.13 , Fig.15 and Fig.17, footwear 500 includes an expandable panel 508 disposed between a lateral side portion 510 and a medial side portion 512 of footwear 500. Expandable panel 508 extends from a forefoot portion of upper 504 adjacent to the tongue to a toe portion of the upper, continues from the toe portion of sole structure 502 to a heel portion of the sole structure, and continues to a collar of the upper. In some embodiments, expandable panel 508 may extend over the tongue of the footwear.

[0096] The lateral side portion 510 and the medial side portion 512 of the footwear 500 may be selectively coupled together by a closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper 514). The closure mechanism may be in a closed state (e.g., Fig.12 , Fig.14 and Fig.16 ) and open state (e.g. Fig.13 , Fig.15 and Fig.17 ) between the closure mechanism and the medial side portion 512. When the closure mechanism is in the closed state, the zipper 514 holds the medial edge of the lateral side portion 510 adjacent to the lateral edge of the medial side portion 512. In the closed state, the expandable panel 508 is folded and hidden. When the closure mechanism is in the open state, the lateral side portion 510 and the medial side portion 512 can move away from each other, thereby exposing the expandable panel 508. In the open state, the width (i.e., medial / lateral) dimension of the footwear 500 is increased by the exposed width of the expandable panel 508. Therefore, when the footwear is in the expanded configuration, the volume of the foot-receiving chamber 506 increases. In this way, by adjusting the footwear between the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration, the footwear 500 can accommodate a relatively wide range of foot widths.

[0097] The expandable panel 508 can include a variety of widths. For example, configuring the footwear 500 with a relatively wide expandable panel 508 allows for a greater change in width between the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration.

[0098] In some embodiments, the expandable panel 508 may include a bias and / or the footwear 500 may include one or more biasing members (e.g., springs, straps, etc.) configured to bias the footwear 500 to the expanded configuration. In other words, the width of the footwear 500 is substantially binary (two) (i.e., fully expanded or fully compressed). In such embodiments, the zipper 514 may provide sufficient reaction force to overcome the bias and, therefore, may maintain the footwear 500 in the compressed configuration.

[0099] In other embodiments, the expandable panel 508 may include a biasing member and / or the footwear 500 may include one or more biasing members (e.g., springs, straps, etc.) configured to bias the footwear 500 to a compressed configuration. In such embodiments, the wearer's foot may provide sufficient reaction force to overcome the bias and thus maintain the footwear 500 in an expanded configuration. For example, the configuration may allow the footwear 500 to adjust to various intermediate widths of the wearer's foot between a minimum width (i.e., the width when the zipper 514 is in a closed state) and a maximum width (i.e., the width when the zipper 514 is in an open state and the expandable panel 508 is fully expanded). In other words, the width of the footwear 500 is non-binary (not two). Intermediate widths occur when the zipper 514 is in an open state and the expandable panel 508 is slightly expanded but not fully expanded. The biasing force toward the compression state can be low enough so that the footwear does not exert too much pressure on the sides of the wearer's foot to make the footwear uncomfortable, and the biasing force toward the compression state can be high enough so that the footwear fits tightly against the sides of the wearer's foot.

[0100] In the illustrated embodiment, expandable panel 508 evenly bisects lateral side portion 510 and medial side portion 512 of footwear 500 in the width dimension. In other embodiments, expandable panel may be offset toward the lateral side or medial side such that lateral side portion 510 and medial side portion 512 are unevenly divided.

[0101] Figure 18-Figure 21 An article of footwear 600 according to yet another embodiment is depicted. Footwear 600 includes a sole structure 602 and an upper 604. Upper 604 is coupled to sole structure 602, and the footwear includes a foot-receiving cavity 606 located between sole structure 602 and upper 604. The size of foot-receiving cavity 606 can be adjusted by moving sole structure 602 and upper 604 between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The length of foot-receiving cavity 606 is greater when sole structure 602 and upper 604 are in the expanded configuration than when sole structure 602 and upper 604 are in the compressed configuration. Thus, footwear 600 can accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

[0102] Fig.18 A lateral side portion of footwear 600 is depicted in a compressed configuration, and Fig.19 A lateral side portion of footwear 600 is depicted in an expanded configuration. Fig. 20 depicts sole structure 602 in a compressed configuration, and Fig.21 Sole structure 602 is depicted in an expanded configuration.

[0103] like Fig.19 and Fig.21, footwear 600 includes an expandable panel 608 disposed between a front portion 610 (or front portion) and a rear portion 612 (or rear portion) of footwear 600. Expandable panel 608 extends from an uppermost edge of a lateral side of upper 604, across sole structure 602, and to an uppermost edge of a medial side of upper 604.

[0104] The front portion 610 and the rear portion 612 of the footwear 600 may be selectively coupled together by a closure mechanism (e.g., a zipper 614). The closure mechanism may be in a closed state (e.g., Fig.18 and Fig. 20 ) and open state (e.g. Fig.19 and Fig.21 ) between the front portion 610 and the rear portion 612. When the closure mechanism is in the closed state, the zipper 614 holds the rear edge of the front portion 610 adjacent to the front edge of the rear portion 612. In the closed state, the expandable sheet 608 is folded and hidden. When the closure mechanism is in the open state, the front portion 610 and the rear portion 612 can move away from each other, thereby exposing the expandable sheet 608. In the open state, the length (i.e., front / rear) dimension of the footwear 600 is increased by the exposed width of the expandable sheet 608. Therefore, when the footwear is in the expanded configuration, the volume of the foot-receiving chamber 606 increases. In this way, by adjusting the footwear 600 between the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration, the footwear 600 can accommodate a relatively wide range of foot lengths.

[0105] The expandable panel 608 can include a variety of lengths. For example, configuring the footwear 600 with a relatively wide expandable panel 608 allows for a greater change in length between the compressed configuration and the expanded configuration.

[0106] In some embodiments, the expandable panel 608 may include a biasing member and / or the footwear 600 may include one or more biasing members (e.g., springs, straps, etc.) configured to bias the footwear 600 to the expanded configuration. In other words, the length of the footwear 600 is substantially binary (i.e., fully expanded or fully compressed). In such embodiments, the zipper 614 may provide sufficient reaction force to overcome the bias and, therefore, may maintain the footwear 600 in the compressed configuration.

[0107] In other embodiments, the expandable sheet 608 may include a biasing member and / or the footwear 600 may include one or more biasing members (e.g., springs, straps, etc.) configured to bias the footwear 600 to a compressed configuration. In such embodiments, the wearer's foot may provide sufficient reaction force to overcome the bias, and thus the footwear 600 may be maintained in an expanded configuration. For example, the configuration may allow the footwear 600 to be adjusted to various intermediate lengths of the wearer's foot between a minimum length (i.e., the length when the zipper 614 is in a closed state) and a maximum length (i.e., the length when the zipper 614 is in an open state and the expandable sheet 608 is fully expanded). In other words, the length of the footwear 600 is non-binary. When the zipper 614 is in an open state and the expandable sheet 608 is expanded to a certain extent but not fully expanded, an intermediate length occurs. The biasing force toward the compressed state can be low enough so that the footwear does not place too much pressure on the wearer's toes or heels to make the footwear uncomfortable, and the biasing force toward the compressed state can be high enough so that the footwear fits closely against the wearer's foot.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the expandable panel 608 substantially evenly bisects the front portion 610 and the rear portion 612 of the footwear 600 in the length dimension. In other embodiments, the expandable panel may be offset in the front direction or the rear dimension such that the front portion 610 and the rear portion 612 are unevenly divided.

[0109] It should be noted that the sole structure may include a recessed channel configured to receive the expandable panel and / or the closure mechanism. For example, the recessed channel may prevent the closure mechanism from contacting a ground surface during use (or reduce the likelihood that the closure mechanism will contact a ground surface during use). This may help prevent the closure mechanism from being damaged.

[0110] Figure 22-Figure 23 An article of footwear 700 is depicted. Footwear 700 includes a sole structure 702 and an upper 704. Upper 704 is coupled to sole structure 702, and footwear 700 includes a foot-receiving cavity 706 located between sole structure 702 and upper 704. The footwear 700 may be compressed by placing upper 704 in a compressed configuration ( Fig. 22 ) and the extended configuration ( Fig.23 ) to adjust the size of foot receiving chamber 706. The volume of foot receiving chamber 706 is larger when upper 704 is in the expanded configuration than when upper 704 is in the compressed configuration. Therefore, footwear 700 can accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

[0111] To allow for expansion, the upper 704 of the footwear 700 includes a lining 708. The footwear 700 also includes a cord 710 (or strand) coupled to the upper 704 and / or the lining 708. Fig. 22 As depicted in FIG. 7 , rope 710 may be tensioned to fold gusset 708. Fig.23 As depicted in FIG, rope 710 may be loosened to allow gusset 708 to expand.

[0112] In some embodiments, the lining 708 is formed integrally with the upper 704. This can be achieved, for example, by forming the upper 704 and the lining 708 by knitted or a woven material. In some embodiments, the rope 710 can also be formed integrally with the upper 704 and / or the lining 708. In other embodiments, the lining 708 and the upper 704 can be formed as separate parts, and the upper 704 can include an expandable opening in which the lining 708 is arranged. In such embodiments, the upper 704 and the lining 708 can be coupled together in various ways (e.g., stitching, adhesive, fasteners and / or other means for coupling). The rope 710 can also be formed as a part separated from the upper 704 and / or the lining 708. In such embodiments, the rope 710 can be coupled to the upper 704 and / or the lining in various ways (e.g., eyelets, fasteners, etc.).

[0113] In certain embodiments, lining 708 can be configured to be folded or laid in an organized manner in a compressed configuration and / or an expanded configuration. For example, lining 708 can include folds, pleats, and / or can be shaped. This can, for example, reduce bunching of lining 708, thereby improving the comfort and / or appearance of footwear 700.

[0114] In some embodiments, footwear 700 can include a locking member 712 configured to selectively secure cord 710 relative to upper 704 and / or gusset 708. In this manner, locking member 712 allows a wearer to adjust the tension in cord 710 and / or the expansion of gusset 708 and then secure the configuration by limiting relative movement between cord 710, gusset 708, and / or upper 704. In some examples, locking member 712 can be a cord lock.

[0115] In some embodiments, the upper 704 can be biased to an expanded configuration. In other embodiments, the upper 704 can be biased to a compressed configuration. This can be achieved, for example, by shaping the material of the upper 704 and / or lining 708.

[0116] The lining can be disposed at different locations on the footwear. In the illustrated embodiment, the lining 708 is disposed on a lateral side portion of the footwear 700. In other embodiments, the lining can be disposed on a medial side portion of the footwear. As another example, the lining can be disposed on a toe portion of the footwear. The lining can also be oriented in various ways to adjust the height, width, and / or length of the upper.

[0117] The gusset can include various sizes and / or shapes. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the gusset 708 includes a generally oval shape in the expanded configuration.

[0118] Figure 24-25 An article of footwear 800 is depicted. Footwear 800 includes a sole structure 802, an upper 804, and an adjustment mechanism. Upper 804 is coupled to sole structure 802, and footwear 800 includes a foot-receiving cavity 806 located between sole structure 802 and upper 804. The footwear 800 can be adjusted between a compression configuration ( Fig.24 ) and the extended configuration ( Fig.25 ) to adjust the size of foot receiving chamber 806. The volume of foot receiving chamber 806 is larger in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration. Therefore, footwear 800 can accommodate a larger foot in the expanded configuration than in the compressed configuration.

[0119] The adjustment mechanism of footwear 800 includes a cable 808 and a plurality of cable guides 810. Cable guides 810 are secured to upper 804 and / or sole structure 802. Cable guides 810 can be configured to engage cables 808 and to allow cables 808 to move relative to the cable guides with low friction. For example, cable guides 810 can be eyelets, hooks, posts, and / or other types of members through which cables 808 can adjustably move and / or around which cables 808 can move.

[0120] The cable 808 is fixedly coupled to the cable guide 810 at one end. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cable 808 is fixedly coupled to the rightmost cable guide. In this manner, the rightmost cable guide 810 may be referred to as an "anchor." The cable 808 extends in a wavy pattern or a zigzag pattern between the cable guide 810 and the lacing member 812. In other embodiments, the cable guide 810 and / or the cable 808 may be constructed in various other patterns. The cable 808 is interconnected with the lacing member 812, and the cable 808 is movable relative to the lacing member 812 and the cable guide 810 (except for the rightmost cable guide). Thus, adjusting the tension in the cable 808 also adjusts the tension in the lacing member 812, and vice versa. In this manner, the cable 808 and / or the lacing member 812 may be used to adjust the size of the upper 804 and the foot receiving cavity 806. For example, Fig.24A first configuration (i.e., a compressed configuration) is depicted in which the cables 808 are relatively taut. This pulls the lacing member 812 downward, and thereby compresses the upper and reduces the volume of the foot-receiving cavity 806. In some cases, as a result of the compression applied to the upper 804 via the cables 808, the upper 804 is at least slightly gathered or bunched. As desired, the wearer can loosen the cables 808, which allows the upper 804 and the foot-receiving cavity to expand. Thus, the footwear 800 can accommodate feet of various sizes and can allow the wearer to adjust the footwear as their feet change (e.g., throughout the day and / or during pregnancy).

[0121] In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism of the footwear 800 may also include a locking mechanism configured to secure the cable 808 relative to the cable guide 810, which thereby secures the upper 804 in a desired configuration (e.g., expansion and / or compression). For example, the locking mechanism may include a cord lock. In some embodiments, one or more of the cable guides 810 (e.g., the leftmost cable guide as illustrated) may include a locking mechanism. In this manner, the leftmost cable guide 810 (e.g., as illustrated) may be referred to as a "lock." Additionally or alternatively, the locking mechanism may be a structure configured to secure the "tail" of the cable 808 to the upper 804. For example, the tail of the cable may include a hook configured to engage the upper 804 (and / or some structure coupled to the upper, such as an eyelet or loop). In other embodiments, the cable may be releasably and / or adjustably coupled to the upper in various other ways (e.g., magnets, snap fasteners, etc.).

[0122] In some cases, footwear may include multiple adjustment mechanisms with cables and cable guides. For example, footwear may include a first adjustment mechanism disposed on a lateral side of an upper and a second adjustment mechanism disposed on a medial side of the upper.

[0123] Additional Examples of the Disclosed Technology

[0124] Additional examples of the disclosed technology are listed below.

[0125] 1. An article of footwear comprising:

[0126] Sole structure; and

[0127] An upper coupled to the sole structure so as to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the third portion being disposed between and coupling the first portion and the second portion, wherein the upper is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein in the compressed configuration the first portion and the second portion are proximate to each other, wherein in the expanded configuration the first portion and the second portion are spaced apart from each other by the third portion, and wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the upper is in the expanded configuration than when the upper is in the compressed configuration.

[0128] 2. The article of footwear according to Example 1 further includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the upper in the compression configuration.

[0129] 3. The article of footwear of Example 2, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper.

[0130] 4. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the third portion extends from a lateral side portion of the upper to a medial side portion of the upper.

[0131] 5. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the third portion extends from a heel portion of the upper to a forefoot portion of the upper.

[0132] 6. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the third portion extends completely around the upper.

[0133] 7. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the third portion extends from an uppermost edge of the upper toward the sole structure.

[0134] 8. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the third portion is disposed only on the medial side of the upper.

[0135] 9. The article of footwear of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the third portion is disposed only on an outer side of the upper.

[0136] 10. An article of footwear comprising:

[0137] a sole structure, the sole structure comprising a first portion and a second portion;

[0138] an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween; and

[0139] An expandable sheet, the expandable sheet comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the expandable sheet is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure, wherein the second portion of the expandable sheet is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure, wherein the expandable sheet is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure are smaller when the expandable sheet is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet is in the expanded configuration.

[0140] 11. The article of footwear of Example 10, wherein the expandable sheet extends from a toe portion of the sole structure to a heel portion of the sole structure.

[0141] 12. The article of footwear of Example 10, wherein the expandable panel extends from a lateral side portion of the sole structure to a medial side portion of the sole structure.

[0142] 13. An article of footwear comprising:

[0143] a sole structure comprising a first portion and a second portion;

[0144] an upper comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the upper is coupled to a first portion of a sole structure, wherein the second portion of the upper is coupled to a second portion of the sole structure, wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure; and

[0145] An expandable sheet comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the expandable sheet is coupled to a first portion of a sole structure and a first portion of an upper, wherein the second portion of the expandable sheet is coupled to a second portion of the sole structure and a second portion of the upper, wherein the expandable sheet is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of a foot receiving cavity are smaller when the expandable sheet is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet is in the expanded configuration.

[0146] 14. An article of footwear according to example 13, wherein the expandable panel extends in a forward / rearward direction from a toe portion of the sole structure to a heel portion of the sole structure.

[0147] 15. The article of footwear of Example 14, wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity include a width dimension extending in a medial / lateral direction, and wherein the width dimension is smaller when the expandable panel is in a compressed configuration than when the expandable panel is in an expanded configuration.

[0148] 16. The article of footwear of any of Examples 13-15, wherein the first portion of the sole structure is a lateral side portion, and wherein the second portion of the sole structure is a medial side portion.

[0149] 17. The article of footwear of example 13, wherein the expandable panel extends in a medial / lateral direction from a medial side portion of the upper to a lateral side portion of the upper.

[0150] 18. An article of footwear according to example 17, wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity include a length dimension extending in a forward / rearward direction, and wherein the length dimension is smaller when the expandable panel is in a compressed configuration than when the expandable panel is in an expanded configuration.

[0151] 19. The article of footwear of any of Examples 17-18, wherein the first portion of the sole structure includes a forefoot portion, and wherein the second portion of the sole structure includes a heel portion.

[0152] 20. The article of footwear of any of Examples 13-19, further comprising a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the expandable panel in a compressed configuration.

[0153] 21. The article of footwear of Example 20, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper.

[0154] 22. An article of footwear comprising:

[0155] Sole structure;

[0156] an upper coupled to the sole structure, wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween; and

[0157] A plurality of expandable panels are coupled to a sole structure or upper, wherein each of the expandable panels is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of a foot-receiving cavity are smaller when the expandable panels are in the compressed configuration than when the expandable panels are in the expanded configuration.

[0158] 23. The article of footwear of Example 22, wherein the plurality of expandable panels include a first expandable panel and a second expandable panel, wherein the first expandable panel is coupled to the upper at a first position, and wherein the second expandable panel is coupled to the upper at a second position.

[0159] 24. An article of footwear according to Example 22, wherein the plurality of expandable panels include a first expandable panel and a second expandable panel, wherein the first expandable panel is connected to the sole structure at a first position, and wherein the second expandable panel is connected to the sole structure at a second position.

[0160] 25. An article of footwear according to Example 22, wherein the plurality of expandable sheets include a first expandable sheet and a second expandable sheet, wherein the first expandable sheet is connected to the sole structure at a first sole location and to the upper at a first upper location, and wherein the second expandable sheet is connected to the sole structure at a second sole location and to the upper at a second upper location.

[0161] 26. The article of footwear of any of Examples 23-25, wherein the first expandable panel intersects with the second expandable panel.

[0162] 27. An article of footwear comprising:

[0163] Sole structure; and

[0164] An upper is coupled to a sole structure to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a lining, wherein the lining is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the foot-receiving cavity are larger when the lining is in the expanded configuration than when the lining is in the compressed configuration.

[0165] 28. The article of footwear of Example 27, wherein the upper and lining are integrally formed as a unitary structure.

[0166] 29. The article of footwear of Example 28, wherein the upper and lining comprise a knitted material.

[0167] 30. The article of footwear of Example 28, wherein the upper and lining comprise a woven material.

[0168] 31. The article of footwear of Example 27, wherein the upper and lining are formed as separate components that are coupled together.

[0169] 32. The article of footwear of any of Examples 27-31, further comprising a cord coupled to the upper and the lining such that tensioning the cord moves the lining from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration.

[0170] 33. The article of footwear of Example 32 further includes a locking member coupled to the cord and configured to limit movement between the cord and the upper and lining.

[0171] 34. The article of footwear of Example 33, wherein the locking member comprises a cord lock.

[0172] 35. An article of footwear comprising:

[0173] Sole structure;

[0174] an upper coupled to the sole structure to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a lateral side portion and a medial side portion;

[0175] a first adjustment mechanism comprising a lace or strap extending from a lateral side portion of the upper to a medial side portion of the upper, wherein the first adjustment mechanism is configured to secure a wearer's foot within the foot-receiving cavity; and

[0176] A second adjustment mechanism includes cables and a plurality of cable guides, wherein the cable guides are fixedly coupled to the upper or the sole structure, wherein the cables are adjustably coupled to the cable guides and the first adjustment mechanism such that tensioning the cables moves the upper from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration.

[0177] 36. In the article of footwear of example 35, the cable of the second adjustment mechanism is interconnected with the lace or strap of the first adjustment mechanism.

[0178] 37. The article of footwear of Example 35 or Example 36, wherein the upper gathers or bunches between the cable guides when the upper is in the compressed configuration.

[0179] 38. The article of footwear of any of examples 35-37, wherein one or more of the cable guides includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively limit relative movement between the cable and the cable guide.

[0180] 39. The article of footwear of Example 37 or Example 38, wherein the first row of cable guides is offset in a forward / rearward direction relative to the second row of cable guides.

[0181] 40. An article of footwear comprising:

[0182] a sole structure comprising a first portion and a second portion; and

[0183] An expandable sheet, the expandable sheet comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section of the expandable sheet is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure, wherein the second section of the expandable sheet is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure, wherein the expandable sheet is capable of moving between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure are smaller when the expandable sheet is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet is in the expanded configuration.

[0184] 41. The article of footwear of Example 40, wherein the expandable sheet extends from a toe portion of the sole structure to a heel portion of the sole structure.

[0185] 42. The article of footwear of Example 40, wherein the expandable sheet extends from a lateral side portion of the sole structure to a medial side portion of the sole structure.

[0186] 43. The article of footwear according to any of Examples 40-42, further comprising a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the expandable panel in a compressed configuration.

[0187] 44. The article of footwear of Example 43, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper.

[0188] 45. The article of footwear of Example 43 or Example 44, wherein the closure mechanism conceals the expandable panel when the expandable panel is in the compressed configuration.

[0189] 46. ​​The article of footwear according to any of Examples 40-45, further comprising one or more biasing members coupled to the expandable panel and configured to bias the expandable panel to the expanded configuration.

[0190] 47. The article of footwear according to any of Examples 40-45, further comprising one or more biasing members coupled to the expandable panel and configured to bias the expandable panel to the compressed configuration.

[0191] 48. An article of footwear comprising:

[0192] a sole structure, the sole structure comprising a first portion and a second portion;

[0193] an upper coupled to the sole structure and including a first region and a second region, wherein the upper and the sole structure form a foot-receiving cavity therebetween; and

[0194] An expandable sheet, the expandable sheet comprising a first section and a second section, wherein the first section of the expandable sheet is coupled to the first portion of the sole structure and the first zone of the upper, wherein the second section of the expandable sheet is coupled to the second portion of the sole structure and the second zone of the upper, wherein the expandable sheet is movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein one or more dimensions of the sole structure and the upper are smaller when the expandable sheet is in the compressed configuration than when the expandable sheet is in the expanded configuration.

[0195] 49. The article of footwear according to Example 48 further includes a zipper, which is movably connected to the first and second portions of the sole structure and the first and second portions of the upper, wherein the zipper is capable of moving between a first position and a second position, the first position retaining the expandable sheet in the compressed configuration and the second position allowing the expandable sheet to move from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration.

[0196] 50. The article of footwear of Example 49, wherein the sole structure includes a recessed channel configured to receive the zipper.

[0197] Unless otherwise stated, any feature (one or more) of any example (one or more) disclosed herein may be combined or separated with any feature (one or more) of any example (one or more) disclosed herein. For example, in some embodiments, an article of footwear may include a plurality of expandable sheets, including one or more expandable sheets in an upper and / or one or more expandable sheets in a sole structure. As an example, any feature of footwear 200 may be combined with footwear 400, or any feature of footwear 400 may be combined with footwear 200. As another example, any feature of footwear 500 may be combined with footwear 600, or any feature of footwear 600 may be combined with footwear 500. As yet another example, any feature of footwear 700 may be combined with footwear 800, or any feature of footwear 800 may be combined with footwear 700.

[0198] In view of the many possible embodiments to which the disclosed principles may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are merely examples and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: Sole structure; an upper coupled to the sole structure to form a foot-receiving cavity between the upper and the sole structure, wherein the upper includes a lateral side portion and a medial side portion; a first adjustment mechanism, the first adjustment mechanism comprising a lace or strap extending from the lateral side portion of the upper to the medial side portion of the upper, wherein the first adjustment mechanism is configured to secure a wearer's foot within the foot-receiving cavity; as well as A second adjustment mechanism, the second adjustment mechanism comprising a cable exposed on an outer surface of the footwear article and a plurality of cable guides, wherein the cable guide is fixedly connected to the upper or the sole structure, wherein the cable is fixedly connected to an outermost cable guide of the plurality of cable guides at one end of the cable and is adjustably connected to the remaining cable guides of the plurality of cable guides and the lace or the strap of the first adjustment mechanism, so that tensioning the cable moves the upper from an expanded configuration to a compressed configuration, and wherein the cable is interconnected in contact with the lace or the strap near at least a portion of the plurality of lace holes or strap holes of the footwear article.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, the cable of the second adjustment mechanism extending between the cable guide and the lace or strap of the first adjustment mechanism in a wavy pattern or a zigzag pattern.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the upper is in the compressed configuration, the upper gathers or bunches between the cable guides.

4. The article of footwear according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein one or more of the cable guides includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively limit relative movement between the cable and the cable guide.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein a first row of the cable guides is offset in a front / rear direction relative to a second row of the cable guides.

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