Upper for an article of footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes an upper having an outer shell including an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge formed on an opposite side of the adjustment region from the first edge. The upper further includes a cord tension guide attached to the outer shell adjacent the first edge of the adjustment region. The cord tension guide includes a first conduit and a second conduit. A cord of the upper includes a tensioning element having a first tensioning section extending from the first conduit through the adjustment region and a second tensioning section extending from the second conduit through the adjustment region. The cord further includes a control element having a first control section connected to the first tensioning section at the first conduit and a second control section connected to the second tensioning section at the second conduit.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 331,548, filed May 26, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 032,668, filed May 31, 2020. The disclosures of these earlier applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a type of footwear. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Footwear typically consists of an upper and a sole structure. The upper can be formed from any suitable material to receive, secure, and support the foot within the sole structure. The lower portion of the upper is attached to the sole structure close to the sole surface of the foot. The sole structure typically comprises a layered structure extending between the outsole and midsole. The outsole provides abrasion resistance and traction with the ground, while the midsole, situated between the outsole and the upper, provides cushioning for the foot.

[0006] The upper can be used with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit between the upper and the foot. For example, laces can be tensioned to close the upper around the foot and tightened once the upper has achieved the desired fit. Each time you tie your laces, be careful to ensure the upper is neither too loose nor too tight. Additionally, the laces may loosen or come undone during wear.

[0007] Known automatic tensioning systems typically include a tensioning mechanism, such as a rotary knob, that applies tension to one or more cords interacting with the shoe upper to close the upper around the foot. While these automatic tensioning systems can gradually increase the tension of one or more cords to achieve an ideal fit around the foot, they require time-consuming operation of the tensioning mechanism to properly tension the cords to secure the upper around the foot. Furthermore, when it is necessary to remove the shoe, the wearer must simultaneously press a release mechanism and pull the upper away from the foot to release the cord tension.

[0008] Therefore, known automatic tensioning systems lack appropriate measures for rapid and variable adjustment of the cord tension to close the shoe upper around the foot, and do not allow the wearer to quickly release the tension applied to the cord, thus enabling the shoe upper to be quickly loosened and removed from the foot. Furthermore, the tensioning mechanisms employed in these known automatic tensioning systems require the integration of complex locking mechanisms into the footwear to maintain the cord in a taut state. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a top inner perspective view of a footwear article according to the principles of this disclosure, shown in a relaxed state;

[0011] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The footwear shown is in a taut, top-outer perspective view.

[0012] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The inside front view of the footwear item shown;

[0013] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The front view of the footwear item shown;

[0014] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The enlarged close-up view of the footwear shown is taken from [source missing]. Figure 1 Area 5;

[0015] Figure 6 For along Figure 5 Intercepted at the midline 6-6 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cord guide for footwear items;

[0016] Figure 7 For along Figure 5 Intercepted at the midline 7-7 Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example of a cord guide for footwear items;

[0017] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of a rope tensioning guide according to the principles of this disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 9 This is a bottom perspective view of a rope wiring guide based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0019] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. These example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that the exemplary configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular exemplary configuration only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “constituting,” “including,” “comprising,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of a feature, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0022] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0024] Details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

[0025] refer to Figure 1-7 An example of a footwear article 10 including a variable tension system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the footwear article 10 includes an upper 100 and a tensioning system 200 integrated into the upper 100. The tensioning system 200 includes a cord 202 wired along the upper 100, and the tensioning system 200 is configured to control the tension of the upper 100. The upper 100 and the tensioning system 200 cooperate to move the footwear article 10 between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. Specifically, the cord 202 may be along the tensioning direction D. T Move to move the footwear item 10 to a tensioned state, and can move along the slack direction D L The footwear 10 is moved to a relaxed state. The footwear 10 also includes a sole structure 300, which is attached to the upper 100 and configured to provide cushioning and traction characteristics to the footwear 10.

[0026] Footwear article 10 and its components can be described as including a front end 12 associated with the foremost point of footwear article 10, and a rear end 14 corresponding to the rearmost point of footwear article 10. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal axis A of shoe 10 10 The length of the shoe 10 extends from the front end 12 to the rear end 14, and the shoe 10 is generally divided into an outer side 16 and an inner side 18. Therefore, the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 correspond to opposite sides of the shoe 10, and extend from the front end 12 to the rear end 14.

[0027] Footwear item 10 can be along longitudinal axis A 10 It is divided into one or more regions. These regions may include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 may correspond to the toes and joints connecting the metatarsal and phalangeal bones of the foot. The midfoot region 22 may correspond to the arch region of the foot, and the heel region 24 may correspond to the posterior region of the foot, including the calcaneus.

[0028] The upper 100 includes a shell 102 having multiple components that collectively define an interior space 104 and an ankle opening 106. These components collectively receive and secure the foot for support on the sole structure 300. For example, the upper 100 includes a pair of quarter plates 108a, 108b that extend upward from the sole structure 300 in the midfoot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior space 104. The upper 100 of the footwear article 10 can be further described as including heel side plates 110a, 110b extending along the outer and inner sides 16, 18 of the ankle opening 106 through the heel region 24. A heel support 112 wraps around the rear end 14 of the shoe 10 and connects to the heel side plates 110a, 110b. The throat 114 extends through the top of the upper 100 and defines an instep region extending from the ankle opening 106 to the forefoot region 20 between the quarter plates 108a and 108b. In the example shown, the throat 114 is surrounded by a plate of material extending between the opposing quarter plates 108a and 108b in the instep region to cover the interior space 104.

[0029] Components of the outer shell 102 may be made of one or more materials stitched or bonded together to define the internal space 104. Suitable materials for the upper 100 may include, but are not limited to, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. An exemplary upper 100 may be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials disposed in different areas of the upper 100 and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials to facilitate movement of the footwear article 10 between a tensioned and relaxed state. One or more elastic materials may include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics, such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastic fibers, rubber, or neoprene. One or more inelastic materials may include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethanes, nylon, leather, vinyl resin, or another material / fabric that does not impart elasticity.

[0030] The outer shell 102 of the upper 100 includes one or more adjustment regions 116 configured to allow the shell 102 to expand and contract around the foot. In the example shown, the upper 100 includes a single adjustment region 116 formed by the throat 114 of the shell 102. The adjustment region 116 extends from a first edge 118a extending along the upper end of the outer quarter plate 108a to a second edge 118b extending along the upper end of the inner quarter plate 108a. As shown, the adjustment region 116 includes an elastic material extending between the first edge 118a and the second edge 118b, such that the adjustment region 116 is closed. However, in other examples, the edges 118a, 118b of the adjustment region 116 may be separate from each other and / or independent plates (e.g., a tongue) may be provided between the edges 118a, 118b.

[0031] While the illustrated example of footwear article 10 shows an adjustment region 116 formed along the throat 116 of the outer shell 102, the principles of this disclosure can be applied to footwear articles having adjustment regions in other areas of the upper. For example, the footwear article may have a first adjustment region formed along either the outer side 16 or the inner side 18 of the outer shell 102. Additionally or alternatively, the outer shell 102 may include a plurality of adjustment regions, each configured to provide a degree of adjustment to the upper 100.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 The tensioning system 200 includes a rope 202 and one or more rope guides 204, 206a-206e for guiding the rope 202 along an adjustment region 116. The rope 202 can be described as including a tensioning element 208 extending along the adjustment region 116 and a control element 210 connected to the tensioning element 208 to move the footwear item 10 between a tensioned state and a relaxed state. The rope guides 204, 206a-206e include a tensioning guide 204 and one or more optional wiring guides 206a-206e, the tensioning guide 204 being configured to transmit tension from the control element 210 to the tensioning element 208, and the wiring guides 206a-206e being used to slidably wire the tensioning element 208 along the adjustment region 116.

[0033] Rope 202 can move along the tension direction D T Move to bring the footwear item 10 to a tensioned state, and allow it to move along the slack direction D. L The rope 202 is moved to allow the footwear item 10 to transition to a relaxed state. The rope 202 may be highly smooth and / or may be formed from one or more fibers having low modulus of elasticity and high tensile strength. For example, the fibers may include high-modulus polyethylene fibers with a high strength-to-weight ratio and low elasticity. Additionally or alternatively, the rope 202 may be formed from molded monofilament polymers and / or braided steel with or without additional lubricating coatings. In some examples, the rope 202 comprises multiple strands of material woven together.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 The tensioning system 200 includes a tension guide 204 disposed near either the outer edge 118a or the inner edge 118b. In the example shown, the tension guide 204 is disposed along the middle portion of the inner edge 118b of the adjustment region 116. The tension guide 204 includes a base 212 and a pair of wiring elements 214a, 214b attached to the base 212. As described in more detail below, each wiring element 214a, 214b is configured to slidably receive a strand of rope 202 therein to facilitate the tracked movement of the rope 202 along the adjustment region 116.

[0035] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 212 of the tension guide 204 includes a substantially flat inner surface 216 and a substantially flat outer surface 218, the outer surface 218 being formed on the side of the base 212 opposite to the inner surface 216. The base 212 includes a flange portion 220 defining the outer periphery of the tension guide 204, and as... Figure 6 As shown, the housing 102 is configured to attach to the upper 100 to fix the position of the tension guide 204 relative to the adjustment area 116. In the example shown, the flange portion 220 is attached to the outer surface of the housing 102 via stitch 222. However, in other examples, the flange portion 220 may be attached to the housing 102 in other ways, such as by welding, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners. Furthermore, the flange portion 220 may be integrated between the material layers of the housing 102, or it may be attached to the inner surface of the housing 102.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The wiring elements 214a, 214b of the tension guide 204 are arranged parallel to each other, and in some configurations, concentrically. In other words, each wiring element 214a, 214b slidably receives a corresponding portion of the rope 202, such that the portion of the rope 202 received in the first wiring element 214a can be translated or moved independently of the portion of the rope 202 received in the second wiring element 214b. In the example shown, each wiring element 214a, 214b extends along an arcuate path from the first end 224a, 224b to the second end 226a, 226b. As shown, the tension guide 204 is arranged on the housing 102 such that the ends 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b of the wiring elements 214a, 214b face (i.e., oriented) toward the adjustment region 116. Therefore, portions of the rope 202 received in the wiring elements 214a, 214b are guided by the bent ends 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b of the wiring elements 214a, 214b to and from the adjustment region 116. Although the wiring elements 214a, 214b are shown arranged side by side in the illustration, in other examples, the wiring elements 214a, 214b may be stacked and extend about a common axis. Additionally or alternatively, the wiring elements 214a, 214b may be implemented as rotatable components, such as pulleys.

[0037] refer to Figure 6 The structure of the tension guide 204 is shown. As previously described, the tension guide 204 includes a base 212 and a pair of wiring elements 214a, 214b attached to the base 212. As shown, the base 212 and the wiring elements 214a, 214b can be integrally formed from a single piece of material. For example, the base 212 and the wiring elements 214a, 214b can be integrally molded from a flexible polymer material.

[0038] Each wiring element 214a, 214b is formed by tubular outer walls 228a, 228b that extend continuously along an arcuate path from a first end 224a, 224b to a second end 226a, 226b. Therefore, the outer walls 228a, 228b define elongated channels 230a, 230b that extend continuously from the first end 224a, 224b to the second end 226a, 226b through the wiring elements 214a, 214b. The cross-section of the channels 230a, 230b has a width W defined by one or more inner surfaces of the outer walls 228a, 228b. 230 In the example shown, the outer walls 228a, 228b of each wiring element 214a, 214b have an arcuate cross-sectional shape and define a width W defined by the inner diameter of the outer walls 228a, 228b. 230 Cylindrical channels 230a and 230b.

[0039] Each wiring element 214a, 214b also includes slots 232a, 232b passing through the base 212 and entering the channels 230a, 230b. The slots 232a, 232b extend along the entire length of the channels 230a, 230b to provide an entrance through the base 212 into the channels 230a, 230b. Therefore, when the tension guide 204 is secured to the housing 102, the slots 232a, 232b of the wiring elements 214a, 214b can be covered or concealed by the material of the housing 102, such that the channels 230a, 230b mate with the material of the housing 102 to surround the rope 202. (Continue to reference) Figure 6 Each slot 232a, 232b has a width W 232 The width W 232 The width W is smaller than the width of the corresponding channels 230a and 230b. 230 .

[0040] Continue to refer to Figure 6 The tension guide 204 includes a pair of support sleeves 234, each sleeve being disposed within a corresponding wiring element 214a, 214b. As shown, the support sleeve 234 includes an outer surface 236 facing the outer walls 228a, 228b and an inner surface 238 defining a conduit or channel 240 extending through the support sleeve 234. The outer surface 236 defines the total width W of the support sleeve 234. 234 The inner surface 238 defines the width W of the conduit 240. 240Here, the support sleeve 234 has a circular cross-section and extends continuously from the first ends 224a, 224b of each wiring element 214a, 214b to the second ends 226a, 226b. The rope 202 is slidably received within the conduit 240 of each support sleeve 234 and has a width W less than or equal to the width of the conduit 240. 202 The support sleeve 234 comprises a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the material of the outer walls 228a, 228b, and provides a smooth interface between the rope 202 and the tension guide 204. For example, the inner surface 238 of the support sleeve 234 may include a smooth coating, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (i.e., Teflon). Furthermore, the support sleeve 234 may comprise a material with a hardness greater than that of the rope guides 204, 206a-206e.

[0041] like Figure 6 As shown, the width W of each support sleeve 234 234 The width W is smaller than that of channels 230a and 230b. 230 The width W of slot 232 is greater than 232 Therefore, the support sleeve 234 is confined within the channel 230 by the outer walls 228a, 228b. During the assembly of the tension guide 204, the support sleeve 234 is "snap-fitted" into the channels 230a, 230b of the wiring elements 214a, 214b by pressing the support sleeve 234 through the grooves 232a, 232b of the channels 230a, 230b. The outer surface 236 of the support sleeve 234 causes the edges of the outer walls 228a, 228b defining the grooves 232a, 232b to be offset from each other, temporarily increasing the width W of the grooves 232a, 232b. 232 This allows the support sleeve 234 to enter the channels 230a and 230b. Once the support sleeve 234 is fully positioned within the channels 230a and 230b (i.e., the outer surface 236 is positioned against the outer walls 228a and 228b), the elastic material of the outer walls 228a and 228b causes the grooves 232a and 232b to return to the nominal width W. 230 This is to hold the support sleeve 234 within the channels 230a and 230b.

[0042] Optionally, wiring elements 214a, 214b may include one or more retainers 233 to prevent the support sleeve 234 from moving longitudinally within the channels 230a-230b during use. Figure 8As shown, each wiring element 214a, 214b includes a retainer 233 embodied as a cover 233 disposed at each end 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b of the wiring elements 214a, 214b. The cover 233 includes an aperture 235 smaller than the support sleeve 234, thereby blocking the support sleeve 234 at each end 224a, 224b, 226a, 226b. In the example shown, the aperture 235 is elliptical and has a width W smaller than that of the support sleeve 234. 234 The smaller diameter and the width W greater than the support sleeve 234 234 The large diameter of the hole 235 obstructs the support sleeve 234, while the large diameter allows the rope 202 to be routed more easily and pass through the wiring elements.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5 The tensioning system 200 may optionally include a plurality of wiring guides 206a-206e arranged along any one or two edges 118a, 118b of the adjustment region 116. In the example shown, the tensioning system 200 is shown as including a plurality of wiring guides 206a-206c arranged in series along the length of the outer edge 118a and a pair of wiring guides 206d, 206e arranged at opposite ends of the inner edge 118b. Thus, the wiring guides 206d, 206e on the inner edge 118b are positioned on opposite sides of the tensioning guide 204.

[0044] The wiring guide 206 is configured similarly to the aforementioned tensioning guide 204, but includes only a single wiring element 214c attached to the outer surface 216a of the base 212a. The base includes an inner surface 216a facing the housing 102 and an outer surface 218a formed on the opposite side of the inner surface 216a. The base 212 also includes an outer flange 220a attached to the housing 102 via a stitch 222. Figure 7 As shown, wiring element 214c includes an outer wall 228c defining a channel 230c and a groove 232c, wherein a support sleeve 234 is received within the channel 230c via a groove 323c. Figure 9 Wiring element 214c is shown to include retainer 233 at each end 224c, 226c.

[0045] Turn now Figure 1 and Figure 2The route of rope 202 is described and illustrated. For clarity, rope 202 can be described as including a first strand 242 passing through a first wiring element 214a of tension guide 204, and a second strand 244 passing through a second wiring element 214b of tension guide 204. Furthermore, rope 202 can be described as including first and second tensioning sections 246a, 246b of tensioning element 208 cooperating to form rope 202, and first and second control sections 248a, 248b cooperating to form control elements of rope 202. Here, the first strand 242 of rope 202 includes a first tensioning section 246a and a first control section 248a, which are connected to each other via the first wiring element 214a. The second strand 244 of rope 202 includes a second tensioning section 246b and a second control section 248b, which are connected to each other via the second wiring element 214b.

[0046] Still refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first tensioning segment 246a extends from the second end 226a of the first wiring element 214a through the adjustment region 116 to a first wiring guide 206c located at the rear end of the outer edge 118a of the adjustment region 116. The first tensioning segment 246a passes through the conduit 240 of the first wiring guide 206c and extends rearward through the rear end of the adjustment region 116 to a second wiring guide 206e located at the rear end of the inner edge 118b. The first tensioning segment 246a passes through the conduit 240 of the wiring guide 206e and returns through the adjustment region to the second end 226c of the third wiring guide 206b located in the middle portion of the outer edge 118a. The second tensioning segment 246b connects to the first tensioning segment 246a at the third wiring guide 206b and extends from the first end 224c of the third wiring guide 206b through the adjustment region 116 to a fourth wiring guide 206d located at the front end of the inner edge 118b. The second tensioning section 246b passes through the conduit 240 of the fourth wiring guide 206d and extends through the front end of the adjustment area to reach the fifth wiring guide 206a located at the front end of the outer edge 118a. The second tensioning section 246b returns from the fifth wiring guide 206a to the first end 224b of the second wiring element 214b.

[0047] As previously described, the tensioning element 208 extends from the second end 226a of the first wiring element 214a through the adjustment region 116, and reaches the first end 224b of the second wiring element 214b via a plurality of wiring guides 206a-206e. The rope 202 is slidably received within the conduit 240 of each wiring guide 206a-206e. Therefore, when the effective lengths of the first and second tensioning segments 246a, 246b pass through the tensioning direction D... TWhen the moving rope 202 (i.e., pulling the control element 210) is reduced, the rope 202 will slide through the conduit 240 of the wiring guide 206 to pull the wiring guides 206a-206c on the outer edge 118a toward the wiring guides 206d, 206e and tension guide 204 on the inner edge 118b, thereby retracting the adjustment area 116 onto the foot.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 , 2 4. The control element 210 includes a first control section 248a connected to the first tensioning section 246a via a first wiring element 214a of the tension guide 204, and a second control section 248b connected to the second tensioning section 246b via a second wiring element 214b of the tension guide 204. As shown, the first control section 248a extends from a first end 224a of the first wiring element 214a of the tension guide 204 to a first free end 250a, and the second control section 248b extends from a second end 226b of the second wiring element 214b to a second free end 250b.

[0049] In the example shown, the first free end 250a of the first control section 248a and the second free end 250b of the second control section 248b are both attached to the tension handle 252. The tension handle 252 provides a single interface for simultaneously gripping the control sections 248a and 248b of the control element 210. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the tension handle 252 may include a first fastener 254 configured to engage with a second fastener 256 disposed on the housing 102. In the example shown, the first fastener 254 includes a hook-and-loop fabric formed on the inner surface of the tension handle 252, and the second fastener 256 includes a corresponding hook-and-loop fabric patch formed on the outer quarter plate 108a of the housing 102.

[0050] The combination of a tension handle 252, including a first fastener 254 and an oversized second fastener 256 disposed on the housing 102, allows for easy adjustment of the fit of the upper 100 with minimal manual dexterity. For example, the user can easily grasp and pull the tension handle with one hand. In use, a tension force F is applied to the tension handle 252 of the control element 210. T The upper 100 moves from a relaxed state to a tensioned state. As described above, control sections 248a and 248b extend from the first end 224a of the first wiring element 214a and the second end 226b of the second wiring element 214b, and they face the outer side 16 of the upper. Therefore, a tension force F is applied by pulling the tension handle 252 on the adjustment area 116 and toward the outer side 16 of the upper 100. T Thus, in the tension direction DT The first strand 242 (i.e., the first tensioning section 246a and the first control section 248a) and the second strand 244 (i.e., the second tensioning section 246b and the second control section 248b) are pulled upwards, each passing through the wiring elements 214a and 214b. As the rope 202 moves in the tensioning direction D... T As the tensioning element 208 moves upward, its effective length shortens, and the rope guides 204, 206a-206e on the opposite edges 118a, 118b are pulled toward each other.

[0051] Once the desired fit between the upper 100 and the foot is achieved, the first fastener 254 on the tension handle 252 is secured to the second fastener 256 on the housing 102 to maintain tension. Figure 2 As shown, the second fastener 256 substantially covers the outer quarter panel 108a, such that the size of the second fastener 256 is larger than the size of the first fastener 254. Therefore, the first fastener 254 can be attached to the second fastener 256 at different locations to adjust the fit of the upper 100. For example, attaching the first fastener 254 closer to the heel region 24 and / or the sole structure 300 will provide a tighter fit (i.e., a shorter effective length of the tensioning element 208) compared to attaching the first fastener 254 closer to the forefoot region 20 and / or the throat 114.

[0052] The following terms provide exemplary constructions for the aforementioned uppers and footwear articles.

[0053] Clause 1: An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: a shell including an adjustment region; a cord passing through the adjustment region and operable to selectively move the adjustment region between a relaxed state and a contracted state when tensioned; and a cord tension guide attached to the shell and including a first conduit extending between a first end and a second end and a second conduit extending between a third end and a fourth end, the first and second conduits being slidably receiving different portions of the cord and being concentric with each other.

[0054] Clause 2: The upper as described in Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit is elongated.

[0055] Clause 3: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first guide tube includes a first concave surface facing the adjustment area and a first convex surface disposed on the side of the first guide tube opposite to the first concave surface.

[0056] Clause 4: The upper as described in Clause 3, wherein the second conduit includes a second concave surface facing the adjustment area and a second convex surface disposed on the side of the second concave surface opposite to the second concave surface.

[0057] Clause 5: The upper as described in Clause 4, wherein the second concave surface is opposite to the first convex surface.

[0058] Clause 6: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cord tension guide includes a base surrounding the first conduit and the second conduit, and is operable to attach to the surface of the outer shell.

[0059] Clause 7: The upper as described in Clause 6, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit extend from the first surface of the base and form the outer surface of the upper.

[0060] Clause 8: The upper according to Clause 7, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit respectively include a first opening and a second opening at a second surface of the base, the second surface of the base being disposed on the side of the base opposite to the first surface.

[0061] Clause 9: The upper as described in Clause 8, wherein the first opening of the first conduit and the second opening of the second conduit mate with the outer surface of the upper to enclose the cord within the first conduit between the first end and the second end and within the second conduit between the third end and the fourth end.

[0062] Clause 10: A footwear article comprising an upper pursuant to any of the preceding clauses.

[0063] Clause 11: An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising a housing having an adjustment area, a cord passing through the adjustment area and operable to selectively move the adjustment area between a relaxed state and a contracted state when tensioned, and a cord tensioning guide attached to the housing, the cord tensioning guide comprising (i) a first conduit having a first concave surface facing the adjustment area and extending between a first end and a second end, and (ii) a second conduit having a second concave surface facing the adjustment area and extending between a third end and a fourth end, the first and second conduits slidably receiving different portions of the cord.

[0064] Clause 12: The upper as described in Clause 11, wherein at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit is elongated.

[0065] Clause 13: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first conduit includes a first convex surface disposed on the side of the first conduit opposite to the first concave surface.

[0066] Clause 14: The upper as described in Clause 13, wherein the second conduit includes a second convex surface disposed on the side of the second conduit opposite to the second concave surface.

[0067] Clause 15: The upper as described in Clause 14, wherein the second concave surface is opposite to the first convex surface.

[0068] Clause 16: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the cord tension guide includes a base surrounding the first conduit and the second conduit, and is operable to attach to the surface of the outer shell.

[0069] Clause 17: The upper as described in Clause 16, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit extend from the first surface of the base and form the outer surface of the upper.

[0070] Clause 18: The upper according to Clause 17, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit respectively include a first opening and a second opening at a second surface of the base, the second surface of the base being disposed on the side of the base opposite to the first surface.

[0071] Clause 19: The upper as described in Clause 18, wherein the first opening of the first conduit and the second opening of the second conduit mate with the outer surface of the upper to enclose the cord within the first conduit between the first end and the second end and within the second conduit between the third end and the fourth end.

[0072] Clause 20: A footwear article comprising an upper pursuant to any of the preceding clauses.

[0073] Clause 21: An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising a shell including an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge, the second edge being formed on a side of the adjustment region opposite to the first edge; a cord tensioning guide attached to the shell adjacent to the first edge of the adjustment region, the cord tensioning guide including a first wiring element extending from a first end facing the adjustment region to a second end facing the adjustment region and a second wiring element extending from a third end facing the adjustment region to a fourth end facing the adjustment region, and a cord. The cord includes a tensioning element and a control element, the tensioning element having a first tensioning section extending from a second end of the first wiring element through the adjustment region and a second tensioning section extending from a first end of the second wiring element through the adjustment region, the control element having a first control section connected to the first tensioning section at the first wiring element and extending from a first end of the first wiring element, and a second control section connected to the second tensioning section at the second wiring element and extending from a second end of the first wiring element.

[0074] Clause 22: The upper according to Clause 21, wherein a first tensioning segment is connected to a second edge of the adjustment area at a first position, and a second tensioning segment is connected to a second edge of the adjustment area at a second position.

[0075] Clause 23: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the control element includes a tension handle connected to each of the first control section and the second control section.

[0076] Clause 24: The upper according to Clause 23, wherein the outer shell includes a first fastening element disposed on the side of the adjustment area opposite the cord tension guide, the first fastening element being operable to selectively secure the tension handle to the outer shell.

[0077] Clause 25: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the first wiring element and the second wiring element includes a support sleeve configured to slidably receive the cord.

[0078] Clause 26: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first wiring element and the second wiring element are parallel to each other.

[0079] Clause 27: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a plurality of cord wiring guides disposed adjacent to at least one of the first edge and the second edge, each cord wiring guide including a single wiring element extending from a first end facing the adjustment area to a second end facing the adjustment area, and wherein a portion of a tensioning element is slidably received.

[0080] Clause 28: The upper according to Clause 27, wherein the plurality of cord wiring guides includes a first cord wiring guide that slidably receives a first tensioning segment at a first end of a second edge and a second cord wiring guide that slidably receives a second tensioning segment at a second end of a second edge.

[0081] Clause 29: The upper according to Clause 28 further includes a third cord routing guide that slidably receives a first tensioning segment at a first end of a first edge and a fourth cord routing guide that slidably receives a second tensioning segment at a second end of a first edge.

[0082] Clause 30: The upper as described in Clause 29, wherein the cord tension guide is disposed between the third cord routing guide and the fourth cord routing guide.

[0083] Clause 31: An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising a shell including an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge, the second edge being formed on a side of the adjustment region opposite to the first edge, a cord tensioning guide attached to the shell adjacent to the first edge of the adjustment region, and including a first conduit and a second conduit, and a cord. The cord includes a tensioning element and a control element, the tensioning element having a first tensioning section extending from the first conduit through the adjustment region and a second tensioning section extending from the second conduit through the adjustment region, the control element having a first control section connected to and extending from the first tensioning section at the first conduit, and a second control section connected to and extending from the second tensioning section at the second conduit.

[0084] Clause 32: The upper according to Clause 31, wherein a first tensioning segment is connected to a second edge of the adjustment area at a first position, and a second tensioning segment is connected to a second edge of the adjustment area at a second position.

[0085] Clause 33: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the control element includes a tension handle connected to each of the first control section and the second control section.

[0086] Clause 34: The upper according to Clause 33, wherein the outer shell includes a first fastening element disposed on the side of the adjustment area opposite the cord tension guide, the first fastening element being operable to selectively secure the tension handle to the outer shell.

[0087] Clause 35: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each of the first conduit and the second conduit is defined by a support sleeve configured to slidably receive a cord.

[0088] Clause 36: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are arc-shaped and parallel to each other.

[0089] Clause 37: The upper according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a plurality of cord wiring guides disposed adjacent to at least one of the first edge and the second edge, each cord wiring guide including a single conduit therein slidably receiving a portion of the tensioning element.

[0090] Clause 38: The upper according to Clause 37, wherein the plurality of cord wiring guides includes a first cord wiring guide that slidably receives a first tensioning segment at a first end of a second edge and a second cord wiring guide that slidably receives a second tensioning segment at a second end of a second edge.

[0091] Clause 39: The upper according to Clause 38 further includes a third cord routing guide that slidably receives a first tensioning segment at a first end of a first edge and a fourth cord routing guide that slidably receives a second tensioning segment at a second end of a first edge.

[0092] Clause 40: The upper as described in Clause 39, wherein the cord tension guide is disposed between the third cord routing guide and the fourth cord routing guide.

[0093] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. The same applies to variations in many respects. Such variations should not be considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: The outer casing includes the adjustment area; A rope passes through the adjustment area and is operable to selectively move the adjustment area between a relaxed and a contracted state when tensioned; A rope tensioning guide is attached to the housing and includes a first conduit extending between a first end and a second end and a second conduit extending between a third end and a fourth end, the third end being adjacent to the first end and the fourth end being adjacent to the second end. The first conduit and the second conduit slidably receive different portions of the rope and are concentric with each other. and The tension handle is connected to a first portion of the rope extending from a first end of the first conduit and to a second portion of the rope extending from a fourth end of the second conduit.

2. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first catheter and the second catheter is elongated.

3. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The first conduit includes a first concave surface facing the adjustment area and a first convex surface disposed on the side of the first concave surface opposite to the first concave surface.

4. The shoe upper according to claim 3, wherein, The second conduit includes a second concave surface facing the adjustment area and a second convex surface disposed on the side of the second concave surface opposite to the second concave surface.

5. The shoe upper according to claim 4, wherein, The second concave surface is opposite to the first convex surface.

6. The shoe upper according to claim 1, wherein, The rope tensioning guide includes a base surrounding the first conduit and the second conduit, and is operable to attach to the surface of the housing.

7. The shoe upper according to claim 6, wherein, The first conduit and the second conduit extend from the first surface of the base and form the outer surface of the shoe upper.

8. The shoe upper according to claim 7, wherein, The first conduit and the second conduit each include a first opening and a second opening located on the second surface of the base, the second surface of the base being disposed on the side of the base opposite to the first surface.

9. The upper according to claim 8, wherein, The first opening of the first conduit and the second opening of the second conduit mate with the outer surface of the shoe upper to enclose the rope within the first conduit between the first end and the second end, and within the second conduit between the third end and the fourth end.

10. A footwear article, incorporating the upper according to claim 1.

11. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: The outer casing includes the adjustment area; A rope passes through the adjustment area and is operable to selectively move the adjustment area between a relaxed and a contracted state when tensioned; and A rope tensioning guide, attached to the housing, includes (i) a first conduit having a first concave surface facing the adjustment area and extending between a first end and a second end, and (ii) a second conduit having a second concave surface facing the adjustment area and extending between a third end and a fourth end, the third end being adjacent to the first end and the fourth end being adjacent to the second end, the first conduit and the second conduit slidably receiving different portions of the rope and being concentric with each other; and The tension handle is connected to a first portion of the rope extending from a first end of the first conduit and to a second portion of the rope extending from a fourth end of the second conduit.

12. The upper according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the first catheter and the second catheter is elongated.

13. The upper according to claim 11, wherein, The first conduit includes a first convex surface disposed on the side of the first concave surface opposite to the first concave surface.

14. The upper according to claim 13, wherein, The second conduit includes a second convex surface, which is disposed on the side of the second conduit opposite to the second concave surface.

15. The upper according to claim 14, wherein, The second concave surface is opposite to the first convex surface.

16. The upper according to claim 11, wherein, The rope tensioning guide includes a base surrounding the first conduit and the second conduit, the base being operable to attach to the surface of the housing.

17. The upper according to claim 16, wherein, The first conduit and the second conduit extend from the first surface of the base and form the outer surface of the shoe upper.

18. The upper according to claim 17, wherein, The first conduit and the second conduit each include a first opening and a second opening located on the second surface of the base, the second surface of the base being disposed on the side of the base opposite to the first surface.

19. The upper according to claim 18, wherein, The first opening of the first conduit and the second opening of the second conduit mate with the outer surface of the shoe upper to enclose the rope within the first conduit between the first end and the second end, and within the second conduit between the third end and the fourth end.

20. A footwear article, incorporating the upper according to claim 11.

21. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: The housing includes an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge, the second edge being formed on the side of the adjustment region opposite to the first edge; A rope tensioning guide, with a first edge adjacent to the adjustment area attached to the housing, includes a first wiring element extending from a first end facing the adjustment area to a second end facing the adjustment area, and a second wiring element extending from a third end facing the adjustment area to a fourth end facing the adjustment area, the third end adjacent to the first end, the fourth end adjacent to the second end, the first wiring element and the second wiring element being concentric with each other. Rope, the rope comprising: The tensioning element has a first tensioning section extending from a second end of a first wiring element through an adjustment region and a second tensioning section extending from a third end of a second wiring element through the adjustment region, and A control element having a first control section connected to a first tensioning section at a first wiring element and extending from a first end of the first wiring element, and a second control section connected to a second tensioning section at a second wiring element and extending from a fourth end of the second wiring element, wherein the control element includes a tensioning handle connected to each of the first and second control sections.

22. The upper according to claim 21, wherein, The first tensioning section is connected to the second edge of the adjustment area at the first position, and the second tensioning section is connected to the second edge of the adjustment area at the second position.

23. The upper according to claim 21, wherein, The housing includes a first fastening element disposed on the side of the adjustment area opposite the rope tension guide, the first fastening element being operable to selectively secure the tension handle to the housing.

24. The upper according to claim 21, wherein, Each of the first and second wiring elements includes a support sleeve configured to slidably receive the rope.

25. The upper according to claim 21, wherein, The first wiring element and the second wiring element are parallel to each other.

26. The upper of claim 21, further comprising a plurality of cord wiring guides disposed adjacent to at least one of the first edge and the second edge, each cord wiring guide comprising a single wiring element extending from a first end facing the adjustment area to a second end facing the adjustment area, and wherein a portion of a tensioning element is slidably received therein.

27. The upper according to claim 26, wherein, The plurality of rope routing guides include a first rope routing guide that slidably receives a first tensioning section at a first end of a second edge and a second rope routing guide that slidably receives a second tensioning section at a second end of a second edge.

28. The upper of claim 27, further comprising a third cord guide that slidably receives the first tensioning section at a first end of the first edge and a fourth cord guide that slidably receives the second tensioning section at a second end of the first edge.

29. The upper according to claim 28, wherein, The rope tensioning guide is positioned between the third rope wiring guide and the fourth rope wiring guide.

30. An upper for footwear articles, the upper comprising: The housing includes an adjustment region extending from a first edge to a second edge, the second edge being formed on the side of the adjustment region opposite to the first edge. A rope tensioning guide, with a first edge adjacent to the adjustment area attached to the housing, includes a first conduit extending between a first end and a second end, and a second conduit extending between a third end and a fourth end, the third end being adjacent to the first end and the fourth end being adjacent to the second end, the first conduit and the second conduit being concentric with each other. Rope, the rope comprising: Tensioning element, the tensioning element having a first tensioning section extending from a first conduit through an adjustment region and a second tensioning section extending from a second conduit through an adjustment region, and A control element having a first control section connected to and extending from a first tensioning section at a first end of a first conduit, and a second control section connected to and extending from a second tensioning section at a fourth end of a second conduit, wherein the control element includes a tensioning handle connected to each of the first and second control sections.

31. The upper according to claim 30, wherein, The first tensioning section is connected to the second edge of the adjustment area at the first position, and the second tensioning section is connected to the second edge of the adjustment area at the second position.

32. The upper according to claim 30, wherein, The housing includes a first fastening element disposed on the side of the adjustment area opposite the rope tension guide. The first fastening element is operable to selectively secure the tension handle to the housing.

33. The upper according to claim 30, wherein, Each of the first and second conduits is defined by a support sleeve configured to slidably receive the rope.

34. The upper according to claim 30, wherein, The first and second catheters are arc-shaped and parallel to each other.

35. The upper of claim 30, further comprising a plurality of cord wiring guides disposed adjacent to at least one of the first edge and the second edge, each cord wiring guide comprising a single conduit therein slidably receiving a portion of a tensioning element.

36. The upper according to claim 35, wherein, The plurality of rope routing guides include a first rope routing guide that slidably receives a first tensioning section at a first end of a second edge and a second rope routing guide that slidably receives a second tensioning section at a second end of a second edge.

37. The upper of claim 36, further comprising a third cord guide that slidably receives the first tensioning section at a first end of the first edge and a fourth cord guide that slidably receives the second tensioning section at a second end of the first edge.

38. The upper according to claim 37, wherein, The rope tensioning guide is positioned between the third rope wiring guide and the fourth rope wiring guide.

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