Closure system for an article of footwear

Abstract

The present application relates to a closure system for an article of footwear. The article of footwear can include an upper and a closure system. The closure system can include a strap, a tensioning cable, and a plurality of pulleys. The strap can have a fixed end portion that is fixed relative to the upper, a free end portion that is selectively securable to the upper in a secured position, and an elastic portion between the fixed end portion and the free end portion. The closure system can include a tensioning cable anchored to the upper and secured to the strap. The closure system can also include a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable. The tensioning cable can be configured to cinch against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap stretches as the free end portion of the strap is pulled.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 201980085607.5, filed on November 08, 2019, having the title “CLOSURE SYSTEM FOR AN ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR”, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 785,440, filed on December 27, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 785,440, filed on December 27, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear having a closure system with a strap and a tensioning cable secured to the strap. BACKGROUND

[0005] Footwear can include a sole structure configured to be located beneath a wearer’s foot to space the foot from the ground. A footwear upper attached to the sole structure receives the foot. The fit of the upper to the foot can be adjusted with a closure system so that the upper is loose enough to receive the foot, but can be tightened around the foot to secure the foot relative to the sole structure. For example, a closure system, such as a lacing system, can include a lace that is tied once the foot is received within the upper. SUMMARY

[0006] The present application provides the following:

[0007] 1) An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a closure system comprising: a strap having a fixed end portion secured relative to the upper, a free end portion selectively securable to the upper in a fastened position, and an elastic portion between the fixed end portion and the free end portion; a tensioning cable anchored to the upper and secured to the strap; and a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable; wherein the tensioning cable is configured to tighten against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap stretches as the free end portion of the strap is pulled.

[0008] 2) The article of footwear according to 1), wherein: the tensioning cable has a first end portion and a second end portion, both anchored to the upper, and has a middle portion secured to the strap; and the plurality of pulleys engage the tensioning cable between the first end portion and the middle portion, or between the second end portion and the middle portion, or between the first end portion and the middle portion and between the second end portion and the middle portion.

[0009] 3) The article of footwear according to 1), wherein: the tensioning cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper; and the fixed end of the strap is fixed to a first lateral side of the upper, and the first and second ends of the tensioning cable are anchored to a second lateral side of the upper.

[0010] 4) The article of footwear according to any of 1) - 3), wherein the plurality of pulleys includes a medial set of pulleys at a medial side of the upper and a lateral set of pulleys at a lateral side of the upper.

[0011] 5) The article of footwear according to 4), wherein: the lateral set of pulleys includes a rearmost pulley and a foremost pulley; and the first end of the tensioning cable is fixed to the foremost pulley, the second end of the tensioning cable is fixed to the rearmost pulley, and a middle portion of the tensioning cable is fixed to the strap.

[0012] 6) The article of footwear according to 5), wherein between the first end and the middle portion of the tensioning cable and between the second end and the middle portion of the tensioning cable, the tensioning cable passes from the lateral side of the upper to the medial side of the upper, back to the lateral side of the upper, and then back to the medial side of the upper.

[0013] 7) The article of footwear according to any of 1) - 6), wherein the fixed end of the strap includes a first branch and a second branch, with the first branch fixed forward of the second branch relative to the upper.

[0014] 8) The article of footwear according to 7), wherein the first and second branches are disposed at a side of the upper, with the first branch fixed near a midfoot region of the upper and the second branch fixed near a heel region of the upper.

[0015] 9) The article of footwear according to 7), wherein the strap includes a main portion extending from the first and second branches to the free end, with the first and second branches diverging from the main portion.

[0016] 10) The article of footwear according to 7), wherein both the first and second branches include a relatively elastic portion and a relatively inelastic portion, with the relatively elastic portion closer to the free end than the relatively inelastic portion, and the relatively inelastic portion fixed at a side of the upper.

[0017] 11) The article of footwear according to any of 1) - 10), wherein the upper includes a rear portion and a front portion that together define a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening, the rear portion being at least partially separated from the front portion along a first lateral side of the upper at the ankle opening.

[0018] 12) The article of footwear according to 11), wherein the upper includes an elastic band coupling the rear portion and the front portion along a second lateral side of the upper at the ankle opening, the elastic band being more elastic than the rear portion and the front portion.

[0019] 13) The article of footwear according to any of 1) - 12), wherein the strap is secured to a medial side of the upper, and the article of footwear further includes a first fastening feature secured to a lateral side of the upper at a heel region of the upper, and a second fastening feature disposed on the strap at the free end and configured to releasably secure to the first fastening feature.

[0020] 14) The article of footwear according to 13), wherein one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature includes a plurality of hooks, and one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature includes a plurality of loops.

[0021] 15) The article of footwear according to any of 1) - 14), further comprising a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower periphery of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end, and wherein a pulley of the plurality of pulleys is secured to the free end of the plurality of anchor straps.

[0022] 16) The article of footwear according to 1), wherein: the tensioning cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper; and a mid-portion of the tensioning cable extends at least partially along the strap between the fixed end and the free end.

[0023] 17) The article of footwear according to 16), wherein the strap includes an inner layer and an outer layer, and the mid-portion of the tensioning cable is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the strap.

[0024] 18) An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a closure system comprising: a strap having a main portion with a free end, a front branch, and a back branch; wherein the front branch and the back branch diverge from the main portion, the front branch is fixed at a first location at a first side of the upper, and the back branch is fixed at a second location at the first side of the upper and behind the front branch; wherein at least a portion of the strap is elastic; and a tensioning cable having a first end and a second end, both anchored to the upper at a second side of the upper, and having a middle portion fixed to the strap; wherein the tensioning cable covers the upper between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion; wherein when the strap is pulled, the tensioning cable tightens against the upper, and the free end of the strap can be selectively fixed to the upper in a fastened position that maintains tension in the tensioning cable.

[0025] 19) The article of footwear of 18) further comprising: a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion.

[0026] 20) The article of footwear of 19) further comprising: a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower periphery of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end; wherein a pulley of the plurality of pulleys is fixed to the free end of the plurality of anchor straps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lateral side of an article of footwear having an upper and a closure system, with a strap in a fastened position.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a medial side of the article of footwear of Figure 1 with the strap unfastened.

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a medial side of the article of footwear of Figure 1 with the strap unfastened.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the outer side of a footwear item, showing the separate front and rear portions of the upper, wherein an elastic band connects the rear and front portions at the outer side, and wherein the band is undone and not visible in the view.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of footwear, with the straps undone.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a perspective close-up view of a pulley that is included in a closed system and around which tension cables are laid.

[0034] describe

[0035] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article having a closure system for securing the upper to the foot. The closure system includes straps and tension cables attached to the straps. A single pull of the straps tightens the tension cables, which tighten the upper around the foot. The straps may have a two-point connection on one side of the upper, and pulleys may be used to lay the tension cables above the upper. The two-point connection of the straps and the arrangement of the pulleys allow for a more even distribution of tension force on the upper, resulting in a better fit to the foot.

[0036] In the example, footwear may include an upper and a closure system. The closure system may include a strap, a tension cable, and multiple pulleys. The strap may have a fixed end fixed relative to the upper, a free end selectively secured to the upper in a tightened position, and an elastic portion between the fixed end and the free end. The closure system may include a tension cable anchored to the upper and secured to the strap. The closure system may also include multiple pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tension cable. The tension cable may be configured to tighten against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap is stretched as the free end of the strap is pulled.

[0037] In one or more configurations, the tension cable has a first end and a second end, and is fixed to the middle portion of a strip, both the first and second ends being anchored to the upper. In one aspect, multiple pulleys may engage the tension cable between the first end and the middle portion, or between the second end and the middle portion, or between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion. The fixed end of the strip may be fixed to a first side of the upper, and the first and second ends of the tension cable may be anchored to a second side of the upper.

[0038] The tensioning cable can be unitary or segmented. In examples having a unitary tensioning cable, the midsection can be continuous, and the tensioning cable can include only two end portions: a first end portion and a second end portion. In a segmented tensioning cable, the tensioning cable can be two discontinuous segments such that a first segment of the tensioning cable extends from a first end portion anchored to the upper to one end portion secured to the strap, and a second segment of the tensioning cable extends from a second end portion anchored to the upper to another end portion secured to the strap.

[0039] In an aspect, the plurality of pulleys can include a medial set of pulleys located at a medial side of the upper and a lateral set of pulleys located at a lateral side of the upper. Further, the lateral set of pulleys can include a rearmost pulley and a forwardmost pulley. The first end portion of the tensioning cable can be secured to the forwardmost pulley, the second end portion of the tensioning cable can be secured to the rearmost pulley, and the midsection of the tensioning cable can be secured to the strap.

[0040] In a further aspect, between the first end portion and the midsection of the tensioning cable and between the second end portion and the midsection of the tensioning cable, the tensioning cable can pass from a lateral side of the upper to a medial side of the upper, back to the lateral side of the upper, and then back to the medial side of the upper.

[0041] In yet another aspect, the midsection of the tensioning cable can extend at least partially along the strap between the fixed end portion and the free end portion. For example, the strap can include an inner layer and an outer layer, and the midsection of the tensioning cable can be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the strap.

[0042] In one or more implementations, the fixed end portion of the strap can include a first branch and a second branch, where the first branch is fixed forward of the second branch relative to the upper. In one or more configurations, the first branch and the second branch are disposed on a side of the upper, where the first branch is fixed proximate a midfoot region of the upper and the second branch is fixed proximate a heel region of the upper.

[0043] In an aspect, the strap can include a main portion extending from the first branch and the second branch to the free end portion, where the first branch and the second branch diverge from the main portion.

[0044] In another aspect, the first branch and the second branch can each include a relatively elastic portion and a relatively inelastic portion, where the relatively elastic portion is closer to the free end portion than the relatively inelastic portion, and the relatively inelastic portion is fixed on a side of the upper.

[0045] In one or more configurations, the upper can include a rear portion and a front portion. The rear portion and the front portion can together define a foot-receiving void with an ankle opening. The rear portion can be at least partially separated from the front portion along a first side of the upper at the ankle opening. In an aspect, the upper can include an elastic band coupling the rear portion and the front portion along a second side of the upper at the ankle opening. The elastic band can be more elastic than the rear portion and the front portion. For example, the elastic band can have a lower modulus of elasticity than the front portion and the rear portion.

[0046] In further aspects, the strap is secured to a medial side of the upper, and the article of footwear can further include a first fastening feature and a second fastening feature. The first fastening feature can be secured to a lateral side of the upper at a heel region of the upper, and the second fastening feature can be disposed on the strap at a free end and configured to releasably secure to the first fastening feature. In example configurations, one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature can include a plurality of hooks, and one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature can include a plurality of loops.

[0047] In another aspect, the article of footwear can further include a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower perimeter of the upper and having a free end opposite the fixed end. A plurality of pulleys can be secured to the free ends of the plurality of anchor straps.

[0048] In an example, an article of footwear can include an upper and a closure system. The closure system can include a strap and a tensioning cable. The strap can have a main portion with a free end, a front branch, and a rear branch. The front branch and the rear branch can diverge from the main portion. The front branch can be secured at a first location at a first side of the upper, and the rear branch can be secured at a second location at the first side of the upper and rearward of the front branch. At least a portion of the strap can be elastic. The tensioning cable can have first and second ends both anchored to a second side of the upper. The tensioning cable can have a mid-portion secured to the strap. The tensioning cable can cover the upper between the first end and the mid-portion and between the second end and the mid-portion. When the strap is pulled, the tensioning cable can cinch against the upper, and the free end of the strap can be selectively secured to the upper in a fastened position that maintains tension in the tensioning cable.

[0049] In an aspect, the article of footwear can further include a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable between the first end and the mid-portion, or between the second end and the mid-portion, or between the first end and the mid-portion and between the second end and the mid-portion.

[0050] In another aspect, the article of footwear can further include a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower perimeter of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end. A plurality of pulleys can be secured to the free ends of the plurality of anchor straps.

[0051] The above features and advantages of the present teachings and other features and advantages of the present teachings will be more apparent from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the figures, set forth a mode for carrying out the present teachings.

[0052] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements, Figure 1 An article of footwear 10 is shown having a sole structure 12 and an upper 14 secured to the sole structure 12. The upper 14 forms a foot-receiving cavity 16 that is configured to receive a foot (not shown) through an ankle opening 17. The upper 14 is tightened and secured around the foot with a closure system 18.

[0053] The footwear 10 illustrated herein is depicted as athletic footwear configured for use in sports such as basketball, but the footwear 10 and closure system 18 are not limited to basketball shoes or other athletic shoes. The closure system 18 and other features of the article of footwear 10 can also be used in footwear for a variety of other sports, such as but not limited to running, tennis, football, soccer, etc., or in other types of footwear, such as in articles of footwear that are casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, flip-flops, boots, or any other type of footwear.

[0054] As Figure 1 As indicated in the

[0055] The sole structure 12 includes a midsole 30 and an outsole 31. The midsole 30 can be formed of compressible polymeric foam elements (e.g., polyurethane foam or ethylene vinyl acetate foam) that attenuate ground reaction forces (e.g., provide cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In further configurations, the midsole 30 can incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, increase stability, or influence foot motion. The midsole 30 can be a single, one-piece midsole, or can be multiple components integrated as a unit. The outsole 31 can be one piece, or can be several outsole components, and can be formed of a wear-resistant rubber material that can be textured to impart traction and / or can include traction elements, such as cleats secured to the midsole 30. In some embodiments, the midsole 30 can be integrated with the outsole 31 as a unisole.

[0056] The article of footwear 10 has a medial side 34 and a lateral side 36. The medial side 34 is referred to herein as a first side, and the lateral side 36 is referred to as a second side. The medial side 34 and the lateral side 36 extend through each of the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, the heel region 24, and the ankle region 26, and correspond to opposite sides of the article of footwear 10, each side falling on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline of the article of footwear 10.

[0057] The upper 14 can be a variety of materials, such as leather, textile, polymer, cotton, foam, composite, etc. The upper 14 can include a body 38 having a material that is more elastic, more breathable, or both, than the material or materials of other portions of the upper 14, in order to facilitate foot insertion and comfort, and in order to allow tightening of the body 38 to the foot. For example, the body 38 can be a polymer material that is capable of providing elasticity, and can have a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction, or a woven construction. A tongue 40 can be integrated with the body 38 or separately secured to the body 38. A instep portion 28 of the body 38 is disposed between the foot and the closure system 18. As discussed further herein, the upper 14 includes a forward portion 42 and a rearward portion 44 that is separate from the forward portion 42, to increase the ease of foot insertion and removal.

[0058] The closure system 18 includes a strap 46, a tensioning cable 48, and a plurality of pulleys 50. As explained further herein, the tensioning cable 48 is secured to both the strap 46 and the upper 14 (via the pulleys 50) and tightens against the upper 14 when the strap 46 is pulled. After the strap 46 is pulled, the free end 47 of the strap 46 can then be selectively (e.g., releasably) secured to the upper 14 in a fastened position that maintains tension in the tensioning cable 48, as shown. As explained further herein, the strap 46 includes a main portion 46A, a front branch 46B, and a rear branch 46C, with the front branch 46B and the rear branch 46C being secured to the medial side 34 of the footwear 10. Figure 1 As explained further herein, the strap 46 includes a main portion 46A, a front branch 46B, and a rear branch 46C, with the front branch 46B and the rear branch 46C being secured to the medial side 34 of the footwear 10.

[0059] The pulleys 50 include a lateral set 50A of pulleys 50 that are located at the lateral side 36 of the upper 14. The pulleys 50 also include a medial set 50B of pulleys 50. In Figure 1 only one pulley 50, 50B1 of the medial set 50B can be seen in the figure. The lateral set 50A includes a forward-most pulley 50A1 and a rearward-most pulley 50A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral set 50A includes two additional pulleys 50A3 and 50A4 that are positioned between the forward-most pulley 50A1 and the rearward-most pulley 50A2 of the total of four pulleys 50 in the lateral set 50A.

[0060] A plurality of anchor straps 52 anchor the pulleys 50 to the upper 14 or the sole structure 12. The anchor straps 52 extend through holes 54 in an outer layer 55 of the upper 14. The outer layer 55 can be a relatively stiff material compared to the body 38 of the upper 14 and can provide support for the foot at the lateral side 36. The anchor straps 52 can extend to a fixed end 56 that can be disposed adjacent to a lower periphery 58 of the upper 14, such as at a biteline 60 where the upper 14 is secured to the sole structure 12. Alternatively, the anchor straps 52 can instead be shorter with fixed ends secured to the upper above the biteline 60, or the anchor straps 52 can be longer extending under the foot along an upper surface of the sole structure 12.

[0061] Each anchor strap 52 has a free end 62 opposite the fixed end 56. Each pulley 50 includes a frame 64 and a pulley wheel 66 mounted to the frame 64. The frame has a slot 68 (e.g., the frame 64 bounds or forms the slot 68) through which the free end 62 of the anchor strap 52 forms a loop and sews to itself or otherwise secures to fix the pulley 50 to the anchor strap 52. Each pulley wheel 66 has an outer surface 67 with indicia 71. As explained further herein, for those pulley wheels 66 that are rotatable relative to the frame 64 to which the pulley wheel 66 is mounted, the indicia 71 move as the pulley wheel 66 rotates and serve as a visual indicator of the rotational position of the pulley 50.

[0062] The tensioning cable 48 has a first end 74 and a second end 76, both of which are anchored to the upper 14 via respective pulleys 50 and anchor straps 52. The first end 74 of the tensioning cable 48 is fixed to the forward-most pulley 50A1 and the second end 76 of the tensioning cable is fixed to the rearward-most pulley 50A2.

[0063] With reference to Figure 2 The separation nature of the forward portion 42 and the rearward portion 44 at the medial side 34 of the ankle region 26 is evident when the strap 46 is unfastened. The forward portion 42 angles rearward and downward at a rear edge 61, which can extend down to the sole structure 12 or can terminate somewhere above the sole structure 12 and be secured to the rearward portion 44. The rearward portion 44 angles forward and downward at a forward edge 63, which is disposed laterally outward of the rear edge 61 of the forward portion 42. When the strap 46 is unfastened, the forward portion 42 can be stretched away from the rearward portion 44 during foot insertion or removal to increase the gap between the edges 61, 63 and the overall size of the ankle opening 17.

[0064] Figure 2A plurality of pulleys 50 are also shown including a medial set of pulleys 50B that includes a front medial pulley 50B1 and a rear medial pulley 50B2. In the illustrated embodiment, the medial set 50B includes only these two pulleys 50B1, 50B2. The forward-most pulley 50A1 of the lateral set 50A is forward on the upper 14 than the front medial pulley 50B1. The rearward-most pulley 50A2 of the lateral set 50A is rearward on the upper 14 than the rear medial pulley 50B2. This relative positioning provides for a staggered arrangement of the pulleys of the medial set 50B relative to the pulleys of the lateral set 50A in the longitudinal direction of the footwear 10, in addition to the medial set 50B having only two pulleys and the lateral set 50A having four pulleys. Like the pulleys of the lateral set 50A, each pulley of the medial set 50B includes a frame 64 and a pulley wheel 66. The anchor strap 32 anchors the pulleys 50B1 and 50B2 at the medial side of the upper 14 in the same manner described with respect to the medial set 50B.

[0065] The strap 46 has a main portion 46A, a front branch 46B, and a rear branch 46C. The main portion 46A includes a free end 47. A fastening feature 84, referred to as a second fastening feature, is provided on the inner layer 90A at the medial side of the main portion 46A at or near the free end 47 and is configured to releasably secure to a fastening feature 86, referred to as a first fastening feature, secured to the lateral side 36 of the rear portion of the upper 14 in Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fastening feature 84 on the strap 18 is part of a hook-and-loop fastener and includes a plurality of hooks. The fastening feature 86 includes a plurality of loops to which the plurality of hooks is releasably secured. Alternatively, the fastening feature 84 can include a plurality of loops and the fastening feature 86 can include a plurality of hooks, or both the fastening features 84, 86 can include both hooks and loops. Other types of fasteners can be used in place of or in addition to hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0066] The anterior branch 46B has a fixed end 57A that is fixed at a first location at the medial side 34 of the upper 14. The first location can be the midfoot region 22. The posterior branch 46C has a fixed end 57B that is fixed at a second location behind the anterior branch 46B at the medial side 34 of the upper 14. The second location can be the heel region 24. The fixed ends 57A, 57B are spaced apart from each other at the medial side 34. The anterior branch 46B and the posterior branch 46C can be a continuous strip of material that is folded over on itself to form a fold 87 between the two fixed ends 57A, 57B and stitched or otherwise secured to the proximal end 49 of the main portion 46A at the fold 87 with a stitch 89 such that the anterior branch 46B and the posterior branch 46C form a V-shape.

[0067] The anterior branch 46B includes a relatively inelastic portion 69A at the fixed end 57A and a relatively elastic portion 70A between the fixed end 57A and the main portion 46A. Similarly, the posterior branch 46C includes a relatively inelastic portion 69B at the fixed end 57B and a relatively elastic portion 70B between the fixed end 57B and the main portion 46A. For example, the relatively inelastic portions 69A, 69B can be natural or synthetic leather or suede, or another relatively inelastic material. The relatively elastic portions 70A, 70B can be knitted, woven, or braided textiles that include an elastic material such as, but not limited to, nylon. The main portion 46A can also be relatively elastic, or can be relatively inelastic. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner layer 90A of the main portion 46A is a relatively elastic material, and a relatively inelastic outer layer 90B (as Figure 1 illustrated) of the main portion is stitched to the relatively elastic inner layer 90A and inhibits the stretch capability of the main portion 46A.

[0068] The tensioning cable 48 includes a mid-portion 48B that is fixed to the strip 46. The mid-portion 48B extends at least partially along the anterior branch 46B of the strip 46 between the fixed end 57A and the free end 47. For example, the anterior branch 46B of the strip 46 can include an inner layer 94 and an outer layer 96 (as Figure 1 illustrated), and the mid-portion 48B of the tensioning cable 48 can be disposed between the inner layer 94 and the outer layer 96 of the anterior branch 46B of the strip 46. The mid-portion 48B is fixed to one or both of the inner layer 94 and the outer layer 96 such that the mid-portion 48B will move with and be tensioned by the strip 46 when a pulling force is applied to the strip 46, thereby pulling the anterior branch 46B away from the fixed ends 57A, 57B.

[0069] Tension cable 48 enters through a hole 98 in the relatively inelastic portion 69A of the anterior branch 46B and is disposed between and secured to the inner layer 94 and the outer layer 96 of the relatively elastic portion 70A of the anterior branch 46B (see Figure 1 ) in other embodiments, the tension cable 48 can be simply stitched or otherwise secured to the strap 46 at any location and can be between layers of the strap 46 or alternatively can be exposed on the outer surface of the strap 46 at which the tension cable is secured. The tension cable 48 covers the upper 14 between the first end 74 and the mid-portion 48B and between the second end 76 and the mid-portion 48B. The first portion 48A of the tension cable 48 extends from the first end 74 to the anterior branch 46B of the strap 46. The second portion 48C of the tension cable 48 extends from the second end 76 to the anterior branch 46B. The second portion 48C passes through a retaining loop 77 secured to the tongue 40 between the second end 76 and the pulley 50B2.

[0070] When the mid-portion 48B is continuous, the tension cable 48 is a unitary tension cable because the tension cable 48 has no end in the mid-portion 48B. Instead, the tension cable 48 has only two ends: the first end 74 and the second end 76. Alternatively, instead of forming a U-shape, the mid-portion 48B can include two discontinuous straight segments that are secured to the anterior branch 46B. For example, a first segment of the tension cable would extend from the first end 74 to an end of the strap 46 (e.g., including the first portion 48A and a linear portion within the anterior branch 46B), and a second segment of the tension cable would extend from the second end 76 to the other end of the strap (e.g., including the second portion 48C and a separate linear portion within the anterior branch 46B).

[0071] The first end 74 is secured to the forward-most pulley 50A1 and the second end 76 is secured to the rearward-most pulley 50A2, such as by tying the ends to the hub 105 extending from the pulley wheel 66 or gluing the ends to the pulley 50. Thus, the tension cable 48 does not slide around the pulleys 50A1 and 50A2 as it does around the other pulleys 50. With this arrangement, the first end 74 and the second end 76 of the tension cable 48 are anchored to the second side (lateral side 36) of the upper 14 at the pulleys 50A1, 50A2, and the fixed ends 57A, 57B of the branches 46B, 46C of the strap 46 are secured to the first side (medial side 34) of the upper 14.

[0072] The first portion 48A of the tensioning cable 48 passes from the lateral side 36 of the upper 14 at the first end 74 over the upper 14 and the foot-receiving cavity 16 therein to the medial side 34 of the upper 14 (at which the first portion 48A is routed around the forward-most pulley 50Bi of the medial set 50B), and then back to the lateral side 36 (at which the first portion 48A is routed around the second pulley 50A3 (e.g., the pulley immediately behind the pulley 50Ai) of the lateral set 50A), and then over the upper 14 back to the medial side 34 at which the first portion 48A passes through the hole 98 into the anterior branch 46B and extends along the anterior branch 46B at the mid-portion 48B. Similarly, the second portion 48C of the tensioning cable 48 passes from the lateral side 36 of the upper 14 at the second end 76 over the upper 14 and the foot-receiving cavity 16 therein to the medial side 34 of the upper 14 (at which the second portion 48C is routed around the rearward-most pulley 50B2 of the medial set 50B), and then back to the lateral side 36 (at which the second portion 48C is routed around the third pulley 50A4 (e.g., the next pulley forward of the pulley 50A2) of the lateral set 50A), and then over the upper 14 back to the medial side 34 at which the second portion 48C passes through the hole 98 into the anterior branch 46B and extends along the anterior branch 46B at the mid-portion 48B.

[0073] Accordingly, the pulleys 50Bi and 50A3 engage the tensioning cable 48 between the first end 74 and the mid-portion 48B, and the pulleys 50B2 and 50A4 engage the tensioning cable 48 between the second end 76 and the mid-portion 48B. With this arrangement, the tensioning cable 48 extends from the forefoot region 20 to directly in front of the heel region 24 over a broad area of the instep portion 28 of the upper 14 in order to better distribute the force of the tensioning cable 48 on the upper 14 and the foot therein. Alternatively, the closure system can include multiple pulleys that engage the tensioning cable only between the first end 74 and the mid-portion 48B or only between the second end 76 and the mid-portion 48B. For example, one end of the tensioning cable 48 can be anchored to the upper 14 and extend to the mid-portion 48B without any pulleys engaging the tensioning cable 48 between that end and the mid-portion 48B, while all of the pulleys are located between the other end of the tensioning cable 48 and the mid-portion 48B.

[0074] Figure 3 The effect of the force F pulling the strap 46 away from the upper 14 to cause the tensioning cable 48 to tighten is illustrated. When the strap 46 is pulled, the relatively elastic portions 70A and 70B will stretch and thus elongate. Because the tensioning cable 48 is relatively inelastic, the mid-portion 48B will move with the stretching of the relatively elastic portions 70A, but will not stretch. Instead, because the mid-portion 48B is fixed to the anterior branch 46B, the anterior branch 46B will cause a greater portion of the length of the tensioning cable 48 to extend along the elongated anterior branch 46B, such as by passing through the hole 98 (seeFigure 1 ) into the anterior branch 46B. The additional length of the tension cable 48 that extends along the elongated anterior branch 46B at the middle 48B will come from the slack in the first portion 48A and the second portion 48C. The direction of movement of the tension cable 48 at each of the pulleys 50 is illustrated in Figure 3 with arrows. The end portions 74, 76 will remain fixed at the pulleys 50A1, 50A2, respectively, and because more of the tension cable 48 must slide through the hole 98 to extend along the stretchable portion 70A of the opposite branch 46B, the total length of the portion of the tension cable 48 from the first end portion 74 to the hole 98 at the anterior branch 46B and the total length of the portion of the tension cable 48 from the second end portion 76 to the hole 98 at the anterior branch 46B will decrease. As a result of the shorter length of the portion of the tension cable 48 that directly overlies the upper 14, the stretchable portion 70A of the anterior branch 46B tightens against the upper 14 as the free end portion 47 of the strap 46 is pulled to stretch the stretchable portion 70A. This results in a decrease in the overall volume of the foot-receiving chamber 16 around the foot, thereby tightening the upper 14 to the foot and conforming the upper 14 to the foot.

[0075] As discussed with respect to Figure 6 , at all of the pulleys 50 except for the two pulleys 50A1, 50A2 at which the tension cable 48 is fixed, the pulley wheel 66 rotates as a result of the friction of the tension cable 48 that moves around and contacts the hub 105 (one hub 105 is indicated in Figure 3 ) that extends from the pulley wheel 66. The connecting leg 73 of the frame 64 extends parallel to the hub 105 and connects the top portion and the bottom portion of the frame 64. The direction of rotation of the pulley wheel 66 at the pulleys 50B1, 50B2, 50A3, and 50A4 is illustrated in Figure 3 each of the pulleys 50B1, 50B2, 50A2, and 50A4 in . As the pulley wheel 66 rotates, the marking 71 thereon moves with the pulley wheel 66. The marking 71 is a radially extending line. Thus, the angular position of the marking 71 changes as the cable 48 is tightened and is a visual indicator of the degree of tightening of the tension cable 48.

[0076] Reference is made to Figure 4The upper 14 includes an elastic band 100 that couples the rear portion 44 and the front portion 42 along the lateral side 36 at the ankle opening 17. As indicated by stitch 102, the elastic band 100 is sewn, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the front portion 42 at a first location. As indicated by stitch 104, the elastic band 100 is also sewn, adhered, or otherwise fixed to the rear portion 44 at a second location. The portion of the elastic band 100 that extends between the locations of the stitches 102, 104 can be detached from the upper 14 so that the elastic band 100 hangs across the upper 14 between the stitches 102, 104. The elastic band 100 is more elastic than the rear portion 44 and the front portion 42. Thus, the elastic band 100 allows the front portion 42 and the rear portion 44 to further stretch apart from each other at the ankle opening 17 during foot insertion or extraction. In addition, the elastic band 100 serves to keep the rear portion 44 snug against the ankle at the lateral side 36. Because the first fastening feature 86 is immediately rearward of the elastic band 100 on the lateral side 36, this facilitates the repeatability of easy and precise placement of the strap 46 when the second fastening feature 84 is secured to the first fastening feature 86.

[0077] Referring to Figure 5 The first fastening feature 86 extends downward and rearward around the rear of the upper 14 from the lateral side 36 to the medial side 34. This downward and rearward extension of the first fastening feature 86 follows the direction of extension of the strap 46 when the free end 47 is secured to the upper 14. The first fastening feature 86 has a greater surface area and is longer than the second fastening feature 84 as it wraps around from the rear portion 44’s front edge 63 at the lateral side 36 all the way to the medial side 34. This enables the second fastening feature 84 to be positioned along the first fastening feature 86 as needed after the free end 47 of the strap 46 is pulled to tighten the cable 48 and then selectively secured to the upper 14 in the fastened position of Figure 1 to maintain the stretch in the relatively elastic portion 70A and the final tension in the cable 48.

[0078] Figure 6 A close-up perspective view of the cable 48 routed through the pulley 50A3 is shown, with the front portion 42 of the upper 14 shown in partial view. More specifically, the cable 48 is routed around a hub 105 that is fixed to and extends from the center of the pulley wheel 66. The connecting leg 73 extends parallel to the hub 105 and connects the top portion and the bottom portion of the frame 64. The pulley wheel is mounted to the frame 64 and is rotatable relative to the frame 64. The frame 64 is anchored by the anchor strap 52 (in Figure 6The tightening cable 48 is anchored to the upper 14 at the lateral side 36 (not visible). The tightening cable 48 engages the hub 105 to cause the hub 105 and the pulley wheel 66 to rotate. The direction of rotation of the hub 105 and the pulley wheel 66 is indicated by arrow A and is in response to the tightening of the tightening cable 48 as indicated by arrow B. As the pulley wheel 66 rotates, a marker 71 thereon moves with the pulley wheel 66. The marker 71 is a radially extending line, but other shapes or images that act as visual indicators of rotation can be used. Thus, the angular position of the marker 71 is a visual indicator of the degree of tightening of the tightening cable 48. For example, the marker 71 is shown as moving to a new position 71 A, and as the article of footwear 10 is repeatedly used, the wearer can know that the new position is associated with a particular desired degree of tightening.

[0079] Thus, the article of footwear 10 and the closure system 18 provide both easy access and easy tightening of the upper 14 to achieve a secure fit. The pulley 50 and the tightening cable 48 help distribute the tightening force over a large portion of the upper 14, and the fastening features 84, 86 enable the strap 46 to be secured at a location selected by the wearer to adjust the degree of tightening.

[0080] The following clauses provide example configurations of the articles of footwear disclosed herein.

[0081] Clause 1 : An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; a closure system, the closure system comprising: a strap having a fixed end secured relative to the upper, a free end selectively securable to the upper in a fastened position, and an elastic portion between the fixed end and the free end; a tightening cable anchored to the upper and secured to the strap; and a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tightening cable; wherein the tightening cable is configured to tighten against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap stretches as the free end of the strap is pulled.

[0082] Clause 2: The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein: the tightening cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper; and the plurality of pulleys engage the tightening cable between the first end and a middle portion, or between the second end and the middle portion, or between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion.

[0083] Clause 3: The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein: the tightening cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper; and the fixed end of the strap is secured to a first lateral side of the upper, and the first end and the second end of the tightening cable are anchored to a second lateral side of the upper.

[0084] Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the plurality of pulleys includes a medial side set of pulleys located at a medial side of the upper and a lateral side set of pulleys located at a lateral side of the upper.

[0085] Clause 5: The article of footwear of clause 4, wherein: the lateral side set of pulleys includes a rearmost pulley and a foremost pulley; and the first end of the tension cable is fixed to the foremost pulley, the second end of the tension cable is fixed to the rearmost pulley, and the middle of the tension cable is fixed to the strap.

[0086] Clause 6: The article of footwear of clause 4, wherein, between the first end and the middle of the tension cable and between the second end and the middle of the tension cable, the tension cable passes from the lateral side of the upper to the medial side of the upper, back to the lateral side of the upper, and then back to the medial side of the upper.

[0087] Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the fixed end of the strap includes a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first branch is fixed forward of the second branch relative to the upper.

[0088] Clause 8: The article of footwear of clause 7, wherein the first branch and the second branch are disposed at a side of the upper, wherein the first branch is fixed proximate a midfoot region of the upper and the second branch is fixed proximate a heel region of the upper.

[0089] Clause 9: The article of footwear of clause 7, wherein the strap includes a main portion extending from the first branch and the second branch to the free end, the first branch and the second branch diverging from the main portion.

[0090] Clause 10: The article of footwear of clause 7, wherein the first branch and the second branch both include a relatively elastic portion and a relatively inelastic portion, the relatively elastic portion being closer to the free end than the relatively inelastic portion, and the relatively inelastic portion being fixed at a side of the upper.

[0091] Clause 11: The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the upper includes a rear portion and a front portion, the rear portion and the front portion together defining a foot-receiving cavity having an ankle opening, the rear portion being at least partially separated from the front portion along a first side of the upper at the ankle opening.

[0092] Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the upper includes an elastic band coupling the rear portion and the front portion along the second side of the upper at the ankle opening, the elastic band being more elastic than the rear portion and the front portion.

[0093] Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-12, wherein the strap is secured to a medial side of the upper, and the article of footwear further comprises: a first fastening feature secured to a lateral side of the upper at a heel region of the upper; and a second fastening feature disposed on the strap at the free end and configured to releasably secure to the first fastening feature.

[0094] Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature includes a plurality of hooks, and one of the first fastening feature and the second fastening feature includes a plurality of loops.

[0095] Clause 15: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-14, further comprising: a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower periphery of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end; and wherein the pulleys of the plurality of pulleys are secured to the free ends of the plurality of anchor straps.

[0096] Clause 16: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein: the tensioning cable has a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper; and a mid-portion of the tensioning cable extends at least partially along the strap between the fixed end and the free end.

[0097] Clause 17: The article of footwear of Clause 16, wherein the strap includes an inner layer and an outer layer, and the mid-portion of the tensioning cable is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the strap.

[0098] Clause 18: An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a closure system comprising: a strap having a main portion with a free end, a front branch, and a back branch; wherein the front branch and the back branch diverge from the main portion, the front branch is fixed at a first location at a first side of the upper, and the back branch is fixed at the first side of the upper and fixed at a second location behind the front branch; wherein at least a portion of the strap is elastic; and a tensioning cable having a first end and a second end, both of which are anchored to the upper at a second side of the upper, and having a middle portion fixed to the strap; wherein the tensioning cable covers the upper between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion; wherein when the strap is pulled, the tensioning cable tightens against the upper, and the free end of the strap can be selectively fixed to the upper in a fastened position that maintains tension in the tensioning cable.

[0099] Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, further comprising: a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tensioning cable between the first end and the middle portion and between the second end and the middle portion.

[0100] Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, further comprising: a plurality of anchor straps having a fixed end disposed proximate a lower periphery of the upper and a free end opposite the fixed end; wherein a pulley of the plurality of pulleys is fixed to the free end of the plurality of anchor straps.

[0101] To aid and illustrate the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. The following definitions apply to all the embodiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated. Also, all cited references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0102] “Article of footwear,”“article of footwear,” and“footwear” can be considered both a machine and an article of manufacture. An assembled, ready-to-wear article of footwear (e.g., a shoe, sandal, boot, etc.) as well as discrete components of an article of footwear (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) are considered and alternatively referred to herein in the singular or plural as an“article of footwear” prior to final assembly into a ready-to-wear article of footwear.

[0103] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate at least one of the items present. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless the context explicitly or clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; approximately or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about,” as used herein, at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using these parameters. As used in this specification and the appended claims, a value is considered “approximately” equal to the value if it is neither greater than 5 percent of the stated value nor less than 5 percent of the stated value. Furthermore, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that range and further subdivisions of the range.

[0104] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and alternative or optional steps may be used. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0105] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0106] The term“longitudinal” refers to a direction extending along a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term“forward” or“anterior” is used to refer to a general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, and the term“rearward” or“posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., a direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component can be identified with a longitudinal axis and a forward longitudinal direction and a rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis can also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or an anterior-posterior axis.

[0107] The term“transverse” refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or transverse axis can also be referred to as a lateral direction or lateral axis or a medial direction or medial axis.

[0108] The term“vertical” refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction. For example, in the case where a sole is laid flat on a ground surface, a vertical direction can extend upward from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to individual components of a sole. The term“upward” or“upwards” refers to a vertical direction pointing toward a top of a component, which can include a back of a shoe upper, a fastening region, and / or a throat of a shoe. The term“downward” or“downwards” refers to a vertical direction opposite the upward direction, pointing toward a bottom of a component and can generally point toward a bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0109] The "interior" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to the portion at the space occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is being worn. The "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away from (or will be oriented away from) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components can be located between the inner side of the component and the interior in an assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components can be located between the outer side of the component and the space outside of an assembled article of footwear. Furthermore, the terms "inwardly" and "inwardly" refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or article of footwear (e.g., a shoe), while the terms "outwardly" and "outwardly" refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or article of footwear (e.g., a shoe). Furthermore, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of the article of footwear or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the article of footwear when the article of footwear is being worn by a user. Likewise, the term "distal" refers to an opposite location further away from the center of the article of footwear or further away from the foot when the foot is inserted into the article of footwear when the article of footwear is being worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal can be understood to provide generally opposite terms to describe relative spatial locations.

[0110] While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment can be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited except as by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Moreover, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above

[0111] While a number of modes for carrying out aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art will recognize that numerous alternatives not specifically described herein can exist with the scope of the present teachings as defined by the following claims. It is intended that all of the contents of the above description and the attached drawings be interpreted as illustrative only and that the true scope of the embodiments be construed as not being limited to merely the embodiments set forth herein, but can be practiced with modifications and alterations.

Claims

1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a closure system comprising: a strap; a tension cable anchored to a lateral side of the upper at a first end of the tension cable and anchored to the lateral side of the upper at a second end of the tension cable, the first end anchored forward of the second end, with a mid-portion of the tension cable located between the first end and the second end, a first portion of the tension cable covering the upper between the first end and the mid-portion and a second portion of the tension cable covering the upper between the second end and the mid-portion, wherein the mid-portion of the tension cable is secured to the strap and disposed between an inner layer and an outer layer of the strap; and a plurality of pulleys anchored to the upper and engaging the tension cable, the plurality of pulleys including a pulley anchored to the upper between the first end of the tension cable and the mid-portion of the tension cable and the plurality of pulleys including an additional pulley anchored to the upper between the second end of the tension cable and the mid-portion of the tension cable; wherein the first and second portions of the tension cable are configured to cinch against the upper when the mid-portion of the tension cable is tensioned, the plurality of pulleys distributing the tensioning force of the tension cable across the upper from the first end to the second end.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of pulleys includes a forward-most pulley and a rearward-most pulley; the first end of the tension cable is secured to the forward-most pulley; and the second end of the tension cable is secured to the rearward-most pulley.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein, the forward-most pulley is located at a forefoot region of the upper and the rearward-most pulley is located at a heel region of the upper.

4. The article of footwear of any one of claims 2-3, wherein: the lateral side of the upper to which the first and second ends of the tension cable are anchored is a lateral side of the upper; the plurality of pulleys includes a lateral set of pulleys located at the lateral side of the upper and a medial set of pulleys located at a medial side of the upper; and the lateral set of pulleys includes the forward-most pulley and the rearward-most pulley.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein, the lateral set of pulleys includes two additional pulleys positioned between the forward-most pulley and the rearward-most pulley.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein, the mid-portion of the tension cable is disposed between the two additional pulleys.

7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein: a first pulley of the medial set of pulleys is positioned between the forward-most pulley and one of the two additional pulleys of the lateral set of pulleys; and a second pulley of the medial set of pulleys is positioned between the rearward-most pulley and the other of the two additional pulleys of the lateral set of pulleys.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein: The tensile cable passes over the upper from the forward-most pulley to the first pulley in the medial set of pulleys; and The tensile cable passes over the upper from the rearward-most pulley to the second pulley in the medial set of pulleys.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein, The first pulley and the second pulley in the medial set of pulleys rotate in opposite directions from each other when the midsection is tensioned.

10. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein, The total number of pulleys in the lateral set of pulleys is four.

11. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein, The total number of pulleys in the medial set of pulleys is two.

12. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein, The tensile cable passes over the upper from the lateral side of the upper to the medial side of the upper between the first end and the midsection of the tensile cable and between the second end and the midsection of the tensile cable, back to the lateral side of the upper, and then back to the medial side of the upper.

13. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-3, wherein, The strap has a fixed end that is fixed relative to the upper.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein, The strap has a free end that is selectively fixable to the upper in a fastened position that maintains tension in the tensile cable.

15. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein: The strap includes an elastic portion between the fixed end and the free end; and The tensile cable is configured to cinch against the upper when the elastic portion of the strap stretches as the free end of the strap is pulled.

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