Article of footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear includes a sole structure. The sole structure includes a plate having a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface. The plate includes a recess formed in the second surface, the recess defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall. The plate includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel, each channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess. The first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel cooperate with the recess to form a substantially H-shaped structure in the second surface. The article of footwear also includes a cable lock disposed within the recess. The cable lock includes a housing disposed in the recess and a plurality of cable elements housed in the channels.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This PCT international application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 499457, filed October 12, 2021, which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S. SC § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 090969, filed October 13, 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 invention generally relates to a type of footwear. Background Technology

[0004] This section provides background information relating to this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Footwear typically comprises 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 bottom of the upper, closest to the foot, is attached to the sole structure. The sole structure typically comprises a layered arrangement extending between the outsole and midsole; the outsole provides abrasion resistance and traction, while the midsole, situated between the outsole and upper, provides cushioning for the foot.

[0006] The upper can be used with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit around the foot. For example, laces can be tightened to close the upper around the foot, and are fastened once the upper achieves the desired fit. Each time you lace your shoes, be careful to ensure the upper is neither too loose nor too tight. Furthermore, laces may loosen or come undone during wear. While fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners are easier and faster to use than traditional laces, they tend to wear down over time and require more care to achieve the desired tension when securing the upper to the foot.

[0007] Known automatic tensioning systems generally include a tensioning mechanism, such as a rotatable knob, that can be manipulated to apply tension to one or more cables that interact with an upper for closing the upper around a foot. While these automatic tensioning systems can gradually increase the amount of tension in the one or more cables to achieve a desired fit of the upper around the foot, they require time-consuming manipulation of the tensioning mechanism to properly tension the cables to secure the upper around the foot. Furthermore, when it is necessary to remove the shoe from the foot, the wearer needs to simultaneously depress a release mechanism and pull the upper away from the foot to release the tension in the cables. Moreover, conventional automatic tensioning systems provide a constant tension along the length of the one or more cables, whereby rotation of the rotatable knob causes the entire cable to be uniformly tensioned. In situations where it is desirable for a first region of the upper to be tighter than a second region of the upper, additional cables and tensioning mechanisms must be incorporated and individually controlled.

[0008] Accordingly, known automatic tensioning systems lack suitable measures for quickly and variably adjusting the tension in the cables to close the upper around the foot, and do not allow the wearer to quickly release the tension applied to the cables so that the upper can quickly loosen to remove the shoe from the foot. Furthermore, the tensioning mechanisms employed by these known automatic tensioning systems need to be incorporated to the exterior of the upper so that the wearer can access the tensioning mechanisms to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot, thereby detracting from the overall appearance and aesthetics of the shoe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 1 is a lateral exploded elevational view of an article of footwear in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2A is Figure 1 is a medial elevational view of the article of footwear of

[0012] Figure 2B is Figure 1 is a medial elevational view of the article of footwear of

[0013] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the article of footwear of

[0014] Figure 4 is Figure 1 is a rear view of the article of footwear of

[0015] Figure 5 is Figure 1 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of

[0016] Figure 6 isFigure 1 exploded top perspective view of the article of footwear of

[0017] Figure 7 Figure 1 plan view of the article of footwear of

[0018] Figure 8 Figure 1 plan view of the sole structure of the article of footwear of

[0019] Figure 9 Figure 8 cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 8

[0020] Figure 10 cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 8 Figure 8

[0021] Figure 11 Figure 8 cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 8

[0022] Figure 12 cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 8 Figure 8

[0023] Figure 13 Figure 8 cross-sectional view of the sole structure of Figure 8

[0024] Figure 14 lateral side view of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 15 Figure 14 medial side view of the article of footwear of

[0026] Figure 16 Figure 14 rear view of the article of footwear of

[0027] Figure 17 lateral side view of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 18 medial side view of the article of footwear of Figure 17

[0029] Figure 19 rear view of the article of footwear of Figure 17

[0030] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 20 is a lateral exploded elevational view of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 21 is a medial elevational view of the article of footwear of Figure 20 , with the shroud of the article of footwear removed for clarity;

[0032] Figure 22 is a front perspective view of the article of footwear of Figure 20 ;

[0033] Figure 23 is a rear view of the article of footwear of Figure 20 ;

[0034] Figure 24 is a perspective view of an example of a tensioning device according to the principles of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 25 is an exploded view of the tensioning device of Figure 24 ;

[0036] Figure 26 is a top view of the tensioning device of Figure 24 , showing a housing with a cover that is removed to expose a locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in a locked position;

[0037] Figure 27 is a top view of the locking device of Figure 24 , showing a housing with a cover that is removed to expose a locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in an unlocked position;

[0038] Figure 28 is an exploded view of a tensioning device according to the principles of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the tensioning device of Figure 28 ;

[0040] Figure 30 is a top view of the tensioning device of Figure 28 , with internal components of the tensioning device hidden to show the construction of the housing of the tensioning device;

[0041] Figure 31 is an enlarged partial view of the tensioning device of Figure 28 , showing the tensioning device in a locked position; and

[0042] Figure 32 is an enlarged partial view of the tensioning device of Figure 28 , showing the tensioning device in an unlocked position.

[0043] In all the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided by way of example to provide an thorough description of the configurations according to the disclosure. Numerous specific details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations according to the present disclosure. But it is apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details need not be used in order to implement example embodiments. The present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of different configurations, and consequently, specific configurations are not intended to be limiting.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" can be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (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.

[0047] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish individual elements, components, regions, layers, or parts. 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 part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0048] 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.

[0049] refer to Figures 1-13 An example of a footwear article 10 including a system providing variable tension is disclosed. In some embodiments, the footwear article 10 includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100. The footwear article 10 also includes a tensioning system 300 and a tensioning device 400, each integrated into at least one of the sole structure 100 and the upper 200. The tensioning system 300 includes a cable 302 arranged along the upper 200, the cable 302 being configured to control the tension of the upper 200. The upper 200, the tensioning system 300, and the tensioning device 400 cooperate to move the footwear article 10 between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. In particular, the cable 302 may be in the tensioning direction D. T Move upwards to move the footwear item 10 to a tensioned state, and it can be released in the release direction D. L The footwear 10 is moved upwards to move to the loosened state. In some embodiments, the sole structure 100 and the upper 200 cooperate to provide a channel and guide for guiding a portion of the cable 302 through the tensioning device 400. The tensioning device 400 is configured to selectively move and secure the cable 302 in the tensioned state.

[0050] Footwear article 10 and its components can be described as including a front end 12 associated with the foremost point of the shoe 10, and a rear end 14 corresponding to the rearmost point of the shoe 10. For example... Figure 7 As shown in the bottom view, 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.

[0051] Footwear item 10 can be along longitudinal axis A 10The foot can be divided into one or more regions. These regions can include a forefoot region 20, a midfoot region 22, and a heel region 24. The forefoot region 20 can correspond with the toes and joints of the foot connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalanges. The midfoot region 22 can correspond with the arch area of the foot, and the heel region 24 can correspond with the rear of the foot including the calcaneus bone.

[0052] The article of footwear 10, and more specifically, the sole structure 100, can be further described as including a peripheral region 26 and an interior region 28, as shown in Figures 8-13 The peripheral region 26 is generally described as the region between the interior region 28 and the outer periphery of the sole structure 100. In particular, the peripheral region 26 extends along each of the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 from the forefoot region 20 to the heel region 24, and around each of the forefoot region 20 and the heel region 24. The interior region 28 is bounded by the peripheral region 26, and extends along a central portion of the sole structure 100 from the forefoot region 20 to the heel region 24. Thus, each of the forefoot region 20, the midfoot region 22, and the heel region 24 can be described as including the peripheral region 26 and the interior region 28.

[0053] The sole structure 100 of the present disclosure includes an outsole 102 and a heel counter 104. The outsole 102 and the heel counter 104 can be formed as separate components and connected together using fastening means such as adhesives or welding processes. Thus, the outsole 102 and the heel counter 104 can include different materials. For example, the outsole 102 can include a material having a different hardness and / or stiffness than the heel counter 104. In an example, the outsole 102 includes a rigid material having a greater hardness than the heel counter 104. Alternatively, the outsole 102 and the heel counter 104 can be integrally formed from a continuous and unitary piece of material (i.e., seamless). Optionally, the sole structure 100 can further include a plurality of traction elements 106a-c extending from the outsole 102. In the illustrated example, the traction elements 106a-c are integrally formed with the outsole 102. In particular, the traction elements 106a-c are formed from the same material as the outsole 102 using a molding process.

[0054] With particular reference to Figures 8-13, the outsole 102 of the sole structure 100 extends from a first end 110 at the forward end 12 of the shoe 10 to a second end 112 at the rear end 14 of the shoe 10. The outsole 102 also includes an inner surface 114, an outer surface 116 formed on an opposite side of the outsole 102 from the inner surface 114, and a peripheral edge 118 connecting the inner surface 114 and the outer surface 116. The inner surface 114 of the outsole 102 is configured to face the upper 200 when the shoe 10 is assembled, such that the inner surface 114 supports the plantar surface of the foot. In contrast, the outer surface 116 faces away from the upper 200 and defines the ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear 10. The distance from the inner surface 114 to the outer surface 116 defines a thickness T 102 .

[0055] The outsole 102 includes a support bed 120 formed in the interior region 28 and a peripheral lip 122 extending around the support bed 120 in the peripheral region 26. The support bed 120 provides vertical (e.g., perpendicular to the ground) support along the plantar surface of the foot, while the peripheral lip 122 provides lateral support along the outer periphery of the foot. Thus, the support bed 120 is a substantially straight portion of the outsole 102, and the peripheral lip 122 curves upward around the outer periphery of the support bed 120.

[0056] Referring to Figure 13 , the support bed 120 and the peripheral lip 122 cooperate to provide a concave profile of the inner surface 114 along the lateral direction (i.e., from the lateral side 16 to the medial side 18) and along the longitudinal direction (i.e., from the first end 110 to the second end 112). However, the curvature of the inner surface 114 can be variable, with a radius R1 defining a portion of the inner surface 114 of the support bed 120 being greater than a radius R2 defining a portion of the inner surface 114 of the peripheral lip 122. Thus, the portion of the inner surface 114 extending along the support bed 120 can be flat or slightly concave, while the portion of the inner surface 114 forming the peripheral lip 122 is more concave.

[0057] On the opposite side of the outsole 102, the outer surface 116 has a generally convex profile along the lateral direction. Like the inner surface 114, a portion of the outer surface 116 defining the support bed 120 has a radius R3 that is greater than a radius R4 of a portion of the outer surface 116 forming the peripheral lip 122. Thus, the outer surface 116 is more flat over the interior region 28 and curves upward in the peripheral region 26.

[0058] As previously mentioned, the thickness T 102 of the outsole 102 is defined by the distance from the inner surface 114 to the outer surface 116. In some portions of the outsole 102, the thickness T 102 may vary over the width of the outsole 102. For example, the thickness T 102 in the interior region 28 can be greater than the thickness in the peripheral region 26. AsFigure 13 As shown, the radius R3 of the outer surface 116 can be less than the radius Rl of the inner surface 114, such that the outer surface 116 converges with the inner surface 114 in a direction toward the peripheral region 26.

[0059] With reference to Figures 8-13 The support bed 120 of the outsole 102 includes a recess 124 formed in the inner surface 114 that is configured to receive the tensioning device 400. In the illustrated example, the recess 124 is disposed in the midfoot region 22 and is configured to receive the rectangular housing 402 of the tensioning device 400. In other examples, at least a portion of the recess 124 can be disposed in other regions 20, 24 of the outsole 102 and / or the shape of the recess 124 can be modified to accommodate tensioning devices 400 having housings 402 of different geometries.

[0060] As shown, the recess 124 is defined in part by a pair of opposing (i.e., facing) parallel side walls 126a, 126b that extend in the longitudinal direction and a pair of opposing parallel end walls 128a, 128b that extend between the side walls 126a, 126b. Each of the side walls 126a, 126b and the end walls 128a, 128b is substantially planar, whereby the side walls 126a, 126b are diametrically opposed (i.e., directly facing) one another and the end walls 128a, 128b are diametrically opposed one another. The side walls 126a, 126b and the end walls 128a, 128b extend from the inner surface 114 to a bottom wall 130 that defines a floor of the recess 124. In other words, the distance from the inner surface 114 to the bottom wall 130 defines a depth D of the recess 124. 124 In the illustrated example, the depth D of the recess 124 is less than the radius Rl of the inner surface 114. 124 The recess 124 is configured such that, when the tensioning device 400 is received against the bottom wall 130 within the recess 124, the tensioning device 400 is flush with the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102.

[0061] The outsole 102 also includes a plurality of cable channels 132a-132d each extending from and in fluid communication with the recess 124. The channels 132a-132d are configured to receive respective portions of the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 for routing the cable 302 between the tensioning device 400 and the upper 200. The cable channels 132a-132d can be described as including a pair of tensioning element channels 132a, 132b extending from a front portion of the recess 124, and a pair of control element channels 132c, 132d extending from a rear portion of the recess 124. The tensioning element channels 132a, 132b include a lateral tensioning element channel 132a extending from the lateral side wall 126a of the recess 124, and a medial tensioning element channel 132b extending from the medial side wall 126b of the recess 124. Similarly, the control element channels 132c, 132d include a lateral control element channel 132c extending from the lateral side wall 126a of the recess 124, and a medial control element channel 132d extending from the medial side wall 126b of the recess 124.

[0062] The length of each channel 132a-132d extends from the recess 124 toward the peripheral edge 118. In particular, each channel 132a-132d extends from a first end 134a-134d at one of the side walls 126a, 126b of the recess 124 toward one of the lateral side 16 or the medial side 18, and terminates at a distal end 136a-136d within the support bed 120 adjacent the peripheral lip 122. As Figure 8 As best shown in FIG. 3, each channel 132a-132d extends at an oblique angle relative to the length of the recess 124 (i.e., the direction from the front end wall 128a to the rear end wall 128b). In particular, each channel 132a-132d is inclined toward the rear end 14 in a direction from the recess 124 to the peripheral lip 122. Thus, the channels 132a, 132c extending from the lateral side wall 126a of the recess 124 are transverse to the channels 132b, 132d extending from the medial side wall 126b of the recess 124.

[0063] In the illustrated example, each channel 132a-132d has a generally rectangular cross-section defined by a front side wall 138a-138d, a rear side wall 140a-140d opposite (i.e., facing) the front side wall 138a-138d, and a bottom wall 142a-142d extending between the respective side walls 138a-138d, 140a-140d. The depth of the channels 132a-132d is defined by the distance from the interior surface 114 to the bottom wall 142-142d. As Figure 12As shown, the depth of the tensioning element channels 132a, 132b tapers along the length of the channels 132a, 132b (i.e., in the direction from the recess 124 toward the peripheral edge 118). The depth of the control element channels 132c, 132d tapers in the same manner. In particular, the depth of each channel 132a-132d is equal to the depth D of the recess 124 at the first end 134a-134d 124 and tapers to zero (0) at the second end 136a-136d. In other words, the bottom wall 142a-142d of the channels 132a-132d is flush with the bottom wall 130 of the recess 124 at the first end 134a-134d of each channel 132a-132d and converges with and terminates at the inner surface 114 adjacent the peripheral lip 122.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8 and 9 the front side walls 138a, 138b of the tensioning element channels 132a, 132b are flush with the front end wall 128a of the recess 124, while the rear side walls 140c, 140d of the control element channels 132c, 132d are flush with the rear end wall 128b of the recess 124, such that the channels 132a-132d are disposed at opposite ends of the recess 124. However, the channels 132a-132d can alternatively be spaced apart from or offset from the end walls 128a, 128b of the recess 124.

[0065] With continued reference to Figures 8-12 the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102 also includes a release cord channel 144 configured to guide the release cord 404 of the tensioning device 400 from the recess 124 through the outsole 102 to the upper 200. While the release cord channel 144 can extend from the recess 124 and be in fluid communication with the recess 124 via any of the side walls 126a, 126b or the end walls 128a, 128b, the release cord channel 144 of the illustrated example extends from the rear end wall 128b of the recess 124.

[0066] The length of the release cord channel 144 extends from a first end 146 at the rear end wall 128b to a distal end 148 at the peripheral lip 122 adjacent to the second end 112 of the outsole 102. Therefore, the length of the release cord channel 144 extends in a direction transverse to the length of each cord channel 132a-132d. Optionally, the release cord channel 144 may include a first portion 150 extending substantially parallel to the length of the recess 124 from the rear end wall 128b, and a second portion 152 extending from the first portion 150 at an angle relative to the first portion 150 to the distal end 148. In the example shown, the second portion 152 of the release cord channel 144 extends outward at an angle 16 from the first portion 150. Therefore, the distal end 148 of the release cord channel 144 is positioned adjacent to the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102 at the second end 112 and the outward side 16.

[0067] like Figures 10-12 As shown, the release rope channel 144 has a polygonal cross-sectional shape defined by a pair of sidewalls 154a, 154b and a bottom wall 156. Unlike the cable channels 132a-132d, whose sidewalls 138a-138d, 140a-140d are substantially parallel and define a rectangular cross-section, the sidewalls 154a, 154b of the release rope channel 144 converge towards each other along a direction from the inner surface 114 to the bottom wall 156, providing a channel with a V-shaped cross-section. Figure 11 and 12 As shown, the bottom wall 156 is offset from the bottom wall 130 of the recess 124, such that the depth of the release rope channel 144 (defined as the distance from the inner surface 114 to the bottom wall 156) is less than the depth D of the recess 124. 130 .

[0068] Although the recess 124 and channels 132a-132d, 144 are confined within the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102, the thickness T of the outsole 102 is... 102 It can be configured such that the walls of the recess 124 and channels 132a-132d, 144 protrude from the outer surface 116 of the outsole 102. Therefore, as... Figure 7 and 10As shown in Figure 12, the geometry of the recess 124 and channels 132a-132d, 144 forms a protrusion 125 extending from the outer surface 116. The shape or profile of the protrusion 125 corresponds to the shape and profile of the recess 124 and channels 132a-132d, 144. For example, the protrusion 125 of the present example includes a rectangular portion with a shape corresponding to the rectangular recess 124, and a plurality of elongated portions with shapes corresponding to the elongated channels 132a-132d, 144. As shown, the protrusion 125 can be described as having a basic H-shaped profile, including portions corresponding to the recess 124 and channels 132a-132d. The protrusion 125 mates with the bottom surface 116 of the outsole 102 to form part of the ground contact surface of the outsole 102.

[0069] As previously described, the sole structure 100 may include a plurality of traction elements 106a-106c extending from the outer surface 116 of the outsole 102. In the illustrated example, the traction elements 106a-106c are integrally molded with the outsole 102 and extend from the support bed 120. While the traction elements 106a-106c of this disclosure are formed as hollow bodies or shells including cavities extending from the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102, in other examples, the traction elements 106a-106c may be solid bodies extending from the outer surface 116.

[0070] The traction elements 106a-106c of this disclosure include multiple herringbone traction elements 106a arranged in series along the outer side 16 of the outsole 102, a series of hexagonal traction elements 106b arranged in series along the inner side 18 of the outsole 102, and a pair of straight traction elements 106c disposed between the outer side 16 and the inner side 18 in the forefoot region 20 of the outsole 102. The outsole 102 can be described as including a forefoot traction element group 108a, which includes four herringbone traction elements 106a, four hexagonal traction elements 106b, and straight traction elements 106c. The outsole 102 also includes a heel traction element group 108b, which includes a pair of herringbone traction elements 106a and a pair of hexagonal traction elements 106b.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, recess 124 and cable channels 132a-132d are provided in the midfoot region 22, located between the forefoot traction element group 108a and the heel traction element group 108b. Release rope channel 144 intersects with heel traction element group 108b in heel region 24 and extends between the herringbone traction element 106a on the outer side 16 and the hexagonal traction element 106b on the inner side 18.

[0072] Optionally, the bottom surface 116 of the outsole 102 may include traction pads 158a-158c surrounding one or more traction elements 106a-106c. In the illustrated example, the bottom surface includes a triangular first traction pad 158a surrounding one of the herringbone traction elements 106a at the front end 12 on the outer side 16, a triangular second traction pad 158b surrounding a pair of hexagonal traction elements 106b at the front end 12 on the inner side 18, and a hexagonal third traction pad 158c surrounding one of the hexagonal traction elements 106b and one of the straight traction elements 106c on the inner side 18. The traction pads 158a-158c are substantially flush with the outer surface 116 of the outsole 102 and include a textured pattern. In the illustrated example, the traction pads 158a-158c have a honeycomb pattern. Figure 7 ).

[0073] like Figure 5 and 6 As best shown, the heel counter 104 of the sole structure 100 is attached to and extends from the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102 in the heel region 24. Typically, the heel counter 104 includes an inner surface 160 that is flush with and continuous with the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102, and an outer surface 162 that is flush with and continuous with the outer surface 116 of the outsole 102. The distance from the inner surface 160 to the outer surface 162 defines the thickness T of the heel counter 104. 104 As described above, the heel counter 104 may comprise a material with a hardness and / or stiffness less than that of the outsole 102. Therefore, the heel counter 104 may be formed independently of the outsole 102 and attached to the outsole 102 using fastening means such as adhesives or welding processes. Figure 9 As best shown, the heel counter 104 includes a bottom edge 164 attached to the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102, and an upper distal edge 166 disposed at the opposite end of the bottom edge 164. (See reference) Figure 6 The length of the heel counter 104 extends around the rear end 14 from the outer end 168 on the outer side 16 to the inner end 170 on the inner side 18.

[0074] In the illustrated example, the attachment interface between the heel counter 104 and the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102 forms an overlap between the heel counter 104 and the outsole 102. In particular, a portion of the outer surface 162 adjacent the bottom edge 164 of the heel counter 104 is recessed to form a protrusion 172 along the bottom of the outsole 102. Similarly, the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102 can have a recess 174 having a depth and profile corresponding to the thickness and profile of the protrusion 172. When the sole structure 100 is assembled, the protrusion 172 is disposed within the recess 174 such that the lower portion of the heel counter 104 overlaps the peripheral lip 122 of the outsole 102. Here, the inner surface 114 of the outsole 102 is flush and continuous with the inner surface 160 of the heel counter 104 at the bottom edge 164 of the heel counter 104, and the outer surface 116 of the outsole 102 is flush and continuous with the outer surface 162 of the heel counter 104 at the peripheral edge 118 of the outsole 102. In other examples, the heel counter 104 can be connected to the outsole 102 by other connection configurations, such as a butt joint between the bottom edge 164 of the heel counter 104 and the peripheral edge 118 of the outsole 102.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 The heel counter 104 includes an opening 176 formed through the thickness T 104 of the heel counter 104. As discussed in greater detail below, the opening 176 provides access to a tensioning grip 340 of a tensioning system 300 through the heel counter 104. In the illustrated example, the opening 176 is entirely defined by the heel counter 104. The opening 176 can have a generally rectangular shape, including a straight first end 178a on the lateral side 16, a straight second end 178b on the medial side 18, and a lower edge 180a and an upper edge 180b extending between the ends 178a, 178b. Optionally, at least one of the lower edge 180a and the upper edge 180b can include a protrusion 182 configured to provide a gap or space for a finger to be inserted between the tensioning grip 340 and an upper 200. In the illustrated example, the protrusion 182 is an arcuate protrusion 182 formed in the lower edge 180a.

[0076] The upper 200 includes an outer shell 202 having a plurality of components that cooperate to define an interior void 204 and an ankle opening 206 that cooperate to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure 100. For example, the upper 200 includes a pair of quarter panels 208 in the midfoot region 22 on opposite sides of the interior void 204. A throat 210 extends through the top of the upper 200 and defines an instep region that extends from the ankle opening 206 between the quarter panels 208 to the forefoot region 20. In the illustrated example, the throat 210 is enclosed by a panel of material that extends between the opposite quarter panels 208 in the instep region to cover the interior void 204. Here, the panel of material covering the throat 210 can be formed from a material having a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the quarter panels 208.

[0077] The upper 200 of the article of footwear 10 can be further described as including a heel side panel 212 that extends through the heel region 24 along the lateral side 16 and the medial side 18 of the ankle opening 206. A heel counter 214 wraps around the rear end 14 of the footwear 10 and connects the heel side panel 212. The uppermost edges of the throat 210, the heel side panel 208, and the heel counter 214 cooperate to form a collar 216 that defines the ankle opening 206 of the interior void 204.

[0078] The components of the outer shell 202 can be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or bonded together to define the interior void 204. Suitable materials for the upper 200 can include, but are not limited to, fabric, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. An example upper 200 can be formed from a combination of one or more substantially inelastic or non-stretchable materials and one or more substantially elastic or stretchable materials disposed in different regions of the upper 200 to facilitate movement of the article of footwear 10 between the tensioned state and the untensioned state. The one or more elastic materials can include any combination of one or more elastic fabrics such as, but not limited to, spandex, elastane, rubber, or neoprene. The one or more inelastic materials can include any combination of one or more thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, leather, vinyl, or another material / fabric that does not impart elasticity.

[0079] The upper 200 can also include a plurality of routing elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a, 222b configured to interface or cooperate with the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 to adjust the fit of the shell 202. In particular, the routing elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a, 222b are configured to convert tension applied along the length of the cable 302 into a directional force to move the upper 200 between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. The routing elements include a plurality of tensioning bands 218a-218e arranged along the forefoot region 20 and the midfoot region 22 and configured to route the cable 302 along the throat 210, a heel band 220 extending around the heel counter 214 of the upper 200, and one or more cable guides 222a attached at fixed locations along the shell 202.

[0080] As Figure 3 As best shown, the tensioning bands 218a-218e include a series of medial tensioning bands 218a-218c and a pair of lateral tensioning bands 218d-218e arranged alternately along the length of the shell 202. Referring to Figures 1-3 , the tensioning bands 218a-218e each extend from a fixed end 224a-224e to a free end 226a-226e. The fixed end 224a-224e of each tensioning band 218a-218e is attached to the shell 202 at the bite line 30 between the sole structure 100 and the upper 200, while the free end 226a-226e is disposed adjacent the throat 210. As described below, the free end 226a-226e can include a loop or conduit 228a-228e through which the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 passes.

[0081] In the illustrated example, each tensioning band 218a-218e includes a pair of segments 230a-230e, 232a-232e that are attached to one another at a free end 226a-226e and are independently attached to the outer shell 202 at a fixed end 224a-224e. Each tensioning band 218a-218e can be formed from a continuous band, whereby a first portion or segment 230a-230e of the band extends from a first attachment point at the fixed end 226a-226e to the free end 226a-226e, with a second portion of the segment 232a-232e of the band folded back over the first segment 230a-230e to form a loop 228a-228e at the free end 226a-226e. The second segment 232a-232e extends from the free end 226a-226e to a second attachment point at the fixed end 224a-224e. Thus, the fixed end 226a-226e of each band 218a-218e can include two independent attachment points at the bite line 30. In other examples, the tensioning bands 218a-218e can be formed from a single piece or segment that extends between the fixed end 224a-224e and the free end 226a-226e, and / or the loops 228a-228e can be independently formed and attached to the free end 226a-226e.

[0082] As previously described, the tensioning bands 218a-218e include a series of medial tensioning bands 218a-218c disposed along the medial side 18 and a series of lateral tensioning bands 218d, 218e disposed along the lateral side 16. The lateral tensioning bands 218d, 218e are offset or staggered relative to the medial tensioning bands 218a-218c along the length of the throat 210. Thus, the medial tensioning bands 218a-218c and the lateral tensioning bands 218d, 218e are alternately disposed along the length of the throat 210.

[0083] As Figures 1-3 As best shown in FIG. 2, the first medial tensioning band 218a extends from a fixed end 224a attached to the bite line 30 in the toe portion of the forefoot region 20 to a free end 226a proximate the medial side of the throat 210 in the forefoot region 20. The second medial tensioning band 218b includes a fixed end 224b attached to the bite line 30 proximate the midfoot region 22 of the forefoot region 20 and a free end 226b disposed proximate the medial side of the throat 210 in the midfoot region 22. The third medial tensioning band 218c includes a fixed end 224c attached to the bite line 30 proximate the midfoot region 22 of the heel region 24 and a free end 226c disposed proximate the medial side of the throat 210 proximate the ankle opening 206.

[0084] On the outer side 16, a first lateral tension band 218d extends from the fixed end 224d of the occlusal line 30 attached to the spherical portion of the foreleg region 20 to a free end 226d disposed on the outer side adjacent to the throat 210. (As...) Figure 3 As shown, the free end 226d of the first lateral tension band 218d is positioned longitudinally between the free ends 226a and 226b of the first and second medial tension bands 218a and 218b. The second medial tension band 218e includes a fixed end 224e and a free end 226d. The fixed end 224e is attached to the occlusal line 30 in the midfoot region 22 adjacent to the heel region 24, and the free end 226d is positioned on the throat 210 on the medial side 16 near the ankle opening 206. Here, the free end 226e of the second lateral tension band 218e crosses the throat 210 and aligns with the free end 226c of the third medial tension band 218c.

[0085] like Figure 1 As best shown in Figure 2, the heel strap 220 surrounds the heel counter 214 of the upper 200, extending from a first end 234a at the heel side plate 212 on the outer side 16 to a second end 234b at the heel side plate 212 on the inner side 18. Each end 234a, 234b of the heel strap 220 can be attached to the housing 202 via respective straps 236a, 236b. For example, on the outer side 16 ( Figure 1 The first end 234a of the heel strap 220 is attached to the outer shell 202 via a first strap 236a, which has an upper lacing cord 238a extending toward the collar 216 and a lower lacing cord 240a extending to the engagement line 30. Similarly, on the inner side 18 (FIG. 2), the second end of the heel strap 220 is attached to the outer shell 202 via a second strap 236b, which has an upper lacing cord 238b extending toward the collar 216 and a lower lacing cord 240b extending to the engagement line 30. Therefore, the heel strap 220, and particularly the ends 234a and 234b of the heel strap 220, may not be directly attached to the outer shell 202.

[0086] The upper 200 may include one or more gripping elements 242 for manipulating the shoe 10 on the foot. In the illustrated example, the upper 200 includes a release gripping element 242 attached to the throat 210 at the front end of the ankle opening 206. In use, the release gripping element 242 can be pulled by the wearer to pull the throat 210 away from the foot, thereby increasing the size of the internal gap 204 to allow for foot insertion and removal. Optionally, the release gripping element 242 may be attached to a portion of the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 such that when the release gripping element 242 is pulled, the length of the cable 302 extending along the throat 210 increases to allow the upper 200 to move to a relaxed or loosened state.

[0087] like Figure 1As shown, the upper 200 can include a shroud 250 that covers a portion of the outer shell 202 and the wiring elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a, 222b. In the illustrated example, the shroud 250 covers the outer shell 202 in the forefoot region 20 and the midfoot region 22, and extends partially along the heel region 24. In particular, the shroud 250 extends along the heel side panel 212 and interfaces with the ends 168, 170 of the heel counter 104 of the sole structure 100 to completely cover the outer shell 202 of the upper 200. The shroud 250 can be formed of a lightweight, translucent web or film material such that the wiring elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a, 222b are enclosed but visible.

[0088] The upper 200 can also include a support plate 252 disposed along the medial side of the outer shell 202. Generally, the support plate 252 is configured to distribute force applied to the medial side tensioning bands 218a-218c along the medial side of the foot. As shown, the support plate 252 is attached along the bite line 30 of the article of footwear 10, and the height of the support plate 252 extends vertically toward the throat 210 and the ankle opening 206. In the illustrated example, the support plate 252 includes an elongated rear portion 254 and an angled front portion 256. The rear portion 254 has a constant height that extends from a transition portion 258 of the support plate 252 disposed between the second medial side tensioning band 218b and the third medial side tensioning band 218c to the rear end 14. The front portion 256 extends away from the bite line 30 and toward the front end 12 at an oblique angle such that the height of the front portion 256 increases from the transition portion 258 and is greater than the height of the rear portion 254. The front portion 256 is disposed between the second medial side tensioning band 218b and the outer shell 202 to distribute force applied to the second medial side tensioning band 218b along the medial side 18 of the foot.

[0089] Referring to Figures 1-3 , the tensioning system 300 includes cables 302 routed along the cable wiring elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a of the upper 200 to move the footwear 10 between a tensioned state and a relaxed state. The tensioning system 300 can include one or more sheaths 310 to manage slack of the cables 302. As described below, the sheaths 310 hold the cables 302 in a retracted state against the upper 200 when the upper 200 is in the tensioned state.

[0090] The cables 302 can be highly smooth and / or can be formed of one or more fibers having a low modulus of elasticity and a high tensile strength. For example, the fibers can include high modulus polyethylene fibers having a high strength-to-weight ratio and a low elasticity. Additionally or alternatively, the cables 302 can be formed of molded monofilament polymers and / or braided steel with or without other lubricious coatings. In some examples, the cables 302 include multiple strands of material braided together.

[0091] Cable 302 includes a tensioning element 312 and a control element 314 that cooperate with cable routing elements 218a-218e, 220, 222a of upper 200 and tensioning device 400 to move article of footwear 10 between a tensioned state and a relaxed state. Tensioning element 312 and control element 314 can be collectively referred to as adjustment elements 312, 314. Adjustment elements 312, 314 are movable in a tensioning direction D T upward to move article of footwear 10 to a tensioned state, and are movable in a loosening direction D L downward to allow article of footwear 10 to transition to a relaxed state. In some examples, a tensioning force F T is transmitted to tensioning element 312 by tensioning device 400 to move tensioning element 312 in tensioning direction D T upward.

[0092] As Figure 1 and 2B best shown, tensioning element 312 and control element 314 can be described as including lateral strands 316, 320 and medial strands 318, 322. More specifically, tensioning element 312 includes a lateral tensioning strand 316 and a medial tensioning strand 318, and control element 314 also includes a lateral control strand 320 and a medial control strand 322. In the illustrated example, lateral tensioning strand 316 of tensioning element 312 is connected to lateral control strand 320 of control element 314 by tensioning device 400. Similarly, medial tensioning strand 318 of tensioning element 312 is connected to medial control strand 322 of control element 314 by tensioning device 400. Accordingly, the position of lateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318 of tensioning element 312 can be adjusted by moving the corresponding one of lateral and medial control strands 320, 322 of control element 314.

[0093] Referring now to Figure 1 and 2B , routing of tensioning element 312 along each of lateral side 16 and medial side 18 is shown. As Figures 1-3 best shown in , tensioning element 312 can be described as including a lateral tensioning strand 316 and a medial tensioning strand 318. Generally, lateral tensioning strand 316 extends from tensioning device 400 on lateral side 16 and is routed along a lower front portion of throat 210. Conversely, medial tensioning strand 318 extends from tensioning device 400 on medial side 18 and is routed along an upper rear portion of throat 210.

[0094] Figure 1 As 3 andAs shown, on the lateral side 16 of the article of footwear 10, the lateral tensioning strand 316 includes a first end 324 received by the tensioning device 400 and a second end 326 attached at the bite line 30 on the lateral side 16 in the forefoot region 20. Here, the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed from the tensioning device 400 in the recess 124 of the outsole 102 through the lateral tensioning element channel 132a of the outsole 102 of the sole structure 100 to the upper 200. The lateral tensioning strand 316 then extends along the lateral quarter piece 208 and over the throat 210 to the free end 226b of the second medial tensioning band 218b on the medial side of the throat 210. The lateral tensioning strand 316 extends from the second medial tensioning band 218b through the throat 210 and through the free end 226d of the first lateral tensioning band 218d on the lateral side of the throat 210. The lateral tensioning strand 316 then passes from the first lateral tensioning band 218d through the throat 210 to the free end 226a of the first medial tensioning band 218a and then back to the second end 326 attached to the upper 200 on the lateral side 16. Thus, when a tension force F T is applied to the lateral tensioning strand 316, the free ends 226a, 226b of the first and second medial tensioning bands 218a, 218b are pulled toward the free end 226d of the first lateral tensioning band 218d through the throat 210. In other words, the lateral tensioning strand 316 controls the fit of the upper 200 along the lower or anterior portion of the throat 210 of the shoe.

[0095] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, on the medial side 18 of the article of footwear 10, the medial tensioning strand 318 includes a first end 328 received by the tensioning device 400 and a second end 330 attached to the free end 226c of the third medial tensioning band 218c. Here, the medial tensioning strand 318 is routed from the tensioning device 400 in the recess 124 of the outsole 102 through the medial tensioning element channel 132b to the upper 200. A first section of the medial tensioning strand 318 extends from the bite line 30 along the medial heel side piece 212 to the medial end 234b of the heel band 220. From the heel band 220, the medial tensioning strand 318 passes through the cable guide 222b on the medial heel side piece 212 such that a second section of the medial tensioning strand 318 returns along the medial piece 212 and through the throat 210. The medial tensioning strand 318 then passes through the loop 228e at the free end 226e of the second lateral tensioning band 218e on the lateral side of the throat 210 and then returns through the throat 210 and is attached to the free end 226c of the third medial tensioning band 218c. Thus, when a tension force F T is applied to the medial tensioning strand 318, the free ends 226c, 226e of the third medial tensioning band 218c and the second lateral tensioning band 218e are pulled toward each other through the throat 210. Thus, the medial tensioning strand 318 controls the fit of the upper 200 along the upper or posterior portion of the throat 210 of the shoe.

[0096] As described above and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the lateral control strand 320 of the control element 314 is connected to the lateral tensioning strand 316 of the tensioning element 312 by the tensioning device 400 and extends from a first end 332 at the tensioning device 400 to a second end 334 along the upper 200. In particular, the lateral control strand 320 of the control element 314 is routed from the tensioning device 400 through the lateral control element channel 132c to the bite line 30 and then along the lateral heel side panel 212 to the heel counter 214 of the upper 200. Figure 1 4 As also shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 is connected to the medial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element 312 by the tensioning device 400 and extends from a first end 336 at the tensioning device 400 to a second end 338 along the upper 200. The medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 is routed from the tensioning device 400 through the medial control element channel 132d to the bite line 30 and then extends along the medial heel side panel 212 to the heel counter 214 of the upper 200.

[0097] As also shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 is connected to the medial tensioning strand 318 of the tensioning element 312 by the tensioning device 400 and extends from a first end 336 at the tensioning device 400 to a second end 338 along the upper 200. The medial control strand 322 of the control element 314 is routed from the tensioning device 400 through the medial control element channel 132d to the bite line 30 and then extends along the medial heel side panel 212 to the heel counter 214 of the upper 200.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 4, the second end 334 of the lateral control strand 320 can be connected to the second end 338 of the medial control strand 322 at the rear end 14 such that the lateral control strand 320 and the medial control strand 322 form a continuous loop extending around the heel counter 214 of the upper 200. In other examples, the second ends 334, 338 of the lateral control strand 320 and the medial control strand 322 can be indirectly connected to each other by an intermediate connecting element (not shown). Figure 4 A portion of the control element 314 extending around the heel counter 214 can be enclosed within one or more sheaths 310. Each sheath 310 can be formed from a material and / or fabric that allows the sheath 310 and the control element 314 to move from a relaxed state to a stretched or expanded state when the control element 314 is moved in the tensioning direction D T The material and / or fabric forming the sheath 310 moves from the relaxed state to the stretched or expanded state when moved in a direction away from the upper 200 (i.e., when the control element 314 is moved in the tensioning direction D T The material and / or fabric forming the sheath 310 moves from the relaxed state to the stretched or expanded state when moved in a direction away from the upper 200 (i.e., when the control element 314 is moved in the tensioning direction D T When the tensioning force F

[0099] Figure 4 As shown, the control element 314 passes through the sheath 310 and around the heel counter 214 of the upper 200.

[0100] ​​In the illustrated example, the connected second ends 334, 338 of the control element 314 and / or the sheath 310 can form a tension grip 340 configured to allow a user to apply a tension force F T to pull the control element 314 away from the upper 200, thereby causing each of the control element 314 and the tensioning element 312 to move in a tensioning direction D T up. Here, the tension grip 340 is defined by the sheath 310 and exposed at the rear end 14 through an opening 176 formed through the heel counter 104 of the sole structure 100. In use, a user can grasp the tension grip 340 by inserting one or more fingers between the tension grip 340 and the upper 200 through a protrusion 182 formed in a lower edge 180a of the opening 176. Other configurations can include one or more tension grips 340 operably connected along the length of the control element 314.

[0101] By adjusting the tensioning element 312 along the throat 210 of the upper 200, the upper 200 can be moved between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. As illustrated, the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 can be moved in the tensioning direction D T up by applying a tension force F T to the control element 314. For example, a user can apply the tension force F T to the control element 314 by pulling the tension grip 340 and the sheath 310 away from the upper 200, thereby moving the control element 314 in the tensioning direction D T up. Here, the tension force F T is applied to each of the control strands 320, 322 and transmitted through the tensioning device 400 to the corresponding tensioning strands 316, 318. The tension force F T pulls the tensioning strands 316, 318 in the tensioning direction to pull the free ends 226a-226e of the tensioning bands 218a-218e toward one another across the throat 210. As provided above, by applying the tension force F T to one or more of the lateral control strands 320 or the medial control strands 322, the fit of the upper 200 can be zoned adjusted along the length of the throat 210. For example, applying the tension force F T to the lateral control strands 320 will tension the lateral tensioning strands 316 along a lower portion of the throat 210, while applying the tension force to the medial control strands 322 will tension the medial tensioning strands 318 along an upper portion of the throat 210.

[0102] The locking device or tensioning device 400 can be disposed within the cavity of the sole structure 100 and can be biased to a locked state to limit adjustment of the elements 312, 314 in their respective release directions D Ltowards and through a housing 402 of the tensioning device 400. In some configurations, the tensioning device 400 allows the adjustment elements 312, 314 to move in the tensioning direction D T movement.

[0103] The release cord 404 of the tensioning device 400 is operable to move the locking device 400 between the unlocked state and the locked state such that the cable 302 can be selectively moved in the tensioning direction D T and the loosening direction D L The release cord 404 is routed from a first end 406 at the tensioning device 400 to a second end 408 that is attached to a release grip 410 at a rear end of the ankle opening 206. As previously described, the release cord 404 is routed from the recess 124 through a release cord channel 144 of the outsole 102 to the upper 200. In the illustrated example, the release cord channel 144 extends through the heel region 24 such that the release cord 404 is routed upwardly along the rear end 14 between a heel counter 214 of the upper 200 and the heel counter 104 of the sole structure 100.

[0104] With particular reference to Figures 14-16 A footwear article 10a is provided that includes a sole structure 100a and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100a. In view of the substantial structural and functional similarities of the components relative to the footwear article 10a, similar reference numerals are used in the following description and in the drawings to identify similar components, while similar reference numerals containing an alphabetic extension are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0105] The sole structure 100a of the footwear article 10a includes the outsole 102 described above and a heel counter 104a that is substantially similar to the previously described heel counter 104. However, unlike the previously described heel counter 104 that includes a completely enclosed opening 176, the opening 176a of the heel counter 104a is formed as a notch 176a within an upper portion of the heel counter 104a. As a result, the heel counter 104a extends from the bottom edge 164 to a lower edge 180a of the opening 176a. In this example, the heel counter 104a can include a pair of ears 184a, 184b disposed at opposite ends of the notch 176a, with each ear 184a, 184b formed between an end 168, 170 of the heel counter 104a and an end 178a, 178b of the notch 176a. In this example, the tensioning grip 340 is exposed between the ears 184a, 184b.

[0106] With particular reference to Figures 17-19, a footwear article 10b is provided that includes a sole structure 100b and an upper 200 attached to the sole structure 100b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear article 10 relative to the footwear article 10b, like reference numerals are used in the following description and in the drawings to identify like components, with like reference numerals containing an alphabetic extension used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0107] The sole structure 100b of the footwear article 10b includes the outsole 102 described above and a heel counter 104b that is substantially similar to the previously described heel counter 104. In this example, the upper edge 166 of the heel counter 104b terminates below the tensioning grip 340 of the tensioning system 300. As a result, the opening 176b of the heel counter 104b is simply formed as the exposed area above the upper edge 166 of the heel counter 104b.

[0108] With particular reference to Figures 20-23 , a footwear article 10c is provided that includes a sole structure 100 and an upper 200a attached to the sole structure 100. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components of the footwear article 10 relative to the footwear article 10c, like reference numerals are used in the following description and in the drawings to identify like components, with like reference numerals containing an alphabetic extension used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0109] The footwear article 10c includes the sole structure 100 discussed above with respect to Figures 1-13 , but includes an upper 200a that has an alternative routing of the cables 302 and release cords 404 along the upper 200a. Here, the upper 200a includes a pair of medial tensioning bands 218f, 218g disposed along the medial side of the throat 210 and a pair of lateral tensioning bands 218h, 218i disposed along the lateral side of the throat 210. Unlike the upper 200 discussed above in which the tensioning bands 218a-218e are staggered along the throat 210, in this example, the medial tensioning bands 218f, 218g are disposed directly across the throat 210 from the lateral tensioning bands 218h, 218i.

[0110] As Figures 20-22As shown, the lateral tensioning strand 316 includes a first end 324 received by the tensioning device 400 and a second end 326 attached at the bite line 30 on the medial side 18 in the forefoot region 20. Here, the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed from the tensioning device 400 in the recess 124 of the outsole 102 through the lateral tensioning element channel 132a of the outsole 102 to the upper 200. A first section of the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed rearward to the cable guide 222b attached to the lateral heel side panel 212. From the cable guide 222b, the lateral tensioning strand 316 is routed through the throat 210 to the free end 226g of the second medial tensioning band 218g on the medial side of the throat 210 and then back through the throat 210 to the free end 226h of the first lateral tensioning band 218h on the lateral side of the throat 210. The lateral tensioning strand 316 then extends to the second end 326 attached at the bite line 30 on the medial side 18 in the forefoot region 20.

[0111] With continued reference to Figures 20-22 , the medial tensioning strand 318 includes a first end 328 received by the tensioning device 400 and a second end 330 attached at the bite line 30 on the lateral side in the forefoot region 20. Here, the medial tensioning strand 318 is routed from the tensioning device 400 in the recess 124 of the outsole 102 through the medial tensioning element channel 132b of the outsole 102 to the upper 200. A first section of the medial tensioning strand 318 is routed rearward to the cable guide 222a attached to the medial heel side panel 212. From the cable guide 222a, the medial tensioning strand 318 is routed through the throat 210 to the free end 226i of the second lateral tensioning band 218i on the lateral side of the throat 210 and then back through the throat 210 to the free end 226f of the first medial tensioning band 218f on the lateral side of the throat 210. The medial tensioning strand 318 then extends to the second end 330 attached at the bite line 30 on the lateral side in the forefoot region 20.

[0112] The control element 314 of the article of footwear 10c is routed in the same manner as the control element 314 discussed above with respect to the articles of footwear 10-10b. However, as Figure 20 shown, the release cord 404 of the tensioning device 400 is routed along one of the sides 16, 18 of the upper 200a rather than along the rear end 14. In the illustrated example, the release cord 404 is routed from the recess 124 through the lateral control element channel 132c to the upper 200a. The release cord 404 then extends from the bite line 30 on the lateral side 16 along the lateral heel side panel 212 to the second end 408 adjacent the collar 216 on the lateral side 16. Thus, the release grip 410 is located laterally of the ankle opening 206. When included, the release cord 404 can be hidden under the shroud 250.

[0113] With reference to Figures 24-27In some embodiments, the tensioning device 400 includes a housing 402 and a locking member or locking member 412, which is slidably disposed within the housing 402 and surrounded by a cover 414 fastened to the housing 402. Figure 25 Provided Figure 24 An exploded view of the tensioning device 400 shows the locking member 412 and the cover 414 removed from the housing 402. The housing 402 defines a length extending between a first end 416 and a second end 418. The housing 402 includes a base 420 having a cable receiving surface 422 and a mounting surface 424 disposed on the side of the base 420 opposite to the cable receiving surface 422 and opposite to the outer surface of the upper 200. The cover 414 opposes the cable receiving surface 422 of the base 420 to define a locking member cavity 426 therebetween, which is configured to receive the locking member 412 and part of the tensioning system 300. In some configurations, the locking member cavity 426 is formed by a first engagement surface 428 and a second engagement surface 430 converging toward each other. Figure 26 and 27 The locking member cavity 426 is defined such that it is associated with a wedge-shaped configuration that tapers toward the second end 418 of the housing 402. Thus, the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 include corresponding sidewalls of the housing 402 that converge toward each other and extend between the cover 414 and the cable receiving surface 422 of the base 420 to define the locking member cavity 426.

[0114] As described above, the cable 302 of the tensioning system 300 may include a tensioning element 312 and a control element 314, which are connected to each other by a locking element 315 extending through a locking member cavity 426 and including a first portion extending along a first engagement surface 428 and a second portion extending along a second engagement surface 430. The tensioning element 312 extends from a corresponding slot 432 ( Figure 26 and 27 The slot 432 is formed near the first end 416 through the opposite sidewall of the housing 402. The control element 314 exits from the corresponding slot 432. Figure 26 and 27 The slot 432 is formed near the second end 418 through the opposite sidewall of the housing 402.

[0115] In some embodiments, when the locking member 412 is disposed within the locking member cavity 426 of the housing 402, the locking member 412 includes a first locking surface 434 opposite the first engagement surface 428 of the housing 402 and a second locking surface 436 opposite the second engagement surface 430 of the housing 402. In some examples, the first and second locking surfaces 434, 436 converge toward one another. Additionally or alternatively, the first locking surface 434 can be substantially parallel to the first engagement surface 428 and the second locking surface 436 can be substantially parallel to the second engagement surface 430. In the illustrated example, the locking surfaces 434, 436 include protrusions or teeth each having an angled surface to allow movement of the tensioning system 300 in the tensioning direction D T when the tensioning force F T is applied to the control element 314 while the locking member 412 is in the locked state, while movement is restricted by gripping the locking element 315 in the untensioning direction D L . A biasing member 438 (e.g., a spring) can include a first end 440 attached to the second end 418 of the housing 402 and a second end 442 attached to the first end 444 of the locking member 412 to attach the locking member 412 to the housing 402.

[0116] In some embodiments, the locking member 412 is slidably disposed within the housing 402 and is movable between a locked position (L Figure 26 ) associated with the locked state of the tensioning device 400 and an unlocked position (U Figure 27 ) associated with the unlocked state of the tensioning device 400. In some examples, the release mechanism 404 (e.g., the release cord 404) moves the locking member 412 from the locked position (L Figure 26 ) to the unlocked position (U Figure 27 ). The locking member 412 can include a tab 446 extending from an end of the locking member 412 opposite the first end 444. In one configuration, the first end 406 of the release cord 404 is attached to the tab 446 of the locking member 412. The tab 446 can include a pair of retention features or recesses 448 formed in the respective first and second locking surfaces 434, 436 and selectively receive one or more retention features 450 associated with the housing 402 to retain the tensioning device 400 in the unlocked state. The retention features 450 associated with the housing 402 can include a first retention feature 450 and a second retention feature 450 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 402 whereby the retention features 450 are biased inwardly toward the cavity 426 and away from one another by respective biasing members 452. The retention features 450 can be protrusions integrally formed with the housing 402 such that the retention features 450 act as a latch in a retracted state (R Figure 26 ) and an extended state (E Figure 27a living hinge that moves between

[0117] Figure 26 A top view of the tensioner 400 of Figure 24 is provided, with the cover 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed within the cavity 426 of the housing 402 when in the locked position. In some examples, the locking member 412 is biased into the locked position. For example, Figure 26 is shown exerting a biasing force F B (represented in the direction D B ) on the locking member 412 to push the first end 444 of the locking member 412 toward the second end 418 of the housing 402, biasing the locking member 412 into the locked position. When in the locked position, the locking member 412 restricts movement of the tensioning system 300 relative to the housing 402 by pinching the locking element 315 of the tensioning system 300 between the locking surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430. Thus, the locked position of the locking member 412 restricts movement of the tensioning system 300 in the loosening direction D L . In the example shown, when the tensioning force F T is applied to the tensioning grip 340, the locking member 412 allows movement of the tensioning system 300 because this direction causes the tensioning system 300 to exert a force on the locking member 412 due to the generally wedge-shaped shape of the locking member 412, thereby moving the locking member 412 into the unlocked state. Once the force applied to the tensioning grip 340 is released due to the force exerted on the locking member 412 by the biasing member 438, the locking member 412 automatically returns to the locked state.

[0118] Figure 27 A top view of the tensioner 400 of Figure 24 is provided, with the cover 414 removed to show the locking member 412 disposed within the cavity 426 of the housing 402 when in the unlocked position. In some examples, the release cord 404 attached to the protrusion 446 of the locking member 412 exerts a release force F R on the locking member 412 to move the locking member 412 relative to the housing 402 away from the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430. Here, the release force F R is sufficient to overcome the biasing force F B of the biasing member 438 to allow the locking member 412 to move relative to the housing 402 such that the pinching of the locking element 315 of the tensioning system 300 between the locking surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430 is released. In some examples, when the release force F R exerted by the release cord 404 is released, the biasing force F B causes the locking member 412 to transition back to the locked position. Relative to Figure 27view, when a release force F R is applied to the release cord 404 of a sufficient or predetermined size, the release cord 404 can apply a release force F R .

[0119] When in the unlocked position, the locking member 412 allows the tensioning system 300 to move relative to the housing 402 by allowing the locking element 315 of the tensioning system 300 to move freely between the locking surfaces 434, 436 and the engagement surfaces 428, 430. When the release force F T, F L is applied to the corresponding control element 314 and tensioning element 312, the unlocked position of the locking member 412 allows the tensioning system 300 to move in the tensioning direction D T and the loosening direction D L .

[0120] In some examples, a release force F R of a sufficient size and / or duration applied to the release cord 404 causes the release cord 404 to apply a release force F B ( Figure 26 ) to the locking member 412 in a direction opposite the biasing force F R ( Figure 27 ) such that the locking member 412 moves away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 relative to the housing 402 and toward the first end 416 of the housing 402. When the release force F R moves the locking member 412 a predetermined distance away from the first engagement surface 428 and the second engagement surface 430 of the housing 402, at least one retention feature 450 of the housing 402 can engage a retention feature 448 of the locking member 412. Here, once the release force F R is released, the engagement between the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412 and the at least one retention feature 450 of the housing 402 retains the locking member 412 in the unlocked position. After the locking member 412 moves the predetermined distance and the release force F R is no longer applied, the biasing force F B of the biasing member 438 and the force applied by the pair of biasing members 452 on the retention feature 450 lock the retention feature 448 of the locking member 412 in engagement with the retention feature 450 of the housing 402.

[0121] In some cases, a release force F R related to a first size can be applied to the release cord 404 to move the locking member 412 away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 a distance less than the predetermined distance such that the retention features 448, 450 do not engage. In these cases, when it is desired to move the tensioning system 300 in the loosening direction D L or the tensioning direction D TThe upward-moving tensioning system 300 (e.g., by applying a tension force F to the tensioning gripper 340) T When adjusting the internal gap 204 to fit around the foot, a release force F related to the first size can be maintained. R Once the desired fit of the internal gap 204 around the foot is achieved, the force F is released. R It can be released to allow the locking member 412 to return to the locked position, thereby restricting the movement of the tensioning system 300 in the releasing direction D. L The desired fit is maintained. It should be noted that even when the locking member 412 is in the locked position, the tensioning system 300 can still operate in the tensioning direction D. T Move upwards. Thus, once the force F is released... R Once released and the desired fit is achieved, the locking member 412 automatically maintains the desired fit by locking the position of the tensioning system 300 relative to the housing 402.

[0122] In other cases, the release force F associated with the second size, which is greater than the first size. R A release cord 404 can be applied to move the locking member 412 away from the engagement surfaces 428, 430 by a predetermined distance, thereby engaging the corresponding retaining features 448, 450. Engagement of the retaining features 448, 450 is facilitated by providing a tapered edge on the retaining feature 450 opposite to the locking member 412, thereby allowing the locking member 412 to more easily overcome the biasing force F exerted thereon by the biasing member 452 when the release cord 404 is pulled a predetermined distance. B Movement retention feature 450. In these cases, when the release force F... R When released, the engagement between the corresponding retaining features 448 and 450 holds the locking member 412 in the unlocked position.

[0123] When the tension F T When applied to control element 314, locking member 412 returns to the locked position. That is, when force is applied to the outer and inner control strands 320, 322, these control strands 320, 322 are taut, and as the control strands 320, 322 pass through a portion of retaining feature 450, this in turn applies force to biasing member 452 via retaining feature 450. Thus, retaining feature 450 compresses biasing member 452 and also moves retaining features 450 away from each other, disengaging from retaining feature 448 of locking member 412, thereby allowing biasing member 438 to return locking member 412 to the locked position.

[0124] In use, the article of footwear 10-10c can be selectively moved between a relaxed state and a tensioned state using the tensioning system 300 and the tensioning device 400. When the shoe 10-10c is initially provided in the relaxed state, the effective length of the tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 (i.e., the length from the first end 324, 328 to the second end 326, 330) will be maximized such that the tensioning element 312 and the tensioning bands 218a-218e are in the relaxed state around the upper 200, 200a, while the effective length of the control strands 320, 322 of the control element 314 (i.e., the length from the first end 332, 336 to the second end 334, 338) is minimized. Accordingly, a user’s foot can be inserted into the interior void 204 of the shoe 10-10c, and the material of the upper 200, 200a allows the upper 200, 200a to stretch to accommodate the foot therein.

[0125] As the user’s foot is inserted into the interior void 204 of the upper 200, 200a, the tensioning system 300 can be moved into the tensioned state by the user to secure the shoe 10-10c to the foot. As described above, the tensioning system 300 moves into the tensioned state by applying a tensioning force F T to the tensioning grip 340 of the control element 314, thereby causing the control element 314 to move in the tensioning direction D T As the control element 314 moves in the tensioning direction D T , the cable 302 is pulled through the housing 402 of the tensioning device 400, thereby causing the effective length of the tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 to decrease. Accordingly, the effective length of the tensioning element 312 around the upper 200 is minimized to move the upper 200 into the tensioned state around the foot.

[0126] As described above, when the tensioning element 312 moves in the tensioning direction D T , the lateral and medial tensioning strands 316, 318 distribute the tensioning force F T to the free ends 226a-226e of the tensioning bands 218a-218e to pull the tensioning bands 218a-218e taut over the throat 210. At the same time, the effective length of the control element 314 can increase as the tensioning system 300 moves into the tensioned state. However, the control element 314 is held in a pulled position against the upper 200 by the elasticity of the sheath 310, which accommodates the increased effective length of the control element 314 by allowing the control element 314 to “bunch up” within the sheath 306 as the sheath 310 contracts.

[0127] When the user wants to remove the article of footwear 10-10c from the foot, the tensioning system 300 can be moved into the relaxed state to allow the upper 200 to relax around the foot. Initially, the tensioning device 400 must be moved into the relaxed state by applying a release force F Rto overcome the biasing force F of the biasing member 438 B and move to the unlocked state, as described above. Once the tensioning device 400 is moved to the unlocked state, the cable 302 can be pulled in the loosening direction D L through the housing 402 of the tensioning device 400, which inherently causes the upper to expand and increase the effective length of the tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312.

[0128] Referring to Figures 28-32 , another example of a manual tensioning device 400a is shown, wherein the tensioning device 400a is embodied as a rotational mechanism. Figure 28 An exploded view of the tensioning device 400a is provided, showing the housing 402a defining a cavity 454 configured to rotatably receive a spool 456, a first pawl 458, and a second pawl 460. The tensioning device 400a can include a cover 462 fastened to the housing 402a to prevent access to the cavity 454 when the cover 462 is fastened to the housing 402a and to allow access to the cavity 454 when the cover 462 is removed from the housing 402a. One or more fasteners 464 can extend through the cover 462 and fasten with threaded holes 466 in the housing 402a to secure the cover 462 to the housing 402a.

[0129] The housing 402a defines a plurality of retainer slots 468 each configured to receive and support a respective cable retainer 470 through which a cable adjustment element is routed into the cavity 454 of the housing 402a. The housing 402a can support a plurality of cable retainers 470 such that the ends of the adjustment elements 312, 314 each extend through a respective one of the cable retainers 470.

[0130] As described in greater detail below, the housing 402a can further include a retaining wall 472 disposed within the cavity 454. The retaining wall 472 is configured to cooperate with the first pawl 458. The retaining wall 472 can also include a haptic slot 474 configured to receive one or more haptic domes 476. Reference is made to Figures 30-32 described in greater detail below, the first pawl 458 can engage the haptic domes 476 to provide a click or other sound that indicates that the spool 456 has changed position relative to the housing 402a and / or that the tensioning device 400a has transitioned from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0131] Figure 30A top view of the housing 402a is provided showing a pair of mounting flanges 478, 480 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 402a. The mounting flanges 478, 480 can rest on the interior surface of the recess 124 of the sole structure 100 to mount the tensioning device 400a within the sole structure 100. Alternatively, the flanges 478, 480 can be attached to a midsole cloth of the upper 200. The midsole cloth can be any support structure forming the footbed portion of the shoe 10 disposed at least between the sole structure 100 and the interior void 204. In some examples, an adhesive such as a cement and / or epoxy can be applied to the contact surfaces of the mounting flanges 478, 480 and / or the interior surface of the recess 124 of the sole structure 100 for attaching the housing 402a within the recess 124. Additionally or alternatively, the mounting flanges 478, 480 can define one or more mounting holes 482 formed therethrough and configured to receive fasteners (not shown) for mounting the housing 402a to the sole structure 100.

[0132] Figure 30 The housing 402a is shown with the pawls 458, 460, adjustment elements 312, 314, and other components of the tensioning device 400a removed to reveal an elongated channel 484 formed through the housing 402a. As discussed in more detail below, the elongated channel 484 is aligned with the attachment point of the first pawl 458 and allows the release cord 404 to pass underneath the housing 402a and upward through a feed slot 486 defined by the mounting flange 480. The mounting flange 480 also defines a cutout region 477 proximate the feed slot 486 to provide more clearance for the release cord 404 (and / or a conduit surrounding the release cord 404) to extend from the housing 402a. The mounting flanges 478, 480 can define a lip around the perimeter of the housing 402a such that the housing 402a is spaced apart from the mounting surface of the recess 124 or midsole cloth, allowing the release cord 404 to be routed between the housing 402a and the mounting surface of the recess 124 or midsole cloth. Thus, the release cord 404 can freely extend underneath the housing 402a between the elongated channel 484 and the feed slot 486. In some examples, the feed slot 486 has a curved edge to prevent the release cord 404 from being hooked or restricted by the housing 402a.

[0133] Referring now to Figure 29 , the spool 456 is supported within the cavity 454 of the housing 402a and can rotate relative to the housing 402a. In some examples, as the adjustment elements 312, 314 are moved in a tensioning direction D T , the spool 456 rotates in a first direction D S1 relative to the housing 402a, and as the adjustment elements 312, 314 are moved in a loosening direction D L , the spool 456 rotates in a second, opposite direction D S2Rotation. The spool 456 includes a first channel or annular groove 488 configured to collect portions of the tensioning element 312, and a second channel or annular groove 490 configured to collect portions of the control element 314. The spool 456 can include one or more anchor slots 492 formed through a dividing wall separating the channels 488, 490 for securing the rotational position of each adjustment element 312, 314 relative to the spool 456.

[0134] The tensioner 400a further includes a ratchet mechanism 494 associated with the spool 456 having a plurality of teeth 496 positioned circumferentially about and projecting radially inward from an axis of the ratchet mechanism 494. In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism 494 is integrally formed on an inner circumferential wall of the spool 456 such that the plurality of teeth 496 project radially inward from the channels 488, 490. In other examples, the ratchet mechanism 494 is supported for co-rotation with the spool 456.

[0135] The first pawl 458 is disposed within the cavity 454 of the housing 402a and is configured to cooperate with the ratchet mechanism 494 to selectively prevent and allow rotation of the spool 456 and thus movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314. In some examples, the first pawl 458 includes one or more teeth 498 configured to selectively engage the plurality of teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. In some embodiments, the first pawl 458 includes a first pawl shaft 500 configured to support the first pawl 458 within the housing 402a to allow the first pawl 458 to rotate relative to the housing 402a about a first pawl rotation axis A FP Rotation.

[0136] The first pawl spring 502 is operably connected to the first pawl shaft 500 and the retaining wall 472 disposed within the cavity 454 of the housing 402a to bias the first pawl 458 about the pawl rotation axis A FP in a first direction D FP1 When the spool 456 is received by the cavity 454, the first pawl rotation axis A FP may be substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the spool 456. Accordingly, the first pawl spring 502 can interact with the retaining wall 472 and the first pawl 516 to exert a biasing force that causes the first pawl 458 to pivot about the pawl rotation axis A FP in the first direction D FP1 and engage the plurality of teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, thereby causing the tensioner 400a to operate in a locked state to limit movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314 in the slack direction D L .

[0137] Figure 31 and 32Each illustrates a top view of the first pawl 458 of the tensioning device 400a. The first pawl 458 defines a first receiving surface 504 configured to support a first pawl spring 502. A first pawl shaft 500 protrudes from the first receiving surface 504 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first receiving surface 504. The first pawl shaft 500 can be integrally formed with the first pawl 458. The first pawl 458 also defines a second receiving surface 506 configured to support a second pawl spring 516. A hole 508 is formed through the second receiving surface 506 and is configured to receive a second pawl shaft 514. An anchor post 510 can protrude away from the receiving surfaces 504, 506 in a direction substantially parallel to the first pawl shaft 500. The anchor post 510 can define a hole 512 to provide an attachment location for attaching the first end 406 of the release cord 404 to the anchor post 510. The anchor post 510 can be integrally formed with the first pawl 458.

[0138] Referring to Figure 29 , the second pawl shaft 514 rotatably attaches the second pawl 460 to the first pawl 458 to allow the second pawl 460 to rotate relative to the first pawl 458 and the housing 402a about a second pawl rotation axis A SP . The second pawl rotation axis A SP may extend substantially parallel to the first pawl rotation axis A FP and the rotation axis of the spool 456. In some examples, the second pawl 460 is associated with a second pawl spring 516 configured to bias the second pawl 460 into engagement with a control surface 518 associated with the inner circumference of the spool 456 when the first pawl 458 is disengaged from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 to allow the spool 456 to rotate in the second direction D S2 .

[0139] Figure 29 A perspective view of the tensioning device 400a in a locked state is provided in which the first pawl teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 engage the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 to selectively restrict rotation of the spool 456 in the second direction D S2 , thereby restricting movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314 in their respective loosening directions D L . In some examples, the plurality of teeth 496 are angled to allow rotation of the spool 456 in the first direction D S1 when the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 are engaged with the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, thereby allowing the tensioning element 312 to move in the tensioning direction D T in response to a tensioning force F T applied to the tensioning grip 340, and allowing the control element 314 to move in the tensioning direction D T .

[0140] When the spool 456 is rotated in the first direction D S1 , the control element 314 is unwound from the second channel 490 of the spool 456, while the first channel 488 of the spool 456 retracts the tensioning element 312 as the spool 456 is rotated in the first direction D S1 . Thus, the movement of the adjustment elements 312, 314 in their respective tensioning directions D T increases the effective length of the control element 314 while decreasing the effective length of the tensioning element 312, thereby moving the upper 200 to the tightened state for closing the interior void 204 around the user’s foot. Here, during each successive engagement between the first pawl 458 (e.g., the first pawl teeth 498) and the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, the control element 314 is incrementally moved in the tensioning direction D T , thereby incrementally increasing the tension applied to the outer and inner tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 for tightening the fit of the interior void 204 around the foot as the upper 200 is moved to the tightened state. More specifically, because each of the outer and inner tensioning strands 316, 318 of the tensioning element 312 is connected to and disposed within the first channel 488 of the spool 456, each tensioning strand 316, 318 will be wound and unwound by the spool 456 at the same rate, thereby providing a substantially uniform tightening of the upper 200 around the foot.

[0141] In some examples, the release cord 404 is operably connected to the anchor post 510 of the first pawl 458 to selectively disengage the first pawl 458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when a predetermined release force F R is applied to the release cord 404. When the second pawl 460 is engaged with the control surface 518, the second pawl 460 is operable to control the rotational speed of the spool 456 in the second direction D S2 , such that the adjustment elements 312, 314 do not tangle as they are collected (e.g., wound) or released (e.g., unwound) from the respective first and second channels 488, 490 of the spool 456 during rotation in the second direction D S2 . In some configurations, the second pawl 460 includes two cam surfaces that remain engaged with respective ones of the two control surfaces 518 while the first pawl 458 remains disengaged from the teeth 496 (i.e., when the tensioning device 400a is operated to be in the unlocked state). Each control surface 518 can be axially disposed on opposite sides of the ratchet mechanism 494, such that the teeth 496 are disposed between and project radially inward from the control surfaces 518.

[0142] Referring to Figure 31When the tensioner 400a is in the locked state, the first pawl 458 is biased into engagement with the plurality of teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. Here, the first pawl 458 is rotated about the first pawl rotation axis A FP in the first direction D FP1 is rotated and pivoted such that the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 mesh with the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. In some examples, the first pawl 458 includes a haptic protrusion 520 configured to engage with the haptic dome 476 to provide a "click" sound indicating an incremental change in position in the spool 456 during each successive engagement between the first pawl 458 and the teeth 496.

[0143] Referring Figure 32 to FIG. 5, the first end 406 of the release cord 404 is attached to the anchor post 510 of the first pawl 458 to allow the release cord 404 to selectively disengage the first pawl 458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when a predetermined release force F R is applied to the release cord 404. For example, a user can grasp the release grip 410 of the release cord 404 and apply the predetermined release force F R to disengage the first pawl 458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494. Here, the predetermined release force F R overcomes the biasing force of the first pawl spring 502 to allow the first pawl 458 to rotate about the first pawl rotation axis A FP in the second direction D FP2 . Moreover, when the predetermined release force F R is moved to disengage the first pawl 458 from the teeth 496, the haptic protrusion 520 can engage with the haptic dome 476 to provide a "click" sound to transition the tensioner 400a to the unlocked state.

[0144] Figure 32 The tensioner 400a is shown in the unlocked state in response to the release cord 404 selectively disengaging the first pawl 458 from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494 when a predetermined release force F R is applied to the release cord 404. When the tensioner 400a is in the unlocked state with the first pawl 458 disengaged from the teeth 496 of the ratchet mechanism 494, the spool 456 is allowed to rotate in the second direction D S2 to allow the tensioning element 312 to move in the slackening direction D L when a slackening force F L is applied to the tensioning element 312. In some examples, when the spool 456 is rotated in the second direction D S2 , the first channel 488 of the spool 456 collects the tensioning element 312 while the second channel 490 of the spool 456 simultaneously releases the control element 314. Thus, the control element 314 moves in the slackening direction D LMovement of the cap 462 relative to the housing 402a in the first direction D

[0145] Referring back to Figure 28 , the cap 462 and the housing 402a of the tensioning device 400a can each include a hub 522 configured to support the first pawl shaft 500 of the first pawl 458. Each cap 462 can also include an elongated channel 524 that cooperates with the elongated channel 484 of the housing 402a to allow the anchor post 510 of the first pawl 458 to freely rotate relative to the housing 402a and the cap 462 when the first pawl 458 is pivoted in the first direction D FP or the second direction D FP1 . FP2

[0146] In use, with the tensioning system 300, the article of footwear 10 can be selectively moved between a tensioned state and a relaxed state. When the footwear 10 is initially in the relaxed state, the effective length of the tensioning element 312 will be maximized such that the first cable is in a relaxed state around the upper 200, while the effective length of the control element 314 is minimized when the control element 314 is wound around the spool 456 of the tensioning device 400a. Accordingly, a user’s foot can be inserted into the interior void 204 of the footwear 10, and the material of the upper 200 allows the upper 200 to stretch to accommodate the foot therein.

[0147] As the user’s foot is inserted within the interior void 204 of the upper 200, the user can move the tensioning system 300 to the tensioned state to secure the footwear 10 to the foot. As described above, the tensioning system 300 is moved to the tensioned state by applying a tensioning force F T to the tensioning grip 340, thereby causing the control element 314 to move in the tensioning direction D T . As the control element 314 moves in the tensioning direction D T , the spool 456 rotates in the first direction D S1 , and the control element 314 unwinds from the second channel 490. At the same time, the tensioning element 312 is wound up within the first channel 488, thereby causing the tensioning element 312 to retract within the tensioning device 400a. Accordingly, the effective length of the tensioning element 312 around the upper 200 is minimized to move the upper 200 to the tensioned state around the foot.

[0148] Prior to, during, or after the tensioning system 300 is moved to the tensioned state, a release force F R ​The biasing force of the first pawl spring 502 can move the first pawl 458 to the locked position when overcome by the first pawl spring 502. When the tensioning device 400a is in the locked state, the teeth 496 of the spool 456 are engaged by the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 to prevent the spool 456 from rotating in the second direction D S2 (i.e., the loosening direction D L ). Thus, as long as the tensioning device 400a remains in the locked position, the tensioning device 400a maintains the tensioning system 300 in the tensioned state.

[0149] When the user wishes to remove the article of footwear 10 from the foot, the tensioning system 300 can be moved to the loosened state to allow the upper 200 to relax around the foot. Initially, the tensioning device 400a must be moved to the unlocked state by applying a sufficient release force F R to overcome the biasing force of the first pawl spring 502. When the release force F R overcomes the biasing force, the teeth 498 of the first pawl 458 will disengage from the teeth 496 of the spool 456, thereby allowing the spool 456 to rotate in the second direction D S2 .

[0150] The loosening force F L may be applied to the tensioning element 312 by the user to move the first cable in the loosening direction D L , thereby maximizing the effective length of the tensioning element 312 to allow the upper 200 to relax. In the illustrated example, the loosening force F L may be applied indirectly to the tensioning element 312 by pulling on the forward end 12 of the upper 200 in the downward direction, whereby the interior void 204 is forced open to remove the foot. Alternatively, the tensioning element 312 can be provided with one or more loosening grips (not shown) to allow the user to apply the loosening force F T directly to the tensioning element 312.

[0151] As the tensioning element 312 moves in the loosening direction D L , the spool 456 rotates in the second direction D S2 , and the tensioning element 312 unwinds from the first channel 488. As the tensioning element 312 unwinds, the effective length of the tensioning element 312 increases, and the tensioning cords 316, 318 relax, allowing the tensioning bands 218a-218i to relax around the upper 200. At the same time, the control element 314 is wound up within the second channel 490, thereby retracting the control element 314 within the tensioning device 400a. Thus, the effective length of the control element 314 is minimized.

[0152] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of the sole structure and article of footwear described above.

[0153] Clause 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a plate including a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface, a recess formed in the second surface and defined by a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and a cable lock disposed within the recess and including a housing that engages the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0154] Clause 2. The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the recess is further defined by a bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0155] Clause 3. The sole structure according to Clause 2, wherein the housing is in contact with the bottom wall.

[0156] Clause 4. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a first channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the first channel operable to receive a cable therein.

[0157] Clause 5. The sole structure according to Clause 4, further comprising a second channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the second channel operable to receive a cable therein.

[0158] Clause 6. The sole structure according to Clause 5, wherein the second channel extends transversely to the first channel.

[0159] Clause 7. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are (i) substantially planar, and (ii) diametrically opposed to each other.

[0160] Clause 8. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a protrusion extending from the first surface, a portion of the protrusion being formed by the recess and having a shape of the recess.

[0161] Clause 9. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is formed of a rigid material.

[0162] Clause 10. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the recess is disposed in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0163] Clause 11. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a ground engaging element extending from the first surface.

[0164] Clause 12. An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0165] Clause 13. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a plate including a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface, a recess formed in the second surface and defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a first channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the first channel extending away from the recess along an axis that is (i) substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall or (ii) substantially parallel to the first sidewall.

[0166] Clause 14. The sole structure according to Clause 13, wherein the recess is further defined by the bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0167] Clause 15. The sole structure according to Clause 14, further comprising a cable lock disposed within the recess and including a housing that engages the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0168] Clause 16. The sole structure according to Clause 15, further comprising a first cable element extending from the cable lock, the first cable element received by the first channel.

[0169] Clause 17. The sole structure according to Clause 16, further comprising a second cable element extending from the cable lock, the second cable element received by a second channel.

[0170] Clause 18. The sole structure according to Clause 17, wherein the second channel extends substantially perpendicular to the first channel.

[0171] Clause 19. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are (i) substantially planar and (ii) diametrically opposed to each other.

[0172] Clause 20. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a protrusion extending from the first surface, the protrusion formed by and having the shape of the recess.

[0173] Clause 21. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is formed of a rigid material.

[0174] Clause 22. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the recess is disposed in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0175] Clause 23. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a ground engaging element extending from the first surface.

[0176] Clause 24. An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses.

[0177] Clause 25. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a plate including a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface, a recess formed in the second surface and defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall, a first channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, a second channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, a third channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, and a fourth channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the fourth channel cooperating with the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the recess to provide a substantially H-shaped structure at the second surface.

[0178] Clause 26. The sole structure according to Clause 25, further comprising a cable lock disposed within the recess and including a housing that engages the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0179] Clause 27. The sole structure according to Clause 26, further comprising a first cable element extending from the cable lock, the first cable element received by the first channel and the second channel.

[0180] Clause 28. The sole structure according to Clause 27, further comprising a second cable element extending from the cable lock, the second cable element received by the third channel and the fourth channel.

[0181] Clause 29. The sole structure according to Clause 28, wherein the first channel and the second channel are (i) disposed on the same side of the recess and at opposite ends of one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0182] Clause 30. The sole structure according to Clause 29, wherein the third channel and the fourth channel are (i) disposed on the same side of the recess and at opposite ends of the other of the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

[0183] Clause 31. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are (i) substantially planar and (ii) diametrically opposed to each other.

[0184] Clause 32. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a protrusion extending from the first surface, the protrusion formed by the recess, the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel.

[0185] Clause 33. The sole structure according to Clause 32, wherein the protrusion comprises a substantially H-shape.

[0186] Clause 34. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is formed from a rigid material.

[0187] Clause 35. The sole structure according to any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the recess is disposed in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

[0188] Clause 36. The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a ground engaging element extending from the first surface.

[0189] Clause 37. An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses.

[0190] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Individual elements or features of a specific configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable with other configurations as appropriate, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may hold true for the description of functional implementations as described herein. Such flexibility of some elements of the present disclosure is meant to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure and the claims thereof, and is not meant to be unnecessarily constrained.

Claims

1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a plate including a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface; a recess formed in the second surface and defined by a first sidewall and a second sidewall; and a cable lock disposed within the recess and including a housing that engages the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and a protrusion extending from the first surface, a portion of the protrusion being formed by the recess and having a shape of the recess.

2. The sole structure of Claim 1, wherein, the recess is further defined by a bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

3. The sole structure of Claim 2, wherein, the housing is in contact with the bottom wall.

4. The sole structure of claim 1, further comprising a first channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the first channel being operable to receive a cable therein.

5. The sole structure of claim 4, further comprising a second channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the second channel being operable to receive a cable therein.

6. The sole structure of Claim 5, wherein, the second channel extends transverse to the first channel.

7. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are (i) substantially planar, and (ii) diametrically opposed to one another.

8. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein, the plate is formed of a rigid material.

9. The sole structure of claim 1, wherein, the recess is disposed in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

10. The sole structure of claim 1, further comprising a ground engaging element extending from the first surface.

11. An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of claim 1.

12. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a plate including a first surface defining a ground contact surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first surface; a recess formed in the second surface and defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall; and a first channel extending from and in fluid communication with the recess, the first channel extending away from the recess along an axis that is (i) substantially perpendicular to the first sidewall or (ii) substantially parallel to the first sidewall, and a protrusion extending from the first surface, the protrusion being formed by the recess and having a shape of the recess.

13. The sole structure of claim 12, wherein, the recess is further defined by a bottom wall extending between and connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

14. The sole structure of claim 13, further comprising a cable lock disposed within the recess and including a housing that engages the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

15. The sole structure of claim 14, further comprising a first cable element extending from the cable lock, the first cable element being received by the first channel.

16. The sole structure of claim 15, further comprising a second cable element extending from the cable lock, the second cable element being received by a second channel.

17. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein, the second channel extends substantially perpendicular to the first channel.

18. The sole structure of claim 12, wherein, the first sidewall and the second sidewall are (i) substantially planar, and (ii) diametrically opposed to one another.

19. The sole structure of claim 12, wherein, the plate is formed of a rigid material.

20. The sole structure of Claim 12, wherein, the recess is disposed in a midfoot region of the sole structure.

21. The sole structure of claim 12, further comprising a ground engaging element extending from the first surface.

22. An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of claim 12.

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