Dynamic lacing system

Abstract

A cord lock includes a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The cord lock further includes a locking member slidably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and including a first locking element opposite the first engagement surface and a second locking element opposite the second engagement surface. The first locking element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged parallel to the first series of teeth. The first locking element is operable to engage a first portion of the cord. The second locking element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged parallel to the first series of teeth of the second locking element. The second locking element is operable to engage a second portion of the cord.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application with an application date of October 2, 2020, application number 202080080721.1, and invention name “Dynamic Lacing System”.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The PCT international application related to this application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 061,623 filed on October 2, 2020, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 910,086 filed on October 3, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to articles of footwear having a dynamic lacing system for moving the footwear between a tightened condition and a loosened condition. Background Art

[0005] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0006] Articles of footwear generally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed of any suitable material to receive, secure and support the foot on the sole structure. The bottom of the upper, adjacent the underside of the foot, is attached to the sole structure. The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between an outsole that provides wear resistance and traction with the ground and a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper for providing cushioning for the foot.

[0007] The upper may be used in conjunction with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper to the foot. For example, the laces may be tightened to close the upper around the foot and tightened once the upper has achieved the desired fit around the foot. Each time the laces are tied, care is taken to ensure that the upper is not too loose or too tight around the foot. In addition, during the process of wearing the shoe, the laces may become undone or loose. Although fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners are easier and faster to operate than traditional laces, these fasteners have a tendency to wear over time and require more care to obtain the desired tension when securing the upper to the foot.

[0008] Known automatic tensioning systems typically include a tensioning mechanism, such as a rotatable knob, which can be operated to apply tension to one or more cables that interact with the upper to close the upper around the foot. Although these automatic tensioning systems can gradually increase the tension of one or more cables to achieve a desired fit of the upper around the foot, they require time-consuming operation of the tensioning mechanism to properly tension the cables to secure the upper around the foot. In addition, when it is necessary to remove the shoe from the foot, the wearer usually needs to simultaneously depress the release mechanism and pull the upper away from the foot to release the tension of the cables. Therefore, the known automatic tensioning systems lack suitable means to quickly adjust the tension of the cables to close the upper around the foot, and quickly release the tension applied to the cables so that the upper can be quickly loosened to remove the shoe from the foot. In addition, the tensioning mechanism used by these known automatic tensioning systems needs to be incorporated into the exterior of the upper so that the wearer can access the tensioning mechanism to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot, thereby reducing the overall appearance and aesthetics of the footwear article. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cord lock and cord according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the cord lock shown, illustrating the locking member and housing of the cord lock;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the housing of the cord lock is shown;

[0013] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 a top view of the cord lock shown showing the housing with the cover removed to reveal the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0014] Figure 4B yes Figure 1 a top view of the cord lock shown showing the housing with the cover removed to reveal the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in the unlocked position;

[0015] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 The cord lock shown along Figure 4A A cross-sectional view taken along section line 5A-5A of FIG. 1 , showing the interface between the locking member, the rope and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0016] Figure 5B is along Figure 4B The section line 5B-5B is taken Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the cord lock shown, illustrating the interface between the locking member, the cord and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0017] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a locking member of the cord lock shown;

[0018] Figures 7A-7C Shown is the formation Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The steps of locking the member shown;

[0019] Figure 8 is an exploded view of another cord lock according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0020] Fig.9A yes Figure 8 a top view of the cord lock, showing the housing with the cover removed to reveal the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0021] Fig. 9B yes Figure 8 a top view of the cord lock shown showing the housing with the cover removed to expose the locking member slidably disposed within the housing when the locking member is in the unlocked position;

[0022] Fig. 10A is along Fig.9A The section line 10A-10A is taken Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the cord lock, showing the interface between the locking member, the cord and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0023] Fig. 10B is along Fig. 9B The section line 10B-10B is taken Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the cord lock shown, illustrating the interface between the locking member, the cord and the housing when the locking member is in the locked position;

[0024] Fig.11 is a side perspective view of an article of footwear having a cord lock of the present disclosure incorporated into a sole structure of the article of footwear;

[0025] Fig.12 is a rear perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a cord lock of the present disclosure in the heel area;

[0026] Fig.13 is a rear perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a cord lock according to the present disclosure at a medial area of ​​the article of footwear; and

[0027] Fig.14 is a top view of an article of footwear having a cord lock according to the present disclosure incorporated on a tongue portion of the article of footwear.

[0028] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that the example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "consisting of", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive, and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0031] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0033] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cord lock. The cord lock includes a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface spaced apart from the first engagement surface. The cord lock also includes a locking member slidably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, and having a first locking element opposed to the first engagement surface to define a first locking channel and a second locking element opposed to the second engagement surface to define a second locking channel. The first locking element (i) includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth, and (ii) is operable to engage a first portion of a cord disposed in the first locking channel. The second locking element (i) includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth of the second locking element, and (ii) is operable to engage a second portion of a cord disposed in the second locking channel.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the locking member includes a bottom surface and a top surface formed on a side of the locking member opposite to the bottom surface, the first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element extending adjacent to the bottom surface, and the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element extending adjacent to the top surface. The first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element may be staggered with the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element, respectively. The first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element may include a first series of recesses formed between adjacent teeth of the first series of teeth, and each tooth of the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element is aligned with one of the recesses in the first series of recesses. The second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element may include a second series of recesses formed between adjacent teeth of the second series of teeth, and each tooth of the first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element is aligned with one of the recesses in the second series of recesses.

[0035] In some examples, the first locking element and the second locking element are both angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the locking member. The angle of inclination can range from 2 degrees to 12 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, the angle of inclination can range from 4 degrees to 8 degrees, or the angle of inclination can be 6 degrees. The first locking element can be parallel to the first engagement surface, and the second locking element can be parallel to the second engagement surface.

[0036] In some configurations, the rope has an inner side and an outer side formed on the opposite side of the inner side of the rope, and the distance from the inner side to the outer side defines the width of the rope. Here, the inner side can face the first locking element and the second locking element, and the outer side can face the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. The rope can have a top end and a bottom end, and the bottom end is arranged at the end of the rope opposite to the top end. The distance from the top end of the rope to the bottom end of the rope defines the height of the rope, which is less than the height of the first locking element and the second locking element. The height of the rope may be greater than the width of the rope. The inner side is substantially straight from the top end to the bottom end, and the outer side is substantially straight from the top end to the bottom end.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cord lock includes a bias spring that is operable to apply a bias force and bias the locking member toward a locked state. The cord lock may also include a release cord that is attached to the locking member and is operable to move the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state when a tension exceeding the bias force of the bias spring is applied to the release cord in an unlocking direction. Here, the release cord may be attached to the locking member at an end of the locking member opposite to the bias spring. An article of footwear may include the cord lock described above.

[0038] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a locking member for a cord lock. The locking member includes a first locking element extending in a direction from a first end of the locking member to a second end of the locking member. The first locking element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth parallel to the first series of teeth. The locking member also includes a second locking element extending in a direction from the first end of the locking member to the second end of the locking member and formed on a side of the locking member opposite to the first locking element. The second locking element includes a third series of teeth and a fourth series of teeth parallel to the third series of teeth.

[0039] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the locking member includes a bottom surface and a top surface, the top surface being formed on a side of the locking member opposite the bottom surface, the first series of teeth and the third series of teeth extending adjacent to the bottom surface, and the second series of teeth and the fourth series of teeth extending adjacent to the top surface. The first series of teeth may be staggered with the second series of teeth, and the third series of teeth may be staggered with the fourth series of teeth. The first series of teeth may define a first series of recesses, and the teeth of the second series of teeth are aligned with the first series of recesses. The third series of teeth may define a second series of recesses, and the teeth of the fourth series of teeth are aligned with the second series of recesses.

[0040] In some configurations, the first locking element and the second locking element are both at an angle of inclination to the longitudinal axis of the locking member. Here, the angle of inclination may range from 2 degrees to 12 degrees. Alternatively, the angle of inclination may range from 4 degrees to 8 degrees, or the angle of inclination may be 6 degrees. The article of footwear may include a locking member as described above.

[0041] Another aspect of the present disclosure demonstrates a method for forming a locking member. The method includes forming a locking member blank having a first thickness. The locking member blank includes (i) a first portion including a first locking element and a second locking element formed on a side of the first portion opposite to the first locking element, (ii) a second portion including a third locking element and a fourth locking element formed on a side of the second portion opposite to the third locking element, and (iii) an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion. The method also includes bending the locking member blank along the intermediate portion to fold the first portion onto the second portion. The first locking element and the third locking element are arranged parallel to each other, and the second locking element and the fourth locking element are arranged parallel to each other.

[0042] Embodiments of this aspect of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, forming the locking member blank includes forming each of the first locking element, the second locking element, the third locking element, and the fourth locking element with a series of teeth, each of which defines a corresponding series of recesses disposed between adjacent teeth. Here, bending the locking member blank may include aligning the series of teeth of the first locking element with the series of recesses of the third locking element, and aligning the series of teeth of the second locking element with the series of recesses of the fourth locking element.

[0043] In some examples, the method includes deburring the locking member blank. The locking member blank may be formed of metal. Optionally, the locking member blank may be formed of an aluminum alloy. Forming the locking member blank may include stamping the locking member blank in a progressive die.

[0044] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a fastening system 10 including a cord lock 100 and a cord 202 is shown. Generally, the cord lock 100 is configured to engage with the cord 202 to adjust and secure the fit of the article when the article is worn by a user. For example, the cord lock 100 and the cord 202 can be used as a fastening system for an article of footwear 1000 ( Figure 11-14 ) is a part of a tensioning system 200 in a wearer's footwear for dynamically adjusting and fixing the fit of a footwear article on a wearer's foot. In other examples, the cord lock 100 and the cord 202 can be used for other articles, such as vests, helmets, or other articles that require a dynamically adjustable fit.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 The cord lock 100 includes a housing 102 having a shell 104 and a cover 106, and a lock or locking member 108 disposed within the housing 102, the lock or locking member 108 being configured to selectively engage the cord 202. The cord lock 100 also includes a first biasing member 112 and a pair of second biasing members 114, the first biasing member 112 being configured to bias the locking member 108 toward an engaged or locked position, and the second biasing member 114 being configured to cooperate with the housing 104 to maintain the locking member 108 in a disengaged or unlocked position, as described below with reference to Figure 4B and 5B described.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the housing 104 defines a length extending between a first end 116 and a second end 118. The housing 104 includes a base 120 having an outer surface 122 and a cord receiving inner surface 124 formed on a side of the base 120 opposite the outer surface 122. A peripheral wall 126 extends from the inner surface 124 and cooperates with the base 120 and the cover 106 to define a main cavity 128 of the housing 102, which is configured to receive the cord 202 and the locking member 108. In the example shown, the peripheral wall 126 includes a pair of end walls 126a at each of the first end 116 and the second end 118, and an opposing pair of side walls 126b extending between the end walls 126a to define a generally rectangular housing 104.

[0047] The circumferential wall 126 may include a plurality of cord openings 130a, 130b formed therethrough for providing communication between the main cavity 128 and the exterior of the housing 102. In the illustrated example, the openings 130a, 130b include a first pair of openings 130a near the first end 116 for receiving the first end of the cord 202, and a second pair of openings 130b near the second end 118 for receiving the second end of the cord 202. Although the openings 130a, 130b of the illustrated example are shown as being formed through a corner of the housing 102, the openings 130a, 130b may be formed entirely in the end wall 126a or entirely in the side wall 126b.

[0048] Continuing with reference to the cord lock 100, the housing 104 includes a locking chamber 132 defined by an opposing pair of locking or engagement surfaces 134 that converge toward each other such that the locking chamber 132 is associated with a wedge-shaped structure that tapers from the first end 116 toward the second end 118 of the housing 104. Thus, the engagement surfaces 134 are defined by corresponding side walls of the housing 104 that converge toward each other and extend in a direction from the inner surface 124 of the base 120 to the cover 106 to define the locking chamber 132. As described in more detail below, the engagement surfaces 134 cooperate with the locking member 108 to secure the cord 202.

[0049] The housing 104 includes rope guides 110 extending from the inner surface 124 of the base 120. The rope guides 110 each include a guide surface 136 along which the rope 202 can pass from the locking chamber 132 to any opening 130b at the second end 118. In the example shown, the rope guides 110 are fixed members, formed integrally with the base 120. However, in other examples, the rope guides 110 may be formed separately from the housing 104 and / or may be rotatable.

[0050] refer to Figure 3 The housing 104 includes a pair of retaining features 138 for selectively engaging the locking member 108 and securing the locking member 108 in the unlocked position, such as Figure 4B and 5B As shown. The housing 104 may include two retention features 138 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 104, whereby the retention features 138 are biased inwardly toward the locking member 108. The retention features 138 are configured to be biased by the second biasing member 114. In the example shown, the retention features 138 each include a flexible tab 140 integrally formed with the housing 104, so that the retention features 138 act as a living hinge that can move between an engaged state and a disengaged state to allow the locking member 108 to pass therebetween. Thus, each tab 140 extends from a fixed first end 142 to a separated distal end 144 along a longitudinal axis A140. As shown, the distal end 144 of each tab 140 can partially define the path of the rope 202 between the locking chamber 132 and the opening 130a at the first end 116 of the housing 104. Thus, the distal end 144 may include a convex inner guide surface 146 along which the cord 202 passes between the locking chamber 132 and a corresponding one of the first openings 130a.

[0051] Each retention feature 138 also includes a protrusion 148 extending transversely from the distal end 144 of the tab 140 into the locking chamber 132. The width of the protrusion 148 can gradually decrease along the direction from the first end 116 to the second end 118, so that the protrusion 148 includes a retention surface 150 facing the first end 116 of the housing 104 and a biasing surface 152 formed on a side of the protrusion 148 opposite the retention surface 150. Each of the retention surface 150 and the biasing surface 152 can be formed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis A104 of the housing 104. However, the angle of the retention surface 150 relative to the longitudinal axis A104 can be greater than the angle of the biasing surface 152, so that the retention surface 150 is configured to provide greater resistance to movement of the locking member 108 toward the second end 118 (i.e., the locked state) than toward the first end 116 (i.e., the unlocked state). In the example shown, the protrusion 148 is spaced apart from the distal end 144 of the tab 140 and cooperates with the distal end 144 to define a track 154 or channel for guiding the tether 202 from the locking chamber 132 to one of the first openings 130a.

[0052] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the cord lock 100 includes a pair of second biasing members 114 configured to bias the distal end 144 of the tab 140, and thus the protrusion 148 of the retaining feature 138, inwardly toward the locking chamber 132. In the illustrated example, the biasing member 114 is a compression spring that applies a continuous biasing force FB to the distal end 144 of the tab 140. In other examples, the biasing force FB can be applied by other types of biasing members 114, such as an extension spring, a coil spring, or by forming the first end 142 of the tab 140 as a resilient living hinge.

[0053] The locking member 108 is slidably mounted within the locking chamber 132 of the housing 104. As described above, the locking member 108 is operable between a locked state and an unlocked state to selectively secure the tether 202 relative to the housing 104. Fig. 6A and 6B , the locking member 108 extends along the longitudinal axis A108 from the first end 156 to a second end 158 disposed at an opposite end of the first end 156. The locking member 108 also includes a bottom surface 160 and a top surface 162, the bottom surface 160 being configured to engage with the inner surface 124 of the base 120, and the top surface 162 being formed on a side of the locking member 108 opposite the bottom surface 160. The distance between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162 defines a thickness T108.

[0054] refer to Figures 6A-7B, a pair of locking elements 164 are formed between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162 on opposite sides of the locking member 108. Each locking element 164 extends from the first end 156 and the second end 158 of the locking member 108 along a respective longitudinal axis A164. As shown, the longitudinal axis A164 of each locking element 164 is at an inclined angle θ relative to the longitudinal axis A108 of the locking member 108. Therefore, in some examples, the locking elements 164 converge toward each other along the direction from the first end 156 to the second end 158, so that when the locking member 108 is disposed in the locking chamber 132, the locking elements 164 are parallel to and opposite to a corresponding one of the engagement surfaces 134 of the housing 104.

[0055] The angle θ of the locking element 164 is selected so that when a tensioning force FT is applied to the cord 202 to overcome the engagement force FE of the first biasing element 112, the cord 202 will move a sufficient portion of the tensioning force FT (eg, Figure 4A The angle θ is a function of the angle θ of the locking element 164 to transfer the tension force FT to the locking element 164. Thus, applying the tension force FT to the cord 202 will cause the locking member 108 to move along the longitudinal axis A104 of the housing 104, away from the first biasing element 112. If the angle θ is too large, the locking element 164 may cause the cord 202 to bind within the housing 104. However, too small an angle θ will allow the cord 202 to pass freely along the locking element 164 without transferring a necessary portion of the tension force FT to the locking element 108. The angle θ may range from 2 degrees to 12 degrees, and more specifically, from 4 degrees to 8 degrees. In one specific example, the angle θ is 6 degrees.

[0056] exist Figures 6A-7A , the locking element 164 includes a plurality of outwardly protruding teeth 166 configured to allow the rope 202 to move toward the first end 116 of the housing 104 while restricting the rope 202 from moving toward the second end 118 of the housing 104 by gripping the rope 202 when the locking member 108 is in the locked state. In the illustrated example, each tooth 166 includes a locking surface 168 facing the first end 156 of the locking member 108 and a trailing surface 170 facing the second end 158 of the locking member 108. Fig. 6A and 6B As best shown in FIG. 1 , the locking surface 168 and the trailing surface 170 of each tooth 166 intersect with each other to form a tip 172 of the tooth 166 , while the opposing (ie, facing) locking surfaces 168 and trailing surfaces 170 of adjacent teeth 166 cooperate to define a recess 174 between adjacent teeth 166 .

[0057] See also Figure 7C, the locking surface 168 and the trailing surface 170 may both form a certain angle relative to the longitudinal axis A164 of the locking element 164. As shown in the figure, the angle α of the locking surface 168 relative to the longitudinal axis A164 of the locking element 164 may be vertical or acute, so that when the locking member 108 is in the locked position ( Figure 4A and 5A ), the locking surface 168 will engage the rope 202 to prevent the rope 202 from moving in the slack direction DL. The angle β of the trailing surface 170 relative to the longitudinal axis A164 of the locking element 164 is an obtuse angle, so that the rope 202 can slide over the trailing surface 170 in the tensioning direction DT, regardless of whether the locking member 108 is in the locked position ( Figure 4A and 5A ) or the unlocked position ( Figure 4B and 5B ).

[0058] As described above, each locking element 164 extends along a longitudinal axis A164 that is parallel to the respective engagement surface 134 of the housing 104. Figures 4A-5B As shown, the tip 172 of the tooth 166 faces the engagement surface 134, wherein the space between the tip 172 of the tooth 166 and the engagement surface 134 defines a pair of locking channels 135. Therefore, the width W135 of the locking channel 135 is defined by the distance between the engagement surface 134 and the tip 172 of the tooth 166. In this way, when the locking member 108 is in the locked state ( Figure 4A and Figure 5A ) and unlocked state ( Figure 4B and Figure 5B ), the width W135 of the locking channel 135 is variable when the cord lock 100 moves between the second end 118 of the housing 104. Specifically, in the locked state, the cord lock 100 is configured such that the width W135 of the locking channel 135 is slightly less than the width W202 of the cord 202 to compress the cord 202 between the teeth 166 and the engagement surface 134. The movement of the locking member 108 can be limited in a direction toward the second end 118 of the housing 104 to maintain a minimum width W135. For example, a minimum width of one (1) millimeter may be suitable for a cord 202 having a width W202 greater than one (1) millimeter.

[0059] like Fig. 6A and 6BAs shown, each locking element 164 includes a lower first series 176a of teeth 166 and an upper second series 176b of teeth 166. In the example shown, the first series 176a extends along the lower portion of each locking element 164 adjacent to the bottom surface 160, and the second series 176b extends along the upper portion of the adjacent top surface 162 of the locking element 164, so that the first series 176a and the second series 176b are arranged in a stacked manner along each locking element 164. Therefore, although the first series 176a and the second series 176b can be described as extending in parallel, the first series 176a and the second series 176b do not have to be geometrically parallel to each other. For example, the first series 176a and the second series 176b can be parallel in a functional sense, but arranged at an oblique angle relative to each other.

[0060] In the example shown, the first series 176a and the second series 176b are immediately adjacent to each other. Thus, the first series 176a and the second series 176b cooperate to define a height H164 of the locking element 164 that is the same as the thickness T108 of the locking member 108. However, in other examples, the first series 176a and the second series 176b may be spaced apart from each other and / or from the respective surfaces 160, 162 of the locking member 108.

[0061] like Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the teeth 166 of the first series 176a of each locking element 164 are staggered or interleaved with the teeth 166 of the second series 176b of the corresponding locking element 164 in a direction extending along the length of the locking member 108, such that the tips 172 of the teeth 166 of the first series 176a are aligned with the recesses 174 of the second series 176b in a direction from the bottom surface 160 to the top surface 166. Likewise, the tips 172 of the teeth 166 of the second series 176b are aligned with the recesses 174 of the first series 176a in a direction from the bottom surface 160 to the top surface 162. Thus, the teeth 166 of one of the series 176a, 176b overhang the recesses of the other of the series 176a, 176b, and vice versa. As discussed in more detail below, this staggered configuration of teeth 166 and recesses 174 advantageously limits movement of cord 202 in a direction from bottom surface 160 to top surface 162 because the exposed edges of teeth 166 between bottom surface 160 and top surface 162 cooperate to engage or grip cord 202 .

[0062] Continue to refer Fig. 6A and Figure 6B, the first end 156 of the locking member 108 may include a tab portion 178 having a flared protrusion 180 extending outwardly therefrom, and a pair of detents 182 formed between the protrusion 180 and the locking element 164. Generally, the protrusion 180 includes a biasing surface 184 facing the first end 156 of the locking member 108 and a retaining surface 186 facing a direction opposite to the biasing surface 184. The retaining surface 186 defines a portion of the detent 182. The biasing surface 184 of the protrusion 180 is configured to engage with the biasing surface 152 of the retaining feature 138 so that when the locking member 108 moves toward the first end 116 of the housing 104, the protrusions 148 are separated from each other when the protrusion 180 passes between the protrusions 148. The retaining surface 186 of the protrusion 180 is configured to engage with the retaining surface 150 of the retaining feature 138 to secure the locking member 108 in the unlocked state, as shown. Figure 4B shown.

[0063] The locking member 108 may include a first hole 188 at the first end 156 formed through the thickness T108 of the locking member 108. In particular, the first hole 188 is formed through the tab portion 178 of the locking member 108 for attaching a release cord 190 of the cord lock 100. A second hole 192 is formed through the second end 158 of the locking member 108 and is configured for attaching the first biasing member 112 to the locking member 108. In the example shown, the second hole 192 is formed by a hook 194 disposed at the second end 158 of the locking member 108.

[0064] Reference Figures 7A-7C , showing the forming step of the locking member 108. Initially, as Fig. 7A As shown, the locking member 108 is formed as a locking member blank 109. The blank 109 includes a flat sheet of material that defines the features of the locking member 108 described above. In the initial stage, the blank 109 includes a first portion 195a formed at a first end of the blank 109, a second portion 195b formed at a second end of the blank 109, and an intermediate neck portion 195c disposed between and connecting the first portion 195a and the second portion 195b. The first portion 195a of the blank 109 includes the first series 176a of the teeth 166, the protrusion 180 and the pawl 182, the first portion of the first hole 188, and the hook 194. The second portion 195b of the blank 109 includes the second series 176b of the teeth 166 and the second portion of the first hole 188.

[0065] The blank 109 can be cut or stamped from a sheet of material. In some examples, the blank 109 is formed using a progressive die, where features (e.g., teeth 166, protrusions 180) are gradually formed in a series of stamping operations. The material of the blank is selected to impart the desired properties of durability, workability, and ductility. For example, a suitable material can withstand the bending steps associated with forming the locking member without breaking, but has sufficient hardness to minimize degradation of the features 166, 180 after a period of use. Aluminum alloys, such as AL5052, are examples of suitable materials.

[0066] The thickness of the material is half of the final thickness T108 of the locking member 108, so that when the first portion 195a is folded onto the second portion 195b, the thickness T108 of the locking member 108 can be obtained. After the blank 109 is formed, the blank 109 can be processed by a deburring and finishing step, in which the blank 109 is processed to improve the surface finish and remove excess material. Suitable processes for deburring and finishing can include grinding and / or chemical processes, such as sandblasting, vibration or tumbling finishing, sanding, filing, chemical treatment, etc.

[0067] In another step, Figure 7B As shown, the locking member blank 109 can be processed into the locking member 108 by one or more operations. For example, the blank 109 can be processed by one or more processing techniques to apply chamfers or rounded edges. Figure 7B As shown, the peripheral edge 189 of the first hole 188 can be machined to provide a transition between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162 and the first hole 188. The transition can be embodied as a radius or a chamfer.

[0068] The blank 109 may also be processed by one or more bending steps to transform the blank 109 from a flat material into a folded locking member 108. In one bending step B1, the first portion 195a of the blank 109 and the second portion 195b of the blank 109 are folded relative to each other by bending the blank 109 along the intermediate neck 195c. As described above, when the first portion 195a is folded onto the second portion 195b, the first series 176a of teeth 166 formed on the first portion 195a are staggered or offset relative to the second series 176b of teeth 166 formed on the second portion 195b, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C As shown. Thus, the recesses 174 of the first portion 195a overlap the teeth 166 of the second portion 195b, and vice versa. In addition, the first portion of the first hole 188 formed in the first portion 195a of the blank 109 is aligned with the second portion of the first hole 188 formed in the second portion 195b of the blank 109 to define a continuous hole 188 extending through the thickness T108 of the locking member 108.

[0069] In another bending step B2, the hook 194 formed on the first portion 195a of the blank 109 may be bent away from the bottom surface 160 of the locking member 108. Thus, the second end 158 of the locking member 108 formed by the distal end of the hook 194 is located between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162.

[0070] Reference again Figures 4A-5B , the locking member 108 includes a first biasing member 112 attached to the second end 158 and a release cord 190 attached to the first end 156. As shown, the first biasing member 112 is a tension spring having a first end attached to the second end 158 of the locking member 108 and a second end attached to the second end 118 of the housing 104. Thus, the first biasing member 112 is configured to apply a continuous engagement force FE to the locking member 108 to bias the locking member 108 toward the locked state. In some examples, the second end 158 of the locking member 108 is substantially located at the center between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162, so that the engagement force FE applied to the second end 158 of the locking member 108 by the first biasing member 112 is also located at the center between the bottom surface 160 and the top surface 162. Thus, the biasing force FE extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A108 of the locking member 108.

[0071] In contrast, the release cord 190 is connected to the tab portion 178 at the first end 156 of the locking member 108 and is configured to transmit the selectively applied release force FR to the first end 156 of the locking member 108. As described above and below and Figure 4B and Figure 5B As shown, when the release force FR is greater than the engagement force FE, the locking member 108 will move from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0072] Reference Figure 2, cord 202 includes a control portion 204 extending from a first opening 130a formed near first end 116, a fastening portion 206 extending from a second opening 130b, and a locking portion 208 extending between control portion 204 and fastening portion 206. Control portion 204 is configured to have a tensioning force FT applied thereto to move cord 202 in a tensioning direction DT. When incorporated into article of footwear 1000, control portion 204 may be disposed on article of footwear 1000 so that a user may easily grasp control portion 204 to pull cord 202 in the tensioning direction DT. Fastening portion 206 is configured to cooperate with the tracking system to tension article of footwear 1000 when tensioning force FT is applied to control portion 204. Conversely, fastening portion 206 is also configured to have a slack force FL applied thereto to move cord 202 in a slack direction DL. The locking portion 208 is disposed within the housing 104 and is configured to engage with the locking member 108 to secure the position of the tether 202 relative to the housing 104 .

[0073] In some examples, each of the control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206 may be referred to as including a first section 210a, 212a and a second section 210b, 212b. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control portion 204 may include a first control section 210a extending from one of the first openings 130a to a first end 211a and a second control section 210b extending from another of the first openings 130a to a second end 211b. Similar to the control portion 204, the fastening portion 206 may include a first fastening section 212a extending from one of the second openings 130b to a first end 213a and a second fastening section 212b extending from another of the first openings 130a to a second end 213b.

[0074] The first sections 210a, 212a may be connected to the respective second sections 210b, 212b so that the control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206 each form a continuous length of rope 202 extending between the openings 130a, 130b. For example, the ends 211a, 211b of the sections 210a, 210b of the control portion 204 and / or the ends 213a, 213b of the sections 212a, 212b of the fastening portion 206 may be connected to each other to form a continuous loop. Alternatively, at least one of the control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206 may include separate first sections 210a, 212a and second sections 210b, 212b. For example, the ends 211a, 211b of the control portion 204 and / or the ends 213a, 213b of the fastening portion 206 may be separated from each other and independently attached to the article of footwear 1000.

[0075] The locking portion 208 may also include a first locking section 214a and a second locking section 214b. The first control section 210a is connected to the first fastening section 212a by the first locking section 214a, and the second control section 210b is connected to the second fastening section 212b by the second locking section 214b. Each of the first locking section 214a and the second locking section 214b is formed as a locking element 216 that engages with the locking element 164 of the locking member 108 to fix the position of the rope 202 within the housing 104. As described in more detail below, when in the locked position, the locking element 216 of the rope 202 is formed into sections 214a, 214b by the teeth 166 and recesses 174 of the locking element 164 of the locking member 108. Figure 2 The resulting configuration of the segments 214a, 214b when engaged by the teeth 166 and the recesses 174 is shown.

[0076] While the overall length of cord 202 remains constant, the effective lengths of control portion 204 and fastening portion 206 of cord 202 depend on the position of cord 202 relative to cord lock 100. For example, when control portion 204 is pulled and cord 202 moves through cord lock 100 in tensioning direction DT, the effective length of control portion 204 will increase, and the effective length of fastening portion 206 will decrease. Conversely, when fastening portion 206 is pulled and cord 202 moves through cord lock 100 in loosening direction DL, the effective length of fastening portion 206 will increase to loosen article of footwear 1000, and the effective length of control portion 204 will decrease. As described above, locking portion 208 refers to the portion of cord 202 that is contained within cord lock 100, regardless of the position of cord 202. Therefore, the effective lengths of control portion 204, fastening portion 206, and locking portion 208 are not fixed portions of cord 202 itself, but depend on the position of cord 202 relative to cord lock 100.

[0077] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , at least a portion of the rope 202 may be implemented as a "flat" rope, wherein the height H202 of the rope 202 is greater than the width W202 of the rope 202. Here, the rope 202 includes a top end 218a and a bottom end 218b, the bottom end 218b being formed at an end of the rope 202 opposite to the top end 218a. The rope 202 also includes an inner side 220a and an outer side 220b, the outer side 220b being formed at a side of the rope 202 opposite to the inner side 220a. The distance between the ends 218a, 218b defines the height H202 of the rope 202, while the distance between the sides 220a, 220b defines the width W202 of the rope 202.

[0078] In the example shown, the sides 220a, 220b of the cord 202 are substantially straight from the top end 218a to the bottom end 218b, thereby providing a substantially flat shape to the cord 202. Although the entire cord 202 is shown as comprising a substantially flat shape with a height H202 greater than a width W202, in some examples, one or more of the portions 204, 206, 208 may have a circular or arcuate cross-sectional shape while other portions of the portions 204, 206, 208. For example, the locking portion 208 may be formed as a flat shape while the control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206 are circular or arcuate.

[0079] Providing the cord 202, or at least the locking portion 208 of the cord 202, with a relatively flat shape having a height H202 greater than a width W202, can provide a number of benefits. For example, since the sides 220a, 220b of the cord 202 are maintained in facing contact with the engagement surface 134 and the locking element 164, it is easier to maintain proper tracking of the flat cord 202 through the housing 104, and particularly through the locking channel 135. Additionally, minimizing the width W202 of the cord 202 thus minimizes the distance the locking member 108 must be moved to move the cord lock 100 to the unlocked state, since the width W135 of the locking channel 135 only needs to be greater than the width W202 of the cord 202 to allow the cord 202 to move through the cord lock 100.

[0080] In the example shown, the locking element 216 of the cord 202 includes a plurality of ripples 222 formed by the teeth 166 and the recesses 174 along the length of the locking portion 208 of the cord 202. Here, the thickness or width W202 of the cord 202 is substantially constant along the length of the locking portion 208, so that the cord 202 has a wavy profile. Therefore, the opposite sides 220a, 220b of the cord 202 are substantially parallel to each other. Here, the cord 202 has a beaded profile including a series of alternating wider and narrower portions, whereby the wider portion is generated by the teeth 166 stretching the cord 202 at the wider portion, thereby fixing the position of the cord 202 relative to the housing 104 when the cord lock 100 is in the locked position. In particular, the wavy portion 222 forms an alternating series of peaks 224 and valleys 226 along the locking element 216, which cooperate with the teeth 166 of the locking member 108 to fix the cord 202.

[0081] Continue to refer Figure 5A and 5B, at least the height H202 of the locking portion 208 of the cord 202 is less than the height H164 of the locking element 164, so the top and bottom ends 218a, 218b of the cord 202 are respectively spaced inwardly from the top surface 162 and the bottom surface 160 of the locking member 108. By forming the cord 202 or at least the locking portion 208 of the cord 202 to have a height H202 that is less than the height of the locking element 164, the ends 218a, 218b of the cord 202 are retained within the locking chamber 132 and are less likely to rub against the inner surface 124 or the cover 106.

[0082] In addition to making the height H202 of the rope 202 less than the height H202 of the locking element 164, the vertical position of the locking portion 208 is maintained within the locking chamber 132 by the offset between the first series 176a and the second series 176b. Figure 5A As shown, with the tips 172 of the upper second series 176b of teeth 166 overhanging the recesses 174 of the lower first series 176a of teeth 166, the exposed lower edge of each tooth 166 of the upper second series of teeth 176b will grip the middle portion of the inner side 220a of the rope 202 to restrict movement of the rope 202 toward the top surface 162 of the locking member 108. Similarly, the exposed upper edges of the teeth 166 of the lower first series 176a will grip the middle portion of the inner side 220a of the rope 202 to restrict movement of the rope 202 toward the bottom surface 160 of the locking member 108.

[0083] Rope 202 may be formed of one or more fibers. For example, the fibers may include polyethylene fibers. Additionally or alternatively, rope 202 may be formed of molded monofilament polymers and / or braided steel with or without other lubricating coatings. In some examples, rope 202 includes multiple strands of material braided together.

[0084] Figure 4A and Figure 5A A view of the cord lock 100 is provided with the cover 106 removed to show the locking member 108 disposed within the locking chamber 132 of the housing 104 when in a locked state. In some examples, the locking member 108 is biased into the locked state by the first biasing member 112. For example, Figure 4A and 5AThe first biasing member 112 is shown exerting an engagement force FE on the locking member 108 to push the second end 158 of the locking member 108 toward the second end 118 of the housing 104, thereby biasing the locking member 108 to the locked state. When in the locked state, the locking member 108 restricts movement of the cord 202 relative to the housing 104 by sandwiching the locking segments 214a, 214b of the cord 202 between the engagement surface 134 of the housing 104 and the locking element 164 of the locking member 108. Thus, when a slack force FL is applied to the fastening portion 206, the locked state of the locking member 108 restricts movement of the cord 202 in a slack direction DL. In the example shown, when a tensioning force FT is applied to the cord 202, the locking member 108 allows the cord 202 to move because, due to the wedge shape of the locking member 108, this direction causes the cord 202 to exert a force on the locking member 108, thereby moving the locking member 108 toward the unlocked state. Once the force applied to the cord 202 is released due to the force applied by the biasing member 112 on the locking member 108, the locking member 108 automatically returns to the locked state.

[0085] Figure 4B and 5B A view of the cord lock 100 is provided with the cover 106 removed to show that the locking member 108 is disposed within the locking chamber 132 of the housing 104 while in the unlocked position. In some examples, a release cord 190 attached to the tab portion 178 of the locking member 108 exerts a release force FR on the locking member 108 to move the locking member 108 away from the engagement surface 134. Here, the release force FR is sufficient to overcome the engagement force FE of the first biasing member 112 to allow the locking member 108 to move relative to the housing 104 so that the engagement between the locking segments 214a, 214b of the cord 202 and the engagement surface 134 is released. In some examples, when the release force FR applied by the release cord 190 is removed, the engagement force FE causes the locking member 108 to transition back to the locked position.

[0086] In the unlocked state, the locking member 108 allows the cord 202 to move relative to the housing 104 by allowing the locking segments 214a, 214b of the cord 202 to move freely between the corresponding locking elements 164 and the engagement surface 134. The unlocked state of the locking member 108 allows the cord 202 to move in the tensioning direction DT and the slack direction DL when the tensioning forces FT, FL are applied to the control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206, respectively. The movement of the cord 202 in the tensioning direction DT causes the effective length of the fastening portion 206 to decrease to move the footwear article 1000 to a tensioned state around the foot, while the movement of the cord 202 in the slack direction DL allows the effective length of the fastening portion 206 to convert the footwear article 1000 from the tightened state to the slack state so that the foot can be removed.

[0087] In some examples, a release force FR of sufficient magnitude and / or duration applied to the release cord 190 causes the release cord 190 to apply a release force FR on the locking member 108 in a direction opposite to the engagement force FE, causing the locking member 108 to move away from the engagement surface 134 relative to the housing 104 and toward the first end 116 of the housing 104. Figure 4B As shown, when the release force FR moves the locking member 108 away from the engagement surface 134 of the housing 104 by a predetermined distance, the at least one retaining feature 138 of the housing 104 can engage the pawl 182 of the locking member 108. Here, once the release force FR is released, the engagement between the pawl 182 of the locking member 108 and the at least one retaining feature 138 of the housing 104 holds the locking member 108 in the unlocked position. After the locking member 108 moves the predetermined distance and the release force FR is no longer applied, the engagement force FE of the first biasing member 112 and the force applied to the retaining feature 138 by the pair of second biasing members 114 locks the protrusion 148 of the retaining feature 138 into engagement with the pawl 182 of the locking member 108.

[0088] In some scenarios, a release force FR associated with the first magnitude may be applied to release cord 190 to move locking member 108 away from engagement surface 134 by a distance less than a predetermined distance so that retention feature 138 does not engage. In these scenarios, when it is desired to move cord 202 in a slack direction DL (e.g., by applying a slack force FL to fastening portion 206) or a tensioning direction DT (e.g., by applying a tensioning force FT to control portion 204) to adjust the fit of article of footwear 1000 around the foot, the release force FR associated with the first magnitude may be maintained. Once the desired fit of article of footwear 1000 around the foot is achieved, release force FR may be released to transition locking member 108 back to the locked position so that movement of cord 202 is restricted in the slack direction DL and the desired fit may be maintained. It should be noted that cord 202 may move in the tensioning direction DT even when locking member 108 is in the locked position. As such, once the slack force FL is released and the desired fit is achieved, the locking member 108 automatically maintains the desired fit via the position of the locking tether 202 relative to the housing 104 .

[0089] In other scenarios, a release force FR associated with a second magnitude greater than the first magnitude may be applied to the release cord 190 to move the locking member 108 away from the engagement surface 134 by a predetermined distance, thereby engaging the corresponding retention feature 138 with the pawl 182. The engagement of the retention feature 138 is facilitated by providing the protrusion 148 of the retention feature 138 with a tapered biasing surface 152 opposite the locking member 108 to allow the locking member 108 to more easily move the retention feature 138 against the biasing force FB applied thereto by the second biasing member 114 when the release cord 190 is pulled the predetermined distance. In these scenarios, when the release force FR is released, the engagement between the corresponding retention feature 138 and the pawl 182 holds the locking member 108 in the unlocked position.

[0090] When a tensioning force FT is applied to the control portion 204, the locking member 108 returns to the locked position. That is, when the tensioning force FT is applied to the control portion 204, the first control section 210a and the second control section 210b are in a tensioned state, which exerts a force on the second biasing member 114 via the distal end 144 of the tab 140 of the retaining feature 138 as the first control section 210a and the second control section 210b pass through the first opening 130a. In this way, the distal end 144 of the retaining feature 138 compresses the second biasing member 114 and causes the protrusions 148 of the retaining feature 138 to move away from each other. Therefore, the retaining feature 138 disengages the pawl 182 of the locking member 108, allowing the first biasing member 112 to return the locking member 108 to the locked position.

[0091] Special References Figure 8-10B , showing the locking device 100a and rope 202 of the tensioning system 10a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the tensioning system 10a relative to the tensioning system 10, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components, while like reference numerals including letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0092] exist Figure 8-10B In the example, the housing 104 and the rope 202 are Figure 1-7C Here, the locking member 108a is formed as a single body. Thus, as described above, rather than being formed in a multi-step process in which the first and second parts are folded over each other, the locking member 108a can be formed in a single step by stamping or cutting the locking member 108a from a material having a thickness corresponding to the desired thickness T108a of the locking member 108.

[0093] The locking member 108a is formed by a single-step process, and each locking element 164a is formed with a series of teeth 166a. Therefore, each tooth 166a can extend continuously along the direction from the bottom surface 160 of the locking member 108a to the top surface 162 of the locking member 108a to define the height H164a of each locking element 164a. In the example shown, the height H164a of each locking element 164 is the same as the thickness T108a of the locking member, so that each tooth 166a extends continuously from the bottom surface 160 to the top surface 162. As in the previous example, the height H164a of the locking element 164a is greater than the height H202 of the rope 202. Therefore, the top end 218a and the bottom end 218b of the rope 202 are spaced inward from the top surface 162 and the bottom surface 160 of the locking member 108a.

[0094] refer to Figure 11-14 , shows examples of articles of footwear 1000-1000c that include a locking device 100 and a tensioning system 200. Each article of footwear includes an upper 1002 and a sole structure 1004, 1004a attached to the bottom of the upper. Fig.11 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the locking device 100, 100a is arranged in the sole structure 1004 so that the rope 202 and the release rope 190 pass through the sole structure 1004 to the outer surface of the upper 1002. The rope lock 100 can be arranged in other positions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the position of the rope lock 100 can be under the foot and can be transferred from the midfoot area to either the forefoot area or the heel area. In other configurations, such as Figure 12-14 As shown, the cord lock 100 can be disposed at any suitable position on the outer surface of the upper 1002, such as along the heel area of ​​the upper 1002. Fig.12 and 13 As shown, either on the top of the foot on the upper 1002 (e.g., above the instep) or as shown Fig.14 The tongue portion is shown. In other configurations, the cord lock 100 can be disposed within the interior space of the upper 1002 and between the inner surface of the strobel and the embedded midsole.

[0095] The control portion 204 and the fastening portion 206 are both arranged along the upper 1002 through a series of rope guides or conduits 1006, which are arranged along the upper 1002 to distribute the tensioning force FT along the upper 1002 when the tensioning force FT is applied to the control portion 204. The routes of the control portion 204, the fastening portion 206 and the release cord 190 can be adapted to accommodate changes in the position of the cord lock 100 so that the upper 1002 can be moved between a relaxed state and a tensioned state. The channel surrounding the second end of the release cord 190 can be provided on the outside or inside of the upper 1002, or at any other suitable location.

[0096] As described above, the cord lock 100, 100a can be operated between a locked state that restricts the movement of the cord 202 in the slack direction DL and an unlocked state that allows the cord 202 to move in the slack direction DL and the tension direction DT. In some embodiments, when the cord lock 100, 100a is in the locked state, the cord lock 100, 100a allows the cord 202 to move in the tension direction DT. This arrangement allows the cord 202 to move in the tension direction DT each time the tensioning force FT is applied to the control portion 204, while limiting movement in the tensioning direction DT or the slack direction DL when the tensioning force FT is released. In this way, the footwear articles 1000-1000c can be gradually tightened around the foot until the desired fit is achieved. In these embodiments, the cord lock 100, 100a must be converted from the locked state to the unlocked state to allow the cord 202 to move in the slack direction DL when the slack force FL is applied to the fastening portion 206. In other words, unless the cord lock 100 is in the unlocked state, when the slack force FL is applied to the fastening portion 206, the cord 202 is restricted from moving in the slack direction DL.

[0097] When tensioning force FT is applied to control portion 204 to pull control portion 204 away from upper 1100 to tighten cord guide 412, cord 202 may move along tensioning direction DT, thereby moving upper 1100 to a tensioned state. For example, once a foot is received by article of footwear 1000-1000c and supported on sole structure 1004, 1004a, upper 1002 may be automatically tightened by applying tensioning force FT to control portion 204 to ensure a snug fit around the foot, without the need to manually tie shoelaces or manually tighten other fasteners to tighten upper 1002. Here, movement of cord 202 in tensioning direction DT causes the effective length of control portion 204 to increase, while the effective length of fastening portion 206 to decrease. The reduction in the effective length of the fastening portion 206 is operable to tension the upper 1002 around the foot so that the foot is secured within the article of footwear 1000-1000c while supported on the sole structure 1004, 1004a. That is, reducing the effective length of the fastening portion 206 places tension on the rope guides 1006, thereby causing the rope guides 1006 to be pulled toward each other and tension the upper 1002 around the foot.

[0098] In some examples, the desired fit of interior void 1102 around the foot may be adjusted based on the amount of tensioning force FT applied to control portion 204. For example, increasing the amount of tensioning force FT may move cord 202 further in tensioning direction DT, such that the tightening of cord guide 1006 along upper 1002 is increased to achieve a tighter fit around the foot. Additionally or alternatively, the fit of article of footwear 1000-1000c around the foot may be adjusted based on the duration of tensioning force FT applied to control portion 204. For example, tensioning force FT applied to control portion 204 for a longer duration may cause cord 202 to move a greater distance in tensioning direction DT to achieve a tighter fit of interior void 1102 around the foot.

[0099] In the example shown, the rope 202 can be indirectly moved in the slackening direction DL by pulling the slackening handle 1008 attached to the tongue portion of the upper 1002. For example, when the slackening force FL is applied to the slackening handle 1008, the tongue portion is pulled in a direction away from the upper 1002 to expand the inner cavity of the upper 1002. As the tongue portion is pulled away from the upper 1002, the rope guides 1006 are pulled apart from each other, and the effective length of the fastening portion 206 is increased. When the slackening force FL is released from the slackening handle 1008, the upper 1002 can be moved to a relaxed state, whereby the increased effective length of the fastening portion 206 allows the upper 1002 to be expanded to put on or take off the shoe 1000. In other examples, the slackening force FL can be directly applied to the fastening portion 206 to increase the effective length of the fastening portion 206. For example, the fastening portion 206 can include one or more pull tabs that the user can grasp to apply the slackening force FL.

[0100] Therefore, the footwear 1000 can be put on and taken off without untying the shoelaces or loosening one or more fasteners to loosen the upper 1002. In particular, as the cord 202 moves in the slackening direction DL, the effective length of the fastening portion 206 of the cord 202 increases as the effective length of the control portion 204 decreases. Here, the increase in the effective length of the fastening portion 206 allows the cord guides 1006 to move away from each other to facilitate the transition of the upper 1002 from the fastened state to the loosened state so that the foot can be removed.

[0101] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations of articles of footwear, cord locks, and methods according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0102] Item 1: A cord lock comprising a housing, the housing comprising a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface spaced apart from the first engagement surface, and a locking member slidably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the locking member comprising a first locking element opposed to the first engagement surface to define a first locking channel, and a second locking element opposed to the second engagement surface to define a second locking channel, the first locking element (i) comprising a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged parallel to the first series of teeth of the second locking element, and (ii) operably engaging a first portion of a cord disposed within the first locking channel, and the second locking element (i) comprising a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged parallel to the first series of teeth of the second locking element, and (ii) operably engaging a second portion of a cord disposed within the second locking channel.

[0103] Clause 2: A cord lock according to Clause 1, wherein the locking member includes a bottom surface and a top surface, the top surface is formed on a side of the locking member opposite to the bottom surface, a first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element extend adjacent to the bottom surface, and a second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element extend adjacent to the top surface.

[0104] Clause 3: The cord lock of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element are interleaved with the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element, respectively.

[0105] Clause 4: A cord lock according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element include a first series of recesses formed between adjacent teeth of the first series of teeth, and each tooth of the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element is aligned with one of the recesses in the first series of recesses.

[0106] Clause 5: The cord lock of clause 4, wherein the second series of teeth of the first locking element and the second locking element include a second series of recesses formed between adjacent teeth of the second series of teeth, each tooth of the first series of teeth being aligned with one of the recesses of the second series of recesses.

[0107] Clause 6: The cord lock of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element each form an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the locking member.

[0108] Clause 7: The cord lock according to Clause 6, wherein the inclination angle ranges from 2 degrees to 12 degrees.

[0109] Clause 8: The cord lock according to Clause 6, wherein the inclination angle ranges from 4 degrees to 8 degrees.

[0110] Clause 9: The cord lock according to Clause 6, wherein the inclination angle is 6 degrees.

[0111] Clause 10: The cord lock of clause 6, wherein the first locking element is parallel to the first engagement surface and the second locking element is parallel to the second engagement surface.

[0112] Clause 11: The cord lock according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cord has an inner side and an outer side, the outer side being formed on opposite sides of the inner side of the cord, the distance between the inner side and the outer side defining the width of the cord.

[0113] Clause 12: The cord lock of clause 11, wherein the inner side faces the first locking element and the second locking element, and the outer side faces the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

[0114] Clause 13: The rope lock according to clause 12, wherein the rope has a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end is arranged at the opposite end of the top end of the rope, the distance from the top end to the bottom end defines the height of the rope, and the height of the rope is less than the height of the first locking element and the second locking element.

[0115] Clause 14: The cord lock of clause 13, wherein the height of the cord is greater than the width of the cord.

[0116] Clause 15: The cord lock of clause 13, wherein the inner side is substantially straight from the top end to the bottom end, and the outer side is substantially straight from the top end to the bottom end.

[0117] Clause 16: The cord lock of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a biasing spring operable to apply a biasing force and bias the locking member toward a locked state.

[0118] Clause 17: The cord lock according to Clause 16, further comprising a release cord attached to the locking member, the release cord being operable to move the locking member from a locked state to an unlocked state when a tension exceeding the biasing force of the biasing spring is applied to the release cord in an unlocking direction.

[0119] Clause 18: The cord lock of clause 17, wherein the release cord is attached to the locking member at an end of the locking member opposite the biasing spring.

[0120] Clause 19: An article of footwear comprising a cord lock according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0121] Item 20: A locking member for a cord lock, the locking member comprising a first locking element, the first locking element extending in a direction from a first end of the locking member to a second end of the locking member, the first locking element comprising a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth parallel to the first series of teeth, and a second locking element, the second locking element extending in a direction from the first end of the locking member to the second end of the locking member and formed on a side of the locking member opposite to the first locking element, the second locking element comprising a third series of teeth and a fourth series of teeth parallel to the third series of teeth.

[0122] Clause 21: The locking member according to clause 20 further includes a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein the top surface is formed on a side of the locking member opposite to the bottom surface, the first series of teeth and the third series of teeth extend to the vicinity of the bottom surface, and the second series of teeth and the fourth series of teeth extend to the vicinity of the top surface.

[0123] Clause 22: A locking member as recited in any preceding clause, wherein the first series of teeth are interleaved with the second series of teeth, and the third series of teeth are interleaved with the fourth series of teeth.

[0124] Clause 23: A locking member as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first series of teeth defines a first series of recesses, the teeth of the second series of teeth being aligned with the first series of recesses.

[0125] Clause 24: A locking member as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the third series of teeth defines a second series of recesses, the teeth of the fourth series of teeth being aligned with the second series of recesses.

[0126] Clause 25: A locking member according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first locking element and the second locking element each form an oblique angle with a longitudinal axis of the locking member.

[0127] Clause 26: The locking member of clause 25, wherein the angle of inclination ranges from 2 degrees to 12 degrees.

[0128] Clause 27: The locking member of clause 25, wherein the angle of inclination is in the range of 4 to 8 degrees.

[0129] Clause 28: The locking member of clause 25, wherein the angle of inclination is 6 degrees.

[0130] Clause 29: An article of footwear comprising a locking member according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0131] Item 30: A method of forming a locking member, the method comprising forming a locking member blank having a first thickness, the locking member blank comprising (i) a first portion, the first portion comprising a first locking element and a second locking element, the second locking element being formed on a side of the first portion opposite to the first locking element, (ii) a second portion, the second portion comprising a third locking element and a fourth locking element, the fourth locking element being formed on a side of the second portion opposite to the third locking element, and (iii) an intermediate portion connecting the first portion and the second portion, and bending the locking member blank along the intermediate portion to fold the first portion onto the second portion, the first locking element and the third locking element being arranged parallel to each other, and the second locking element and the fourth locking element being arranged parallel to each other.

[0132] Clause 31: A method according to clause 30, wherein forming the locking member blank includes forming each of the first locking element, the second locking element, the third locking element and the fourth locking element having a series of teeth, each of the series of teeth defining a corresponding series of recesses disposed between adjacent teeth.

[0133] Clause 32: The method of clause 31, wherein bending the locking member blank comprises aligning a series of teeth of the first locking element with a series of recesses of the third locking element, and aligning a series of teeth of the second locking element with a series of recesses of the fourth locking element.

[0134] Clause 33: The method of any preceding clause, further comprising deburring the locking member blank.

[0135] Clause 34: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the locking member blank is made of metal.

[0136] Clause 35: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the locking member blank is made of an aluminum alloy.

[0137] Clause 36: The method of any preceding clause, wherein forming the locking member blank comprises stamping the locking member blank in a progressive die.

[0138] The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A locking system, comprising: Cord lock, including: a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface spaced apart from the first engagement surface; a locking member slidably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface; one or more locking elements forming part of the locking member, opposing at least one of the first engagement surface or the second engagement surface to define a locking channel, the one or more locking elements comprising a series of teeth and a series of recesses separating adjacent teeth; and A rope comprising one or more locking sections having a series of corrugations aligned with the teeth of the series of teeth, wherein the rope has a substantially flat shape having a height and a width, wherein the height of the rope is greater than the width of the rope.

2. The locking system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more locking elements include a first locking element including a first series of teeth and a first series of recesses separating adjacent teeth of the first series of teeth, and a second locking element including a second series of teeth and a second series of recesses separating adjacent teeth of the second series of teeth.

3. The lock system according to claim 1, wherein: The rope has a rectangular cross-section.

4. The lock system according to claim 2, wherein: The first locking element also includes a third series of teeth and a third series of recesses separating adjacent teeth of the third series of teeth, the third series of teeth being arranged parallel to the first series of teeth, and the teeth of the first series of teeth being aligned with corresponding recesses of the third series of recesses, and the teeth of the third series of teeth being aligned with corresponding recesses of the first series of recesses.

5. The lock system according to claim 2, wherein: The second locking element includes a fourth series of teeth and a fourth series of recesses separating adjacent teeth of the fourth series of teeth, the fourth series of teeth being arranged parallel to the second series of teeth.

6. The locking system according to claim 5, wherein: The teeth of the second series of teeth are staggered with the teeth of the fourth series of teeth.

7. The lock system according to claim 5, wherein: The teeth of the second series of teeth are aligned with corresponding recesses of the fourth series of recesses, and the teeth of the fourth series of teeth are aligned with corresponding recesses of the second series of recesses.

8. The lock system of claim 1, wherein: The series of corrugations define a series of peaks and troughs alternating along the length of the respective locking segments, and in a locked state, the teeth of the series of teeth are received within respective troughs of the series of peaks and troughs to restrict movement of the rope relative to the housing.

9. The lock system according to claim 1, wherein: The rope also includes: a first side extending along the height of the rope; a second side opposite the first side extending along the width of the rope; first end; and a second end opposite to the first end, Wherein the first side and the second side are substantially straight from the first end to the second end.

10. The locking system of claim 9, wherein: The cord lock also includes: One or more rope guides extend from the inner surface of the housing, wherein the first side of the rope directly contacts the one or more rope guides.

11. The lock system according to claim 9, wherein: The series of corrugations are formed on the first side.

12. The lock system of claim 9, wherein: A first side of the tether is maintained in facing contact with the one or more locking elements, and wherein a second side of the tether is maintained in facing contact with each of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface.

13. The lock system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first side wall and a second side wall, and wherein a height of the cord is substantially perpendicular to each of the first side wall and the second side wall.

14. An article of footwear comprising the locking system of claim 1.

15. A locking system comprising: Cord lock, including: a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface spaced apart from the first engagement surface; a locking member slidably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface; one or more locking elements forming part of the locking member, opposing at least one of the first engagement surface or the second engagement surface to define a locking channel, the one or more locking elements comprising a series of teeth and a series of recesses separating adjacent teeth; and A substantially flat rope includes one or more locking sections having a series of corrugations aligned with the teeth of the series of teeth.

16. A lock system according to claim 15, wherein the one or more locking elements include a first locking element and a second locking element, and wherein the first locking element and the second locking element open the first locking section and the second locking section respectively to produce alternating wider parts and narrower parts along the length of the first locking section and the second locking section in a locked state.

17. The lock system of claim 15, wherein: The one or more locking sections include a series of peaks and troughs alternating along the length of the one or more locking sections, and in a locked state, the teeth of the series of teeth are received in corresponding troughs of the series of peaks and troughs to limit movement of the rope relative to the housing.

18. The lock system of claim 15, wherein: The rope also includes: a first side extending along the height of the rope; a second side opposite the first side extending along the width of the rope; first end; and a second end opposite to the first end, Wherein the first side and the second side are substantially straight from the first end to the second end.

19. The lock system of claim 18, wherein: The height of the rope is substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the housing.

20. An article of footwear comprising the locking system of claim 15.

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